In this episode of the Global Missional AI Podcast, host James Poulter sits down with Pat Gelsinger, retired CEO of Intel and now Executive Chair of Gloo and Head of Technology. Pat shares his perspective on why AI represents the biggest technological shift yet—one where computers finally adapt to humans rather than the other way around.Drawing parallels to the Gutenberg printing press and Martin Luther's moment, Pat makes a compelling case that AI has the potential to reach every person on the planet with transformative impact. But he also issues an urgent warning: the faith community largely missed the moment with social media, resulting in platforms that studies show are "50/50 good or bad." AI is far more critical because it embeds values at its core.In this conversation, we explore:Why this is the "big kahuna" of technological wavesHow the faith ecosystem can shape AI as a force for goodThe importance of building excellence into faith-based technologyPat's challenge to developers: do some cool stuff and build products that truly serve the kingdomWe also announce some exciting news about the Global Missional AI Summit 2026, taking place April 7-9 in San Jose, California. Learn more and sign up for updates at missional.ai.
How do you reduce a 50-year Bible translation project to just 5 years? In this episode of the Global Missional AI Podcast, host Joshua Seale sits down with Geof Morin, CEO of Biblica—a 216-year-old Bible ministry serving 6 billion people through over 100 translations.
Geof shares how Biblica pioneered AI-assisted Bible translation four years ago and became a rallying point for ministry leaders through the Missional AI Conference. Discover how this technology is creating a multiplication effect across entire language groups by simultaneously accelerating:• Bible translation (from 25 years to 5)• Discipleship materials• Church resources• Community engagement
Learn why Geof is "allergic to white papers" and how Biblica's action-first approach is breaking down barriers to reach the unreached. Plus, hear about the collaborative movement emerging in the Kingdom space and how ministries can leverage AI for maximum Kingdom impact.
Key Topics:✓ The dramatic acceleration of Bible translation timelines✓ How AI language models serve multiple ministry purposes✓ The open-source Bible movement✓ Building collaborative networks for Kingdom technology✓ Practical steps for AI-curious ministries
🔗 Resources Mentioned:• Biblica: biblica.com• Missional AI: missional.ai
Join us for this fascinating conversation about how one of the world's oldest Bible ministries is leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure no one waits too long for God's Word.
#MissionalAI #BibleTranslation #AIforMissions #Biblica #ChurchTechnology #KingdomImpact #MinistryInnovation
Every week, hosts Joshua Seale, James Poulter, Josiah Palusky and Stuart Cranney speak with world leading experts in the space of Christian Mission and AI.
This conversation is an extension of what takes place at the Global Missional AI Summits.
Join us for these insightful and fascinating conversations. Find out what is actually happening and going on in the redemptive use of AI.
After decades of documenting Christianity's decline in America, Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman brings unprecedented news: Christian commitment has surged from 52% to 66% in just four years, with 30 million more Americans now identifying as followers of Jesus.In this eye-opening conversation, Kinnaman reveals three shocking trends reshaping American faith: young people are leading this spiritual revival (not older adults), men are driving the growth more than women, and this is all happening in our most technologically saturated generation yet. The same young people turning to AI chatbots for therapeutic conversations are simultaneously experiencing a spiritual renaissance.We explore the paradox of faith and technology, examining why 30-40% of ChatGPT conversations are therapeutic in nature, how churches can avoid missing the AI wave like they did with the internet and social media, and what it means that algorithms may know us better than we know ourselves. Kinnaman also addresses the concerning trend of young women feeling increasingly disconnected from the church while young men are finding their place.This isn't just about adapting to technological change—it's about recognizing a fundamental shift in how faith, technology, and human connection interact. From the "masterpiece project" concept to reimagining discipleship for the digital age, this conversation offers both hope and practical wisdom for ministry leaders navigating our tech-saturated world.
After decades of tracking declining faith in America, Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman brings unprecedented good news: Christian commitment is actually growing again, and young people are leading the charge. In this exclusive presentation from Missional AI 2025, Kinnaman reveals five critical trends reshaping faith in our technologically saturated world.
