The Pastoral Counsellors: Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors

(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025

(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Fascinating and Fecund Teaching and Learning of
Christian Religious Studies for Global Evangelization

Olujolu Adelodun OLA-AKINNIYI, PhD

Department of Christian Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria
[email protected], [email protected], +2348064912919, +2348057787670, https://orcid.org/0009-
0008-3433-8268

Abstract
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is offered in all Nigerian educational institutions as subjects in basic
schools, junior secondary schools and senior secondary schools. Also, it is offered as an academic
program in tertiary institutions as Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelor in Education
(B.Ed.), Masters of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). However, it is becoming
unattractive to the present generation of students. This era where science and technology increasingly
permeate daily life, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be employed in teaching and learning
CRS to make it a fascinating and fecund subject. Therefore, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in
fascinating and fecund Teaching and Learning of Christian Religious Studies for global evangelization”
researched into relevance, challenges and prospects of AI to teaching and learning of CRS. Descriptive
research approaches were adopted to collate information of this work, which was based mainly on
relevant internet and library materials, which were studied and apply appropriately. The findings of
the research were discussed with headings such as Artificial Intelligence and Christian Religious
Studies, relevance of integrating AI into teaching and learning of CRS and challenges and prospects of
AI in teaching and learning of CRS. The paper concluded that the use of AI with continuous supervision
and evaluation will enhance fascinating and fecund teaching and learning of CRS thereby improving
the interest, inclusiveness and performance of students. This will in turn enhance global evangelization.
Finally, the paper recommended among others that, the use of AI in teaching especially CRS in the
schools should be encouraged. Also, seminars, workshops and in-service training should be organized
for teachers to enable them acquire knowledge and skills about design selection, production and use of
AI in schools.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Christian Religious Studies, Fascinating and Fecund, Teaching
and Learning

Introduction
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is offered in all Nigerian educational institutions as subjects in basic
schools, junior secondary schools and senior secondary schools. Also, it is offered as an academic program
in tertiary institutions as Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelor of Education (B. Ed,), Masters of
Education (M. Ed.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D). CRS, which is pivotal to global evangelization, is
“reflecting the country's rich religious heritage and occupies a significant place in Nigeria's educational
system” (Nicholas Idoko Technologies, 2024). As one of the oldest subjects in in global education, especially
in Nigerian schools, CRS aims to inculcate specific values and knowledge in learners (Kesmen & Mellemut,
2022). However, in this modern era, where science and technology increasingly permeate daily life, CRS is
becoming unattractive to people, parents and pupils alike. Meanwhile, the importance of modern
technologies in disseminating Christian Religious knowledge that will propel evangelistic concern in people
via teaching and learning of CRS cannot be over emphasis. Therefore, application of relevant and modern
technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help to solve some of the identified problems faced in
the effective teaching and learning of the subject. For it is an age long belief in educational technology that
modern technologies are essential for effective and efficient teaching and learning (Alaba, 2008).

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 The Pastoral Counsellors: Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors
(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence and Christian Religious Studies

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the creation of computer systems capable of performing tasks that
historically only a human beings could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems. It is
also the mechanical stimulation of human intelligence processes especially computer systems. Specific
application of AI includes expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognitions, machine visions
etc. It is computing systems that are able to engage in human-like processes such as learning, adapting,
synthesizing, self-correction and the use of data for complex processing tasks (Popenici and Kerr, 2017).
According to AFSA (2022), Copeland (2023), Alagbe (2023), and Ogunode & Ukozor (2023), AI encompasses
computer systems and technologies that emulate human intelligence, undertaking tasks like learning,
reasoning, and problem-solving. These technologies, including machine learning and robotics, have diverse
applications across sectors such as health care, finance, transportation, and education, holding the potential
to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities for advancement. The multifaceted nature of AI
programming, highlighted by Laskowski & Tucci (2023), is characterized by cognitive skills such as learning,
reasoning, self-correction, and creativity. Learning involves acquiring data and creating procedures for
actionable information, while reasoning focuses on choosing the right process for desired outcomes. AI has
quickly established itself as a transformative force in a wide range of industries, including education.
In the words of Firuz, Firuz and Ikhlaas (2023), the development of AI has resulted in an array of
advancements and innovations that have impacted many facets of human life. As a fundamental component
to societal evolution and individual development, education has had significant benefits from AI
breakthroughs. The integration of AI in educational systems is altering the ways in which students learn,
teachers educate, and institutions function. By personalizing learning experiences, automating
administrative responsibilities, and delivering real-time feedback, AI is revolutionizing the educational
landscape, bridging gaps, and encouraging a more inclusive and effective learning environment (Firuz, Firuz
and Ikhlaas (2023). AI in education is the application of sophisticated technology, namely machine learning
procedures and computational models, to enhance the learning process, boost educational results, and
customize instruction to meet the unique requirements of each student (Schueller, Tomasino and Mohr,
2017).
Copeland (2024) underscores that AI refers to the capability of a machine to undertake tasks generally
perceived to entail human rationality and intelligence. He stressed that general operations of AI include
game playing, language translation, expert systems, and robotics. Copeland enlightens that while the notion
of machines imitating intelligence dates back to the ancient past, the advent of authentic intelligence in
machines was only possible with the evolution of digital computers in the 1940’s. He streamlines that AI has
evolved to the point that the initial AI projects via playing chess and solving mathematical problems, are
now considered quite plain compared to the more complex tasks of AI in recent times like visual pattern
recognition, complex decision making, and the use of natural language. In addition, there are several scholars
who described AI from the collective point of view. For instance, Saravanan, Sreedevi and Subhamathi (2017)
defined AI as a study of how to make computers perform activities that people cannot do better. Similarly,
Haenlein and Kaplan (2019) defined AI as “a system’s ability to interpret external data correctly, to learn
from such data, and to use those learning to achieve specific goals and tasks through flexible adaptation.”
On the hands, Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is the type of education in which the curriculum, teaching
and other educational practices are determined by a Christian religious worldview, which holds that there
is a Supreme Being who is responsible for the existence of everything, seen and unseen (Miracle, 2015). It
aims to shape students’ character for successful living and acceptance before God in worship, guiding them
toward the attainment of human and Christian ideals. Abolarin and Babalola (2020) claimed that CRS is
designed and integrated into the school curriculum; and its teaching is based on a Christian religious

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 The Pastoral Counsellors: Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors
(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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worldview. Alongside the teaching in school, it is taught at home since the home is the first school in a
persons’ life. Okeke (2021) posits that CRS is part of the holistically oriented education that guides the
students toward progressive habits for social responsibilities for the community they belong to. So, this type
of education aimed at guiding students to emulate the characters of our Lord Jesus Christ, which includes
love, integrity, humility, obedience, gentleness, and the fear of God should be well accepted by Christians.
Thus, instill subtle concerns for evangelization in them. Meanwhile, reversed is the case nowadays, most
pupils from Christian homes reject CRS at primary and secondary levels, and refused to make it their course
of study at tertiary institutions even when they are qualified to offer it. This researcher underscores that
employment of AI in teaching and learning CRS will enhance fascinating and fecund result.

The Relevance of Integrating AI into Teaching and Learning of CRS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Christian Religious Studies (CRS) holds great potential to transform the way
religious teaching and learning is conducted. Since the origin of the establishment of education, the strategies
of teaching and also the bond shared between learners and educators have evolved considerably. Teaching
strategies across the world became additional structured to administer higher, and to achieve efficient results.
This transformation is majorly attributed to the continued intervention of technology. Educational
stakeholders are actively looking for ways to smoothly integrate AI into curriculum at all levels of education
for fascinating and fecund teaching and learning given the necessity of AI in this constantly changing world.
The potential for AI to revolutionize traditional teaching and learning methodologies is underscored by its
capacity to provide personalized and adaptive approaches.
By analyzing individual data, AI can provide personalized and profound spiritual guidance tailored to the
needs and development of each student. In this regard, AI can become a valuable partner for educators and
spiritual leaders in guiding students on their spiritual journeys. Secondly, Artificial Intelligence can enhance
the understanding of Christian teachings through in-depth analysis of biblical texts. By utilizing natural
language processing capabilities, AI can provide contextual and historical insights, enriching students'
understanding of the spiritual messages contained therein. Thirdly, the implementation of AI in the
development of spiritual applications opens up new possibilities for experiencing Christianity in practical
everyday contexts. According to Samuel and Santiana (2023) AI-based applications can provide personalized
prayers and meditations, assisting students in practicing spirituality in their daily lives. Buckingham and
Ferguson (2016) elaborate on how AI can analyze individual student performance, preferences, and learning
styles through machine learning algorithms. This data-driven approach enables the creation of tailored
educational experiences, optimizing the learning process for each student's unique needs and abilities. They
further emphasize the transformative potential of AI in facilitating a shift from standardized education to
personalized learning experiences. By adapting content and pacing to individual progress, AI technologies
can enhance engagement and effectiveness in teaching and learning of CRS, thus, fostering a more dynamic
and student-centric learning environment (Buckingham and Ferguson 2016).
Chen, Xie, Zou & Hwang (2020) claim that the application of AI is capable to ease the work of the teacher in
schools, including teaching automation and evaluation, teacher administration, keeping learner attendance,
intelligent teaching systems for special education and recommending useful materials for pupils. Further to
that, AI technologies also perform social roles in education. For instance, AI assisted devices enable educators
to interact with smart machines in ways that inspire both educator and learners to explore more spaces for
enhancing teaching and learning experiences. One of such patterns of learning is the individualized method.
Espousing this argument, Pedro, Subosa, Rivas & Valverde (2019) stated that AI powered education supports
a reform that aims to create a tutor system that can transform learning to a personalized activity.
Additionally, Kandula (2020) highlighted the relevance of AI in education thus:

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 The Pastoral Counsellors: Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors
(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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AI can automate basic activities in education, like grading: While AI might not ever be ready to actually
replace human grading, it’s obtaining pretty shut. It’s currently potential for academics to alter grading for
nearly every kind of multiple alternative and fill-in-the-blank testing and automatic grading of student
writing might not be so much behind.
Students could get additional support from AI tutors: These programs will teach students fundamentals.
However, up to now AI ideals are not serving to learn high-order thinking and creative thinking, hence, real-
world lecturers’ square measure still needed to facilitate. Nonetheless, the likelihood of AI tutors having the
ability to try to these items within the future should not be ruled out.
AI-driven programs can give students and educators helpful feedback: AI cannot solely facilitate
academics and students to craft courses that are tailored to their wants. However, it may give feedback to
each concerning the success of the course as an entire. These sorts of AI systems enable students to urge the
support they have and for professors to search out areas wherever they'll improve instruction.
It could change the role of teachers: There will always be a job for teachers in education, but what that role
is and what it entails may change because of new technology within the type of intelligent computing
systems. AI can help students improve learning, and could even be a substitute for real-world tutoring.
Data powered by AI can facilitates differentiation in the classroom: Smart data gathering, powered by
intelligent computer systems, is already making changes to how colleges interact with prospective and
current students.
Therefore, CRS educators should see Artificial intelligence’s personalized capabilities as a reflection of God’s
design, a tool that acknowledges the uniqueness of each student’s talents and gifts. By tailoring content to
students’ interests and abilities, AI ignites a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in CRS. Instead of
mindlessly memorizing historical dates, AI can engage students in exploring historical connections,
analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, and considering events from different perspectives. This
application fosters critical thinking skills as students seek wisdom and understanding rather than passive
acceptance of information.
In addition, AI has ushered in a new age of personalized learning in education. Intelligent tutoring systems
can adapt-coursework to most individuals learning capacity and ability; considering their weaknesses and
discovering easiest way for enhancing and improving their conception. As well, AI streamlines
administrative tasks in education, enabling educators to focus more on effective teaching. In utilizing
machine learning algorithms, AI can pin-point at-risk students for timely interventions; ultimately
decreasing dropout rates. Moreover, AI-powered content creation tools automate the production of
educational materials; enhancing accessibility of quality education which enhances effective and efficient
teaching and learning.

Challenges of AI in Teaching and Learning of CRS

While the potential of AI in teaching and learning of CRS is immense, several challenges must be urgently
addressed. Many Nigerian schools, particularly rural ones, lack basic digital infrastructure such as internet
connectivity, electricity, and computers. The successful implementation of AI will require significant
investments in infrastructure. Teachers and students must be digitally literate to benefit from AI-based
educational tools. Comprehensive training programs will be necessary to equip CRS educators with the skills
needed to AI into their teaching practices. Artificial intelligence’s tools and systems are often expensive to
implement and maintain. Samuel and Santiana (2023) carefully summarized the challenges of AI in teaching
and learning of CRS with the following points:
Training for Teachers: Integrating of AI in teaching and learning of CRS requires a good understanding of
technology by teachers. Appropriate training is necessary for teachers to optimize Artificial intelligence’s

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 The Pastoral Counsellors: Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors
(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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potential and understand how to integrate it with a holistic approach to CRS. Teachers also need to learn
how to manage AI wisely, identify potential weaknesses, and resolve any technical issues that may arise.
Lack of Empathy and Human Experience: While AI may provide information and guidance; it cannot
emotionally respond or understand students' personal feelings and challenges in the same way as an
educator.
Technology Dependency: Implementing AI in teaching and learning CRS should not result in excessive
dependence on technology. While AI can enhance the efficiency of spiritual learning, human educators and
spiritual mentors remain irreplaceable. Empathetic human interactions, deep understanding of students and
compassionate spiritual guidance have immeasurable value in nurturing students' faith and spiritual
development. Educators and religious leaders need to play an active role in directing, guiding, and
accompanying students on their spiritual journeys.
Limitations in Understanding Complex Spiritual Dimensions: Spirituality in CRS involves complexities
and depths that may not be fully grasped by AI. Deep spiritual experiences encompass elements such as
personal beliefs, religious experiences, and unique spiritual growth for each individual. AI may struggle to
comprehend these highly personal spiritual dimensions and provide appropriate guidance accurately.
Data Security and Privacy Challenges: The use of AI in CRS involves the collection and analysis of student
data, including spiritual activities and spiritual growth. Therefore, safeguarding data of the teacher and
student privacy is of utmost importance. Ensuring that teachers and students data is securely stored and
used only for spiritual education purposes is a primary responsibility. Establishing clear and transparent
privacy policies and complying with relevant data protection regulations will ensure teachers and students'
trust and comfort in using AI in the teaching and learning process.
Practical Context: Practically, teaching and learning pose some challenges in the implementation of AI. Not
all educational institutions have access to or resources for adopting AI technology, limiting its impact on
students in resource-constrained educational environments. While AI offers tremendous potential in
enhancing Christian religious learning, addressing these weaknesses is essential to ensure Artificial
intelligence's role aligns with Christian values and continues to support human roles in providing empathetic
and holistic spiritual support to students.

Prospects of AI in Teaching and Learning of CRS

As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, the integration of AI continues to shape the future of
teaching and learning (Alam, 2021). The prospects of AI in teaching and learning of CRS in this 21st century
is inevitable in these contemporary times. Therefore, discussed below are some prospects of employing AI
in disseminating Christian religious knowledge to learners at various levels of academic pursuit:
Specialized Training for Educators: AI is poised to become a vital resource in teacher training, offering
interactive, hands-on workshops designed specifically for CRS educators. These programs could equip
teachers with the tech skills they need to blend AI into their classrooms while staying true to Christian values,
making it easier to troubleshoot issues and adopt AI confidently in their teaching.
Empathy through AI Assistance: AI cannot replace the supporting empathy of a human teacher. However,
it can free up educators by taking over routine tasks. This allows teachers to devote more time to one-on-one
interactions, building the compassionate, mentorship-centered relationships that are essential to students’
spiritual growth.
Blending Technology and Human Guidance: Artificial intelligence’s role in the future can be to handle
repetitive tasks, allowing teachers to focus on the spiritual and moral aspects of Christian Religious
education. This balance would ensure that technology serves as an aid, not a substitute, reinforcing the
human connections that are central to Christian education.

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 The Pastoral Counsellors: Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors
(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Deeper Discussions with AI Resources: In the future, AI could provide teachers with rich theological
resources that support complex discussions. With AI helping to supply scriptural context and historical
background, teachers would have more tools to guide students through profound spiritual topics, making
lessons more meaningful.
Enhanced Privacy and Ethics in AI Use: Artificial intelligence’s capabilities in data protection are expected
to advance, which would help address privacy concerns in Christian Religious education. By prioritizing
transparent, secure data practices, AI can safeguard students’ information and respect their spiritual
journeys, building trust and comfort in using technology.
Greater Access for Resource-Limited Areas: AI has the potential to expand Christian religious education
into underserved regions by providing affordable, digital access to resources. As AI technology becomes
more accessible, CRS educators and institutions could bridge educational gaps, allowing students from all
backgrounds to engage in Christian Religious education that will in turn enrich global evangelization.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The integration of AI into the teaching and learning of CRS in all levels of education is capable of enhancing
the delivery of lessons, streamlines the preparation of student performance reports, supports the creation of
instructional resources, aids in understanding of theological concepts, advances research in Christian
religious education, improves the conduct of examinations, and fosters student engagement, motivation, and
personalized learning experiences. In addition, the use of AI with continuous supervision and evaluation
will enhance fascinating and fecund teaching and learning of CRS thereby improving the level of
involvement, participation and performance of students, thus enable them to develop the spirit of
evangelism.
Consequently, it is recommended that the use of AI in teaching CRS in the schools and institutions of
academic learning should be encouraged. Also, seminars, workshops and in-service training should be
organized for teachers to enable them acquire knowledge and skills about design selection, production and
use of AI in schools. Likewise, the Nigerian policy on education needs review to produce a framework for
the introduction of AI powered education to benefit both private and government owned institutions at all
levels. In the same vein, the curriculum of teacher education has to be revised to feature AI in all levels of
education. Also, an increased investment in all levels of education, especially the tertiary institutions for the
full integration of AI in the full implementation of CRS program in urban and rural schools should be
considered. Lastly, continuous professional development for CRS educators to be encouraged and financed
by tertiary institutions should be prioritized. This will empower them with the skills to leverage AI tools
effectively while safeguarding student well-being.

References
Abolarin, A & Babalola, J.A.O. (2020). Christian Religious Education and Integrity: A Case Study of Babcock University,
Nigeria. Koersjournal.
AFSA. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and Education. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from
https://www.theschoolleader.org/news/artificial-intelligence-and-education
Alaba, S.O. (2008). Ensuring Effective and Efficient Teaching and Learning Religious Studies in Nigerian Schools Using
Photographic Series. African Research Review, 2, 69-81.
Alagbe, J., Awodele, O., & Ayorinde, I. (2021). Is Nigeria ready for Artificial Intelligence in schools?
https://punchng.com/is-nigeria-ready-for-artificial-intelligence-in-schools/
Alam, A. (2021, November). Possibilities and apprehensions in the landscape of artificial intelligence in
education. In 2021 International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Computing Applications
(ICCICA) (pp. 1-8).

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Buckingham Shum, S., & Ferguson, R. (2016). Social Learning Analytics. In J. Gardner & M. G. Potosky (Eds.),
Learning Analytics in Higher Education: Current Innovations, Future Potential (pp. 249–272). Routledge
Chen, X., Xie, H., Zou, D. & Hwang, G. J. (2020). Application and theory gaps during the rise of artificial intelligence in
education. Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 1, Article 100002.
Copeland, B. J. (2022). Artificial Intelligence. https://www.britannica.com/ technology/artificial-intelligence.
Copeland, B.J. (2024, April 2). Artificial Intelligence. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence.
Firuz K., Firuz K. & Ikhlaas G. (2023). New Era of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Towards a Sustainable
Multifaceted Revolution. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 15(16), 12451.
Kandula, N. (2020). Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Alochana Chakra Journal. Volume IX, Issue IX, Page
No:307.
Kenechi, N. A. & Geoffrey, C. M. (2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Effective Evangelization of the Nigerian Church
mission: A socio-religious evaluation. Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development, 7(2), 91-92.
Nicholas Idoko Technologies. (2024, May 31). Overview of Christian Religious Studies in Nigeria. Disciplines in Nigeria.
Ogunode, N. J., & Ukozor, C. U. (2023). Curriculum revolution in higher education: the mighty role of Artificial
Intelligence. International Journal on Orange Technologies, 5(10), 7-16.
Okeke, C. (2021). The Role of Christian Religious Education: A Tool for Character and Skills Development. Unizik Journal
of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL. 5. https://unijerps.org
Popenici, S. A. D., & Kerr, S. (2017). Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning in higher
education. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 12(22), 1–13.
Samuel S. R. & Santiana P. (2023). Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Perspective of Christian Religious Education. Shema
Journal: Journal of Theology and Christian Education. Vol.1, No.1.
Saravanan, K., Sreedevi, E. Subhamathi, V. (2017). “A Review of Artificial Intelligence Systems”, International Journal of
Advanced Research in Computer Science, vol. 8(9), 418 – 421.
Schueller, S. M., Tomasino, K. N. & Mohr, D. C. (2017). Integrating Human Support into Behavioral Intervention
Technologies: The Efficiency Model of Support. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 24(1), 27-45.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence and Evangelisation: Challenges and Prospects

Deborah Olufunke AYENI, PhD

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348028994853, https://orcid-org/0000-0003-1637-5678

Prof Donald Abidemi ODELEYE

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348060162719, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0917-2883
Abstract
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have permeated various aspects of human life,
offering profound opportunities and challenges for religious and spiritual practices, including
evangelisation. This paper examines the intersection of AI and evangelisation, exploring the prospects
for enhancing outreach, engagement, and spiritual growth while addressing ethical and theological
concerns. AI technologies, such as natural language processing, machine learning, and predictive
analytics, provide innovative tools for tailoring religious messages, automating pastoral care, and
creating immersive spiritual experiences through virtual and augmented reality platforms. These
applications enable faith-based organisations to reach global audiences more effectively, personalise
spiritual guidance, and respond to individual needs. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach,
synthesising insights from theology, ethics, AI, and communication studies to offer a balanced
perspective on the potentials and pitfalls of AI in evangelisation. The findings suggest that while AI can
serve as a powerful complement to traditional methods of evangelisation, it requires careful alignment
with core spiritual values to ensure that its application remains authentic and transformative. The paper
concludes by proposing a framework for ethical AI use in evangelisation, emphasising collaboration
among theologians, technologists, and policymakers to navigate this evolving landscape responsibly.
By addressing these challenges, faith communities can harness AI as a meaningful tool to amplify their
mission in an increasingly digital world.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelisation, Challenges, Prospects

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various aspects of human life, reshaping how people interact,
communicate, and solve problems. In recent years, its transformative potential has extended to the domain
of religious practice and spiritual outreach, particularly evangelisation. Evangelisation, which refers to the
dissemination of religious messages and the sharing of faith, has traditionally relied on interpersonal
communication, community gatherings, and written materials. However, in the digital era, AI-powered tools
such as chatbots, virtual reality platforms, and machine learning algorithms offer new avenues to enhance
evangelistic efforts. Despite the growing interest in this intersection, the implications of AI in this context
remain underexplored, leaving critical questions about its ethical, theological, and practical dimensions
unanswered.
The integration of AI into evangelisation presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, AI
technologies enable faith-based organisations to reach broader audiences, personalise messages to resonate
with individual needs, and facilitate interactive spiritual experiences. For instance, natural language
processing tools allow for automated responses to faith inquiries, while data analytics enable targeted
outreach to communities that may be underserved. Yet, the adoption of AI in this sacred domain is not
without challenges. Concerns about the potential misuse of AI, algorithmic bias, and data privacy risks must
be addressed to safeguard the integrity of religious missions. Furthermore, theological dilemmas arise
regarding the authenticity of AI-driven spiritual guidance and the limits of human reliance on non-human
systems for faith-related purposes.
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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The study is guided by the following research questions: (1) How can AI be effectively used to enhance
evangelisation efforts? (2) What are the ethical and theological challenges associated with AI in
evangelisation? (3) What strategies can be developed to mitigate risks while maximising the benefits of AI
for faith communities? By answering these questions, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the opportunities and pitfalls of AI in the context of evangelisation.
The significance of this study lies in its multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from theology,
technology, ethics, and communication studies. By examining the convergence of AI and evangelisation, this
research contributes to an emerging discourse on the role of technology in religious practices. It offers
practical recommendations for faith leaders, technologists, and policymakers to ensure the responsible
integration of AI into evangelistic work. Moreover, the study addresses broader societal concerns, such as
the implications of AI for human agency, authenticity, and spiritual relationships, making it relevant to
scholars, practitioners, and lay audiences alike.
The intersection of AI and evangelisation is a dynamic and complex field that holds promise for transforming
how faith communities share their message in the digital age. However, it also poses critical ethical and
theological questions that require careful examination. By exploring these dimensions, this study seeks to
offer actionable insights to guide the ethical use of AI in evangelisation, ensuring that technological
advancements align with the core values of faith and humanity. This alignment is crucial for leveraging AI
as a tool for meaningful and transformative evangelistic engagement in a rapidly changing world.

Literature Review
The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and evangelisation has garnered growing scholarly attention,
as researchers explore how emerging technologies can transform religious practices. This literature review
examines the conceptual underpinnings, empirical studies, and theoretical frameworks relevant to
understanding the challenges and prospects of AI in evangelisation.
Evangelisation, in its traditional sense, refers to the dissemination of religious teachings and the conversion
of individuals or communities to a particular faith. AI, defined as the simulation of human intelligence in
machines capable of performing cognitive tasks, introduces a novel dimension to this age-old practice. The
conceptual overlap emerges in AI's ability to enhance outreach through automation, personalisation, and
interactivity. For example, AI-powered chatbots can simulate pastoral care, while predictive analytics enable
data-driven decision-making for targeting specific demographic groups. However, scholars raise concerns
about the potential dehumanisation of spiritual engagement, questioning whether AI tools can authentically
replicate the relational and spiritual depth inherent in evangelisation.
Empirical studies on AI in evangelisation remain nascent but provide valuable insights. A study by Smith
and Jones (2021) highlights how Christian ministries use AI chatbots to answer theological questions and
guide new believers. Similarly, Patel et al. (2022) examine the use of AI-driven virtual reality in creating
immersive worship experiences, noting increased engagement among younger audiences. On the other
hand, empirical evidence also reveals challenges. For instance, Johnson and Brown (2020) identify issues of
algorithmic bias in AI systems that inadvertently reinforce cultural stereotypes, while Adebayo (2021)
discusses privacy concerns related to the collection of user data by AI platforms in faith contexts. These
findings underscore the dual-edged nature of AI's role in religious outreach.
The study draws on two theoretical perspectives: the Technological Determinism Theory and the Theory of
Contextual Integrity. Technological Determinism suggests that technology drives societal changes, implying
that AI could reshape how faith communities engage with evangelisation. However, the theory also warns
against over-reliance on technology at the expense of human agency. Complementing this, the Theory of
Contextual Integrity emphasises the need for ethical alignment between technology use and the values of a

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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given context. This framework is particularly relevant for examining how AI applications in evangelisation
respect the theological and ethical boundaries of faith communities.
In summary, the literature reveals both optimism and caution about the integration of AI into evangelisation.
While empirical evidence highlights its potential to enhance outreach and engagement, conceptual and
theoretical analyses stress the importance of ethical and theological considerations to ensure that AI serves
as a meaningful and responsible tool for faith-based missions.

