AI and the Church

Empowering mission work through artificial intelligence and digital tools

A comprehensive self-guided course provided by the Innovation Team of the International Mission Board

Welcome to AI and the Church—a self-guided course designed to help you understand and leverage artificial intelligence for mission work. Whether you're creating content, analyzing data, translating materials, or engaging your community, AI tools are reshaping what's possible.

This course is designed for everyone—whether you're tech-savvy or completely new to AI. You'll learn practical, hands-on skills that you can apply to your ministry immediately.

Welcome

Why This Course Exists

This course is born from years of hands-on experience—rolling out AI tools within our own organization, training dozens of faith-based organizations, and teaching thousands of pastors and church leaders how to use AI ethically and effectively.

After countless one-day workshops, week-long conferences, and intensive training sessions, we've reached a critical realization: this approach doesn't scale. There are too many leaders who need this training, and traditional in-person formats simply can't keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI technology.

That's why this online course exists. Our goal is to equip faith-based leaders to confidently engage with AI—not just as users, but as informed voices who can shape how these tools are developed and deployed in society.

There is a critical need for a Christian worldview to be reflected in the greater AI discussion. If the church remains silent or disengaged, others will define how AI impacts our communities, our ministries, and our mission. This course is designed to empower you to step into that conversation with wisdom, clarity, and confidence.

Why Innovation Matters

Reclaiming the Church's Identity as an Innovator

Many people think of the church as resistant to change or innovation. But that perception couldn't be further from the truth. Throughout history, the church has been at the forefront of innovation:

  • The Printing Press (1440) — Johannes Gutenberg, a devout Christian, revolutionized the spread of knowledge. The first thing printed? The Bible. The church didn't resist; it led.
  • Modern Medicine — Hospitals, vaccinations, antibiotics. Many of these innovations came through Christian doctors and missionaries who saw healing as a spiritual calling.
  • Agricultural Innovation — Crop rotation, irrigation, and modern farming techniques were developed and spread through monastic communities across Europe.
  • Radio & Broadcasting — Christian organizations were among the first to embrace radio to reach people with the gospel message. They didn't wait for others to lead.
  • Education — Universities as we know them were created by the church to preserve and advance knowledge.

So why do we suddenly see the church as anti-innovation? Why have we ceded the future to those who don't share our values and mission?

The answer is simple: it's time to reclaim our legacy. Innovation isn't unchristian. It's deeply Christian. It's about stewardship, creativity, and a God-given mandate to reach every person with the gospel message.

AI is just the next chapter in that story. And you're not too late—you're right on time.

Ready to Get Started?

The course is organized into 7 modules, each building on the last. You can complete them in order, or jump to the topics most relevant to your work.