The surprising findings include:Why Gen Z and millennials now equal or surpass older generations in their commitment to JesusHow 30-40% of AI conversations have become therapeutic in nature, with people turning to algorithms for spiritual guidanceThe shocking reality that 66% of Americans now say they've made a personal commitment to Christ—the highest level in yearsWhy men are outpacing women in faith growth for the first time in Barna's research historyKinnaman explores five key trends:AI Acceptance in Ministry - How churchgoers increasingly believe AI can handle spiritual counseling, sermon writing, and church administrationThe Loneliness Crisis - Why younger generations are struggling with isolation, anxiety, and digital challenges like unprecedented pornography exposureTechnology as Spiritual Counselor - How people are seeking emotional support and life guidance from ChatGPT and other AI systemsSpiritual Curiosity Explosion - Why Americans are more open than ever to supernatural beliefs, dreams, and spiritual experiencesThe Faith Comeback - Data showing Christian commitment rising after bottoming out post-pandemicThe solution? Churches must learn to "disciple the geeks"—the technically gifted individuals who can help bridge faith and technology. Drawing from biblical examples like Bezalel (the Tabernacle's designer-engineer) to Luke (the physician-researcher), Kinnaman argues that spiritual mentoring is key to reaching a generation that finds their best friend, counselor, and advisor in algorithms.
This episode offers both hope and challenge for church leaders navigating an age where AI seems to know people better than they know themselves, yet the need for authentic spiritual community has never been greater.
Part 1 of a special two-part series exclusive to the Global Missional AI Podcast.
Episode Description
What happens when faith meets cutting-edge technology? In this compelling conversation, Dr. Michael Arena shares insights from his remarkable journey—from studying AI at MIT's Media Lab 10 years before it hit mainstream consciousness, to leading talent acquisition at Amazon Web Services, to now revolutionizing business education at Biola University.
As Dean of the Crowell School of Business, Michael faces a crucial challenge: How do we educate future leaders when AI is fundamentally reshaping the nature of work? His answer is groundbreaking—an adaptive MBA program that harnesses generative AI for personalized learning while doubling down on uniquely human skills like emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and critical judgment.
"If you're not preparing them to be technologists, you're ill-equipping them for a future that's going to mandate exactly that." - Michael Arena
Michael also shares Jeff Bezos's counterintuitive response to improving communication: "I don't think I want us to communicate more efficiently. I think I want us to communicate less."
This episode is essential listening for anyone grappling with AI's role in ministry and faith-based organizations. Learn how to harness AI's potential to "reach the world in ways we couldn't even begin to imagine" while protecting the fundamental truth that we are "human beings created in God's image."
Key Topics Explored:Standout Insights:For Ministry Leaders:
Global Missional AI PodcastSeason 1, Episode 11: "Digital Bible Engagement Summit"
In this episode, recorded live from Switzerland, host Joshua Seale brings together three leading voices in AI and faith to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and biblical engagement.
Featured Guests:
Key Discussion Points:
The Current AI Landscape: JP provides an overview of recent developments including GPT-5's multimodal capabilities, Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro models, and the emergence of procedurally generated virtual worlds, explaining why VR adoption may finally accelerate due to AI reducing development complexity.
Faith-Aligned AI Development: Éric shares groundbreaking research from his collaboration with Glue on benchmarking existing LLMs for faith and spirituality metrics. He reveals how their fine-tuned model improved from 55 to 75 on the 100-point scale by training on real conversations from Hello Bible rather than just feeding theological content.
Biblical Engagement in the Digital Age: Drawing on his research for "People of the Screen," John explores the opportunities and risks of AI-mediated scripture engagement, examining the shift from "Bible first, event later" to "AI first" approaches where people bring their issues to AI systems that then point them toward biblical wisdom.
Ethical Boundaries: The panel discusses critical boundaries in AI development for faith contexts, including Éric's firm stance against creating Jesus avatars and the importance of maintaining clear distinctions between AI assistance and divine communication.
European Perspective: Reflecting on the recent Missional AI London gathering of 160 leaders from 25 countries, the guests discuss how European approaches to AI in ministry differ from US contexts and the growing need for both technologists working in faith contexts and believers working in tech companies.