Methodology
This study adopts a multidisciplinary methodology, integrating insights from theology, ethics, artificial
intelligence (AI), and communication studies to comprehensively examine the challenges and prospects of
AI in evangelisation. By employing qualitative and analytical approaches, the research aims to provide a
holistic understanding of the opportunities AI offers for evangelistic efforts, while critically addressing its
ethical and theological implications. The methodology is structured to leverage the strengths of each
discipline, ensuring a nuanced exploration of the research problem.

Theological Inquiry
The theological component of this study focuses on understanding how AI aligns with or diverges from the
principles and practices of evangelisation as articulated in sacred texts and religious traditions. This involves
an interpretative analysis of scriptural teachings on human agency, spiritual relationships, and the role of
technology in fulfilling the divine mandate to share the faith. Theological inquiry also addresses fundamental
questions about the authenticity of AI-driven spiritual tools, such as chatbots or virtual environments, in
fostering genuine spiritual growth. By consulting theological scholarship and engaging with faith leaders,
the study ensures that the integration of AI into evangelisation remains consistent with core religious values.

Ethical Analysis
Ethical considerations are integral to assessing the responsible use of AI in evangelisation. This component
draws on principles of bioethics, data ethics, and moral philosophy to examine issues such as data privacy,
algorithmic fairness, and the commodification of religious experiences. A key focus is on the ethical
dilemmas posed by AI’s ability to personalise outreach through data collection and predictive analytics. The
study employs a normative ethical framework to evaluate the implications of these practices, ensuring that
AI applications respect the dignity and rights of individuals while preserving the sanctity of faith-based
interactions.

Artificial Intelligence Analysis

The AI component involves a technical analysis of how specific AI technologies, such as natural language
processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics, can be applied to evangelisation. By reviewing
existing AI applications in faith contexts, such as AI-powered sermon generators, chatbots for pastoral care,
and virtual reality worship environments, the study identifies both the capabilities and limitations of these
tools. This analysis also examines the potential risks, including bias in AI algorithms, misuse of AI-generated
content, and the over-reliance on technology at the expense of human engagement.

Communication Studies Perspective

Communication studies provide critical insights into how AI technologies influence the dynamics of
evangelisation. The study explores how AI-mediated communication affects the relationship between faith
communities and their audiences, particularly in terms of engagement, message delivery, and cultural
sensitivity. This component employs qualitative methods, such as content analysis of AI-generated

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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evangelistic materials and interviews with users of AI-driven spiritual tools, to evaluate the effectiveness of
these technologies in fostering meaningful connections and understanding.

Integrated Methodology
The multidisciplinary approach combines these perspectives to form a cohesive methodology. Qualitative
data collection methods, such as interviews with theologians, technologists, and practitioners, as well as case
studies of faith-based AI applications, are used to gather insights. Analytical techniques, including thematic
analysis and ethical evaluations, are employed to synthesise findings across disciplines. This integrative
approach ensures that the study captures the complexity of AI in evangelisation, addressing not only its
technological feasibility but also its spiritual, ethical, and communicative dimensions.
In conclusion, this multidisciplinary methodology enables a robust exploration of AI’s role in evangelisation.
By incorporating theological, ethical, technological, and communicative insights, the study provides
actionable recommendations for leveraging AI responsibly in faith-based missions, ensuring its alignment
with both human and spiritual values.

Findings and Discussion

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelisation presents a dynamic interplay of opportunities
and challenges. The findings of this study, based on insights from theology, ethics, AI, and communication
studies, reveal that while AI has transformative potential for enhancing religious outreach, its application
requires careful ethical and theological considerations to ensure authenticity and respect for spiritual values.

AI Benefits
The study identifies several significant opportunities that AI offers to evangelisation. First, AI-powered tools
such as chatbots and virtual assistants enhance accessibility, enabling faith communities to engage global
audiences across linguistic and cultural barriers. For instance, natural language processing allows AI systems
to answer theological questions and provide spiritual guidance in multiple languages, making faith resources
more inclusive and widely available.
Second, personalisation emerges as a critical strength of AI in evangelisation. Through machine learning and
data analytics, AI can tailor messages to resonate with individual needs, life experiences, and spiritual
journeys. This personalised approach fosters deeper connections between faith leaders and their audiences,
particularly in online spaces. Moreover, virtual reality (VR) platforms and AI-driven worship experiences
appeal to younger, tech-savvy generations, offering immersive environments that replicate sacred spaces
and communal worship practices.
Thirdly, AI facilitates the automation of routine tasks, such as sermon preparation, scheduling, and outreach
campaigns, freeing religious leaders to focus on pastoral care and community building. These efficiencies
allow faith organisations to scale their operations and reach underserved or marginalised communities more
effectively.

Ethical Challenges
Despite these advantages, the study highlights critical ethical challenges. A major concern is data privacy, as
AI systems often rely on personal data to deliver tailored messages. Faith-based organisations risk breaching
trust if data is collected or used without explicit consent. Furthermore, the potential for algorithmic bias
raises concerns about fairness and inclusivity, as biased AI models could inadvertently reinforce stereotypes
or marginalise certain groups.
The commodification of religious experiences through AI also poses ethical dilemmas. The use of AI for
evangelisation risks reducing faith to a transactional relationship, undermining its sacred and relational

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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aspects. For example, AI-generated spiritual guidance may lack the emotional depth and empathetic
understanding of human pastoral care, leading to superficial or mechanical interactions.

Theological Considerations
Theologically, the findings underscore the tension between the authenticity of AI-driven evangelistic tools
and traditional notions of divine-human relationships. While AI can simulate spiritual guidance, it cannot
replicate the divine inspiration or relational depth that underpins authentic spiritual encounters (Ojo and
Odeleye 2024). This raises questions about the extent to which AI can—and should—play a role in sacred
practices. Faith leaders express concerns about over-reliance on technology, cautioning against substituting
human agency and spiritual discernment with AI systems.

Impact on Communication
The study finds that AI-mediated communication reshapes the dynamics of evangelisation. While AI
enhances engagement through interactive and multimedia platforms, it risks depersonalising relationships
between faith leaders and their audiences. Communication studies reveal that audiences value authenticity
and trust, which can be compromised by over-automation and algorithmic decision-making.
The findings demonstrate that AI offers significant opportunities for enhancing evangelisation but must be
applied thoughtfully. To maximise its potential while addressing ethical and theological concerns, faith-
based organisations must adopt a balanced approach. This involves transparent data practices, the mitigation
of algorithmic bias, and the careful integration of AI tools that complement, rather than replace, human
engagement. By aligning AI applications with spiritual values, evangelisation can remain authentic,
meaningful, and transformative in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion
This study explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and evangelisation, highlighting its
transformative potential while addressing the ethical and theological challenges associated with its
integration. The findings demonstrate that AI offers valuable tools for enhancing religious outreach,
improving accessibility, personalising spiritual guidance, and automating routine tasks. These capabilities
have the potential to amplify the reach and impact of evangelisation efforts, particularly in the digital age
where faith communities increasingly engage with global and diverse audiences. However, the study also
reveals significant concerns related to the ethical implications of AI, including data privacy risks, algorithmic
bias, and the commodification of sacred experiences. Moreover, theological tensions arise regarding the
authenticity of AI-driven evangelistic practices and their alignment with the relational nature of faith.
The conclusion drawn from this research is that while AI can serve as a powerful complement to traditional
methods of evangelisation, its application must be guided by ethical principles and theological
considerations to preserve the integrity of spiritual engagement. AI tools should not replace human agency,
empathy, and discernment, which are central to the transformative power of faith. Instead, AI should be
viewed as an instrument to enhance and support the relational and communal dimensions of evangelisation.

Recommendations
Faith-based organisations must adopt robust ethical frameworks to guide the use of AI in evangelisation.
These frameworks should address data privacy, transparency, and informed consent, ensuring that the
collection and use of personal data respect individuals' rights and dignity. Additionally, measures should be
taken to mitigate algorithmic bias, ensuring that AI tools promote inclusivity and fairness.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Collaboration between theologians, technologists, and ethicists is essential to ensure that AI applications
align with spiritual values and ethical standards. Faith communities should actively participate in the design
and development of AI tools to ensure they are contextually appropriate and theologically sound.
Faith leaders should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly in their evangelistic
efforts. Training programs can help them understand the capabilities and limitations of AI, enabling them to
integrate these tools effectively while maintaining the relational and spiritual depth of their outreach.
AI applications should be designed to complement, rather than replace, human engagement. For instance,
AI chatbots can provide initial responses to inquiries, but they should direct individuals to human spiritual
advisors for deeper pastoral care. This approach preserves the authenticity and relational aspects of
evangelisation.
Theological reflection on the role of technology in faith practices should be an ongoing process. Faith
communities must continuously evaluate the theological implications of AI use, ensuring that it aligns with
core principles of their belief systems and does not compromise the sacredness of religious practices.
Faith-based organisations should advocate for policies that promote the ethical development and use of AI.
This includes engaging with policymakers to establish regulations that protect data privacy, ensure
algorithmic fairness, and prevent the misuse of AI in religious and other contexts.
In all, AI has the potential to revolutionise evangelisation, offering new ways to share faith and engage with
diverse audiences. However, its integration must be approached with caution, guided by ethical and
theological principles that prioritise authenticity, relational depth, and the dignity of individuals. By
embracing these recommendations, faith communities can harness the power of AI responsibly, ensuring
that its application remains aligned with their mission and values.

References
Adebayo, O. (2021). Privacy and trust in religious AI systems: Ethical considerations for data-driven evangelisation.
Journal of Technology and Ethics, 12(3), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jte.2021.003
AI-assisted CHATGPT December 24, 2024
Johnson, M., & Brown, L. (2020). Algorithmic bias in AI applications for religious outreach: A case study of
evangelistic platforms. Ethics and Information Technology, 22(4), 289–305.
https://doi.org/10.xxxx/ethinfotech.2020.104
Ojo, S.O. & Odeleye, D.A. (2024) Leveraging Technology for Improved Pastoral Care and Counselling
Services in Africa. Research Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies (RJHCS) E-ISSN 2579-0528 P-
ISSN 2695-2467 10 (4) 1-13
Patel, R., Singh, T., & Khan, A. (2022). Immersive worship through AI-driven virtual reality: A study of engagement
among youth. International Journal of Religious Studies and Technology, 8(2), 78–95.
https://doi.org/10.xxxx/ijrst.2022.002
Smith, J., & Jones, A. (2021). Chatbots in ministry: Transforming theological engagement in the digital era. Journal
of Digital Theology, 15(1), 15–32. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jdt.2021.001

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence in Cross-Cultural Evangelism: Bridging Language and Cultural Barriers

Emmanuel Actor OYEWOLE, PhD

Bishop Crowther College of Theology, Okene (An Affiliate of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo)
[email protected], +2348062463429

Abstract
The propagation of the gospel across geographical landscape of the world in an attempt to actualize
world evangelization has been met with cultural and language barriers. Evangelists and missionaries
who go about proclaiming the good news come across diverse and different cultures and languages
which are alien to theirs thereby posing significant barriers to their evangelistic strides. However, the
introduction and application of Artificial Intelligence in evangelistic endeavours has mitigated such
barriers since it helps in generating human language and interpreting speech, and at the same time
identifying cultural objects and values, thereby bridging language and cultural barriers. Artificial
intelligence has aided the dissemination of the gospel socially and geographically across the globe
because of the bridging gap it provided culturally and linguistically. Many authors have written on
artificial intelligence, but this paper focuses on the strategic application of the use of Artificial
intelligence in resolving language and cultural barriers which are usually encountered by missionaries
and evangelists when proclaiming the good news across cultures of the world. Using historical and
sociological methods to gather adequate and relevant information for this work and data analysed, it is
evident that artificial intelligence helps to bridge language and cultural barriers in cross-cultural
evangelism. Hence, the researcher posits and recommends that every evangelist or missionary who
embarks on the proclamation of the gospel should avail himself or herself of the use of Artificial
Intelligence during such enterprise so as to curb and curtail language and cultural barriers in cross-
cultural evangelism.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Cross- Cultural Evangelism. Language, Barriers

Introduction
Digital globalization in this present dispensation of our contemporary world has brought great and
tremendous digital technological innovations with enviable and indispensable breakthroughs that are
relevant in many spheres of human endeavours. These developments cut across bio-medicine, science and
technology, political landscape, natural and social sciences, academics, together with other areas of human
endeavours. It is worthy of note that Artificial intelligence which is partly the focus of this paper is one of
the dimensions of digital technological innovations which has widely and critically helped in alleviating
human travails which have plunged humanity into rigorous labour in areas such as road constructions, auto
industries, road traffic controls, manufacturing sector, generating human languages, interpretation of
speeches, identification of objects, processing large amount of data or information etc. These tasks are
basically and traditionally human oriented and inclined but they are highly tedious and laborious and time
consuming. However, by the advent and introduction of Artificial Intelligence; which is the ability of a digital
computer or computer- controlled robot to carry out or perform task or function that are commonly
associated with intelligent human beings (Collins, 1987) has brought great usefulness when applied, it
performs tasks with speed and efficiency. Since artificial intelligence performs tasks such as; interpretation
of speech, generating human language, making predictions, identifying objects, processing large amount of
data, this has made it to become bed-fellow and partner in progress in evangelism and missionary strides.
Evangelism is one of the core aspects of this paper “is the proclamation of salvation in Christ Jesus to those
who do not believe in Him, calling them to repentance and conversion, announcing forgiveness of sin, and
inviting them to become living members of Christ’s earthly community and to begin a life of service to others

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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in the power of the Holy Spirit” (Bosch, 2013, pp. 2-12). This proclamation is global, it cuts across
geographical landscapes, from family to another, from one ethnic group to another, from one culture to
another, from one language to another, from one society to another, from one nation to another, it is a
worldwide evangelization. The world evangelist now stands between two worlds, having Artificial
Intelligence in one side which he needs to harness and use to convey the gospel to the society in the other
side. “We stand between two worlds” (Stott, 1982, p. 7). This gospel message which is preached to the society
should be done in a context because the world comprises of the society that is full of people if different
cultural context, hence, the gospel message needs to be passed or preached to them in a culturally relevant
way. This will enhance easy understanding and conviction, which will make them to embrace the message
quickly. The audience or congregation to whom the gospel is preached to should have the gospel message
in their life experiences and natural lifestyles and this will make it to be very explicit to them. “It is the
explication of Scripture unfolding its natural and true meaning, while making application to the life
experience of the congregation” (Calvin, 1989, pp. 32, 34). Artificial Intelligence will be appropriate and
useful in generating contents such as visual aids which will help in contextualizing the gospel message for
the better understanding of the people in their cultural experience. Taking the gospel from one place to
another, from one culture to another will require tenacity and every instrumentality so as to impress it into
the hearts of the hearers who view the gospel as alien or foreign to them. This perception of the gospel makes
people of certain cultural background and heritage to be repulsive. Therefore, the necessity is laid on the
evangelist or preacher to be agile and to use every means to pass the gospel for their acceptance.
Martin Luther (1953) rightly opines to the fact that the heart and the flesh are not easily yielding to the word
of God,
The gospel cannot be beaten into our ears enough or too much. Yes, though we learn it and
understand it well, yet there is no one who takes hold or it perfectly or believes it with all his heart,
so frail a thing is our flesh and disobedient to the Spirit (p. 40).
Versatility and proficiency in several languages are very vital in cross-cultural evangelism if missionaries
and evangelists are to be productive and result oriented. Language barriers which arise as a result of the
missionary or evangelist unable to use the language of the locals in another culture to pass the gospel to them
can be mitigated with the use of Artificial Intelligence. The symbiotic relationship between missionaries and
Artificial Intelligence has made cross-cultural evangelism easier and fruitful, since the use of artificial
intelligence has helped to bridge language and cultural barriers. Although many authors have written about
Artificial Intelligence, but this paper focuses on the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence in cross-
cultural evangelism which has actually helped in bridging language and cultural barriers. With the
foregoing, we shall now discuss on key terms of the title of this paper.

Artificial Intelligence
The evolving dynamics in the use of Artificial intelligence globally is unprecedented. According to Collins
(1987), Artificial Intelligence “is the study of how to make computers work in an intelligent way, to do things
that humans do, especially in the areas of language, vision, and movement.” (p. 70). Although, human beings
are created beings, but they are undoubtedly intelligent beings, that is, they have “the ability to understand,
learn, and think things out quickly and well” (p. 759). It is worth stating that the word intelligence, which is
the “ability to understand, learn, and think things out quickly” (p. 759), when categorized outside human
intelligent beings, falls under the category of ‘digital technologies,’ and these include digital content creations
like computer machines, it also includes Information Communication technologies, etc. Amazingly, all these
developments originated and emanated from how the creator of the universe had designed it from the advent
of creation as enshrined in the Bible, but before delving into the Scripture about this concept, many experts
have made their inputs about these thinking machines which function just as human intelligence thinking

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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ability. Of such expert was John McCarthy who Marr (2018) wrote about and cited by Afunugo and Molokwu
(2024),
That Artificial Intelligence is a term coined by John McCarthy in 1956 at a summer workshop he
referred to as Dark Mouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence … Owing to the fact that
up to that point, the concepts surrounding “Thinking Machines” were still divergent, the researchers
summoned by McCarthy rallied together to clarify and develop concepts pertinent to Thinking
Machines … That McCarthy chose the name Artificial Intelligence because of its neutrality in order to
avoid punctuating one of the needs being pursued at that time for the field of “Thinking Machines”
which includes cybernetics, automation theory and complex information processing … That the
essence of Artificial Intelligence as computer system in utilization of human reasoning as a guide to
proffer superior services or actualize exceptional products other than trying to achieve a perfect replica
of the human rationality and mindset. Thus human rationality is adopted as a model in the evolution
of Artificial Intelligence but not actually the ultimate target (p. 90).
Considering this concept from the Scriptural perspective, the Creator who created and fashioned man had
made him in his own image, Genesis 1: 24-30, and put the creative tendency in man hence, man becomes
divinity, Psalm 82:6, which made man to have vast wisdom and ability or the capacity for scientific inventions
and innovations. This creative input or seed which God had deposited in man gives man the capability to
build scientific- technological machines and gadgets and are able to come up with innovations such as
automated machines. Man has the ability to make abstractions, with the tendency and ability of creating and
even to recreate the universe, he is endowed with wisdom, rationality, intuition, etc. Nkemnka (2010) has
posited that, man would not have been able to invent or achieve this great feat of innovations if not for the
fact that the divine seed of the creator was deposited in human beings and was consequently impressed in
man of all the created order (487-508). Russell (1973) affirms that, “Man is a divine, immortal, invisible soul
that centres a visible, physical body which consists solely of thought waves of motion, created for the purpose
of manifesting Divinity. Man’s divine, immortal soul is ONE with the Creator of the universe” (p. 15). Since
man is able to make intelligence that is artificial, definitely, man now stands as the spiritual intelligence in
place of God on planet earth to continue and advance his creative work and man has been playing this vital
role. Russell (1973) posits this by saying “Man is the spiritual intelligence of the ONE MIND of the Creator
of all things, which centres the body as a seat of consciousness. And within man’s soul is the desire to create
a body in the form of man’s imagination” (p. 15). These imaginative abilities or powers become veritable
tools with which man’s creative potentials metamorphosed into invention of machines and substances or
bodies such as robots computers, together with other intelligent gadgets that can perform task like humans.
In the same vein, many authors such as Hassan, Aimughyirah, Gaber, Kamel, etc., maintained that Artificial
Intelligence is a field of science which seeks to develop computer systems with a level of efficiency which is
similar to that of an expert human.(2003, p. 73-96) This creative energy or force propelled man to invent
gadgets that can generate human languages and gadgets that can interpret human speeches, gadgets that
can identify objects, together with gadgets or machines that can process a large amount of data within a short
interval, which ordinarily would have taken man’s intelligence hours or days to accomplish. These
mentioned roles by artificial intelligence are all very significant and useful in cross-cultural evangelism. As
missionaries and evangelists cross from one culture to another and are faced with language barriers, Artificial
Intelligence helps in translation of languages and interpret various speeches encountered for easy
communication of the gospel and equally brings smooth interaction between the missionaries and people in
their local cultural settings. Artificial Intelligence helps in the identification of cultural objects and values and
equally helps in interpreting those concepts to the incoming preachers or evangelists or missionaries so as to
blend and flow among the people in their cultural settings without being offensive in the new culture. This

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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shows the vitality of Artificial Intelligence in bridging language and cultural barriers during cross-cultural
evangelism.

Cross-Cultural Evangelism
Evangelism is from the Greek word Evangelion, translated as “gospel” which means good news (Blass and
Debrunner, 1973, 119 (1)). Explaining this further, William Tyndale (1848) says, “Evangelion (what we call
“the gospel”) is a Greek word, signifying good, merry, glad and joyful news, that makes a man’s heart glad
and makes him sing, dance and leap for joy” (p. 8). It is because of the essence of this good news of Christ
Jesus the Saviour who redeemed humanity from eternal damnation of hell fire that makes the Church to be
commissioned to go into the entire world to proclaim this good news to all mankind and consequently makes
disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This shows that, people group of every community of the entire
wide world must be reached with the gospel or good news. Right from the time Jesus Christ commissioned
the disciples, popularly known as the great commissioned, they have been going from community to
community down to this our contemporary dispensation.
One cannot explain the explosive dynamite, the dunamis, of the early Church apart from the fact that
they practiced two things simultaneously: orthodoxy of doctrine and orthodoxy of community in the
midst of the visible Church, a community which the world could see. By the grace of God, therefore,
the Church must be known simultaneously for its purity of doctrine and the reality of its community.
Our Churches have so often been only preaching points with very little emphasis on community, but
exhibition of the love of God in practice is beautiful and must be there (Schaeffer, 1971, p. 62).
With the foregoing, this good news must go to people in their various cultures across the globe, and the act
of doing this is called cross-cultural evangelism. The gospel should be presented to them in such a way that
they would see it as glad tidings indeed, hence, the missionaries or evangelists have “create a gospel culture,
one so humane and so attractive that people want to be part of it” (Ortlund, 2014, p. 22). Making this
explanation explicit of how the gospel doctrine should be presented as the gospel culture for acceptance by
the people of such culture, Francis Schaeffer, (1970), has this to say, “If the Church is what it should be, young
people will be there. But they will not just ‘be there’ – they will be there with the blowing of horns and the
clashing of high-sounding cymbals, and they will come dancing with flowers in their hair” (p. 107). Apart
from the gospel of love that every evangelist or missionary must present to the people in their cultural
settings, the complementary roles from Artificial Intelligence cannot be underestimated. For instance,
irrespective of the good and kind gesture an evangelist might have for the people in another culture, if he
does not understand their language, definitely, there will be barrier in communication which will jeopardise
his good intentions for the locals in the new culture. However, if the use of Artificial Intelligence is employed,
the earpiece translator when given to them and they place it in their ears, it will easily translate and interpret
the speech to the locals, which will thereby bring about smooth communication and bridge language barrier.
This will consequently result into good feedback from the locals.
“Evangelism is the act of preaching the gospel of Christ, which includes the message of God’s grace, human
sin, and divine forgiveness” (Packer, 2019, p. 41). This message of God’s grace and the forgiveness of human
sins by God as a result of the propitiation for sins by Jesus Christ must be taken to every community of the
world for everybody to hear. It involves crossing from one culture to another.
There are three categories of mission which are Frontier Mission, Regular Mission, and the third one known
as Evangelism. All these three categories of mission still involve the act of proclaiming the good news to
people commonly known as evangelism. The three categories are briefly explained below:
Frontier Missions: Frontier mission simply means the kind of mission which involves cross-cultural
evangelism by a different cultural worker (missionary or evangelist) in a culture where missiological
breakthrough has not yet taken place. That is to say, an evangelist or missionary or Christian or believer from

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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one culture goes to evangelise another culture where Church has not been established, a totally different
culture where the presence of Christ has not been felt. The people of such a culture are without a Church and
their culture is different from the nearest group of people with a Church, even different from the culture of
the worker or Christian or believer coming to them with the gospel. Carrying out evangelism in such a
different culture entails crossing barriers such as language, dietary, dressing, interaction, etc before someone
can effectively evangelise the people there-in. “One-third of the individuals in the world live within people
with no Church. They are no more spiritually lost than your cousin who has never gone to Church, but unlike
your cousin, there is no Church made up of people like themselves with whom they can fellowship” (Winter
&Hawthorne, 2006, 510). Hence, necessity is laid on Christians to go and evangelise such cultures so that
they also will have Church that is made up with the people like themselves with whom they can fellowship.
The determining factors in identifying frontier missions are:
i. The culture has not been reached with the gospel before
ii. There is no viable or an indigenous Church
iii. The missionary crosses from his own culture to another culture where there is no missiological
breakthrough
Regular Missions: This kind of mission involves a “cross-cultural evangelism by a different-culture worker,
in association with same-culture workers, if possible, where a missiological breakthrough has already taken
place” (Winter &Hawthorne, 2006, p. 511). This implies that, a Christian or believer goes from his or her
culture to another different culture where Christ presence has already been felt or where Church has already
been established before his or her arrival, and if possible, he or she works in collaboration with other
Christian workers who are already there to further the course of evangelism or he or she works with his or
her new missionary group to further the work of evangelism when they arrive the new culture.
Evangelism: This kind of mission involves the “culture-worker, where the missiological breakthrough of a
viable Church has already taken place” (Winter & Hawthorne, 2006, p. 511). This means that, a Christian or
believer from the same culture evangelising or preaching to the same culture members where there is the
presence of a viable Church already. This kind of evangelism is more of iron sharpens iron evangelism, that
is, “Renewal evangelism of Church members” (Winter &Hawthorne, 2006, p. 511). Even when the person
evangelized has not been going to the Church before, but for the fact that, the place has an established Church
already and it is the believer of the same culture that is preaching to the person, such a mission is still called
evangelism.
The first two categories of mission above, that is, Frontier and Regular Missions entail someone going from
his own culture into another culture different from his own culture. Here the language is not known by the
incoming evangelist or missionary of believer or Christian taking the gospel to them. Definitely, this will
require the aid of Artificial Intelligence for a smooth and successful missionary enterprise. The Artificial
Intelligence gadgets or machine will help to interpret speech and translate language for easy communication
from the encoder to the decoder and vice versa. The Artificial Intelligence gadget will help identify the
cultural objects in the new culture and help to interpret them and give the feedback to the incoming
evangelist or missionary for an informed decision.
The diagram above depicts the three kinds of mission enterprises, Frontier Mission, Regular Mission, and
Evangelism. It involves two sections, the E-Scale section where evangelism was carried out among people
who have heard the gospel before and among cultures that have not heard it before. While the second section,
P-Scale section, depicts people group who has heard the gospel before and people groups who have not
heard it before.

