Future Christian

What happens when artificial intelligence goes to church?

In this episode, Loren talks with pastor, missiologist, and researcher Todd Korpi about his book AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence and the opportunities—and dangers—AI presents for faith communities.

Drawing from missiology, theology, and digital ministry research, Todd argues that AI is not merely a technical issue but a pastoral and spiritual one. Rather than approaching AI with either fear or blind enthusiasm, he invites Christians to ask deeper questions about wisdom, human identity, discipleship, and how technology shapes us.

The conversation explores how emerging technologies influence our relationships, attention, and understanding of what it means to be human. Todd reflects on social media as a cautionary tale, the church’s tendency to “hitch its wagon” too tightly to political or technological movements, and why discernment matters more than speed or productivity.

They also discuss the meaning of humanity as bearers of God’s image, the future of pastoral leadership, and why wisdom—not simply information—may be the church’s greatest contribution in an AI-shaped world.

Together they explore:

• Why AI is a pastoral and spiritual issue—not just a technical one
• Why human identity cannot be reduced to technology or intelligence
• How AI can either create margin—or deepen busyness
• Why pastors should function more as guides than information gatekeepers
• What missiology teaches us about Gen Z and the future of the church
• The power of story in evangelism and discipleship

Todd Korpi (DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant. He is dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and works in several capacities at OneHope. He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry. Todd is the author of Your Daughters Shall Prophesy and The Life-Giving Spirit. He and his wife, Tara, live in Chicagoland with their three daughters.

 

Mentioned Resources:

📖 Todd's book: https://www.ivpress.com/ai-goes-to-church

🌐 His Website: https://www.toddkorpi.com

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Len Tang

 

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Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Dennis Sanders – Producer

 

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