Theological Implications: John frames the broader question of what it means to be human in an age of AI, exploring themes around the image of God, human relationships, and building technology worthy of God's kingdom.
This episode offers a balanced perspective on leveraging AI for biblical engagement while maintaining theological integrity and addressing the complex ethical considerations that emerge at the intersection of faith and advanced technology.
Episode Length: 35:17
Recorded: September 1, 2025
Location: Switzerland
James Poulter, Head of Innovation and AI at House 337 and former LEGO executive, explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace and what it means for faith-based organizations. In this compelling talk from the Global Missional AI London event, Poulter examines the tension between AI adoption excitement (FOMO) and job displacement fears (FIRO - Fear of AI Obsolescence).Drawing from his diverse career journey—from dry cleaning to tech entrepreneurship—Poulter traces how work has become increasingly specialized over the past three decades, only to face potential "de-specialization" as AI capabilities expand. He discusses OpenAI's five-phase roadmap toward artificial general intelligence, the emergence of "vibe coding" and full-stack working, and predictions that AI could accomplish month-long tasks in hours by the late 2020s.The episode tackles crucial questions for ministry leaders: How do we prepare young people for careers when entry-level administrative work may disappear? What skills will remain uniquely human? How can faith communities model ethical AI integration while maintaining their stewardship responsibilities?Poulter concludes with practical insights on developing the core skill of the AI era—the ability to clearly describe and orchestrate work—while offering hope grounded in Romans 8, reminding listeners that the church should have the best answers to these technological challenges.This episode is part of a special series featuring talks from the Global Missional AI London summit, exploring how faith intersects with emerging technology.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Justin Wheeler, co-founder and CEO of Fundraise, as he shares his remarkable journey from viral nonprofit campaigns to building AI-powered fundraising technology that's transforming the sector.
🚀 Viral Success Story
🤖 AI Applications That Actually Work
📊 Industry-Changing Insights
💡 Practical Takeaways
Justin Wheeler is a seasoned social entrepreneur who has founded two successful nonprofits that grew into multi-million dollar organizations. As co-founder and CEO of Fundraise, he leads a technology company serving over 3,000 nonprofit organizations across North America and Europe, processing over $2 billion in online donations.
In this episode from the Global Missional AI London event, we explore the critical question facing ministries today: How do we implement AI responsibly while staying true to our Christian values?Join our expert panel featuring Patricia Shaw (CEO of Beyond Reach and AI ethics consultant), Yvonne Carson (CTO of Global Media Outreach), and Alwyn Daniel (Engineering Lead at Christian Vision) as they tackle the challenge of creating standards and frameworks for AI use in missional contexts.Key Topics Covered:-Understanding AI standards: From technical regulations to ethical frameworks-Why ministries need both theological and technical approaches to AI governance-Practical steps for developing organizational AI policies and ethics statements-Building consensus and AI literacy within ministry teamsThe urgency of Christian leadership in AI standards developmentHow to evaluate AI tools through a biblical worldviewKey Takeaway: "If we don't lead in this space, someone's going to start dictating terms for us. We have to be responsible for the things that we're utilizing, and the buck stops with us."The panel emphasizes that developing AI standards isn't about slowing down innovation—it's about enabling responsible use that aligns with Christian values and advances the Great Commission. Whether your ministry is creating AI solutions or consuming existing tools, this conversation provides practical guidance for navigating the AI landscape with wisdom and integrity.
In this special episode from the Global Missional AI London event, we sit down with Dr. John Lennox, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and renowned apologist, for a fascinating conversation about faith, technology, and the future of humanity.
Dr. Lennox shares his personal journey from a life-changing missionary encounter in Northern Ireland to becoming one of Christianity's foremost defenders in debates with leading atheists like Richard Dawkins. We explore how his mathematical background led him to write "2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity" and his brand-new release, "God, AI and the End of History: Understanding the Book of Revelation in an Age of Intelligent Machines."
Key Topics Discussed:
Dr. Lennox offers both practical wisdom for ministry leaders using AI tools and prophetic insight into where our technological trajectory might be leading. His closing challenge is powerful: "Prepare your heart and mind for the coming of Christ, but do in the meantime, with all your abilities, including your ability at AI, to spread the message that has brought you peace and hope and joy."