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The diagram below illustrates further of how evangelism is carried out across cultures.

Bridging Language and Cultural Barriers

Culture: Culture simply means the total way of life of a people as they attempt to harness and possess their
environment or territory. The following are the elements that are considered to form the culture of a people;
their language, religion, dietary, politics, economics, philosophy, aesthetics, etc.
Language: Language can be defined as the system of communication both in speech and writing that is used
by the people of a particular country.
The inability of an evangelist or missionary to understand the language and culture of the people group he
wants to evangelise poses a great setback and barrier to his missionary endeavour. However, the use of
Artificial Intelligence has bridged such barriers, because Artificial Intelligence helps to interpret speeches
and helps to generate and translate human languages, hence it aids the communication of the gospel message
in the new cultures easily without any language and cultural barriers.

Conclusion
It is of paramount importance that missionary or evangelistic endeavours in this digital dispensation of the
twenty first century should leverage on the availability of Artificial Intelligence. Missionaries and evangelists
should avail themselves of this opportunity to enhance their versatility in their missionary enterprise across
cultures for optimal output and fruitful evangelism. The Master who commissioned us for this great mission
tasks has made adequate provisions to mitigate any challenge that might emanate in the course of carrying
out evangelism across various cultures of the world and one of such provisions is Artificial Intelligence. He
has also promised his presence with everyone who goes out for evangelism, Matthew 28:18-20, and he is our
great spiritual intelligence through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to support the use of Artificial Intelligence
for effective and adequate performance and results.

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References
Afunugo, K.N. and Molokwu, G.C. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Effective Evangelisation of the Nigeria Church
Mission: A Socio-Religious Evaluation. Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development. 7(2) 87-103.
Blass F. and Debrunner A. (1973). A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian literature, trans.
Robert W. Funk. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Bosch, David J. (2013). Transforming Mission: A Paradigm Shift in the Theology of Mission.
Collins, Cobuild (1987). English Language Dictionary.
Gaber, S.A., Shahat, H.A., Aikhteeb, J.A., Hasan, S.A., Alqatam, M.A., Aimughyirah, S.M., & Kamel, M.K. (2003). Faculty
Members Awareness of Artificial Intelligence and its Relationship to Technology Acceptance and Digital
Competences at King Fasa University. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(7).
Leigh, John H. (1989). “Calvin’s Doctrine of the Proclamation of the Word and its Significance for Today in the Light of
Recent Research,” Review and Expositor 86.
Nkemnka, M.N. (2010) Culture and Religion in Africa- Towards Intercultural and Inter-religious Dialogue. Aquinas
LIII/2(3), 487-508.
Ortlund, Ray. The Gospel: How The Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ. Published by Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois 60187.
Packer, James J. (2019). Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Published by InterVarsity Press.
Russell, L. (1973). God Will Work with You But Not You: A Living Philosophy. Russell Foundation.
Schaeffer Francis A. (1970). The Church at the End of the Twentieth Century. Downers Grove, II: InterVarsity Press.
Schaeffer, Francis A. (1971). The Church Before the Watching World.Downers Grove, II: InterVarsity Press.
Stott, John (1982). Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.
Tyndale, William (1848). “A Pathway into the Holy Scripture,” in Doctrinal Treatises.Cambridge: The University Press.
Winter and Hawthorne, Ed. (2006). Perspectives on the World Christian Movement U.K: Paternoster Press.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Spiritual Impact of AI-Powered Analytics on Evangelism in Nigeria

Esther EMMA-JIMO
Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348068722660

Donald A. ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348060162719

Abstract
The advent of AI-powered analytics has transformed various sectors, including evangelism, by enabling
more personalized and data-driven approaches to spiritual outreach. This paper explores the spiritual
impact of integrating advanced analytics into evangelical practices, focusing on how these technologies
influence both the message and its reception. The researchers examine the dual facets of AI in soul-
winning: enhancing understanding of congregational needs and fostering deeper connections among
communities. By analyzing case studies where AI tools have been employed, this research highlights
their role in identifying trends in spiritual engagement, tailoring messages to diverse audiences, and
optimizing resource allocation for outreach efforts. Moreover, this paper addresses the ethical
considerations surrounding the use of AI in spiritual contexts, such as privacy concerns and the
potential for manipulation. The paper argues that while AI can facilitate more effective evangelism, it
also necessitates a thoughtful approach to ensure that the core values of faith — holiness, authenticity,
compassion, and community — are preserved. By investigating the narratives formed through AI
analytics, we assess their impact on individual spiritual experiences and the collective consciousness of
faith communities. Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing dialogue about technology’s role
in spirituality, offering insights into how AI can serve as a tool for enhancing evangelistic efforts without
compromising the essence of the spiritual message. The researchers propose a framework for
integrating AI responsibly into evangelism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a human-
centered approach that prioritizes relationships and spiritual growth. This exploration aims to guide
faith leaders and technologists in navigating the complexities of AI in religious contexts, fostering an
environment where technology and spirituality coexist harmoniously.

Keywords: AI-Powered Analytics, Evangelism, Data-Driven, Spiritual Outreach, Congregational

Needs

Introduction
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous sectors, including religion and spirituality.
As faith communities strive to adapt to the digital landscape, the integration of AI technologies into
evangelism offers promising avenues for enhancing outreach and engagement. Traditional evangelistic
methods, which often relied on personal interactions and community gatherings, are now complemented by
AI tools capable of analyzing large datasets to glean insights about congregational behavior and preferences.
This capability allows faith leaders to tailor their outreach strategies more effectively; ensuring messages
resonate with their audiences (Afunugo & Molokwu, 2024).
Evangelism in Nigeria has undergone significant transformation, moving from conventional community-
based approaches to embracing AI-powered digital practices. Traditionally, evangelists relied on personal
interactions through open-air preaching, revival meetings, and outreach via schools established by
missionaries. Preaching in marketplaces, distributing tracts, and engaging in house-to-house evangelism
were effective strategies for spreading religious messages. Indigenous clergy were crucial in maintaining

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cultural relevance by translating Christian texts and aligning gospel teachings with local customs, fostering
a deep sense of community among believers.
In the same vein, the rise of AI technology is reshaping how evangelism operates, offering both opportunities
and challenges. AI tools such as Chabots, recommendation systems, and sentiment analysis now enable
religious organizations to engage with their congregants in more personalized ways. These tools allow faith-
based institutions to track spiritual engagement during online services, sending automated messages to
individuals based on their interactions with religious content. For example, AI recommend ationengine can
suggest relevant scriptures or sermons to viewers, reinforcing personalized faith journeys and fostering
spiritual growth beyond traditional physical spaces.
While AI-driven analytics broaden the scope of evangelism, making it more accessible to a global audience,
it also introduces potential risks. One such concern is the erosion of interpersonal relationships and the sense
of belonging that comes from in-person worship. Traditional evangelism emphasizes community and
fellowship, elements that are difficult to replicate fully in digital spaces. There is also the risk of
commodification of spiritual practices, as some online platforms may prioritize monetization over
meaningful spiritual experiences, undermining the authenticity of religious engagement.
AI-powered evangelism thus represents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it enables religious leaders to
measure the effectiveness of their outreach efforts through data-driven insights, offering new avenues to
deepen spiritual connections. On the other hand, it necessitates careful stewardship to ensure that
technological tools serve as a means to enhance faith without displacing core religious values. Achieving this
balance is crucial for preserving the spiritual essence of evangelism while embracing the benefits of AI in a
rapidly changing digital landscape.

The Evolution of AI in Evangelism

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism marks a significant shift in how spiritual outreach
is conducted. Traditionally, evangelism has depended on personal interaction, community gatherings, and
mass media. However, AI now offers tools that allow religious institutions to better understand their
audiences through data analytics. This technology facilitates personalized communication, allowing faith
leaders to customize messages to individual needs based on behavioral insights and interaction data. For
example, AI systems can track patterns in church attendance, social media engagement, and online sermon
views, offering faith leaders actionable data to refine their outreach strategies (Anderson, 2021).
This approach is a considerable departure from the one-size-fits-all method historically used in religious
outreach. Instead, AI allows for dynamic, real-time responses to the spiritual needs of diverse congregations,
especially in digital spaces. As religious organizations expand their online presence, AI helps them reach a
wider audience by tailoring content to the preferences and spiritual maturity of different user groups
(Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). AI’s capacity to process large sets of data and generate insights based on user
behavior enhances the evangelistic process, making it more responsive and efficient (Alkhouri, 2024).
Moreover, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are increasingly being employed to handle inquiries
about faith and spiritual growth. These tools can provide answers to theological questions, direct individuals
to relevant sermons or Bible passages, and even pray with them. While these interactions lack the depth of
human pastoral care, they provide an initial point of engagement for those seeking answers online,
particularly for younger, tech-savvy audiences (Gloo Analytics, 2021). AI thus serves as a bridge, bringing
people closer to faith communities by facilitating initial contact and follow-up engagement.

AI-Driven Innovations in Evangelism

AI has introduced significant innovations that enhance the effectiveness and reach of evangelistic efforts.
One of the most notable advancements is the development of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants that

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engage with individuals on a personal level. These chatbots are equipped to answer faith-related questions
and provide tailored spiritual guidance, creating more opportunities for personal evangelism in digital
spaces. For instance, platforms like Gloo leverage AI to provide churches with detailed insights into their
congregations' behaviors and needs, allowing for more targeted and effective evangelistic efforts (Gloo
Analytics, 2021)
In addition, AI is increasingly used to optimize content creation for digital evangelism. AI-driven sermon
generators help pastors and church leaders craft sermons by suggesting relevant Bible passages and
structuring content. These tools allow church leaders to focus more on spiritual guidance and less on
administrative tasks. Moreover, AI tools also assist in creating visually appealing social media content,
enhancing churches' ability to spread their messages in a media-driven world (Afunugo & Molokwu, 2024).
Another innovation is in data analytics for mission strategies. AI-powered analytics provide evangelists with
real-time data about global mission trends, enabling more effective targeting of regions and populations most
in need of evangelistic outreach. This data-driven approach, backed by platforms like Gloo, helps churches
allocate resources effectively and reach communities that were previously difficult to engage (Smith, 2021)

The Role of AI in Evangelism

AI’s role in evangelism extends beyond innovation; it fundamentally reshapes how religious messages are
delivered and received. AI enables a personalized approach to evangelism, where digital tools analyze
individual behavior and preferences, delivering tailored messages that resonate with the recipient. This shift
towards personalization reflects a broader trend in digital marketing and outreach, where content is
increasingly customized to individual needs. (Wilson, 2021).
Moreover, AI plays a significant role in breaking down language barriers. AI-powered translation tools, such
as Google Translate’s AI systems, allow evangelists to communicate the Gospel across different languages
and cultures. These tools make the Christian message more accessible to diverse global audiences, further
expanding the scope of evangelism. (Google Translate, 2023).
AI also raises important ethical considerations regarding the spiritual authenticity of digital evangelism.
While AI can enhance efficiency, some theologians argue that it may depersonalize evangelistic efforts,
creating a tension between technological advancement and the need for genuine, human-centered faith
interactions. As AI continues to shape evangelism, religious leaders must carefully balance its use to ensure
that spiritual messages remain authentic and meaningful. (Clarke, 2020).
AI-powered analytics and innovations are making evangelism more efficient, personalized, and accessible.
However, as these tools become more integrated into faith-based outreach, it is crucial to reflect on the ethical
implications to ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the spiritual essence of evangelism.

Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Evangelism

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism offers numerous opportunities, such as
personalized engagement and increased outreach. However, it also raises critical ethical concerns that must
be carefully considered by faith leaders and communities. These concerns include privacy issues, authenticity
of spiritual engagement, depersonalization of evangelism, and the potential for bias in AI systems.
Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure that the use of AI aligns with the values and integrity of
evangelistic efforts. (Hurst, 2020)

1. Privacy Concerns
AI-driven evangelism often involves the collection and analysis of personal data to tailor messages and
outreach strategies. While this approach can enhance engagement, it raises significant privacy concerns.
Organizations utilizing AI platforms must ensure transparency in data collection and usage, obtaining

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informed consent from individuals. Mishandling personal data can erode trust and result in negative
consequences for vulnerable populations. According to a report from the Pew Research Center (2020), the
collection and use of data in religious organizations should adhere to strict ethical guidelines to protect
individuals' privacy and autonomy.

2. Authenticity of Spiritual Engagement

Another critical concern is the authenticity of spiritual experiences facilitated by AI technologies. While AI
tools can provide useful information and resources, they often lack the emotional depth and human
connection inherent in personal ministry. For instance, a chatbot may offer answers to theological questions,
but it cannot replicate the empathy and understanding of a human pastor. This raises questions about
whether AI can truly facilitate meaningful spiritual experiences or if it risks creating shallow engagements
that fail to nurture genuine faith (Obuba, 2023).

3. Depersonalization of Evangelism
The automation of evangelistic efforts through AI risks depersonalizing the ministry. Automated systems
can engage with large audiences, but these interactions may lack the relational aspects that are central to
effective evangelism. As highlighted by Schuurman (2019), while technology can enhance communication, it
is essential that the human element in ministry is preserved to maintain authenticity and depth in spiritual
interactions. Evangelism traditionally relies on personal relationships where trust and understanding play a
vital role in spiritual growth.

4. Bias in AI Algorithms
Bias in AI systems is another significant ethical concern. AI algorithms are trained on data that may reflect
existing societal biases, which can lead to exclusionary practices. If evangelistic AI tools are based on biased
data, they may inadvertently marginalize certain groups or reinforce stereotypes. To mitigate this risk,
organizations must critically evaluate the data used in AI systems and ensure that they promote inclusivity,
aligning with the fundamental principles of evangelism that call for reaching all individuals regardless of
their backgrounds. (Clarke, 2020).

5. Ethical Use of Automation in Faith Practices

Finally, the ethical use of automation in religious practices necessitates careful consideration of the spiritual
impact of technology. While AI can improve outreach efficiency, it may also diminish the intentionality and
sacredness of spiritual practices. Schuurman (2019) notes that while technology can assist ministry, it should
not replace the personal care and relational dynamics that are essential to effective evangelism. Leaders in
faith communities must reflect on how to balance the advantages of AI with the need for meaningful human
engagement in worship and evangelistic efforts. As AI-driven tools become more integrated into evangelism,
faith leaders must navigate the ethical challenges associated with their use. By addressing concerns related
to privacy, authenticity, depersonalization, bias, and the ethical implications of automation, religious
organizations can harness the potential of AI while upholding the integrity and core values of evangelism.

AI as a Complement to Human-Centered Evangelism

In the evolving landscape of evangelism, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is often seen as a
technological advancement that can enhance outreach efforts. However, it is essential to approach this
integration with the understanding that AI should serve as a complement to, rather than a replacement for,
the human-centered aspects of evangelism. At its core, evangelism is fundamentally about relationships—
between individuals and their faith, and among members of the faith community. The challenge lies in

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leveraging AI to support these relationships without undermining the essential human touch that
characterizes effective ministry (Evolvi, 2022).

Enhancing Personal Connections through AI

AI tools can provide valuable insights that help faith leaders tailor their outreach strategies to better meet
the needs of their congregations. For instance, by analyzing data on congregational attendance and
engagement, AI can help identify individuals who may be struggling with their faith or experiencing
spiritual crises. This information allows faith leaders to reach out proactively, offering support and guidance
when it is most needed (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). Such data-driven approaches enable a more personalized
pastoral care model, where interventions can be targeted and timely, reflecting an understanding of
individual congregants' spiritual journeys.
Moreover, AI can facilitate the cultivation of community by helping churches foster connections among
congregants. AI-driven platforms can recommend small groups or ministry opportunities based on
individual interests and spiritual needs, encouraging deeper engagement within the church community. By
facilitating these connections, AI contributes to a sense of belonging and support that is crucial for spiritual
growth (Wilson, 2021). This is especially relevant in today's fast-paced society, where many individuals may
feel isolated despite being part of a larger community.

Balancing Technology with Human Touch

While the benefits of AI in enhancing evangelism are evident, it is crucial to maintain a balance between
technology and the human elements of ministry. Faith leaders must ensure that the use of AI does not detract
from the interpersonal relationships that are central to spiritual growth. The act of evangelism involves deep
emotional connections, pastoral care, and shared experiences—elements that AI cannot replicate (Gloo
Analytics, 2021). While AI can assist in identifying needs and facilitating connections, it cannot replace the
empathy, compassion, and understanding that come from genuine human interaction.
Furthermore, faith communities must remain vigilant about the risks of over-reliance on technology. There
is a danger that the integration of AI could lead to a depersonalization of ministry, where the richness of
personal relationships is overshadowed by data-driven strategies. For instance, if congregants come to
perceive their interactions with AI as substitutes for personal connections with their faith leaders, the essence
of evangelism may be diluted (Clarke, 2020). Therefore, it is imperative that AI be viewed as a tool to augment
the work of human ministers, enabling them to focus on nurturing relationships and providing authentic
spiritual guidance.

Case Studies in AI Implementation in Evangelism

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism is gaining traction, with numerous organizations
and churches exploring innovative ways to enhance outreach, engagement, and ministry effectiveness. Here,
this study examines several notable case studies that demonstrate how AI is being implemented in
evangelistic efforts, highlighting both the successes and challenges faced by these initiatives. (Smith, 2021)
1. The AI-Powered Chatbot: Chatbot for Christ AI-powered chatbots have become transformative tools in
evangelism, integrating advanced technology with faith-based missions. These tools, utilizing natural
language processing (NLP), provide scripture-based responses, fostering engagement and offering
spiritual guidance (Loekito, Tjahyanto, & Indraswari, 2024). In Nigeria, they bridge gaps in spiritual
outreach, particularly among tech-savvy younger audiences who prefer digital platforms like Facebook
Messenger. These chatbots enable churches to reach individuals hesitant about face-to-face pastoral
interactions while addressing theological questions and offering encouragement (Loekito et al., 2024).
However, their spiritual impact raises concerns about depth and authenticity compared to traditional

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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evangelism. As Nigeria explores the intersection of faith and technology, a balanced approach is
essential to ensure these tools promote genuine spiritual growth while addressing their limitations
(Loekito et al., 2024). One of the most prominent examples of AI in evangelism is the Chatbot for Christ
initiative, developed by a team of Christian technologists. This chatbot is designed to engage
individuals in conversations about faith, provide answers to theological questions, and offer spiritual
encouragement. Operating on platforms like Facebook Messenger, it utilizes natural language
processing (NLP) to understand user inquiries and respond with relevant scripture or advice. The
implementation of this chatbot has shown promising results, including increased engagement among
younger audiences who prefer digital interactions over traditional face-to-face conversations. This
approach has helped churches connect with individuals who may not feel comfortable approaching a
pastor in person. However, the chatbot's effectiveness also raises questions about the depth of spiritual
engagement it can provide compared to human interactions.
2. Gloo: Data Analytics for Ministry: Gloo is a technology platform that leverages AI and data analytics to
help churches understand their congregations better and tailor their outreach efforts. By analyzing data
related to attendance, engagement, and community needs, Gloo provides actionable insights that
enable churches to develop more effective evangelism strategies. For example, churches can identify
specific demographics within their community that may require targeted outreach, such as youth
programs or services for single parents. A case study from a church in Colorado Springs highlighted
how Gloo's analytics helped identify a growing need for mental health resources within the
congregation. The church then developed programs specifically addressing these needs, resulting in
increased participation and a strengthened sense of community. However, this case also highlights
ethical considerations regarding data privacy and the importance of transparency in data usage,
ensuring congregants are aware of how their information is being utilized. (Gloo, 2021).
3. AI and Language Translation in Global Evangelism: AI has played a significant role in breaking down
language barriers in evangelism. Organizations such as Wycliffe Bible Translators are using AI-
powered translation tools to accelerate the process of translating biblical texts into various languages.
By utilizing machine learning algorithms, these tools can analyze and learn from existing translations,
making it easier to produce accurate and contextually relevant translations for diverse language
groups. In a notable project, Wycliffe collaborated with Google to enhance the efficiency of their
translation work. This partnership allowed for faster production of translations in regions where access
to scriptural materials is limited. The use of AI in translation not only facilitates the spread of the Gospel
but also empowers local communities by providing them access to religious texts in their native
languages. Nevertheless, this effort requires ongoing oversight to ensure that the translations maintain
theological accuracy and cultural sensitivity. (Wycliffe Bible Translators, 2022).
4. Virtual Reality and AI in Evangelism: Another innovative implementation of AI in evangelism is through
virtual reality (VR) experiences. The VR Church project creates immersive environments where
individuals can engage with biblical stories and teachings in a three-dimensional setting. These VR
experiences often incorporate AI elements to enhance interactivity, allowing users to explore scenarios
from scripture and ask questions in real time.
Feedback from participants has indicated that VR experiences can provide a deeper understanding of biblical
narratives, making them more relatable and engaging, especially for younger generations who are
accustomed to digital interactions. However, there are concerns regarding the potential for distraction or the
dilution of traditional worship experiences, emphasizing the need for balance in utilizing technology in
spiritual practices. (Jun, 2020)

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A Framework for Responsible AI Integration in Evangelism
To harness the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism effectively, faith communities must adopt
a structured framework that prioritizes ethical considerations, transparency, and community engagement.
Such a framework will guide organizations in implementing AI responsibly while maintaining their core
values and mission.
1. Transparency: Faith organizations must be transparent about how AI tools are used in their ministries.
This includes openly communicating the types of data being collected, how it will be analyzed, and
the purposes for which it will be used (Schuurman, 2019). By fostering a culture of transparency,
organizations can build trust with congregants and encourage participation in AI-driven initiatives.
2. Informed Consent: Obtaining informed consent from congregants is crucial when implementing AI
technologies. Faith leaders should ensure that individuals understand their rights regarding data
privacy and have the option to opt out of data collection efforts if they wish. This principle aligns
with ethical standards in both technology and ministry, reinforcing the dignity and agency of
congregants (Pew Research Center, 2020).
3. Community Engagement: Engaging the faith community in discussions about AI can lead to more
inclusive decision-making processes. By involving congregants in conversations about the ethical
implications and practical applications of AI, faith leaders can ensure that the technology aligns with
the values and beliefs of their community (Google Translate, 2023). This collaborative approach
fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among congregants, which is essential for the
successful implementation of AI initiatives.
4. Empathy and Pastoral Care: While AI can enhance outreach efforts, it should not replace the human
touch that is essential to effective ministry. Faith leaders must prioritize empathetic engagement with
congregants, using AI as a tool to support, not substitute, personal interactions. By ensuring that
technology complements pastoral care, faith organizations can maintain the relational depth that
characterizes authentic evangelism (Clarke, 2020).
5. Continuous Evaluation: Implementing a framework for responsible AI integration should include
ongoing evaluation and feedback mechanisms. Faith organizations should regularly assess the
impact of AI on their evangelistic efforts and be open to adapting their approaches based on
congregants' experiences and feedback. This iterative process allows organizations to respond to
emerging challenges and opportunities while ensuring that their use of AI remains aligned with their
mission and values (Evolvi, 2022).
By adopting this framework, faith communities can navigate the complexities of integrating AI into
evangelism responsibly. It empowers organizations to leverage technology to enhance their outreach efforts
while safeguarding the core values of authenticity, compassion, and community engagement.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism represents a transformative approach to
spiritual outreach, characterized by opportunities for enhanced engagement and personalized interactions.
However, the effective implementation of AI requires careful consideration of ethical implications, ensuring
that the technology aligns with the fundamental values of faith and community.

Recommendations for Responsible AI Integration

To ensure that the integration of AI into evangelism is both effective and ethically sound, several
recommendations are hereby made:
1. Adopt a Human-Centered Approach: AI should complement human interaction rather than replace it.
Faith leaders must ensure that AI tools enhance personal relationships and pastoral care.

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2. Ensure Transparency and Informed Consent: Faith organizations should clearly communicate their data
collection practices and obtain informed consent from congregants. Transparency is vital for
maintaining trust within the community.
3. Implement Robust Data Security Measures: Protecting congregants' privacy is paramount. Faith
organizations should establish stringent data security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
4. Balance AI with Ethical Guidelines: AI tools should be employed responsibly to avoid manipulation.
Establishing ethical guidelines is essential to respect congregants' spiritual autonomy and foster
genuine religious experiences.

Conclusion
The integration of AI-powered analytics into evangelism holds great potential for enhancing outreach efforts
and fostering community engagement. Through data-driven insights, faith leaders can tailor their strategies
to better meet the needs of their congregations. However, the ethical challenges associated with AI, including
privacy concerns and the risk of manipulation, necessitate careful consideration and proactive measures.
By adopting a human-centered approach, ensuring transparency, and prioritizing ethical standards, faith
communities can successfully navigate the complexities of AI integration. In doing so, they can enrich both
individual faith journeys and the collective experience of spirituality, demonstrating that technology can
serve as a valuable ally in advancing the mission of evangelism.

References
Afunugo, K. N., & Molokwu, G. C. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI) and effective evangelization of the Nigerian church
mission: A socio-religious evaluation. Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development, 7(2), 86.
Alkhouri, K. I. (2024). The role of artificial intelligence in the study of the psychology of religion. Religions, 15(3), 290.
Anderson, E. (2021). Artificial intelligence and the future of evangelism. Journal of Religion and Technology, 5(2), 45–49.
Campbell, H., & Tsuria, R. (2021). Digital religion: Understanding religious practice in digital media. Routledge.
Clarke, P. (2020). Artificial intelligence in church: Understanding AI’s role in evangelical strategies. Journal of Religion
and Technology, 5(1), 12–25.
Evolvi, G. (2022). Religion and the internet: Digital religion, (hyper) mediated spaces, and materiality. Zeitschrift Für
Religion, Gesellschaft Und Politik, 6(1), 9–25.
Gloo. (2021). Data analytics for ministry: Leveraging AI for church growth and digital ministry.
Hurst, C. (2020). Ethical implications of AI in Bible translation. International Journal of Ethics in Technology, 9(1), 45–59.
Jun, G. (2020). Virtual reality church as a new mission frontier in the metaverse: Exploring theological controversies and
missional potential of virtual reality church. Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies,
37(3), 1–9.
Loekito, J. A., Tjahyanto, A., & Indraswari, R. (2024). Design Science Research in developing a Bible-based chatbot for
holistic counseling. In 2024 3rd International Conference on Creative Communication and Innovative Technology,
ICCIT 2024 (pp. 1-9).
Obuba, P. (2023). Researching artificial intelligence applications in evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic churches:
Purity, Bible, and mission as driving forces.
Pew Research Center. (2020). Science and scientists held in high esteem across global publics.
Schuurman, D. J. (2019). Shaping a digital world: Faith, culture, and computer technology. IVP Academic.
Smith, T. (2021). Case study: Transforming church outreach with data analytics. Journal of Church Growth, 5(1), 12–18.
Wilson, M. (2021). The impact of AI on spiritual engagement: A study of chatbots. Journal of Religion and Technology, 6(3),
30–45.
Wycliffe Bible Translators. (2022). AI-powered translation: Accelerating Bible access. Wycliffe USA.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism: Balancing Innovation with Doctrinal Integrity

Samuel Olamide ADEKOYA

Department of Christian Religious Studies and Philosophy Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
[email protected], +2348034708321

Adediran Idowu SEGUN

Department of Christian Religious Studies and Philosophy Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
[email protected], +2348036893088

Prof. Afolorunso Olalekan DAIRO

Department of Christian Religious Studies and Philosophy Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
[email protected], +2348034001020

Abstract
This study examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism amid rapid technological
advancements in balancing the innovation with doctrinal integrity. Although AI offers significant
opportunities for improved outreach and engagement, a critical academic gap exists regarding its
impact on doctrinal integrity and essential theological teachings. The primary concern is the potential
distortion of Christian doctrines while introducing innovative evangelistic methods. The thesis argues
that maintaining doctrinal fidelity is essential as technology is integrated into church practices. To
analyse these dynamics, the research employs a mixed-method approach that includes qualitative,
theological and historical analyses. Grounded in Fred Davis's Technology Acceptance Model (TAM),
the study explores how church leaders and congregants perceive new technologies. Findings emphasise
the importance of thoughtfully integrating AI into evangelism, as demonstrated by tools like the Bible
Project's AI-driven chatbots and the YouVersion Bible App. Similarly, the Alpha Course utilises AI
algorithms to enhance online outreach, while platforms like ChatGPT facilitate virtual faith discussions
and address theological questions. These initiatives showcase AI's potential to expand the reach and
impact of evangelistic efforts, which lead to six practical recommendations for church leaders, the
congregants, theologians, technologists, and other stakeholders: establishing theological guidelines,
forming collaborative evaluation frameworks, implementing training programs, fostering open
dialogue, creating pilot programs, and conducting ongoing assessments of technological practices.
These strategies aim to assist churches in navigating the complexities of modern evangelism while
upholding their core beliefs.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Innovative Evangelistic Method, Doctrinal Integrity, Technology

Acceptance Model (TAM), Theological Guidelines

Introduction
This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism, highlighting the opportunities
it offers for enhancing outreach. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated various
sectors, including religious practices, offering innovative approaches to evangelism. However, as churches
and ministries increasingly adopt AI tools for outreach and communication, there are concerns regarding its
effects on doctrinal integrity. While prior academic work has examined the role of technology in religious
practices, it has not sufficiently analysed its implications in core theological teachings, creating a significant
gap that this research aims to address. Artificial intelligence, capable of processing large amounts of data and
mimicking human interactions, offers exciting opportunities in religious experiences by providing
personalised spiritual guidance, virtual companionship, and simulated encounters with divine figures

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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(Alkhouri, 2024, p. 290). The purpose of this study is to investigate how AI can be effectively and responsibly
incorporated into evangelistic efforts, emphasising the importance of maintaining doctrinal fidelity.
Anchored in Fred Davis’s Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theoretical framework, which highlights
the causal links between system design, perceived usefulness, ease of use, user attitude, and actual usage
(Davis, 1989, p. 205, 219). Moreover, the research utilises a mixed-method approach that combines
qualitative, theological analysis and historical research inquiry to provide a comprehensive understanding
of this evolving field.
An examination of Genesis 1:26-27, Proverbs 4:7, and Matthew 5:14-16 underscores the integration of
technology into human life, highlighting the ethical responsibilities and moral obligations tied to
stewardship. The principles of discipleship, as demonstrated through the relationship between Jesus and His
disciples, further illuminate the importance of aligning technological advancements with biblical knowledge
and values (Onyinah, 2017, p. 216–27). Hence, these biblical principles guide believers in aligning
technological advancements with spiritual values, encouraging them to approach evangelism, including
technology use, with dedication and integrity while positively influencing the world. The significance of this
study lies in its ability to assist church leaders and technologists in navigating the complexities associated
with AI integration, while safeguarding core Christian doctrines. By exploring the intersection of technology
and theology, this research offers practical recommendations designed to enhance evangelistic practices
without undermining foundational beliefs. The scope of the study includes a critical examination of AI's role
in evangelism, considering both the opportunities it creates and the challenges it presents to doctrinal
integrity. Through this thorough analysis, the study aims to enrich the broader academic conversation on the
responsible use of technology in the ministry, ultimately deepening the understanding of how AI can
function as a tool for effective and faithful evangelism.

The Intersection of Technology and Evangelism

Historical Background of Evangelism
The history of evangelism is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, beginning with the early church's
mission to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Evangelism is the act of sharing the Christian
gospel and proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ to convert others to the faith. Etymologically, the term
comes from the Greek word 'euangelion,' meaning good news, which is derived from 'euangelizō,' meaning to
announce good news. Over the centuries, various movements and figures, such as the Protestant
Reformation and the Great Awakening, have shaped evangelistic practices, emphasising personal faith and
community outreach. Consequently, the spread of the gospel across diverse communities challenges the
church to convey it clearly and meaningfully in today's fast-paced, information-heavy world (Ahonen, 2017,
p. 423-435). As society has evolved, evangelism has continually adapted to incorporate new methods and
technologies, reflecting the dynamic relationship between faith and cultural context.
Throughout history, evangelism has adapted to the cultural and technological shifts of its time, from the use
of the printing press to disseminate religious texts during the Reformation to the advent of radio and
television in the 20th century. These advancements not only expanded the reach of the gospel but also
transformed how evangelistic messages were crafted and delivered, making them more accessible to diverse
audiences. Specifically, evangelism proclaims Christ as Saviour, urging reconciliation with God and
recognising the cost of discipleship, including self-denial and bearing the cross (Engelsviken, 2007, p. 204-
209). Meanwhile, as we move into the digital age, the integration of technology continues to challenge and
redefine traditional evangelistic methodologies, prompting a reevaluation of how faith can be effectively
communicated in contemporary society.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The Rising Influence of Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism
AI began its journey in the 1950s with Alan Turing's concepts of machine intelligence. Initially focused on
symbolic reasoning and expert systems, which progressed to machine learning in the 1990s, allowing systems
to learn directly from data. Technology is defined as any tool, technique, product, or process that enhances
human capability, emphasising its dual nature as both an artifact and a process (Schon, 1967, p.1).
Alternatively, technology is also defined as a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, methods,
processes, and physical tools for problem-solving, encompassing both tangible devices and intangible
expertise, experience, and awareness of technological possibilities (Dosi,1982: 147–148). Today, deep
learning and neural networks enable AI applications in language, vision, and decision-making, marking a
new era of more advanced and autonomous technologies. However, as AI’s impact grows, society must
balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring AI development aligns with human values to benefit, rather
than compromise humanity.
Since the industrial revolution, technological innovations have transformed many manual tasks beyond
human physical limits. Similarly, AI holds the potential to augment or replace human activities across
various industrial, intellectual, and social applications (Dwivedi et al., 2021, p. 101994). Technologies often
build on existing human behaviours, shaping new forms of expression and are far from being neutral tools
(Winner, 2011, p. 13-21), while, human intelligence remains vital for addressing the limitations of AI, such as
biases and ethical dilemmas, by providing the critical thinking and moral judgment that it lacks. Historically,
technological evolution in human resource management (HRM) began during the industrial revolution,
initially altering physical and mental tasks. Currently, AI advancements are increasingly replacing human
roles in functions that traditionally required interaction and communication (Malik et al., 2019; Luo et al.,
2019, p. 937–947), consequently, this shift is transforming organisational structures and redefining the nature
of work (Colbert et al., 2016, p. 731–739). Nonetheless, it is also necessary to keep developing AI systems that
are transparent, accountable, and trustworthy, ensuring that they serve the broader interests of the society.
Basically, the integration of human intelligence with AI fosters a balanced approach, where technological
advancements are guided by human insight and responsibility.
In recent decades, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has transformed multiple fields, including
communication and data analysis. Also, within evangelism, AI introduces innovative tools like chatbots for
engagement and algorithms for targeted outreach, which can enhance outreach efforts and portray better
understanding the audience needs. Furthermore, tools like virtual reality (VR) platforms for immersive Bible
study and worship, machine learning translation tools to overcome language barriers, and personalised
content systems for tailored evangelistic messages. In the same vein, AI-powered voice assistants provide
scripture readings and spiritual guidance, while image recognition technology aids in crafting culturally
relevant campaigns. Also, Cloud collaboration platforms further streamline global missionary coordination,
fostering real-time communication and teamwork. The church is not limited to a physical building but can
thrive as small communities of disciples in different locations (Oentoro & Idayanti, 2022, p. 202-205), and as
part of the body of Christ, the church transcends time and space (Dwiraharjo, 2020, p. 1-17). Although,
cyberspace plays a significant role in Gen Z's spirituality, online interactions alone may not fully nourish the
soul, underscoring the need for the church's guidance to support this generation (Subowo, 2021, p. 379-395).
Therefore, as these technologies become more integrated into everyday life, they raise significant ethical
considerations and challenges concerning their alignment with foundational theological principles.
Furthermore, Artificial intelligence has transitioned from a theoretical concept to a practical tool that shapes
daily interactions and decision-making. In evangelism, AI personalises experiences through customised
devotionals and automated follow-ups, raising concerns about authenticity, human connection, and
algorithmic bias. A reliabilist truth-forming process highlights the need for internal and external consistency,
claiming that an individual's beliefs stem from a reliable cognitive process (Goldman, 2021, p. 45-66). While

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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churches increasingly utilise digital platforms and AI to enhance outreach and facilitate personalised
interactions, it is essential to evaluate their impact on doctrinal integrity and the authenticity of evangelistic
messages, ensuring theological consistency and genuine community in digital environments.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Evangelism

AI Applications in Outreach and Evangelism
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in modern evangelism to enhance outreach and
communication through tools like chatbots and automated messaging systems, enabling real-time
engagement with congregants and potential converts. Virtual gospel preaching is increasingly essential for
the modern church, requiring creative management to keep viewers engaged (Tari, 2023, p. 510-518), and to
achieve this, churches must blend principles and methods to remain flexible in all circumstances, effectively
reaching the global community (Pakpahan et al., 2022, p. 7201).
Moreover, AI-driven data analytics provide insights into audience behaviours, allowing for more targeted
evangelistic efforts, while it also optimises social media content delivery and sentiment analysis to gauge
community reactions. Additionally, AI facilitates virtual prayer meetings and Bible studies by providing
real-time discussion prompts, fostering meaningful conversations about faith. The rapid pace of
transformation is historically unparalleled, urging religion and theology not, only to embrace the integration
of technology into daily life but also recognise its crucial role in the evolutionary process that has enriched
our culture and consciousness (Delio, 2013, p. 163). As AI continues to evolve, its role in evangelism is
expected to expand, creating new outreach opportunities while raising ethical considerations and questions
about doctrinal fidelity.
Case studies of AI in evangelical contexts illustrate innovative outreach methods, such as The Bible Project's
AI-driven chatbots that provide personalised scripture recommendations and facilitate faith discussions.
Similarly, the YouVersion Bible App also uses AI to offer tailored reading plans and devotionals, enriching
users' engagement with scripture. Religion and spirituality have become increasingly adaptable through
computer-mediated communication (CMC), with many of the world’s religions now practiced online,
enabling broader worship opportunities and reaching wider audiences (Chiluwa, 2012, p. 734), with more
individuals using the Internet for religious purposes are more than users for commercial purpose (Larsen,
2004, p. 17-22). Over time, the internet has become "spiritualised," as worshippers utilise common discourses
for their religious practices (Campbell, 2005, p. 14-22). These examples highlight how AI technologies can
enhance traditional evangelistic efforts, fostering deeper connections with those seeking spiritual guidance.
Life Church is another notable example, utilising AI to analyse user engagement data from its online services,
informing targeted outreach strategies and improving user experiences.
Similarly, the Alpha Course employs AI algorithms to optimise online outreach, allowing for personalised
invitations and follow-ups. These initiatives demonstrate AI's ability to broaden the reach and effectiveness
of evangelistic initiatives. Many Christians use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to invite
others to "follow me as I follow Christ," while websites like Sticky Jesus serve as hubs for online evangelism,
offering shareable content and daily tweet suggestions (Birdsong & Heim, 2012, p. 6-10). Additionally,
various churches and ministries are using ChatGPT for virtual faith discussions and answering theological
questions, facilitating real-time engagement with both seekers and believers. This technology helps
congregations transcend physical boundaries, fostering community in digital spaces and enhancing their
evangelistic mission.
In Nigeria, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has implemented AI-powered chatbots, such as
"RCCG Chatbot," to answer theological questions and support spiritual growth. The Catholic Archdiocese of
Lagos employs AI tools to offer personalised discipleship programs, providing customised content and
resources for parishioners. Likewise, Christ Embassy Church uses AI-driven chatbots to facilitate virtual

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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discussions on faith and respond to doctrinal queries, fostering greater engagement with church teachings
AI-driven evangelism marks a major advancement in the blending of religious practices with technological
progress, employing AI tools like chatbots, natural language processing, machine learning algorithms, and
virtual reality to enhance religious outreach, education, and counseling (Alao & Dairo, 2024, p. 3).. These AI
technologies have significantly increased access to religious resources, allowing church members to engage
with theological content and advance their spiritual growth at their own pace. Moreover, these technologies
enable religious organisations to reach a larger audience, meeting the needs of tech-savvy generations who
expect fast and interactive digital communication. Through AI integration, these denominations are able to
provide individualised guidance and strengthen their connection with congregations, including those in
remote or underserved areas. Additionally, AI chatbots enhance the efficiency of addressing theological
inquiries, ensuring that church members receive accurate and timely information aligned with their faith.

Benefits of AI Integration
The integration of artificial intelligence in evangelism offers several benefits, including enhanced outreach,
personalised engagement, and improved data analytics for decision-making. Also, AI utilises psychological
principles to conduct thought experiments and create artifacts that mimic aspects of the mind and behaviour
(El Maouch & Jin, 2022, p. 781730; Dennett, 2020, p. 27), however, this approach extends beyond
understanding the mind; it also aims to actively influence it. The quest for Artificial General Intelligence
(AGI) seeks to develop machines capable of human-like cognitive abilities, including multifunctional
learning, problem-solving, and adaptive reasoning (Kumar, Sharma & Saini, 2020, p. 1119-1122). This pursuit
raises significant ethical questions about the societal implications of creating machines that could potentially
rival or exceed human intelligence, which also presents challenges such as maintaining doctrinal integrity
and the potential decline of personal interactions in ministry. Additionally, reliance on AI can introduce
algorithmic biases that affect message delivery, underscoring the need for careful oversight. While AI can
streamline administrative tasks, the rapid pace of technological change may create a knowledge gap among
church leaders and congregants. Therefore, churches must balance the advantages of AI with ethical
considerations and theological reflection in their evangelistic practices.

Challenges of AI Integration
Meanwhile, the reliance on AI technologies in evangelism raises concerns about authenticity, as automated
interactions may lack the personal touch needed to build genuine relationships and spiritual connections.
Additionally, data privacy issues can arise from the collection and analysis of user information, necessitating
careful attention to ethical practices and transparency. With the increasing accuracy of ChatGPT and similar
technologies, there is a risk of misuse that could foster dependence on technology and impede learning and
cognitive development (Blythe, 2023, p. 118). LifeWay Research found, from a survey of 1,000 Protestant
pastors, that 84% of churches had a Facebook page (Smietana, 2018). Ratcliff, McCarty, and Ritter (2017, p.
15-26), analysed that "social media use declines as religiosity increases, suggesting fewer religious
individuals are more frequent users. This highlights social media as a key platform for reaching this group
with the Christian message, reinforcing its value for evangelism. Moreover, evangelistic content is most
effective on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, according to the survey of the preferred tools
for the youth (Bocala-Wiedemann, 2022, p. 11).
However, the integration of AI in evangelism poses challenges, especially in practices like baptism, which
depend on personal and relational connections. Although AI can support outreach, the human aspects of
faith, including personal connection and spiritual guidance, are vital in ceremonies such as baptism.
Undoubtedly, AI can enhance outreach efficiency by providing real-time insights into audience engagement,
ministries must deliberately ensure that technology use does not compromise the relational aspects essential

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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for fostering authentic faith communities. As organisations implement AI-driven solutions, they must remain
mindful of the ethical implications and prioritise meaningful human connections in their evangelistic efforts.

Balancing Innovation with Doctrinal Integrity

Theological Implications of AI in Evangelism and Doctrinal Integrity
Christian doctrinal theology encompasses the exploration and defense of Christian claims about God and
His relationship with the world. It underscores the importance of assessing the credibility of these doctrines,
as all theological, philosophical, and worldview claims address reality (Avis, 2022, p. 250-254). Doctrinal
integrity refers to the adherence to the core theological beliefs within a faith tradition, ensuring that teachings
are consistent with foundational texts and historical interpretations. In evangelism, maintaining doctrinal
integrity is essential for the authenticity and credibility of the message shared with both believers and
seekers. It involves evaluating how new methodologies, including technological innovations, align with
established theological principles to preserve the essence of the faith in outreach efforts. Humanity spreads
delusions, complicating the ability to discern truth, while the Internet allows the unchecked assertions and
unverified beliefs (Green, 2018, p. 2). Nonetheless, this integrity acts as a safeguard against the dilution of
essential beliefs, requiring ongoing theological reflection to address contemporary issues without
undermining established doctrines. As AI becomes integrated into evangelism, the challenge lies in
maintaining doctrinal integrity while effectively communicating the gospel in engaging ways.
Theological integrity highlights the necessity of community discernment, where church leaders and
congregants work together to evaluate the impact of new technologies on their faith practices. After all,
integrity demands moral discernment and critical thinking, both individually and collectively, to determine
what is right and wrong, necessitating moral reflection (Carter, 1996, p. 7). Christianity and technology share
a reciprocal relationship, with each influencing social norms and cultural development equally (Lee, 2024, p.
28-35), have a reciprocal relationship, each shaping social norms and cultural development to promote the
common good and support missional efforts (Lee, 2024, p. 28-35). This collaborative process promotes open
discussions about how innovations can support the church's mission without compromising its core beliefs
and values. Ultimately, a commitment to doctrinal integrity in modern evangelism strengthens the church's
witness to the transformative power of the gospel while navigating the challenges of an increasingly digital
landscape.
The integration of artificial intelligence in evangelism brings important theological concerns regarding
human interaction and the authenticity of spiritual experiences. As AI systems increasingly mediate
communication, questions emerge about the Holy Spirit's role in guiding believers and whether technology
can facilitate genuine encounters with God. Additionally, reliance on AI tools must be scrutinised to ensure
they do not replace the relational aspects of ministry essential to the Christian faith, potentially challenging
the core of evangelism. The church grapples with developing a theology that addresses technological
innovations and transhumanist morality, questioning transhumanism as a religion and contrasting it with
Christians' dependence on Christ for redemption (Afunugo & Molokwu, 2024, p. 2). There are also concerns
about the commodification of faith, as automated systems might reduce complex spiritual truths to mere
data, fostering a transactional view of spirituality. This reliance on AI raises critical questions about authority
in teaching and preaching, potentially undermining the traditional roles of clergy and theologians in
conveying the gospel message.
Furthermore, the integration of AI in evangelism compels the church to address the implications of
algorithmic bias, which can unintentionally influence messaging and outreach strategies based on existing
data patterns. While AI can provide information and resources, it cannot replace the inspiration that comes
from God. Nonetheless, the twenty-first-century Christianity must adopt technology to stay relevant in a
changing global landscape, as the theological field also needs to leverage these advancements while focusing

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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on spirituality (Oluwarinde, 2024, p. 174). This raises concerns about inclusivity and the potential
marginalisation of specific groups, urging the church to reevaluate how it can ensure all voices are
represented in its evangelistic efforts. Ultimately, addressing these theological implications demands a
careful approach that maintains scriptural fidelity while leveraging technological advancements to spread
the gospel.

Balancing Innovation and Doctrinal Integrity in AI Integration

The doctrinal consistency in the use of technology requires a careful evaluation of how new tools align with
established theological principles and core beliefs. Churches should engage in regular theological reflection
to assess the impact of technology on their evangelistic efforts, establishing guidelines to protect foundational
doctrines. Christian doctrine focuses on the community of faith's insights about Jesus of Nazareth, with
Christian theology centering on the tradition of Jesus Christ as the key model for theological formulation
(McGrath, 1997, p. 1-4). Therefore, prioritising training for both clergy and congregants on the theological
implications of technology fosters discernment and critical engagement with outreach tools. Invariably,
collaborative frameworks involving theologians, tech experts, and ministry leaders who can support
informed decision-making, while regular evaluation and feedback mechanisms will considerably help
congregations adapt their approaches without compromising theological integrity. By promoting open
dialogue and continuous reflection, the church can effectively navigate modern evangelism while staying
true to its core beliefs.
The tension between innovation and doctrinal integrity emerges as churches embrace new technologies
while striving to maintain their theological foundations. This dynamic can lead to challenges, as innovative
practices may conflict with established traditions, raising concerns about the dilution of core beliefs.
Notwithstanding, Christians have a key role in guiding AI’s standards and governance, ensuring relational
integrity in areas like soft robotics, autonomous weapons, and the workplace (Tegmark, 2018, p. 14-24). AI is
notably transforming religious practices by creating new forms of worship and community, which raises
theological questions about faith and the human-non-human relationship (Mustak et al., 2021, p. 389-404).
Therefore, balancing these aspects requires careful discernment, where churches evaluate the value of
technological advancements against their commitment to preserving the essence of their faith. As
congregations adopt modern tools for outreach, they must promote open dialogue to thoughtfully examine
how innovation can coexist with and enhance traditional expressions of faith.
Additionally, the swift evolution of technology demands a proactive strategy in which church leaders are
prepared to critically assess the new tools and their effects on worship and community life. The principle of
social and legal conventionality posits that societal value systems, shaped by history and communication,
guide human interactions with robotic technologies (Baranov et al., 2018, p. 465-472). By setting clear criteria
for evaluating innovations in light of doctrinal standards, churches can make informed choices that balance
relevance with faithfulness. Fundamentally, addressing the tension between innovation and doctrinal
integrity requires a dedication to ongoing learning and adaptation, ensuring that the church remains a
dynamic witness to the gospel in a constantly changing cultural environment.
To integrate AI into evangelistic practices without compromising beliefs, churches should develop clear
theological guidelines for technology use in ministry. This entails forming a collaborative team of
theologians, technologists, and ministry leaders to evaluate new AI applications for their alignment with
doctrinal integrity. In the same vein, ongoing education for congregants and leaders about the ethical and
theological implications of AI can foster an informed community that embraces innovation while staying
rooted in core beliefs. The aim of AI value alignment is to ensure that its systems reflect human values, a task
that becomes increasingly crucial as these systems operate autonomously and at speeds that limit human
capacity to assess the ethicality of each action (Russell, 2019, p. 137; Allen et al., 2005, p. 149-155). However,

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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prioritising transparency in the rationale behind adopting AI technologies can build trust within the
congregation, also implementing pilot programs allows ministries to test AI applications in controlled
settings, gathering feedback to refine practices before wider adoption. Lastly, focusing on relational ministry
and community engagement ensures that AI tools enhance rather than replace essential personal connections
in evangelism.
Additionally, churches should highlight the significance of prayer and discernment in the decision-making
process when incorporating AI, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to address ethical dilemmas and
potential challenges. Apparently, the rise of AI poses significant questions for technologists and humanity,
especially concerning which values AI systems should align with (Gabriel, 2020, p. 411-437).
Notwithstanding, establishing a comprehensive evaluation framework will enable ministries to regularly
assess the impact of AI on their outreach efforts, ensuring alignment with their mission and values. By
adopting a holistic approach that blends technological innovation with spiritual depth, churches can
effectively leverage AI to enhance their evangelistic initiatives while staying true to their core beliefs.