Whether you're a ministry leader exploring AI applications or simply curious about the intersection of faith and technology, this conversation offers profound insights from one of Christianity's leading thinkers.
This episode is part of our special series featuring talks from the Global Missional AI London event, made possible by our partner Gloo.
Is technology really neutral? Can we just "use AI for good and avoid the bad" without deeper consideration?In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. John Dyer, professor of educational technology and theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, who challenges the common assumption that technology is simply a neutral tool. John argues that technology is fundamentally formative - whenever we use it, we don't just change the world, we get changed too.What you'll discover:-Why the "technology is neutral" framework is inadequate for understanding AI-How every tool shapes us physically, mentally, and spiritually (the "shovel analogy")-Why most theology chatbots have become therapy bots - and what that means for formation-A biblical framework for AI in education (hint: it's not about banning or embracing everything)-The ethical concerns around creating chatbots of historical Christian figuresWhy the next big AI leap will be anthropomorphic robots, not better language models-How Deuteronomy's building codes inform modern AI safety standardsJohn brings essential theological depth to questions every ministry leader, educator, and thoughtful Christian is facing: How do we engage AI wisely? What skills should we develop versus delegate to machines? And how do we ensure these powerful tools serve human flourishing rather than replacing human wisdom and relationships?This conversation offers the theological framework our community needs as we navigate the rapid advancement of AI technology. Whether you're grappling with AI in education, ministry applications, or simply want to think biblically about our technological moment, this episode provides crucial insights for faithful engagement.
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Richard Zhang, a research scientist at Google DeepMind, to explore the intersection of Christian faith and artificial intelligence development. Richard shares his unique perspective on building trust in AI systems, moving beyond static assessments to understanding the trajectory of where AI technology is heading.
We dive deep into the challenges of AI safety from a Christian worldview, discussing how core biblical values can inform the development of ethical AI systems. Richard explains his work on hyperparameter optimization and prompt engineering, making complex AI concepts accessible while addressing the "black box" problem that concerns many users.
The conversation explores how AI agents are changing our relationship with technology, the importance of interpretability in modern language models, and what it means to pursue understanding while embracing mystery - both in faith and in AI development.
Richard also shares his experience as part of the "Christians in AI" community at Google, revealing how faith-based perspectives are increasingly recognized as essential for serving the 80-85% of the world's population who are people of faith. He discusses the ongoing efforts to make AI models more religiously aware and culturally sensitive.
Whether you're a technologist, person of faith, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can build more trustworthy and value-aligned artificial intelligence systems.
Topics covered: Trust in AI, AI safety and alignment, Christian perspectives on technology, hyperparameter optimization, AI agents, interpretability, religious representation in AI models, Christians in tech
Guest: Gareth Russell, CEO of Jersey Road
In this compelling episode of the Global Missional AI podcast, host Joshua Seale sits down with Gareth Russell, CEO of Jersey Road, a communications agency specializing in helping Christian organizations navigate reputational management in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The AI Content Reality: Discover the striking statistic that 61% of AI-generated content about organizational trust and values comes directly from editorial sources - meaning what ministries publish today directly feeds the large language models people increasingly turn to for information about their organizations.
Organizations Scrambling in the Dark: Russell reveals how most Christian organizations know AI is embedded in their work but lack clear policies or strategies for engagement, creating both opportunities and risks in this new landscape.
Surprising Spiritual Trends: Explore fascinating demographic shifts many ministries are missing, including:
Strategic Communication in the AI Age: Learn why crisis communication, thought leadership, and authentic storytelling have never been more critical, and how organizations can tune their communications for AI platforms while maintaining authenticity.
Values-Driven Decision Making: Russell emphasizes that organizational values should serve as filters for strategic decisions, including which AI platforms to engage with and how to approach technology adoption.
This episode offers practical insights for ministry leaders wondering how to steward AI technology responsibly while reaching audiences in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're just beginning to think about AI strategy or looking to refine your approach, this conversation provides essential guidance for navigating faith and technology in 2025.