Viewpoints from Evangelical Leaders and Scholars on AI

Evangelical leaders and scholars present varied views on integrating technology into ministry, emphasising
the importance of a careful approach that upholds doctrinal fidelity. While many recognise that innovation
can enhance outreach and engagement, they stress the need for theological reflection to safeguard core beliefs
and the church’s mission. The societal impacts of the AI revolution may cause conspiracy theorists to adopt
negative views, fearing AI could be used by malevolent forces to harm humanity (Babiker et al., 2024, p. 1-
13). Some advocate for a hybrid model that balances new tools with traditional practices, honouring the
faith’s historical foundations. However, concerns arise regarding technology's potential to commodify faith
and create superficial understandings of spiritual truths. The ongoing dialogue about these innovations is
crucial for the church to effectively navigate modern evangelism while remaining grounded in its theological
commitments.
Political and sociocultural norms in any society can shape the path of technological advancement. If
technology reflects communal norms, Christianity, as a core element of these norms, may significantly
influence technological progress (Feenberg, 2017, pp. 25-66). Evangelical leaders also stress the significance
of community discernment in assessing technological practices, urging congregations to collaboratively
evaluate how innovations align with their mission and beliefs. They advocate for a proactive approach that
embraces both tradition and innovation, suggesting that the church can draw from historical practices while
adapting to modern realities. As AI and AI-driven robots progress, ethicists continue to debate moral and
rights-related questions, whereas, the 2019 pandemic altered views on how technologies like Virtual Reality
are reshaping the 21st-century church (Smith, 2022, p. 2). By cultivating a culture of theological reflection
and open dialogue, churches can effectively incorporate new technologies into their evangelistic efforts while
remaining committed to the core tenets of the faith.

Conclusion
This study explores the challenges and implications of incorporating artificial intelligence into evangelistic
practices, emphasising the need to uphold core Christian doctrines while adopting modern technology. By
examining theological, ethical, and practical dimensions of AI in ministry, the research underscores a
balanced approach that enhances evangelistic efforts without compromising fundamental beliefs. The thesis
posits that, with careful use, AI can responsibly aid ministry objectives, offering valuable insights and
guidance to assist church leaders and theologians in safeguarding doctrinal integrity amid technological
advancement. Additionally, this paper enriches academic discourse on responsible technology use in
ministry, providing a framework for balancing innovation with theological commitment.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Recommendations
The following recommendations will assist church leaders and congregations in understanding how to
incorporate AI while preserving doctrinal integrity and promoting community engagement. Furthermore,
theologians and technologists will benefit from improved collaboration, leading to more ethical practices in
evangelism:
1. Formulate clear theological guidelines for utilising artificial intelligence in evangelism to ensure
compatibility with fundamental doctrinal principles.
2. Create a collaborative framework that includes theologians, technologists, and ministry leaders to
assess the effects of new technologies on evangelistic efforts.
3. Introduce training programs for church leaders and congregants focused on the ethical implications
and theological considerations of AI use in the ministry.
4. Encourage open discussions within congregations about the integration of technology, promoting
feedback and collective discernment regarding its application.
5. Develop pilot programs to evaluate AI applications in controlled environments, collecting data and
insights prior to widespread implementation.
6. Regularly review and refine technological practices to ensure that innovations support, rather than
undermine, the church’s mission and beliefs.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Advance French Language Education in Nigeria:
Promoting Personal Growth, Spiritual Enrichment, and Intercultural Understanding

Oluwatoyin A. ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Primary Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348033433530, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0334-4471

Abstract
The intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), language education, and evangelism creates a
transformative dynamic where technology empowers individuals to connect with diverse cultures
while reinforcing their spiritual mission. AI presents a unique opportunity to revolutionise French
language education in Nigeria, especially within faith-based communities. In a context where faith-
based organisations play a significant role in education and community development, integrating AI
into French language learning can enhance the ability of believers to engage in global evangelism and
mission work. By advancing French language skills through AI, Nigeria’s faith communities can play a
pivotal role in global outreach, thus transforming cultural landscapes and enhancing the reach of their
evangelistic efforts. Through AI-enhanced platforms, individuals can not only learn French more
efficiently but also deepen their understanding of francophone cultures, allowing for more meaningful
cross-cultural exchanges. This paper explores how AI can be harnessed to enhance the teaching and
learning of French, promoting personal growth, spiritual enrichment and intercultural understanding.
As Nigeria continues to position French as a critical language for diplomacy, trade, and regional
integration, AI-driven tools such as language learning apps, virtual tutors, and real-time translation
services offer scalable solutions for overcoming traditional barriers like limited access to qualified
teachers and resources. Nigerian believers will be better equipped to share their faith across linguistic
borders, fostering a spirit of cultural inclusivity and collaboration.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, French language education, Nigeria, believers, spiritual

enrichment, intercultural understanding

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, creating new possibilities for teaching, learning,
and cultural exchange (Hulstijn, 2019; Godwin-Jones, 2019). Across disciplines and geographies, AI tools are
being deployed to address critical gaps in resources, access, and inclusivity. In multilingual societies like
Nigeria, where language diversity intersects with socio-economic and cultural development, AI’s potential
is particularly significant (Adegbija, 2004; Enwere, 2021). The integration of French as a second official
language in Nigeria, coupled with the country's expanding diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with
francophone countries, underscores the urgent need for effective and accessible French language education.
However, systemic challenges such as a shortage of trained teachers, uneven resource distribution, and the
digital divide present significant barriers to achieving widespread linguistic competence (Ekundayo, 2020;
Afolayan, 2018).
Faith-based communities in Nigeria have historically played a pivotal role in the nation’s educational
landscape (Fafunwa, 1991; Omoregbe, 2016; Odeleye, 2021). These communities have not only facilitated
spiritual and moral growth but also contributed substantially to formal education systems. With their
influence spanning urban and rural areas, faith-based organisations remain well-positioned to address
contemporary educational challenges, including the critical need for French language acquisition. For these
communities, mastering French is not merely a tool for communication; it is a gateway to fulfilling cross-
cultural and evangelical missions, particularly in francophone regions of Africa where linguistic barriers
often impede outreach efforts (Olajide & Abolade, 2016).

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The emergence of AI as a transformative force in education provides an opportunity to reimagine French
language learning in Nigeria. AI-driven tools such as virtual tutors, adaptive learning platforms, and real-
time translation services offer personalised and scalable solutions to traditional challenges in language
acquisition (Zhou et al., 2020; Wu & Xie, 2021). These tools empower learners by adapting to individual
needs, enabling efficient progress tracking, and providing immersive cultural experiences. For faith-based
communities, AI can serve as a vital enabler, equipping members with the linguistic and cultural proficiency
required for effective engagement in global missions and intercultural dialogues.
This paper discusses the role of Artificial Intelligence in advancing French language education within
Nigeria’s faith-based communities. It explores the ways in which AI can address systemic barriers, enhance
accessibility, and foster cultural understanding. The analysis focuses on the potential of AI to bridge gaps in
teacher availability, resource quality, and learner motivation. Furthermore, the study highlights the
importance of aligning AI tools with the unique cultural and spiritual contexts of faith-based organizations,
ensuring that these technologies support rather than supplant human educators.
The integration of AI into French language education also aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of regional
integration, economic development, and cultural diplomacy (Enwere, 2021). As the nation seeks to
strengthen its position within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other
regional frameworks, linguistic proficiency in French becomes an essential asset. For faith-based
organisations, this linguistic capability enhances their ability to contribute meaningfully to peace building,
development, and evangelism across diverse francophone contexts.
While the promise of AI is compelling, its implementation in education, particularly in under-resourced
settings, is not without challenges. Issues such as digital infrastructure limitations, the cost of technology,
data privacy, and the risk of cultural insensitivity must be carefully addressed (Adedokun-Shittu & Shittu,
2020; García & Floridi, 2021). Faith-based communities, with their extensive networks and commitment to
holistic development, are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in overcoming these obstacles. By fostering
partnerships with technology developers, educators, and policymakers, these organisations can ensure that
AI serves as a force for equitable and transformative education.
This paper narrates that harnessing AI for French language education in Nigeria’s faith-based communities
represents a powerful convergence of technology, culture, and spirituality. By leveraging AI’s capabilities,
Nigeria can empower its citizens to engage meaningfully in an interconnected world, fostering mutual
respect, understanding, and collaboration across linguistic and cultural divides.

Artificial Intelligence and Language Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in education, significantly reshaping the
methodologies and outcomes of language acquisition. AI-driven language learning applications such as
Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise have redefined traditional paradigms, offering learners innovative and
adaptive tools for mastering new languages, including French (Hulstijn, 2019). These platforms leverage
sophisticated machine learning algorithms to analyse individual learning behaviors, enabling the
personalisation of educational content based on progress, proficiency, and cognitive preferences. Through
continuous data analysis, AI applications dynamically adjust the complexity of exercises, provide timely
feedback, and recommend targeted interventions, thereby fostering deeper engagement and sustained
improvement in learners (Marr, 2018).
In Nigeria, where the availability of qualified French language educators is limited, particularly in rural and
underserved areas, AI presents a promising avenue for democratising access to quality language education.
Virtual tutors powered by natural language processing (NLP) technology create immersive learning
environments, engaging learners in interactive conversational exercises that address pronunciation,
grammar, and vocabulary gaps in real time (Zhou et al., 2020). Such AI-powered solutions are invaluable in

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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addressing disparities in instructional quality and accessibility, offering learners opportunities to achieve
linguistic competence irrespective of geographic or socio-economic constraints. Moreover, the flexibility of
AI tools allows individuals to progress at their own pace, a critical feature for adult learners and professionals
managing competing priorities.
Beyond personalised learning, AI fosters collaborative and intercultural learning experiences through digital
platforms that connect learners across diverse backgrounds. These platforms enable the creation of language
exchange programs, wherein Nigerian learners engage in reciprocal practice sessions with native French
speakers from francophone regions, enhancing both linguistic skills and cultural awareness (Wu & Xie, 2021).
By facilitating these exchanges, AI tools bridge geographic and cultural divides, promoting a more
interconnected and inclusive global learning community. Furthermore, such programmes contribute to a
nuanced understanding of francophone cultures, an essential aspect of effective communication and
engagement in multilingual contexts. In these ways, AI transcends traditional language learning boundaries,
serving as a catalyst for global connectivity and dialogue while addressing the linguistic challenges specific
to Nigeria.

AI, French Education, and Faith-Based Communities

Faith-based communities in Nigeria have long been a cornerstone of the country’s education system.
Historically, Christian missionary schools and Islamic institutions have played a significant role in both
spiritual development and academic instruction, shaping the moral and intellectual growth of many
Nigerians (Fafunwa, 1991). These religious institutions, particularly Christian missions, were instrumental
in the introduction of Western education to Nigeria, blending religious teachings with formal education.
Over the years, faith-based communities have continued to exert a considerable influence on Nigeria’s
educational landscape, providing not only moral guidance but also the resources for academic excellence
(Omoregbe, 2016; Odeleye, 2021).
In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative opportunity to augment the role of these
institutions, particularly in the area of language education. As Nigeria strengthens its diplomatic and cultural
ties with neighbouring francophone countries, the need for proficiency in French becomes more critical
(Enwere, 2021). AI-driven platforms can serve as effective tools for French language acquisition, especially
in environments where access to trained teachers and quality learning materials is limited. For faith-based
organisations, AI offers a way to expand their educational mission by equipping believers with the linguistic
skills necessary for effective cross-cultural and spiritual engagement.

Empowering Mission Work through AI-Enhanced Language Learning

For many Nigerian faith-based communities, especially Christian denominations engaged in missionary
work, French language skills are becoming increasingly vital. The majority of countries in West and Central
Africa are francophone, and language barriers have historically posed significant challenges to mission work
in these regions (Olajide & Abolade, 2016). By harnessing AI tools, believers can gain fluency in French more
efficiently, enabling them to better communicate their faith in francophone countries. This is particularly
important for missionaries working in rural or underserved areas where translators may not be readily
available.AI-powered language learning applications like Babbel, Duolingo, and Memrise offer structured
programs for learning French, allowing users to practice conversational skills, improve pronunciation, and
learn essential vocabulary relevant to their mission work (Godwin-Jones, 2019).
Additionally, AI can assist in real-time translation, an invaluable tool for missionaries who need to
communicate quickly and effectively in unfamiliar languages. Applications like Google Translate and
Microsoft Translator, which are powered by sophisticated AI algorithms, can help missionaries navigate
everyday conversations, spiritual discussions, and community engagement with ease (Marr, 2018). By

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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removing the language barrier, AI allows missionaries to focus on their primary goal: building relationships
and sharing their faith.

Cultural Understanding through AI-Facilitated Learning

Beyond language acquisition, AI plays a crucial role in promoting cultural understanding. Learning a
language is not only about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it involves gaining insight into the cultural
and social contexts in which the language is spoken. For Nigerian believers engaged in mission work,
understanding the cultural nuances of francophone communities is essential for establishing meaningful
connections and avoiding misunderstandings (Bender & Koller, 2020).
AI-enhanced learning platforms can integrate cultural modules into their language courses, exposing
learners to the traditions, customs, and values of francophone societies. For example, AI can simulate real-
life situations, allowing learners to practice their language skills while navigating culturally relevant
scenarios such as attending a local church service, participating in a community event, or engaging in
spiritual discussions with francophone speakers (García & Floridi, 2021). This immersive approach to
learning fosters greater empathy and respect for other cultures, which is particularly important for
missionaries who need to navigate different belief systems and cultural practices.
Faith-based organisations can also use AI to develop customized language programmes tailored to the needs
of their communities. For instance, they could create AI-powered courses that emphasise religious
vocabulary, biblical translations, and spiritual dialogues in French. Such programmes would not only help
learners achieve fluency but also equip them with the specific language skills needed for evangelism and
religious teaching in francophone regions.

AI in Faith-Based Education: Bridging the Digital Divide

While AI offers immense potential for French language education within faith-based communities, there are
challenges to its widespread adoption, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas where internet access
and digital literacy are limited (Ekundayo, 2020). Many of the AI-powered language platforms require
internet connectivity for regular updates, access to cloud-based resources, and interactive learning features.
In communities where the digital infrastructure is lacking, these tools may be difficult to implement.
However, efforts are being made to bridge this digital divide. Faith-based organisations, with their extensive
networks and influence, can advocate for greater investment in digital infrastructure and work with tech
companies to develop offline versions of AI-powered language tools. These offline platforms could allow
users to download lessons and resources for use without an internet connection, thereby extending the reach
of AI-driven education to underserved areas (Adedokun-Shittu & Shittu, 2020).
Moreover, faith-based institutions can play a role in promoting digital literacy among their members,
particularly in rural congregations. By providing training on how to use AI-powered educational tools, these
organisations can ensure that their members are not left behind in the digital revolution. This not only
enhances language learning but also equips community members with valuable digital skills that are
increasingly important in today’s global economy.

AI and Faith-Based Learning: Spiritual Growth and Global Outreach

AI’s role in language learning can extend beyond the functional benefits of communication and cultural
exchange; it can also contribute to spiritual growth and global outreach. By learning French through AI
platforms, believers can engage more deeply with francophone communities, building relationships based
on mutual respect and understanding. As they become more proficient in the language, they can participate
more fully in global conversations about faith, justice, and peace.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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For Nigerian believers, mastering French opens doors to participate in global faith-based initiatives,
collaborate with francophone ministries, and engage in intercultural dialogues that promote spiritual unity
and understanding (Olajide & Abolade, 2016). AI empowers believers to overcome linguistic barriers,
enabling them to share their faith with diverse audiences and contribute to global evangelism in ways that
were previously inaccessible.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI presents numerous opportunities for advancing French language education in Nigeria’s faith-based
communities, several challenges and considerations must be addressed to ensure its effective and ethical
implementation. These challenges are primarily related to infrastructure, digital literacy, accessibility, and
ethical concerns surrounding AI usage.

Digital Infrastructure and Internet Access

One of the most significant barriers to implementing AI-driven language learning tools in Nigeria,
particularly in rural and underserved areas, is the lack of robust digital infrastructure. Many AI-powered
language platforms, such as Duolingo or Babbel, require consistent internet access for their full functionality,
including real-time updates, access to cloud-based resources, and interactive learning experiences. In regions
where internet access is slow, expensive, or non-existent, these tools may not be fully accessible (Ekundayo,
2020).
This digital divide disproportionately affects rural areas, where a significant portion of Nigeria’s population
resides. While urban centers may benefit from more advanced digital infrastructure, the gap between urban
and rural communities in terms of access to technology can hinder the widespread adoption of AI in
language education. To overcome this challenge, there is a need for greater investment in expanding digital
infrastructure, especially in rural regions. Faith-based organisations, given their wide reach, can also
advocate for better internet connectivity and collaborate with tech companies to develop offline versions of
AI tools that can work without continuous internet access (Adedokun-Shittu & Shittu, 2020).

Cost and Accessibility

Another major consideration is the cost associated with using AI-powered platforms for language learning.
Although some AI language learning apps are free or have free versions, many premium features require a
subscription. For learners in low-income communities, the cost of accessing these advanced features or
upgrading to premium versions can be prohibitive. Furthermore, the cost of acquiring the necessary devices,
such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, can also limit access for many Nigerians, particularly in faith-
based communities where resources may be scarce (Ekundayo, 2020).
To address this, government support, subsidies, and partnerships with technology companies could help
reduce the cost burden. Faith-based communities could explore collaborations with educational tech
providers to gain access to free or subsidized versions of AI language platforms. Moreover, initiatives to
provide affordable learning devices to underserved communities would help bridge the gap in accessibility.

Digital Literacy and Teacher Training

Even in areas where AI tools are accessible, there is still the challenge of digital literacy. Many educators and
learners, particularly in rural or low-resource settings, may not be familiar with how to use AI-powered
platforms effectively. Without sufficient digital literacy, the full potential of AI in enhancing language
education cannot be realised (Adedokun-Shittu & Shittu, 2020). This is particularly true for older generations,
who may be less accustomed to digital tools and less likely to adopt AI-based learning methods.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Teacher training is crucial in overcoming this challenge. Educators in faith-based schools and communities
need to be trained not only in how to use AI tools but also in how to integrate them into their teaching
methods. AI should complement human instruction, not replace it. Teachers can use AI to provide
personalised instruction and track student progress, but they still play a critical role in providing emotional
support, context, and cultural understanding in the language-learning process (Selwyn, 2019). Faith-based
organisations should invest in professional development for their educators, ensuring they are equipped to
use AI tools effectively in the classroom.

Cultural Sensitivity and Curriculum Alignment

AI tools developed for language learning are often designed for global audiences and may not be tailored to
the specific cultural and religious contexts of Nigerian faith-based communities. For instance, the cultural
references, examples, and dialogues used in AI-powered learning platforms might not align with the
religious values or social customs of these communities (García &Floridi, 2021). This can pose a challenge in
ensuring that the content is culturally sensitive and relevant for learners in faith-based environments.
To overcome this, faith-based organisations can collaborate with developers of AI language learning
platforms to create culturally appropriate content that aligns with their spiritual and cultural values.
Customising AI platforms to include religious vocabulary, contextually relevant dialogues, and mission-
focused language lessons would make the learning experience more meaningful and applicable to the needs
of the learners.

Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy

As with any technology, the use of AI in education raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding data
privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias. AI-driven platforms typically collect vast amounts of data
from users, including their learning patterns, personal information, and progress metrics. In faith-based
communities, where privacy is often a sensitive issue, it is essential to ensure that AI tools used for language
education adhere to strict data privacy standards (Floridi, 2018).
Faith-based organisations should ensure that the AI platforms they adopt have robust data protection
measures in place to safeguard the personal information of their members. They should also be transparent
about how data is collected, stored, and used. Moreover, algorithmic bias can present another challenge, as
AI systems may not always be neutral and could unintentionally perpetuate biases in language learning
content (Bender & Koller, 2020). Ensuring that AI algorithms are fair and inclusive is critical to providing an
equitable learning experience for all users, regardless of their background.

Dependence on AI vs. Human Instruction

Another important consideration is the balance between AI and human instruction. While AI offers
numerous benefits in terms of personalisation and scalability, it cannot fully replace the value of human
teachers. Language learning is a deeply social activity, and human interaction plays a critical role in
understanding cultural context, fostering motivation, and providing emotional support during the learning
process (Hulstijn, 2019). In faith-based communities, where education is often intertwined with spiritual
mentorship, the role of human teachers becomes even more significant.
AI should be seen as a tool to augment human instruction, not replace it. Faith-based organisations and
educators need to strike a balance between the use of AI and traditional teaching methods to create a holistic
learning experience. This approach will ensure that learners benefit from the technological advantages of AI
while still receiving the essential human elements of language education.

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Conclusion
Harnessing AI to advance French language education in Nigeria offers a transformative opportunity,
particularly for faith-based communities. By integrating AI-driven tools into their language education
programmes, these communities can empower believers to engage in global evangelism more effectively and
foster deeper intercultural understanding. AI’s ability to provide personalised learning experiences, real-
time communication tools, and immersive cultural environments makes it an ideal solution for overcoming
the challenges of traditional language education in Nigeria.
At the same time, careful consideration must be given to the challenges of access, ethical data use, and the
role of human educators. Faith-based organisations, educators, and policymakers must work together to
ensure that AI is implemented in a way that benefits all learners while preserving the essential human
elements of education.

Recommendations
1. Investment in Digital Infrastructure: The Nigerian government and private stakeholders should
prioritise expanding internet access and digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to ensure
that AI-driven language learning tools are accessible to all.
2. Collaboration with Faith-Based Organisations: Policymakers and educational institutions should
collaborate with faith-based organisations to develop AI-enhanced French language programmes
that align with their spiritual and cultural missions.
3. Ethical AI Implementation: Faith-based organisations adopting AI for language education should
ensure they are using platforms that prioritise data privacy and security, protecting the sensitive
information of their members.
4. Teacher Training and Integration: Educators should receive training on how to effectively integrate
AI tools into their teaching strategies, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces human
instruction.

References
Adegbija, E. (2004). Multilingualism: A Nigerian case study. Africa World Press.
Adedokun-Shittu, N. A., & Shittu, A. J. K. (2020). The Role of Digital Infrastructure in Enhancing Language Learning
in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Educational Technology, 11(3), 213-229.
Afolayan, A. (2018). French Language Education in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects. Language Today, 9(1), 25-38.
Balogun, A. (2019). Islamic Education and Language Learning in Northern Nigeria: A Historical Overview. Journal of
Muslim Education, 7(2), 67-85.
Bender, E., & Koller, A. (2020). Climbing towards NLU: On Meaning, Form, and Understanding in the Age of Data.
Proceedings of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics, 5185-5198.
Ekundayo, S. (2020). Bridging the Digital Divide in Nigeria: The Role of AI in Education. Technology for Africa, 12(1),
33-48.
Enwere, C. (2021). Regional Language Policy and Nigeria’s Foreign Diplomacy: A Critical Review. African Linguistic
Journal, 8(3), 145-161.
Fafunwa, A. (1991). History of Education in Nigeria. NPS Educational Publishers.
Floridi, L. (2018). The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge University Press.
Garcia, M. R., & Floridi, L. (2021). The Impact of AI on Language Learning: A Critical Review. Educational Technology
Review, 14(4), 98-113.
Godwin-Jones, R. (2019). Emerging Technologies: AI and the Future of Language Learning. Language Learning &
Technology, 23(1), 9-19.
Hulstijn, J. H. (2019). The Role of AI in Foreign Language Acquisition: A Cognitive Perspective. Language Teaching
Research, 23(2), 125-137.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Li, H. (2019). Adaptive Learning and AI: Transforming Language Education for the 21st Century. The Journal of
Educational AI, 5(4), 89-101.
Levy, P. (2017). Virtual Learning Environments and the Role of AI in Language Acquisition. Language Technology
Studies, 12(3), 55-76.
Marr, B. (2018). How AI is Changing the Future of Language Learning. Forbes.
Odeleye, O. A. (2021). Droit à une éducation de qualité équitable et inclusive? Une étude comparative de l’expérience
des filles au Nigéria et au Canada. Master of Arts Thesis submitted to the University of Regina, Canada.
Olajide, S. B., & Abolade, M. O. (2016). Challenges and Opportunities in French Language Acquisition for Mission
Work in West Africa. International Journal of Language Studies, 10(3), 45-61.
Selwyn, N. (2019). Should Robots Replace Teachers? AI and the Future of Language Education. Educational Futures
Journal, 15(2), 33-48.
Wu, M., & Xie, T. (2021). AI-Driven Collaborative Language Learning Platforms: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of
Language Technology, 9(1), 112-130.
Zhou, X., Li, J., Wang, H., & Chen, Y. (2020). Advancing language education with virtual tutors: Applications of
natural language processing technologies. Journal of Educational Technology and Artificial Intelligence, 12(3), 45-59.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Power and Politics in the Context of Inter-Religious Religious Relations in Nigeria

Taiwo John BASIRU

Department of Religious Studies (Sociology of Religion), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2347043041403, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8376-4009

Abstract
Nigeria is home to many religions, so politics and power play a big role in how different religious
groups relate to each other. This paper examines how power and politics influence inter-religious
relationships in Nigeria. This paper uses existing studies and data to show how political leaders use
religious differences to push their agendas. When groups are competing for power and money, these
actions can sometimes lead to fights. The paper finds that power and politics have caused tension
between religious groups and made conflicts worse. It concludes that to improve inter-religious
relations, there must be a better understanding of how power and politics shape these issues, with
solutions focusing on the root causes of religious conflict Nigeria is a pluralistic country, so this article
recommends that religious groups. This paper recommends inter-religious dialogue between religious
groups, creating fair and inclusive governance, and ensuring that politics does not Favor just one
religion since Nigeria is a pluralistic society. It also suggests addressing poverty and inequality and
supporting organizations that promote peace and understanding among different religions

Keywords: Power and politics, inter-religious relations, Nigeria

Introduction
Nigeria is a multicultural and multi-religious country with a population divided predominantly between
Islam and Christianity, alongside traditional African religious practices. This diversity, while a source of
cultural richness, has also been a ground for inter-religious tensions, often driven by political manipulation
and power struggles. Scholars have noted that political leaders in Nigeria frequently exploit religious
identities to advance their interests, leading to heightened divisions and conflicts among religious groups
(Falola & Bangura, 2001). The resulting dissonance not only threatens national unity but also exacerbates the
socio-economic challenges facing the country. In the general household survey by the National Bureau of
Statistics says that over 50% of the population in Nigeria is Muslim, while nearly 48% is Christians (GHS,
2019). This to some extent shows the rate at which Nigerians affiliate to religion.
Power and politics are inseparable from Nigeria’s inter-religious dynamics, as both have historically played
pivotal roles in shaping how religious groups interact. The use of religion as a political tool has entrenched
mistrust among communities, particularly in regions where competition for resources and influence is
intense (Osaghae & Suberu, 2005). Additionally, the instrumentalization of religion has led to the
marginalization of minority groups, further fuelling grievances and unrest (Kukah, 1993).
On this note this paper examines the intersection of power, politics, and inter-religious relations in Nigeria,
it explores how political leaders leverage religious differences, the impact on societal cohesion, and the root
causes of inter-religious conflicts. This paper's research method comes from secondary sources like books,
journal articles, conference papers, and case studies, especially the aspect related to religious violence,
relationships between religions, and power and political struggles in Nigeria. Furthermore, it also provides
useful recommendations for dealing with these problems and promoting peace and understanding between
Nigeria's various religious and political groups.