Don't miss the upcoming Global Missional AI London event on July 17 - learn more at missional.ai
Key Highlights:
French pastor and AI specialist Eric Celerier shares his remarkable 16-year journey from a chance encounter involving a lost dog named Hadassah to building the first biblically aligned AI model. Speaking at Missional AI 2025, Celerier reveals how current AI systems like ChatGPT are misaligned with Christian values and presents his groundbreaking solution.🔑 Key Topics Covered:How AI alignment reveals hidden biases in current systemsThe "Hadassah moment" that sparked a vision for Christian AI 16 years agoBuilding a multilingual, biblically-aligned LLM with 400+ theological sourcesCollaboration between Protestant and Catholic sources for comprehensive trainingCreating an "AI factory" for customized Christian applicationsPlans for open-source release to serve global missions🎯 Perfect for:Church leaders exploring AI integrationTech professionals interested in ethical AI developmentMissionaries and evangelists seeking new toolsAnyone curious about faith-based technology solutions💡 Quote: "The question is: Is AI shaping the church, or is the church shaping AI? Our answer: we shape AI with the Word of God."Join the conversation about making AI not just powerful, but faithful. This presentation offers both technical insights and spiritual vision for the future of Christian technology.#ChristianAI #AIAlignment #MissionalAI #OpenSource #Faith #Technology #Bible #Evangelism
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with James Poulter (JP), Head of AI and Innovation at House 337 and board member of Christian Aid, to explore the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its profound implications for ministry and human work.
As AI capabilities are predicted to increase exponentially in the coming years—potentially reaching 1000x current capacity by 2027—JP helps us understand what this means for churches, ministries, and the knowledge economy as a whole. From the automation of "grunt work" to the reshaping of entire job categories, we dive deep into both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
JP shares his perspective on why the church should be at the forefront of innovation, drawing parallels to Jesus as the ultimate innovator. He offers practical advice for ministry leaders on how to prepare for an AI-driven future while maintaining focus on the distinctly human aspects of ministry: discipleship, evangelism, pastoral care, and serving the poor.
This episode is essential listening for anyone wondering how to navigate the intersection of faith, technology, and the future of work.
Key Topics Discussed:
Key Insights:
James Poulter heads AI and Innovation at House 337, a creative company based in London. He serves on the board of Christian Aid and advises Christian Vision, bringing extensive experience in how AI is reshaping work and society. JP is also a speaker at the Global Mission AI London event taking place July 17, 2025.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Gloo - a technology platform for the faith ecosystem, shaping technology as a force for good to help people flourish and communities thrive. With more than 100,000 leaders on their platform, Gloo serves those who serve. Visit gloo.com to learn more.
🎙️ AI Agents vs Workflows: The Future of "Vibe Coding" with Daniel WhitenackIn this inaugural episode of the Missional AI Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Whitenack, CEO of Prediction Guard and co-host of the Practical AI Podcast, to explore the cutting edge of AI development and its applications in ministry and Bible translation.🔥 What You'll
Learn:
-The key difference between AI agents and automated workflows
-How "vibe coding" is revolutionizing software development-Why Model Context Protocol (MCP) is becoming the "USB-C for AI tools"
-Practical strategies for choosing AI models in a rapidly changing landscape
-How AI agents can accelerate Bible translation and digital engagement-The future of AI skills and team building
⚡ Key Highlights:
-Understanding dynamic AI agents vs. pre-configured workflows
-The shift from traditional coding to AI-powered "vibe coding"
-Why you shouldn't build your strategy around a single AI model
-MCP servers for missional tools like Paratext, Joshua Project, and more
-How AI can handle the work humans don't want to do, enabling greater scale
🌍 About Our Guest:
Daniel Whitenack is the founder of the Global Missional AI Summit and leads Prediction Guard, providing secure AI infrastructure for regulated industries. He's at the forefront of connecting AI innovation with faith-based applications.🗓️ Upcoming Event:Join us at the Global Missional AI Summit in London on July 17! Learn more at missional.ai
🤝 Made possible through partnership with Gloo - where faith meets technology, serving 100,000+ leaders with AI tools that amplify ministry impact. Find out more at: www.gloo.com