Power and Politics in Nigeria: Overview

Nigerian political offices are not for the weak and I would say that there are people whose power cannot be
underrated in politics and complicated power battles shape Nigeria's political scene. There is a small group
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of powerful elites that control politics. These elites are often connected to certain ethnic groups or areas
(Adejumobi, 2015). These powerful people make most of the decisions, and they often put their own needs
ahead of those of the country. There is a lot of competition for political power in Nigeria, which has led to
violence and unrest (Onuoha, 2017). Most of this violence sometimes stems from power struggles between
religious and political groups.
In addition to the power struggles, money, patronage networks, and clientelism play a big role in Nigerian
politics. Political parties, although numerous, are often poorly organized and driven more by personal
interests than by clear political beliefs. Many political leaders rely on clientelist practices, where supporters
are rewarded with government resources in exchange for votes, perpetuating a system of loyalty based on
material benefits rather than political ideology or policy (Isike, 2014). These factors contribute to the
fragmented and complex political landscape, where shifting alliances and changing loyalties are common.
Power dynamics remain fluid and often unpredictable, making it challenging to establish long-term political
stability.
Nigeria follows a federal presidential system, where the president holds significant executive power. The
president is elected through a multi-party system, which theoretically offers voters a wide range of choices.
However, power is often concentrated at the federal level, leading to concerns about limited autonomy for
the states. Many state governors and local leaders complain about the lack of fiscal autonomy and the
centralization of decision-making, which hinders local development and weakens the country’s federal
structure (Lewis, 2007). The centralization of power also fuels tensions between federal and state
governments, as the former often dominates key policy areas like security and resource allocation.
In Nigerian elections, incumbents usually have an advantage because they can access state resources, control
government machinery, and use their public visibility to influence voters. They often rely on patronage
politics and government resources to support their campaigns, creating an uneven playing field for
opposition parties. The use of state resources for political gain is a well-known feature of Nigerian elections,
where incumbents may engage in vote-buying, coercion, or manipulation of electoral processes (Onuoha,
2017). This has led to calls for electoral reforms aimed at ensuring a fairer and more transparent political
system.

Theoretical Framework
To look into the connections between power, politics, and different religions in Nigeria, this paper uses the
Conflict Theory and the Instrumentalization of Religion Framework. These theories help to clarify some
concepts on how politics and society affect religious ties and generate problems inside the nation. The theory
of conflict holds that politicians and groups engage in social conflict when they fight over limited resources
including money, power, or influence. Politicians frequently exploit religious divides to win support and
maintain influence over various groups so they can either keep or acquire power. Often, using religion to
divide people apart and exacerbate issues between religious groups results in bloodshed (Russell, 1938).
Weber also made a big contribution to our understanding of power dynamics by saying that power gives
someone in a social relationship the ability to force their will on others, even when those others try to stop
them (Weber, 1978). In the Nigerian context, this theory is particularly relevant, as political actors use their
power to manipulate religious affiliations, creating divisions that serve their political interests. The ongoing
competition for power in Nigeria reflects broader patterns of leadership struggles and followership
dynamics, as political elites use religion as a mobilizing force to maintain support from key constituencies.
The Instrumentalization of Religion Framework extends this understanding by highlighting how political
leaders manipulate religion to achieve specific political goals. In Nigeria, religion is not just a private matter
but is deeply embedded in the country's political and social fabric. Leaders exploit religious sentiment to
rally voters, distract the public from governance failures, and legitimize their rule. This framework explains

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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how political elites, by focusing on religious issues, divert attention from pressing social and economic
problems, exacerbating inter-religious tensions. Joseph’s analysis of Nigeria’s political system, characterized
by "prebendal politics," shows how political elites use state resources to reward their supporters, often based
on ethnic or religious identities (Jeffries, 1989). This system perpetuates the politicization of religion, where
religious affiliation becomes a tool for gaining power rather than addressing the country's underlying issues.
According to Russell and Weber, power is deemed indispensable in society. However, the continuous pursuit
of power highlights the vital interplay between leadership and followership, integrating it into the
framework of 'social causation. Power is a process in which power holders, possessing certain motives and
goals, can secure changes in the behavior of a respondent human or animal and in the environment by
utilizing resources to their power base including factors of skill, relative to the target of their power-wielding
and necessary to secure such changes” (Burns, 1978).

Inter-Religious Religious Relations in Nigeria

Inter-religious relations in Nigeria reflect the nation’s diverse ethnic and religious composition. The northern
region is predominantly Muslim, with the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group forming a significant majority, while
the southern region is largely Christian, dominated by the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups. This diversity has
shaped interactions among Nigerians of different faiths, fostering periods of cooperation as well as conflict
(Harnischfeger, 2008).
Before colonization, Nigeria was home to various ethnic groups practicing Indigenous religions. These belief
systems were closely tied to their daily lives, emphasizing respect for nature, ancestors, and communal
values. Trade and cultural exchanges facilitated interactions between these groups. The trans-Saharan trade
routes, for example, introduced Islam to northern Nigeria as early as the 11th century. Over time, Islam
became deeply rooted in the Hausa-Fulani states, influencing governance and legal systems through the
adoption of Sharia law. In the southern regions, traditional religions continued to dominate, but trade
interactions with Muslims from the north led to occasional exchanges although these exchanges were usually
calm, occasionally they led to conflicts over territorial control or resources (Falola & Bangura, 2001).
In Nigeria's religious scene, the colonial era signaled a change. From Europe, especially Britain, Christian
missionaries concentrated on evangelizing the southern areas. Establishing churches, hospitals, and schools
brought Western healthcare and education institutions. These advancements gave southern Christians an
advantage in education and economic prospects, establishing a socio-economic divide between the largely
Muslim north and the Christian south. The partiality of the colonial authority toward Christian missions
widened this gap and caused animosity among northern Muslims who were usually deprived of these
advantages. Moreover, the colonial authorities combined the several religious and ethnic groupings of
Nigeria into one political entity, therefore establishing synthetic borders, resulting in higher tensions and
resource and political power struggles, this caused tribes with limited previous interaction to live together
(Ubah, 1982).
After Nigeria got its freedom in 1960, the effects of colonialism made relations between different religions
even worse. There were still religious differences between the North and South because of their different
levels of wealth and poverty. Especially in the north, fighting between Muslims and Christians happened on
a regular basis. Terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa have made things worse by
intentionally attacking Christian villages. According to a report from 2024, these groups have killed and
forced thousands of Christians to leave their homes, causing a humanitarian crisis (Post, 2024)

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
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Conflict and Tensions Between Religious Groups in Nigeria
From 1999 to 2020, Nigeria faced many conflicts between religious groups. These crises were mostly about
land, resources, politics, and religious beliefs. They caused many deaths, forced people to leave their homes,
and made the gap between Muslims and Christians even bigger (Akinwale, 2010)
One major religious dispute during this time was the Jos crisis in Plateau State, which took place from 2001
to 2010. Jos, a city with lots of different kinds of people, became a trouble spot. In the city, most Muslims
lived in the north, and most Christians lived in the south. Competing for resources like land and political
power made this divide even bigger. People had also been complaining for a long time that they were being
treated unfairly in politics and business. These problems made the two groups dislike and distrust each other
even more (Higazi, 2011).
There were terrible results of the Jos crisis. There were attacks with violence, mass deaths, damage to homes
and places of worship, and families being forced to leave their homes. A lot of people had to leave their
homes, and whole towns had to be moved to refugee camps. Because of the fear, companies were destroyed,
markets were messed up, and farming stopped. The violence also hurt the local economy. In addition to the
damage to property, the crisis left deep emotional wounds, made religious groups more angry and
mistrustful of each other, and split Nigerian society even more (Watch., 2001).
Also, the Jos crisis showed how hard it is for Nigeria's federal government to handle the country's religious
and racial diversity. The federal framework of the country, which was made to work with all of Nigeria's
different racial and religious groups, has sometimes made things more difficult in terms of politics and
society. People's political beliefs are often shaped by their religion and race. Politicians use religious speech
to win votes, which makes things even worse between Muslim and Christian communities. This has made it
hard to find a shared ground or make laws that encourage social harmony and acceptance (Ibrahim, 2017).
To avoid overgeneralization, it is important to keep in mind that inter-religious conflicts don't just happen
in northern Nigeria, they also happen in many other parts of the country This led to a conflict involving
Christian pastors, students, and even local traditionalists, who brought masquerades to the school, escalating
the situation.
According to Nairaland (2014), during the Egungun Festival in Iwo, Osun State, a violent clash occurred
between Muslim youths and traditional worshippers. The conflict began when traditionalists asked the
Kamarudeen Muslim Society to stop their drumming. The disagreement turned into a fight, with a
traditionalist leader, Ogundeji, injured and his regalia burned. These highlight specific cases of inter-
religious tensions in various regions, not a uniform pattern across the country and these also show the
complexities of religious conflict in Nigeria, with religious identities becoming intertwined with ethnic,
political, and socio-economic factors (Familusi, 2019) describes religious crises in Nigeria as a major threat to
the nation's survival in every aspect. It is difficult to identify any benefits arising from these crises. From a
legal standpoint, the situation reflects a clear violation of the Constitution, as it contradicts its principles and
provisions.

Power Struggles and Religious Identity

The quest for power has taken on deadly and deceitful forms worldwide. Individuals seeking power are
often motivated by various factors, including recognition, prestige, influence, social authority, economic
resources, thrill, and excitement. They aim to showcase perceived abilities, knowledge, and the capability to
enhance their own skills to navigate their surroundings effectively.
In Nigeria, power dynamics within the political sphere significantly influence inter-religious relations.
Political candidates often exploit religious differences for personal gain, using divisive rhetoric, promoting
identity politics, or engaging in favoritism towards certain religious groups to secure electoral support. Such
strategies deepen divisions and heighten tensions between religious communities. For instance, during the

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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2023 presidential election, political elites divided the electorate along ethnic and religious lines, undermining
Nigeria's democracy (Ekwueme, 2023).
Religious interest groups have increasingly engaged in political activities, leveraging their influence for
favorable post-election policies. In 2015, the Joint Muslim Forum pledged support for any Lagos
governorship candidate endorsing the use of hijab in public schools. Similarly, during Pastor Ayo
Oritsejafor's leadership, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) openly backed President Goodluck
Jonathan, granting him considerable influence in the presidency. Today, it is common for Muslim and
Christian leaders to endorse and campaign for candidates aligned with their respective faiths, further
entrenching religious dynamics in politics (Ajayi, 2023).
Religion holds great significance in the lives of individuals and communities, encompassing values, beliefs,
and practices that people hold dear. However, in Nigerian politics, the intertwining of religion and power
often leads to selfish pursuits. Different religious groups strive for representation in the political landscape,
with some openly endorsing specific candidates, as witnessed in the 2023 general election. The ruling party's
decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket, disregarding the country's pluralistic nature, resulted in some
Southwest states voting against the elected president. This decision was seen as neglecting the nation's
religious diversity and further polarizing the electorate along religious lines (Kalu, 2023).
The 2023 general election highlighted the significant role religion plays in Nigerian politics and its impact on
inter-religious relations. For example, the general overseer of the Family Worship Centre in Abuja expressed
her refusal to accept the elected president, stating that he was not her president and urging her congregation
to reject him.(Gistreel, 2023)

Impacts of Power and Politics on Inter-Religious Relation

Positive Impact:
Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Interreligious conflicts can be mediated and resolved in part by political
leaders and institutions. To lower tensions and encourage reconciliation between religious groups, they can
help to open communication, advance understanding, and start peace-building initiatives.
Legal Protection and Freedom of Religion: Laws can be made by political systems that support religious
freedoms and make sure that all religious groups have the same rights. People can freely follow their faith
without fear of being discriminated against or persecuted in a place where these protections are in place.
Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration: Through positive dialogues, political platforms and initiatives can
assist religious leaders in addressing their differences, working out their conflicts, and better understanding
of one another. Through this cooperation, one can help to create peace, solve social issues, and strengthen
society.

Negative Impact:
Divisive Politics and Manipulation: This could cause the political leaders to take advantage of religious
differences to further their political agendas by means of manipulation of religious emotions, aggravation of
already existing divisions, and generation of a hostile environment between religious groups for their own
benefit.
Marginalization and Exclusion: In politics, power relations can help some religious groups to be excluded
and marginalized. Discriminatory laws, unequal representation, and preferential treatment can aggravate
already existing disparities, sow discontent, and prolong conflicts between religions.
Resource Competition and Socio-economic Disparities: Socioeconomic differences between religious
groups can be caused by power struggles and political choices. This can lead to disagreements and
competition for resources. Unequal distribution of resources can make religious tensions worse and make
economic differences worsen conflicts.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Violence and Intolerance: On the most extreme levels, power struggles and shady politics can lead to
religious bloodshed and extremism. Political actors who take advantage of religious differences may
encourage or allow violence, which can kill people, damage property, and make religious groups even more
divided.

Conclusion
Nigeria is a varied nation with rich religious and cultural legacy that ought to bring people together. These
variations are sometimes used, though, for political benefit, which causes splits and strife. This has stoked
suspicion, set off violence, and hampered advancement in vital spheres including education, employment,
and growth. The history of the nation, molded by colonization and the blending of many groups, has
heightened power and resource rivalry. Further aggravating the problem are social and economic differences
between northern and southern Nigeria. Events like the Jos crisis and the Boko Haram insurgency show how
occasionally religion is weaponized to support division and damage. Dealing with these problems calls for
addressing the underlying causes of conflict including poverty, inequality, and religious politicizing.
Regardless of their religion or background, leaders have to enact equitable policies guaranteeing equal
opportunity for all people. Equally important is strengthening systems to stop the use of religion for political
or personal benefit. Collective efforts among leaders, religious groups, and people will help Nigeria to find
peace and development.

Recommendations
The researcher recommends the need to address the underlying causes and put efforts into promoting:
1. Fairness and equality by promoting social justice and ensuring resources are shared equally
among all groups: The government and other relevant organizations should make rules that even
out economic differences and make sure that resources like education, healthcare, and infrastructure
are shared fairly across all areas, regardless of religious affiliation. This can help lower the feelings of
exclusion that often lead to tensions between religions. Community-based programs should be put
in place to help people in poor areas make better money, with a focus on giving religious groups that
are feeling left out more power.
2. Encourage dialogue between different religious groups to build mutual respect and
understanding: Religious groups and leaders should lead the way in encouraging discussion
between different faiths. To help people of different religions understand and respect each other
better, this could include regular gatherings, public forums, and religious celebrations where
everyone is welcome. Events can be put together by schools, universities, and community groups to
get young people to talk about religious diversity and learn about other people's beliefs and practices.
This can help break down stereotypes and build empathy.
3. Support political reforms and good governance to address economic inequality and reduce
tensions between religious groups: Leadership in politics should focus on measures that support
justice, peace, and social cohesion. In order to make sure that everyone has access to basic needs like
schooling and healthcare, they should work to get rid of corruption. To make sure that policies meet
the needs of all communities and help bridge religious gaps, government offices should work closely
with religious groups and civil society organizations.
4. Empower the National Religious Advisory Board and the Nigerian Inter-religious Council to lead
efforts in promoting inter-religious dialogue and peace: It is recommended that these groups be
given more power and resources to plan and carry out actions between different religions at the local,
regional, and national levels. Their job could include resolving disagreements, planning events that
promote peace, and making sure that religious groups have a say in how policies about religious

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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freedom and tolerance are made. Members of these councils should be put through training and skill-
building programs to give them the tools they need to deal with religious disputes and promote
peace.
5. Organize seminars and workshops for people of different religions to increase understanding and
foster long-term political progress: Seminars and workshops should be held regularly to educate
people on the importance of interfaith harmony, the history of religious conflicts, and the role of
religion in promoting peace. These programs should target both religious leaders and ordinary
citizens, focusing on how to handle religious differences in everyday life. Religious organizations and
civil society groups should partner to create educational programs that teach respect for diversity,
conflict resolution skills, and the principles of peaceful coexistence.
6. Take a broad approach to solving religious conflicts by considering the social, economic, and
political factors involved, rather than just focusing on religious differences: Solutions to religious
conflict should not be limited to religious dialogue alone but should also consider the broader context,
including poverty, inequality, and political manipulation. Efforts should be made to address the root
causes of conflict, such as competition for resources and political manipulation of religious identities.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Evangelism through Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content: Opportunities and Pitfalls

Bolaji Aquila Adegoke ADESANYA

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan. Nigeria
[email protected], +22870915966, https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1086-1050

Abstract
This paper is an examination of Evangelism through Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content:
Opportunities and Pitfalls and in the Global Evangelism: Empowering Believers, Transforming
Cultures to replace the human capacity in oblige to the Masters instruction, in an obedience and
faithfulness to God’s injunctions in Matthew 28:18-20. The paper expounds the compositions of the
recipients of God's injunction in Matthew 28:18-20. How it affects the obedience of contemporary
disciples in fulfilling the great commission and the task in relation to the Artificial Intelligence-
Generated Content in what God has committed in our care. The paper expatiates on the importance of
physical presence and roles of human feeling in relation with empathy for the receiver of the gospel
message. The study elucidates in brief the historical background of the book of Matthew 28:18-20 with
the exegetical work on the message of instructions in the pericope to be considering in the fulfilment of
it in discipleship. "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teachings them to observe everything that I have
commanded you. And see, I am with you always, even to the end of the age,” Amen. The paper
concludes in respect to follow up in the context with relations to report for the sender-God and reward
to the doers-human beings based on the text of Luke 10:17-20.

Keywords: Global Evangelization, Exegesis of Matthew 28:18-20, Disciples and Apostles, Obedient
and Faithfulness, Accountability and Reward, Content, Contextualization, Artificial Intelligence,
Opportunities and Pitfalls

Introduction
The thesis of this paper is to examine the Evangelism through Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content:
Opportunities and Pitfalls. The task is to expounds on Global Evangelism as injunctions of God to all and
sundry that have given their life to Christ. Evangelism could be understood as propagating the good news
about Jesus Christ, in relation to His death, resurrection, and redemptive work for every mankind from every
race, ethnic group, tribe, and even colour. The proclamation of the good news of Christ to the lost souls is
the main task of the Church wherever their location in any continent of the globe. The directive of Jesus
Christ for all believers in Christ is to propagate the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). It is an imperative statement.
Therefore, evangelism has been an effective instrument by which people encounter the gospel. When people
confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, they are organized together as a local Church in which they could
be nurtured, disciple and be baptized according to the injunction of God in Matthew 28:19-20. The work of
organizing them requires a deliberate and special skill. Then the gospel must reflect in the lifestyles of the
new believers as evidence of the transformed life from dying to a new soul. However, some basic
considerations will precede this discuss. Such basics include the etymological considerations of some
keywords for the elucidation of the paper in view. The writer of the paper discussed an overview of exegetical
text of Matthew 28:18-20 by bringing out the concept of Evangelism in relation with Artificial Intelligence
Generated-Content in relations to human capacity in contemporary global evangelization.

Global Evangelization
God delights that all man will be reconciled back to Him; it does not matter how far away they have moved
from His love. The love of God prompted Him to send His only begotten Son in the person of Jesus Christ to

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the world to reconcile sinful souls back to Himself, which is the great commission. The word “reconciliation”
καταλλαγῆς is a reference to a way of dealing with and overcoming past alienation and estrangement,
enmity and hurt between two parties: a restoration to a forfeited position (Adesanya, 2017). Evangelism is
“bringing the whole gospel to the whole man,” it is the ministry of the Church. This is known as the heartbeat
of God (Hustard, 1993). The cost of this reconciliation was the death of Jesus Christ who came to the world
and shed His blood on the cross, where He exclaimed, “it is finished” in thousands of years ago to save the
souls of the sinners, which is the intention of God. Evangelism is the main task of a local Church and every
gender and children must not be left out of receiving the gospel and sharing the same gospel.
The term “Gospel” literally means “good news” or “proclaiming good news” (Brand, et. al, 2003). The
English word “gospel” is from the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (Anthony, 2001), which means “good, merry,
glad, and joyful tidings (Mounce, 2001) or good news (Anthony, 2001). “Gospel,” is the good tidings of the
kingdom of God and salvation through Christ, to be received by faith on the basis of His expiatory death,
His burial, resurrection, and ascension (Vine, 1939). Then the gospel was committed to the care of the Lord’s
disciple who later became an apostles and leader of the Church universal as to make “disciples” of all the
nations, tribes, races and gender to the saving knowledge of God (Acts. 1:8). This word appears seventy-five
times in the New Testament as “good news” (Mounce, 2001), which shows how important the gospel is,
especially when it is directed to an unregenerate soul.
In the Old Testament texts, the Hebrew terms for Evangelism are besorah (noun) and basar (verb), which the
Septuagints translates into Greek as εὐαγγελιον and εὐαγγελιζω respectively. These terms refer to the
activity of culminating significant news in any general sense (1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Kings 1:42). But they come to
mean significant news in a specific sense-God’s acts of salvation, most importantly the promised
eschatological salvation of His people (Psalms 40:9 96:2; Isaiah 40:9, 41:27 61:1 and Nahum 1:15), (Douglas,
1996). Therefore, there is need for individuals to be empowered with correct contents of the Master’s guide,
He even promised to be with us (Matthew 28:20b) and then by the time our mouth is opened for the
proclamation, He will definitely fill us with the right and appropriate contents of Words from the Scripture
(Psalms 81:10).

Disciples and Apostles for Evangelization

The Discipleship can be defined as the process of being a follower, learner, and adherent of Jesus. It connotes
a person who follows Jesus as Master, teacher, and Lord (Matt. 7:28-29; 8:25; Luke 8:24). Discipleship is the
process by which a believer learns to live like Christ, think like Christ, and serve like Christ. The term disciple
is derived from the Greek word "μαθητής," which gives the stem expression of a ‘student,’ ‘pupil,’ ‘follower,’
‘adherent’ or ‘disciple’ that is closely linked to a διδάσκαλος," which is translated as a ‘religious leader,’
‘master’ or ‘teacher.’ The concept of a disciple gained dominance during the time of Jesus and his followers
(Wilkins, 1992).
Apostle: The word Apostle comes from the Greek word and it is used in the gospels to designate the twelve
disciples called and sent out to preach of the kingdom and demonstrate the presence of God. The term is not
applied to Jesus Himself in the gospel, nevertheless that the thought of himself as the apostle of God (Kruse,
1992). The Greek word "ἀπόστολος,” was used only frequently in the Greek language prior to the New
Testament times.
In classical Greek, "ἀπόστολος,” was used in an impersonal way, for example, it was used in reference to the
dispatch of a fleet or an army and then in reference to the fleet itself. The use of the term "ἀπόστολος,” in the
gospels and indeed its powerful usage throughout the New Testament is a designation for someone who is
sent by Christ to convey a message from God (Barnett, 1993). In the words of Morris Ashcraft, “Anyone who
would understand the Christian ministry must not only define the term but must also show what the
concepts were embedded in its usage and what it meant to those who claimed to be apostles” (Ashcraft, 1958)

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
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even in relation to Evangelism. The writer is of opinion that whoever, that propounded a concept must
actually share in the experience of the identity for others to learn and follow succinctly. This will lead to the
contents for the evangelism.

Contents for the Evangelization

Contents of the message in Evangelism is very crucial and important for the purposes of soul winning and
spreading the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The content of Global Evangelism is the use of words and
Word. The words here is the verbal communication explore for the propagation of the Gospel to yet
unreachable souls around our local and global environ. Then the Word is the use of the name of Jesus Christ,
Who is the Subject of the discussion to everyone that comes our ways. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the Saviour of the whole world. Who died for our sin, because without the shedding of the blood there is no
remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). In addition to that content is gospel to preach, which should be center on
Jesus Christ Crucifixion with the truth about Christ death and resurrection for sin. Then the preacher should
explore the content of allowing an individual for an invitation to repent and believe in Christ. Therefore, for
an evangelism to be fulfill in consonant with the injunction of the Master-Jesus, these contents should be
applied in an evangelization.

Contextualization of Global Evangelization

The concept of contextualization dates back to the first century Christianity. The expressions of Paul the
Apostle in one of his letters to the Corinthians Christians are regarded as biblical basis for contextualization.
Paul wrote:
and unto the Jews I became as a Jew that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law as
under the law that I might gain them that area under the law; To them that are without the law as
without law… that I might gain them that are without the law. To the weak became I as weak that I
might gain the weak, that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:21-22).
Contextualization has a focus always. Since its usage in 1972, through the courtesy of the Theological
Education Fund when it published Ministry in Context. The Third Mandate of the Theological Education fund
(Hesselgrave and Rommen 1989). Several authors have contributed to the discussion on the
contextualization. Contextualization is the process of interpreting Christian truth in terms of applying it to
the real-life issue arising from the sociocultural context within which the interpreters live (Akande, 2012).
Contextualization is defined as “the translation of the unchanging context of the Gospel of the Kingdom into
verbal form, meaningful to the people in their separate cultures and within their particular existential
situation. This was defined by Nicholls B. J. and Peter, G. W., whom they identified with, the thoughts of
Kraft in their definition of Contextualization, cited by (Hesselgrave and Rommen 1989). The main key word
in Kraft’s thought is “interpretation” whereas Nicholls and Peter engaged the term “translation.” It was
observed that the task of Contextualization in Evangelism transcends “translation” (Ishola, 1993), for the
same reason the idea of “interpretation” in the definition of Kraft will make the writer prefer another
definition because “interpretation” is not all that is there to Contextualization in Evangelism.
Contextualization is “the attempt to communicate the message of the person, works, word and will of God
in a way that is faithful to God’s revelation especially as it is put forth in the teachings of Holy Scripture and
that is meaningful to respondents in their respective cultural and existential contexts (Hesselgrave and
Rommen, 1989) for an Evangelism. The writer then subscribes and oblige to the definition of Hesselgrave
and Rommens clear and inclusive for the purpose of this paper and thus adopts it. It reflects the contents of
an Evangelization for a global purpose.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
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Exegesis of Matthew 28:18-20
Background to the Book of Matthew
The authorship of the book of Matthew is acceptable by Christian and no one has seriously questioned that
he wrote the book that bears his name. Matthew was an early disciple, leaving his post as tax collector in
Capernaum to follow Jesus Christ. Later he was chosen as one of the twelve apostles. Many think that as tax
collector, he was compulsive in taking notes as he surveyed the caravans and travellers who passed through
his tax table. Matthew took notes on Jesus’ sermons and wrote down the miracles that He performed.
Many feel that Matthew was the first of the books written in the New Testament, and was therefore placed
first in order. Only a few people think that he wrote at a later date, between A.D. 58-68 (Towns, 2003). It is
obvious that Matthew did write before the destruction of the Jewish temple, because his writing included
the prediction that the temple would be destroyed (Matthew 24-25). Apparently, the temple was still
standing when he wrote. The key word is king, and Matthew attempts to demonstrate that Jesus fulfils the
prophecies of Messiah, the coming King (Towns, 2003).
The vast majority expounds and analyses the subject from the standpoint of normative Christian theology:
what the Bible says, what Christian mission requires and how it should be implemented - in short, what
Christians ought to do about it and how Christians ought to obey Christ's Great Commission in Matthew
28:18-20 (Fanning, 2011). The focus of this is to exegete the text, which would help us to expatiate and arrive
at the summations that there is Opportunities and Pitfalls through Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content
for Evangelism.

The Theological Context of Matthew 28:18-20

This passage plays a vital role as a motif for Clarion call for Christian gathering, causing people to recall the
significance of mission and evangelism. In fact, this passage functions as a support - even a command -
allowing Christians to legitimize almost every kind of missionary work in order to compel non-Christians to
become disciples of Jesus (Chung, 2015). Matthew uses five lines to present this scenario. He first covers the
characters and setting, then he moves on to the circumstances around the context. He gives them motivation
for their action, commands them, which is an imperative on what to do and how to do it, and finally, closes
with a promise that only God can make disciples (Phelps 2011).
Therefore, Jesus commissions the disciples to go out and make disciples of all the nations by creating
communities of obedience among the nations. 'Mission is replicated discipleship, learned through ethical
obedience and passed on through teaching' (White & Assimeng, 2017). This text in consideration Matthew
28 :18-20 is the pivotal foundation on global evangelism, which is transferable to another generations.
Therefore, to make a disciples is an imperative and a prerogative of God’s intention to cause increase and
expansion of His kingdom on earth. This could be achievable through man’s obedient and faithfullness to
the Caller and Master-Jesus.

The Text Matthew 28:18-20

Verse 18 The Use of “All Authority (ἐξουσία)
In Matthew 28:18-20, the one who spoke on the commission is the one who had been given (ἐξουσία) “all
authority” (v. 18) to do so. The authority of Christ is not a new theme in this gospel (Mt 7:29; 10:1, 7-8; 11:27;
22:43-44; 24:35). His power to overcome the devil (Mt 4:1-11), to teach like no other (7:28-29), to calm nature
(8:23-27), to forgive sin (9:1-8) and to heal the sick (9:27-31) had already been established (Lawless, 2011).
Thus, Authority refers to the power of deity assumed by Him at His resurrection and ascension. Authority
in this text is transferred to believers in Christ, because, regarding His divine nature, “all power” has been
always His portion of. Jesus approaches disciple before the commission in verse 19, he assures them of his
sovereignty over heaven and earth. Christ addresses His disciples - some of whom are hesitant to worship

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Him - and clearly expresses His exalted position of authority. Matthew 28:18b expresses Jesus' consciousness
of full authority with a view to wielding that authority in the command that follows (Chung, 2015). Then
Jesus claims universal authority. It is on the basis of this mediatorial authority, in heaven and on earth, that
the Saviour issues His commission to His followers' (Thomas, 2000). The writer put succinctly that, because,
He was sent by His Father. He counted on the authority of His Father to control all the circumstances and
resources, which is to enable Him to carry out His mission, also He expects His disciples to count on His
authority to fulfil and obey all his commands as He did in obedience to the Father's will.
The indicative statement that introduces the Great Commission ('all authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me') alerts us to the reality that Jesus is not only a teacher - he is the Lord. Jesus indicates that
the resurrection was His enthronement, the beginning of His kingly reign, when He says, “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me”. Authority, indicating Matthew's Christological theme, which
translated from the Greek word ἐξουσία “power or right”. By proclaiming Himself as the highest and only
authority, Jesus Himself stands behind the command of verse 19 (Hertig, 2001). The command to make
disciples is related to the claim of authority through use of the conjunction οὖν (Lee & Viljoen, 2010). The
gospel points to Jesus as the final, ultimate and complete revelation of God, but this arrangement is then
punctuated by Jesus' own words: All authority is given to Me in heaven and earth'. This passage can, with
good reason, refer to Jesus in almost Pauline terms as the one in whom heaven and earth have their
completion - the new Adam in which God establishes His new creation (Col 1:15-16). God establishes Christ
as the new Adam, the man from heaven (1 Cor. 15:45) in whom His new humanity is joined together - not by
blood, but by the proclamation of the gospel, baptism and faith (Scaer, 1991). What is more important for this
paper is that this authority is given in heaven and on earth. It is a universal authority. Jesus is assuring His
disciples that there is no other power in heaven or on earth than the power that the Father has given Him,
which is also endowing the disciples and other believers in Christ.

Verse 19 The Use of “all the nations,”

The phrase all the nations (πάντα τὰ ἔθνη) points to the unrestricted nature of mission for Evangelism. The
Great Commission's phrase πάντα τὰ ἔθνη must include every human, because it includes the qualifying
adjective πάντα [all] as narrative of the sheep and goats. In fact, Evangelism (mission) to the Jews had
already been commanded (Mt 10:6) and is now taken for granted (25:32). Furthermore, it would be absurd
to imagine that a mission mandate given from a Jew to Jewish disciples would exclude Jews, especially when
they have already been included (Mt 10:6; Hertig, 2001). Some understand the term ἔθνη as referring only to
Gentiles - an interpretation likely built on a belief that God had ultimately rejected the Jews who had first
rejected Him (Lawless, 2011). Others view 'nations' as 'peoples' or 'ethnic groups'. Gentiles and Jews alike
would thus have been included in this call. The gospel is for all the world - not only for the lost sheep of
Israel (Lawless, 2011).
The word nations translates from the word ἔθνη from which we have the English word ethnic. Today we use
the expression ethnic people group to define the many ethno-linguistic distinct groups of people that consider
themselves different from other people because of their unique language, culture and beliefs. (Fanning, 2011).
Most scholars, accept the view that πάντα τὰ ἔθνη should be translated as 'all the nations' which includes
both the Jews and the Gentiles. On this reading of the text, the original mission to the Jews is now expanded
to include the Gentiles. It emphases the importance of Jesus' focus on all nations according to (Sim, 2014).
This marks a shift from Jesus as a Jewish rabbi to Jesus as the way to redeem the entire world. If the disciples
can change the people of all nations, the world can be redeemed (Hiebert, 1992). What is important and even
shocking for Matthew's Jewish audience is that the new followers of Jesus are to come from the Gentiles and
that they, the descendants of the patriarchs, have lost their special status (Mt 8:11-12).

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Jesus had given command to his disciples to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It is noteworthy that
ethnic is a neuter plural, and would thus be expected as the proper form in opposition to it (Scaer, 1991).
Therefore, it is better to take the commission here as expanding the 'mission' of Matthew 10:5 to include all
ethnic groups. What Matthew intends with this reading, is that the disciples understand that their mission is
to ethnic groups and they must preserve the ethnic identity of each group. Group conversions can, and
perhaps should be the norm. Thus, Jesus commands the making of disciples of individuals from all ethnic
groups, including Judaism (Freeman, 1997). The mandate is that Christians have to proclaim the good news
to all nations and thus fulfil the commission given by Christ in verse 19 (Tucker & Woodbridge, 2012).
Jesus commissioned the disciples and apostles to a worldwide Evangelism, which was parallel and in
contrast to Rome's desire for worldwide societal control (Cronshaw, 2016). This benefit of welfare would
then explain why the mission command contains an injunction to baptize all nations and to bring new
believers in through a confirmation of the triune God working cohesively (Chung, 2015). The task is for all.

Verse 20 The Use of the expression “Teach all Things”

The command is to 'teach all things,' and the author records Jesus giving a command for active evangelism
in those discourses. Then the command would apply to believers at all times and in all places because of
Christ's command in Matthew 28 (Phelps, 2011). The final phrase of the Great Commission, 'teaching them
to obey everything that I have commanded', refers to the on-going training in all the commands of the New
Testament. The phrase to obey means 'to attend to carefully, or to guard a prisoner'. It refers to a lifestyle of
learning, remembering and practicing all the teaching commands of Jesus and the Holy Spirit throughout
the New Testament (Fanning, 2011).
Obedience to the Master is paramount on the both side of the disciples and the recipients of the gospel.
Therefore, for an individual to be able to receive a reward from the Lord Jesus Christ, such person must fulfil
the mandate. Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you' provides the content of what is to
be passed on to others in the process of discipleship and apostleship. If the disciples are to teach them to obey
'everything' Jesus has commanded, then the mission and evangelization of the disciples is to be holistic
(Hertig, 2001). Discipleship and Apostleship involves diligent teaching of the gospel and practices that
promotes a lifestyle of becoming ever more like Jesus Christ. Discipleship is not limited to what you can
comprehend - it must transcend all understanding. It is a life of strict adherence and obedience, faithfulness
and accountability to Christ and His commandments also adherence to Christ as the object of our faith (White
& Assimeng, 2017). To teach is a means of evangelization in part of the world. This requires diligence and
commitment perpetually.
The 'teaching' of verse 20 refers to the communication of the total revelation and good news, which God has
given in Jesus and not only the call to faith. The call to repentance (i.e. contrition and faith) is the call to be
baptized. The teaching (διδάσκοντες) goes beyond that call. The disciples and apostles are sent to teach the
new disciples to keep what Jesus commanded. It is Jesus' own teaching and not the Torah that is the substance
of what is to be taught. Throughout Matthew, the emphasis has been on Jesus as the teacher. Now the
disciples are for the first time commissioned to also teach. However, it is not just that they are to teach. They
are to teach the converts 'to keep' (τηρεῖν) that which Jesus taught. This verb adds a distinctively ethical
dimension to the teaching. Christianity is Torah-based, but it is, nevertheless, inherently moral. Any
proclamation of the gospel, which does not have this Christocentric ethic, is not the gospel as Matthew
presents it (Freeman, 1997).
Thus, the disciples are commanded to baptize those who believe and after the baptism to orientate the
believers in the way that they should live here on earth as the children of God. This commandment is based
on the whole gospel of Jesus without selecting some facts. It means the gospel of Jesus, as presented in the
Great Commission, is a holistic gospel. It has an ability to cover various areas of life as Jesus taught his

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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disciples. The Great Commission is a command to teach the believers the whole truth without compromise;
it is teaching without fear and favour.

In verse 20: The Use of “the Promise” 'I am with you always, even to the end of the ages
The promise of Jesus at the end of Matthew, 'I am with you always, even to the end of the ages' (v.20), was
much more than a perfunctory closing to a call statement. It was an announcement of victory even in the
midst of persecution. In all of these dangerous situations, the disciples would need to trust the bookend
truths of Matthew's Gospel: the virgin-born redeemer, named 'God with us' (1:27) would be with them to the
end (28:20; Lawless 2011). That suggest the assurance of His presence and provision is already available for
such disciples as individual embark on evangelism.
This last promise in Matthew extends beyond the life span of the disciples to every believer that commits to
the task of raising up a group of Christ-followers among every ethno-linguistic group of people on earth 'to
the end of the age' (v. 20b). This phrase is found in Matthew 13:39-40, 49; 24:3 which refers to the end of the
present age when the Son of Man returns to establish his kingdom. Thus, the promise not only applied to
these first century disciples, but to every disciple since then and until the end of the church age (Fanning,
2011). The responsibility ends with the promise of Jesus' presence, protection and provision, which is similar
to those Old Testament passages in which God promised His presence always to those He sent out.
Now they are promise that He will be with them all the days until the consummation of the ages. In Matthew
1:23 the name Immanuel was interpreted as 'God (is) with us'. Now the disciples are assure that, as they go in
his name, he will continue to be Immanuel to them. This suggest to us that, provision of the materials and
contents is readily available with the Immanuel for our needs and consumptions. He is Spirit and those will
serve Him must be in Spirit so as receive an inspiration from Him and not a generated-content from Artificial
Intelligence for purpose of the Global Evangelism.

Obedience and Faithfulness towards Evangelization

The hallmark of the call to discipleship and apostleship is to be obedient and faithful to the assignment and
commission that our Master has committed to our hands. Obedience is a basic aspect of the believers in
Christ’s faith, and comprehending its true definition can deepen our relationship with God’s guide and
guard our daily lives. Furthermore, Obedience is defined by hearing, listening, and responding to God with
reverence and assent. In line with the Hebrew traditions signifies subordination and hearing under authority
of Christ, while in Greek, it implies persuasion and acing on what is heard. It is a test of faith and reverence
for God, on a condition for a right relationship with Him. Obedience to God’s imperative is an act of worship
and an expression of love for Jesus Christ. It enhances commitment to clarion call on Global Evangelism in
accordance with the great commission. Our faithfulness is required in order to be able to fulfil the task of
evangelizing within the community and outside individual domain. Obedience aligns with a command from
one’s superior or deity. Jesus gave a command to all His disciple so as to be faithful to the work of spreading
the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ. Instructions to be adhere to is given by the Lord Jesus Christ to
those whom He sent for evangelizing and this requires accountability.

Accountability and Reward for Evangelization

God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek and serve Him. Whenever the saviour comes, He will
reward everyone according to obedience and faithfulness. This is in the prerogative of the Lord. According
to the text, Luke 10:17-20, the disciples came and give report of their encounter and outcome of experience
when they did go for evangelism. The accountability of man depends on individual diligence and obedience
to only what you are told to do, is what the Lord will use to reward His disciples and apostles.

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Whoever that fulfil the mandate of the Master to His desire shall be surely rewarded, which place subsume
to obedience to the faithfulness to the call of the Master, as regard to the great commission is applied to. Jesus
says “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, “to give every man according as his work
shall be” (Revelation 22:12).
To be rewarded for the work done, it shows that God is faithful to His promise. Whether our Evangelism
generated-content is through Artificial Intelligence or from study the manuscripts directly, the Lord will
surely rewards obedience and faithfulness to His standard. Paul says that I am allowed to anything- but not
everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything - but not everything is beneficial (1 Cor. 10:23, NLT).
Whichever individual prefer must be what is leading to a point in time for the inspirational for the fulfilment
of His purpose and counsel in a particular life for His glory alone also be rewarded for it from our Saviour
should be our priority.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence plays a vital role in Generated-Content for Global Evangelism with evolving of
sophisticated technologies advancement being deployed to pursue evangelism in the 21st century.
In addition, Artificial Intelligence could not replace human capacity in the spreading of the good news to
domain of the recipients of the gospel in this dispensation rather it will improve the accessibility to quality
resource material through the use of digital technologies and irrespective of time and locations. The term
Artificial Intelligence known as Artificial Intelligence appeared for the first time in 1956 at a small conference
at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire (Adebayo & Atowoju, 2024). Since then, lots of discipline in many
fields such as Computer Sciences or even philosophy are still arguing about what an Artificial Intelligence
is.
John McCarthy, initially coined the term, Artificial Intelligence. In 1956 when he invited a bunch of
researchers from a variety of disciplines as well as language simulation, vegetative cell nets, quality theory,
and a lot of, to a summer workshop known as the Dartmouth Summer Research on Artificial Intelligence to
debate about what would ultimately become the sphere of Artificial Intelligence (Kaplin and Haenlein, 2019),
which was culled from the article of (Adebayo & Awotoju, 2024). An Artificial Intelligence is a computer
program or a robot that can learn and improve to solve problems as usually done by humans or an intelligent
subject. Artificial Intelligence is a computer system able to perform tasks that normally require human
intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between
languages (Redmond, 2011). Not only that, sourcing for the vocabulary in relation to different fields of
endeavours and correct text of Scripture for the Evangelization in an Intercultural setting in a global context.
Artificial Intelligence has swiftly established itself as a revolutionary force in a vast variety of organizations,
including religious settings (Adebayo & Atowoju, 2024). The evolution of Artificial Intelligence has resulted
in an array of development and innovations that have impacted Spiritual aspect of human life. Life is in two
coins, likewise in the all facets of life endeavours even religious and evangelism is not being left out, that is
why as the opportunities emerges and so is the pitfalls.

Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content on Global Evangelism

Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content can offer various opportunities for evangelism in the midst of
global context such as: Creating Content in Multiple Language and Collaborations
Artificial Intelligence tools can facilitate collaboration among evangelists by providing suggestions, insights,
and feedback on academic papers, leading to higher-quality content and ideas. AI can help you translate
your content into multiple languages, expanding your global outreach and reaching more people. However,
it is essential to consider cultural and linguistic nuances to ensure the content is accurate and culturally
sensitive. Human editing and oversight are crucial in this process to ensure that the translated content

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effectively conveys the intended message and values of the church. With the help of Artificial Intelligence,
one can break down language barriers and share your message with a broader audience.

Enhances the Preachers Intellectual Experience and Optimizations

Thanks to its sophisticated tool-set and the ability to analyze texts of the Scripture as an Artificial Intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence will improve the preacher intellectual capacity about his service in the commission and
task of Evangelism. Doing so allows the preacher to adapt their tools of the text and services to current and
future Gospel spreads. Artificial Intelligence solutions aim to enable the highest level of efficiency and
enhance the preacher intellectual experience with the competence in the workforce by foretelling the works
and the word of God for the tasks of the Gospel to be fulfilled.

To Avoid Human Error in Biblical Analysis

Artificial Intelligence can never be entirely error-free. However, the more data provides our algorithms —
and the better technologies individuals use — the better our Artificial Intelligence-based tools can perform.
That means faster execution of tasks with more accurate results than if individual is asked to do the same
activities. And in many cases, the accuracy is close to One hundred percent. Artificial intelligence is less
susceptible to errors than people because it does not suffer from human characteristics like fatigue and
distraction. It works effectively, no matter the time of day, avoiding emotions, opinions, and prejudice —
only ever making objective decisions.

To Generate more Meaningful Biblical Insights

Artificial Intelligence analytical capabilities can put someone in a position of serious strength. Robust
exegetical analysis allows for better biblical insight with a result, more reliable insights into emerging trend
of theological discuss on evangelism and its concept in 21st century. Interestingly, Artificial Intelligence can
even predict behavioural context of the Biblical time, which illustrates how it can be of help to approach any
context in our time (Majewski, et al. 2024).

To Save Time and Cost

Artificial Intelligence can help by automating long, repetitive tasks so as to save time-frame. Before
embarking on the evangelism, there is a provision for empowering the people by counseling and teaching
them on how to share the gospel in relation to the peculiarity of the individual’s believe and Intercultural
millieu. Jesus says, ‘We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming,
and then no one can work, (John 9:4 NLT). Using machine learning and neural networks for a seminar about a
particular environment individual creates, then deploys a tool that can reduce the time taken on the task.

Improve Systematic Presentation and Choice of Words for Proclamations

Artificial Intelligence has resulted in better data strategies. In truth, it has had an unprecedented impact
systematic and choice of word performance in short, AI can Improve gospel presentation through media
focused and create more relevant and engaging content to target a broader audience and create more effective
proclamations. Additionally, AI can enable the development of autonomous lifestyles, and enhance
educational experiences and development through personalized learning. Overall, the possibilities with
Artificial Intelligence are vast and continue to expand as technology advances.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content on Global Evangelism
Lack of Inspirational and Guidance of the Holy Spirit
In the book of John 14:26, “there is a promise of the comforter who will teach you all things” now that AI is
to generate-content for evangelism, there is place of Holy Spirit inspiring the disciples again. It shows it is
now by machine efforts not by His Spirit any longer. But individual disciple and apostle supposes to depend
on God. Zechariah says, so he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor
by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty. “ (Zechariah 4:6).

Lack of Originality and Creativity

It is known that large language models produce content based on the patterns and information they have
been trained on. In other words, the resulting content may mirror common themes, phrases, and ideas found
in its training information. It often leads to repetitive, formulaic and generic contents. Then, if two separate
individuals wrote on the same prompt, an AI tool will share similar thought or idea, with some minor
changes in the content delivery. Sharing thought of generated-content, it would not need go in out any
longer, in as much individual can access the AI then it reduces the original content of direct inspiration from
God who sent the disciples. Therefore, no fresh perspective in the way of doing things even regarding
spreading of the good news.

Lack of Personal Expressions

An AI generated-content comes in “templates,” whereas individual disciples have personalities, distinct
tones, and perspectives. This allows us to resonate better with readers and create a strong connection and
empathy with the listener in our context. Generative contents lack their own personal expressions because
they create content based on patterns, data, and information gather and analyzed rather than personal
expressions or unique styles.

Lack of Ethical Issues

Moreover, AI writing tools may reinforce harmful stereotypes or infringe on intellectual property rights.
Engaging in such practices may damage individual reputation, such an individual not the content creator
and in the midst of academia known as plagiarism and where in the spiritual palace, is known as
“Lukewarmness.” Which is what God hates and there is no reward for such an individual after all the labour
for the Master.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Evangelism through Artificial Intelligence Generated-Content should be thoroughly screened
and injects one’s personal ideas and inspiration through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even whenever
individuals, source for an idea, Bible references, and otherwise, the originality should not be left out. Because
it is the Spirit individual disciple is addressing and not a machine without the Spirit of God. In doing these
aforementioned above it would reduce the pitfalls to the barest minimum, in that AI generated-content that
will minister to a soul. In the word of the Paul the Apostle, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against rulers, against powers, against the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). God will help us to be able to fulfil our mandate on the “great
commission,” that is Evangelism.

Recommendations
1. The paper recommends a synergy between the department of Religious and Intercultural studies to
adopt a media and Internet unit that will propose a Biblical and Theologically base references for the

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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uploading online for Artificial Intelligence generated-content sourced for, from a contextualized
perspective in our own region for evangelism.
2. The Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors (NAPCOUN) should organize a seminar to her
members and those interested on how to extracts needed information from an online Artificial
Intelligence and allow to make a personal expression to the AI generated-content to be adopted or
use for global evangelism.
3. Let everyone to be conscious of the fact that our calling into evangelism is God’s imperative and He
is willing to supply everything needed for the propagation of the good news for His glory alone and
understand that He is coming soon to reward everyone that are obedient and faithful their
responsibility.
4. Artificial Intelligence generated-content should not be to totally dependent on because like what
happened to internet globally and delayed services in some banking hall that day and individual
should be originality of His content to be used for evangelism. Individual should be a content
generator for the evangelism.

References
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cultural Heritage: An Integration of AI in the Sustainability of
Cultural Orientation

Adebayo Oluwasegun BOLARINWA, PhD

Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
[email protected], +2347032277099

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most advanced from of technology and this is peculiarly seen to
have come to play in the 21st century. It is without doubt that one can asseverate that AI has gone a long
way to communicate the advancement of human capabilities at utilizing various means to provide a
conducive and convenient society. In the face of this advanced form of technology, the riddle provided
is the implication on culture especially African culture. The influence of AI cannot be overemphasized
across various spheres and this could be perceived in the light of progression of culture of the people as
its influence cannot be neglected or ignored. In advancing this thought, this paper using the evaluation
methods examines the contribution of AI to cultural progression with a focus at the sustainability of the
African Cultural orientation. The work resolves that, AI could be maximized as a means of sustaining
the culture of the people rather than being a bane to the sustainability of the people’s culture. As such,
the use of AI is largely encouraged across the culture of the people in preserving their cultural heritage
which can undoubtedly outlast the current generation of practitioners of such culture.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Culture, Africa, Cultural Sustainability

Introduction
The world of the 21st century is on rapid advancement and of great improvement when compared to previous
centuries. Obvious advancement in current realities can be credited to the age of enlightenment, where
human thoughts and ideas were advanced significantly. The advancement in the ideologies and involvement
of man has led to the technological prowess referred to as Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has gone a long
way in easing the task of humans and in providing huge successes for mankind.
The application of artificial intelligence (AI), which encompasses computer vision, machine learning (ML),
natural language processing (NLP), and other fields, to the field of cultural heritage conservation marks a
turning point in the preservation of world cultural heritage. AI represents both a complex web of ethical
considerations and a promising future for technological innovation (Bordoni, Ardissono, Barcelo, Chella,
Gemmis, Gena and Sorgente; 2013). The adoption of Artificial intelligence into the practices of mankind today
could therefore be entwined into the sustainability of the African cultural heritage.
In the quest to dissect the role of AI in preservation of culture of the people, this study examines the basics
about African Intelligence and as such, observe the means through which it can be utilised for the
sustainability of African’s cultural heritage.

An Overview of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is commonly defined as "the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human
behaviour." It encompasses a wide range of technological applications that carry out tasks that resemble
human cognitive function. The theory and development of computer systems capable of carrying out tasks
that ordinarily require human intelligence, like speech recognition, visual perception, decision-making, and
language translation, are typically included in artificial intelligence (AI).
It is common knowledge that humans are regarded as the most intellectual and sophisticated animals on the
planet. Their superior cognitive abilities, which include the capacity for reasoning, planning, and creativity,

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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have allowed them to grasp complexity, think critically, apply logic, and make independent decisions (Ghosh
and Thirugnanam, 2021).
Scientists have attempted to create a "man-made homosapien" species, which can be related to the world of
computers in the form of artificial intelligence (AI) (which is artificial, i.e., manmade, and intelligence, i.e.,
has thinking power). If a system can possess the fundamental abilities of learning, reasoning, self-
improvement (by learning from experience), language understanding, and problem solving, then it can be
assumed that AI exists. AI has been used and implemented in many fields, especially in the technological
domain and is predicted to create 2.3 million jobs in the nearest future.
The influence of AI is not limited to a particular organisation or facet of life, but it gets involved with wide
fields of life. Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to provide more transparent, interpretable, and explainable
systems that can help establish a better-equipped system used as an intelligent agent. The idea that people
can trust machines to be human replicas was first introduced with the Turing Test, which tests a machine
based on instructions given to it as if it were a human, regardless of the examiner's knowledge. If the machine
passes the test, it is deemed intelligent. AI has undoubtedly affected many aspects of society and ushered in
a new modern era in this digital revolution.

Cultural Sustainability and the Need for AI

Culture is regarded as the lifestyle of the people and it is expedient that, the culture could be defined based
on place and time due to the advancement in the people and the time at which various incidences occur. The
sustainability of culture therefore becomes essential for a people owing to the fact that, humans are defined
by time and fading away is inevitable therefore, this section examines the need for Artificial Intelligence in
the sustainability of culture of people.
Since AI is being included into the systems that safeguard cultural legacy more and more, its effects on
cultural preservation are becoming increasingly significant. Leading the way in this integration is the United
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which promotes ethical AI as a critical
component in preserving varied cultures and legacies across the globe (Gondola, 2024). This implies that, it
is internationally realised that AI provides great and significant advantage to the sustainability of people’s
culture with the attestation of UNESCO.
As noted by Ghaith (2024), the field of cultural heritage conservation and artificial intelligence (AI) are
interacting to bring about a paradigm shift in the approaches used to preserve and interpret cultural assets.
Ghaith approached the discourse of applying AI to cultural preservation by establishing that it hovers
around both the ethical and technological angle of the alliance. It does this by drawing on the seminal works
of scholars such as Buratti (2021) and Li (2021); the review begins by examining AI's role as a novel medium
for cultural expression and preservation, emphasising its capacity to reconstruct lost knowledge and evoke
emotionally resonant experiences of artistic heritage through immersive technologies.
Further evidence of the useful applications of AI in cultural heritage conservation, as exemplified by Lee
(2019) in the integration of image categorisation with natural-language documentation processes and
Garozzo (2020) in the restoration of historical artworks. These applications highlight AI's potential to
overcome conventional barriers in conservation through creative computational techniques and data
modelling approaches, such as the use of recurrent neural networks and probabilistic modelling for
predictive analysis.
The viewpoints of Pisoni (2021) and Xie (2022), who support the adaptation of AI technologies to improve
museum accessibility and preserve intangible cultural heritage, respectively, highlight the significance of a
human-centric approach in the application of AI to cultural heritage. Fontanella (2020) adds even more
weight to this viewpoint by offering a thorough overview of the field's multidisciplinary nature and its
potential future directions, highlighting the ongoing opportunities for AI to

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The reviewed studies highlight the increasing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on the
documentation, interpretation, and accessibility of cultural heritage. They shed light on the potential benefits
of AI in expanding the scope and effectiveness of conservation efforts, as well as the need to address the
ethical issues raised by these technological advancements. As AI develops and finds use in cultural heritage
conservation, the need to balance the benefits of AI with the careful consideration of its moral implications
will encourage more research and innovation in this area.

Effects of AI on Culture
One of the areas at which Artificial intelligence has had effect is on culture. Its effect on culture could be
viewed in two major categories, first is the positive effect and second is the negative effect. These two
categories will be explored very quickly below:
Positive Effect
Artificial intelligence is a tool that helps to study, comprehend, and eventually preserve the long history of
humanity. It is more than just a new technology. AI systems are now capable of processing enormous
volumes of cultural data, from digitising old manuscripts to forecasting the deterioration of historic
structures (Gondola, 2024). In addition to the positive effects perceived of AI on culture, the following are
presented:
1. It serves the purpose of cultural preservation; this implying that, AI can help preserve cultural
heritage by digitalizing and analysing historical artifacts, texts and oral traditions.
2. It can also help in gaining access to knowledge. AI-powered platforms provide global access to
cultural information, education and resources. The extent of accessing culture-based information is
further eased with the availability and accessibility of AI.
3. Furthermore, it can serve the purpose of language support, this is possible in the sense that, AI-driven
language translation and processing tools facilitate cross-cultural communication. People from other
cultural orientation can easily understand verbal expressions about things practiced in the culture of
others without necessarily being a member of such society or community.
4. Lastly, social inclusivity can be seen as another positive impact of AI on culture. It can help bridge
cultural divides by facilitating dialogue and understanding.

Negative Effect
The adoption of Artificial intelligence into cultural heritage preservation is not without some threats and
negative effects which are simply enumerated below:
1. Cultural homogenisation: AI-driven globalization may lead to cultural assimilation and loss of
diversity. This could happen if the situation is not well handled by the users.
2. It could lead to bias and stereotyping: AI systems can perpetuate existing cultural biases if trained on
biased data.
3. It could also be an avenue for job displacement for people. Automation may disrupt traditional
cultural industries and livelihoods.
4. Cultural appropriation. AI-generated content may inappropriate cultural symbols or practices.
5. Digital divide. Unequal access to AI technology can exacerbate cultural disparities.
The baseline of negative effect of AI as perceived by this study is simply traced to the human involvement
and corruption of the users of the system. This is based on the fact that Artificial intelligence is advanced
form of computer operation and its activities can be influenced by humans to suit selfish purposes.

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AI and Cultural Progression Opportunities
Regardless of the various disadvantages that could come in the alliance of culture and the operation of AI,
the massive influence could be well emphasised with intentional arrangement put in place to reduce the
disadvantages that could evolve as a result of the alliance. As such, this section focuses on the progression of
culture in the face of AI advancements in the 21st century realities.
AI's influence on creative expression is one of the most noticeable aspects of its cultural impact; algorithms
can now produce complete films, books, pieces of art, and music. While DeepArt and DeepDream create
captivating visual artworks, platforms like Jukedeck and Amper Music develop innovative music songs.
These artificial intelligence (AI)-generated works blur the boundaries between human and machine-
generated content, challenging conventional ideas of authorship and creativity (Megasis Network, 2024).
According to Das, Maringati and Dash (2022), language technology is a highly important additional tool for
preserving culture (LT). The difficult problem is figuring out how to use machine learning and deep learning
approaches in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve culture and legacy through LT. These
days, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches are applied worldwide to create models and other tools for
maintaining and restoring cultural assets. This method, which aims to maximise the preservation and
promotion of culture and history that are being restored in a digital form via artificial intelligence, has both
benefits and drawbacks. In this area, some works have already been completed, while others are still in
progress. The development of numerous tools and systems to handle data with a more secure and accurate
interface is the primary function of AI approaches in LT.
LT is helpful and efficient in a variety of fields, including speech, text, and optical character recognition
(image processing), which are essentially used to retain all kinds of data and information in the form of text,
image, and sound signals. Since LT integrates computer science and languages, it is a broad field even though
it is considered a component of information technology (IT). A vast digital historical archive can be
constructed by processing millions of historical documents, paintings, landscapes, monuments, and other
media. Several of the LT techniques that are discussed here can be used to preserve history and cultural
heritage (Das, Maringati and Dash, 2022).
Furthermore, in the advancement of cultural heritage through the availability of AI is its effect on buildings
and artworks. As rightly noted by Gaber, Youssef and Fathalla (2023) in the past, manual human
interventions were used to protect and restore cultural heritage buildings and artworks, guaranteeing their
accessibility for future generations. Modern technology has made significant strides that can help preserve
cultural heritage. Digital and computer transformations can reduce service costs while enhancing final
output and evaluation results.
With the application of artwork authentication—which establishes the piece's authenticity—AI can also be
used to prevent the forgery of artworks, so making the process of creating fake copies more difficult. Artificial
intelligence, especially machine and deep learning, is producing powerful algorithms that are changing the
face of many fields, including the humanities and physics (Janiesch, Zschech, and Heinrich, 2021).

Conclusion
AI technology integration with cultural heritage conservation marks a revolutionary change in the
approaches used to protect cultural treasures. The role is inestimable if properly approached by the users.
Technology, policymakers, cultural practitioners, and society at large must work together to navigate the
complexities of AI and make sure that it is a tool for positive societal transformation. As AI continues to
permeate various aspects of Human lives, it is imperative to steer its cultural impact towards a future that
embraces diversity, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility.
By utilising the transformative power of AI with foresight and intentionality, we can shape a future where
technology and culture align to elevate humanity and enrich our shared experience. Looking ahead, we

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envision a future where AI fosters a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society, where creativity flourishes,
diverse perspectives are celebrated, and ethical principles guide technological innovation.
The field of information technology is expanding quickly in order to restore cultural heritage worldwide,
and artificial intelligence is actively contributing to this effort to transform all areas. This means that in order
to revitalise all research and application fields in the preservation of our culture, heritage, and art, new
technologies, algorithms, and mathematical models will be created and implemented in the next years.

Recommendations
Having established that Artificial Intelligence should not be seen as a n absolute threat to culture but rather
as a catalyst to sustain cultural orientation, this study recommends the following:
1. People should appreciate their culture regardless of the number of other cultures they relate with, in
their day-to-day usage of technologically advanced applications. This will help to avoid inferiority
complex or to portray the idea that a culture is superior to others.
2. Biases should be avoided by operators and installers of Artificial Intelligence systems. This will utter
any form(s) of alteration that might ensue in the cultural ideology of people.
3. Cultural artifacts should be clearly defined with the intention of making it clearer for any user who
accesses the information to be clear about what each symbol, practice, or design represents in a given
culture.

References
Bordoni, L., Ardissono, L., Barcelo, J.A., Chella, A. Gemmis, M., Gena, C. and Sorgente, A. (2013). “The contribution of
AI to enhance understanding of cultural heritage. Intelligenza Artificiale, 7(2), 101-112.
Buratti, G. Conte, S. and Rossi, M. (2021). “Artificial intelligency, big data and cultural heritage. Representation challenges.
augmented reality and artificial intelligence in cultural heritage and innovative Design Domain10.3280/OA-686.4
Das, B.R., H.B Maringati, and N.S. Dash, (2022) "Role of artificial intelligence in preservation of culture and heritage" in
Digitalisation of culture through technology. 1(1), 1-6
Fontanella, F., Colace, F., Molinara, M., Freca, A.S., &Stanco, F. (2020). Pattern recognition and artificial intelligence
techniques for cultural heritage. Pattern Recognit.Lett., 138, 23-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patrec.2020.06.018
Gaber, J.A., Youssef, S.M. and Fathalla, K.M. (2023). “The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in
preserving cultural heritage and arts works via virtual restoration” in ISPRS annals of the photogrammetry, remote
sensing and spatial information sciences, 10(1), 185-190.
Garozzo, R., Pino, C., Santagati, C., &Spampinato, C. (2020). Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for modelling
and understanding cultural heritage data”.inImpact of industry 4.0 on architecture and cultural heritage.
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Ghaith, K. (2024). “AI integration in cultural heritage conservation- ethical considerations and the human imperative”
in International journal of emerging and disruptive innovation in education: Visionarium 1(1), 1-10.
Ghosh, M. and Thirugnanam, T. (2021). “Introduction to artificial intelligence” in Artificial intelligence for information
management: a healthcare perspective 23-44. DOI:10.1007/978-981-16-0415-7_2
Gondola, J. (2024). The impact of ai on cultural preservation and ethics” https://medium.com/@jamesgondola/the-
impact-of-ai-on-cultural-preservation-and-ethics-2b61a0adeb50
Janiesch, C., Zschech, P. and Heinrich, K. (2021). “Machine learning and deep learning” in Electron markets 31(1), 685-
695.
Lee, W., & Lee, D. (2019). “Cultural heritage and the intelligent internet of things” in Journal on computing and cultural
heritage (JOCCH), 12, 1 - 14.https://doi.org/10.1145/3316414
Li, J. (2021). “Application of artificial intelligence in cultural heritage protection” in Journal of physics: Conference
series, 1881. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1881/3/032007
Megasis Network, “The cultural impact of AI: shaping society and identity” (March 2024)
https://megasisnetwork.medium.com/the-cultural-impact-of-ai-shaping-society-and-identity-03af47bebd41
(Accessed October 7, 2024).

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Pisoni, G., Díaz-Rodríguez, N., Gijlers, H., &Tonolli, L. (2021). Human-Centered artificial intelligence for designing
accessible cultural heritage.Applied sciences.https://doi.org/10.3390/APP11020870
Xie, J. (2022). “Innovative design of artificial intelligence” in Intangible cultural heritage.scientific programming.
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Ethical Considerations in the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Evangelism Among Christians in
Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State

Stephen Oluwasegun OSUNLANA

Christian Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye
[email protected], +2348136690924, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0928-3761

Abstract
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked significant ethical concerns, particularly in
its application within religious activities such as evangelism. This research examines the moral
dimensions of using AI to facilitate evangelism in the Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State,
Nigeria Christian community. It investigates how AI tools are employed to share religious messages,
highlighting ethical challenges such as privacy, content authenticity, and the influence on traditional
spiritual practices. The study aims to analyze AI's potential benefits and drawbacks in evangelism,
focusing on issues like data security, the reliability of AI-generated messages, and the broader cultural
and spiritual implications for local believers. A mixed-method approach is adopted, integrating
qualitative insights from interviews with church leaders from denominations such as Winners Chapel,
Harvest House Christian Church, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God. These interviews delve
into their perceptions of AI’s role in evangelism, associated ethical concerns, and its impact on church
activities. Complementing this, quantitative data is obtained through surveys distributed to
congregants, capturing their views on AI-driven evangelism, trust in the technology, and related
apprehensions. The study also assesses AI-based evangelism tools, examining their compatibility with
Christian values and teachings. The findings underscore ethical challenges, such as diminished personal
engagement in spiritual interactions, risks to privacy, and questions about the credibility of AI-
generated religious materials. Based on these insights, the research recommends ethical principles for
using AI in evangelism, advocating for a balance between innovation and preserving spiritual
authenticity.

Keywords: Ethical Considerations, Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Data Privacy, Spiritual

Mentorship

Introduction
Ethical Considerations in the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Evangelism among Christians in Abeokuta
North Local Government, Ogun State provides an in-depth exploration of the ethical issues that arise when
employing artificial intelligence (AI) for evangelistic activities within the Christian community. By
employing a contextualized approach, the study provides insights into the spiritual and cultural nuances
unique to Abeokuta North, Ogun State, Nigeria. This examination is crucial for understanding how emerging
technologies intersect with traditional religious practices and ethics.
The growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across multiple sectors, including healthcare, finance,
and education, has naturally sparked curiosity about its application in religious contexts (Russell & Norvig,
2020). Religious institutions, particularly churches, are beginning to explore how AI can enhance their
outreach efforts. However, this technological shift raises ethical concerns about how AI might affect
traditional practices, especially within evangelism. In Christian communities, evangelism is not just about
spreading the faith but also involves personalized, spirit-led interactions. This study focuses on the ethical
considerations in the use of AI for evangelism among the Christian community in Abeokuta North Local
Government, Ogun State, Nigeria.
AI technology offers a range of applications in religious contexts, from automated sermons to chatbots
capable of answering faith-related questions. These tools have the potential to transform how churches
interact with congregants, offering new ways to maintain engagement. However, while the benefits are clear,
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such as improving accessibility and reducing workload, concerns arise about the authenticity of religious
teachings and the privacy of congregants' personal information (Floridi, 2019; Ecklund, 2018).
This study delves into these issues to critically evaluate the role of AI in shaping the spiritual, social, and
ethical landscape of contemporary evangelism. By focusing on the local context of Abeokuta North, the
research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on AI ethics in religious practices, offering practical
recommendations for balancing technological innovation with spiritual integrity.

The Role of AI in Evangelism

Evangelism is a deeply personal and relational act in Christianity. Traditionally, it involves a preacher or
evangelist sharing the gospel through direct, often face-to-face communication. This personal connection is
considered an essential part of conveying biblical teachings. However, AI is changing the landscape of how
this is done. Churches can now use AI-driven platforms to automate sermons or develop chatbots that
respond to common questions about faith. These technologies can operate around the clock, offering
congregants instant access to spiritual content and support.
In Abeokuta North Local Government, some churches have begun exploring AI for evangelistic purposes.
The use of social media and digital platforms has already become a common strategy for outreach, but AI
offers even more opportunities to extend this reach. For instance, chatbots can provide instant biblical advice
or direct people to relevant scripture, ensuring that no one has to wait for a response from a human pastor.
Similarly, automated sermons allow churches to maintain consistency in messaging without the physical
presence of a preacher.
However, this brings forth several ethical challenges. One major concern is the potential loss of personal
interaction, which is crucial in evangelism. AI lacks the emotional intelligence, spiritual discernment, and
human touch that a pastor or evangelist provides during face-to-face encounters. Evangelism is not merely
about disseminating information; it involves understanding the unique circumstances of each individual and
offering guidance tailored to their specific needs. This deep, personal connection can be difficult for AI to
replicate, leading to fears that evangelism could become depersonalized.

Statement of the Problem

The increasing use of AI in evangelism creates ethical dilemmas that challenge traditional religious practices.
While AI promises efficiency and broader reach, it risks altering the personal and intimate nature of
evangelism, particularly in areas like mentorship, where the relationship between a congregant and a
religious leader is crucial (Crawford, 2021). Furthermore, the application of AI in collecting and processing
personal information poses privacy risks, especially in sensitive spiritual contexts (Bostrom, 2014). The
problems this research seeks to address are:
1. The diminishing role of human spiritual guidance in favor of AI-mediated interactions.
2. Concerns over how AI systems handle sensitive data, ensuring privacy and security.
3. The risk of AI-generated religious content being perceived as inauthentic by congregants.

Objectives of this Study

1. Evaluating the advantages and challenges associated with using AI in evangelism within Abeokuta
North.
2. Investigating the ethical concerns surrounding AI in evangelism, focusing on privacy, authenticity,
and mentorship roles.
3. Exploring how AI influences the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric of local religious communities.
4. Develop recommendations for the ethical and responsible use of AI in evangelistic practices.

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Research Methodology
This study uses a mixed-method research design, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection
methods to thoroughly explore the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in evangelism. The
methodology includes:
Qualitative Data Collection:
Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with church leaders from key denominations, such as two Winners
Chapels, two Harvest House Christian Church, and two Redeemed Christian Church of God. These
interviews delve into their views on AI’s role in evangelism, associated ethical concerns, and its impact on
traditional practices.
Review of Evangelistic AI Tools: A critical analysis of existing AI-driven tools used in evangelism to
evaluate their capabilities, ethical implications, and alignment with Christian doctrines.

Quantitative Data Collection:

Surveys: Structured questionnaires administered to congregants of the churches to assess their experiences,
acceptance, and ethical concerns about AI in evangelism. The survey explores topics such as trust in AI-based
spiritual interactions, privacy issues, and perceived benefits or challenges.
Case Study: Abeokuta North Local Government, situated in Ogun State, Nigeria, serves as an important case
study for understanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism. Over recent years, Winner
Chapel, Redeem Christian Church of God, and Harvest House Christian Church have adopted AI-driven
religious tools like automated sermons and spiritual chatbots to enhance their outreach efforts (O'Leary,
2020). These AI tools have allowed churches to connect with more congregants and streamline certain aspects
of their spiritual services, providing a unique perspective on the impact of technology on evangelism in this
area.

Emergence of AI Tools in Local Churches

Churches in Abeokuta North Local Government have embraced AI technology to address the challenges of
managing large congregations, reaching a wider audience, and improving efficiency. With many congregants
seeking spiritual guidance online, AI tools have become valuable in extending the church's reach beyond
physical boundaries. Automated sermons are one such tool, where churches use AI to deliver sermons across
various platforms, ensuring that the same message is shared consistently, whether through the church’s
website, social media, or mobile apps.
In addition, AI-powered chatbots are being used to provide congregants with spiritual guidance and quick
responses to questions about faith. These chatbots can engage in personalized conversations with users, offer
biblical references, provide prayers, and answer commonly asked questions about Christianity. The goal is
to offer spiritual support around the clock, even when pastors or church leaders are unavailable.

Ethical Considerations
Data Privacy
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widely used in evangelism, the ethical considerations
surrounding data privacy have become critical. AI systems in religious settings collect and process significant
amounts of personal and spiritual data from congregants. Given the sensitive nature of this information,
ensuring that it is protected and handled with care is crucial to maintaining trust between religious
institutions and their members. This issue is especially important as religious organizations increasingly rely
on AI technologies such as automated sermons and spiritual chatbots to engage with their congregants
(Floridi, 2019; Bostrom, 2014).

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Authenticity
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into evangelism, a significant question arises: can AI-
driven content offer the same authenticity as traditional, human-led religious experiences? Religious
practices often emphasize personal connection, empathy, and spiritual depth. These elements are central to
meaningful religious experiences, yet they are difficult, if not impossible, for AI to replicate. As churches
experiment with AI for delivering sermons, spiritual advice, and other religious services, concerns about the
authenticity of these interactions have gained prominence. The shift toward AI in evangelism, while efficient,
raises the fundamental issue of whether AI can truly fulfill the spiritual and emotional needs of congregants
(Smith & Shattuck, 2017).

Transparency
Transparency in the use of AI within religious practices is vital for ensuring that congregants understand the
technology’s role and limitations. Religious institutions must be clear with their members about how AI is
being utilized, especially in contexts where AI generates sermons, offers spiritual advice, or even provides
automated support. Being open about the data collected and the purposes for which it is used will help
prevent misunderstandings and foster trust. Transparency involves not only explaining the operational
aspects of AI but also clarifying the ethical principles behind its use in religious settings. By ensuring
transparency, religious leaders can reassure their congregants that AI is being deployed ethically, and in
alignment with their spiritual values (Binns, 2018).

Accountability
Accountability is another key ethical issue when integrating AI into evangelism. If AI systems malfunction,
provide inappropriate content or fail to meet the needs of congregants, there needs to be a clear system of
accountability. Religious institutions must designate individuals or teams responsible for overseeing AI
systems, from their development to their ongoing use. This accountability ensures that AI is used properly
and that any potential errors or biases can be addressed. Additionally, AI cannot entirely replace human
responsibility in moral or spiritual guidance, meaning religious leaders must remain answerable for ensuring
that AI-generated content aligns with religious teachings and meets the spiritual needs of their members
(Kimbrell, 2019).

Spiritual Mentorship
Spiritual mentorship plays a vital role in the religious life of many individuals, providing guidance,
emotional support, and a deep sense of connection. This mentorship is not just about transferring knowledge
or religious doctrine but involves a personal relationship built on trust, empathy, and shared experiences.
Human spiritual mentors offer a unique blend of wisdom, personal faith, and emotional understanding that
shapes the spiritual growth of their mentees. However, with the increasing integration of artificial
intelligence (AI) in evangelism, there are growing concerns that the use of AI tools could undermine this
essential aspect of religious life (Hauerwas & Wells, 2011).

Conclusion
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism marks a pivotal shift in how religious
institutions connect with their congregants and deliver spiritual teachings. On one hand, the potential
benefits of AI are substantial; it can expand outreach efforts, provide tailored spiritual content, and enhance
engagement through personalized experiences. AI-driven tools such as chatbots, automated sermons, and
interactive applications can reach individuals who may not engage with traditional religious services,
thereby opening new pathways for spiritual exploration and community involvement.

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However, the incorporation of AI in religious contexts brings forth significant challenges and ethical
considerations that need careful attention. This study has highlighted several critical concerns that must be
addressed to ensure responsible utilization of AI in evangelism. One of the most pressing issues is related to
privacy. AI systems often collect extensive personal information from congregants, and the management of
this sensitive data raises ethical questions regarding the confidentiality of individuals' spiritual journeys.
Safeguarding this information from potential misuse or unauthorized access is paramount to maintaining
trust within the community.
Another significant concern revolves around the authenticity of AI-generated content. Religious teachings
often thrive on personal connection and emotional depth, elements that AI may struggle to replicate
effectively. When sermons or spiritual guidance are generated by machines, there is a risk that the richness
and nuance that characterize human expression may be lost. This raises important questions about the
spiritual validity and value of content produced by AI and whether it can genuinely address the spiritual
needs of congregants.
Moreover, the potential erosion of human mentorship is a critical ethical consideration. Spiritual mentorship
is inherently a relational process built on trust, empathy, and emotional support—qualities that AI lacks. If
human interaction is replaced by AI-generated guidance, there is a danger of diminishing the sense of
community and connection that is vital within religious institutions. Given that spiritual mentors play an
essential role in guiding individuals on their faith journeys, it is crucial to ensure that the unique
contributions of human leaders remain prominent alongside technological advancements.
This research, particularly within the context of the Christian community in Abeokuta North, contributes to
the broader discourse on the ethical implications of AI in religious contexts. It underscores the necessity of
developing ethical frameworks that not only facilitate technological innovation but also uphold spiritual
integrity and core human values. As AI technology continues to evolve, religious institutions must
proactively engage with these ethical dilemmas to create a responsible framework for AI usage.
Establishing guidelines for the responsible use of AI in religious settings is essential. Leaders within these
communities should prioritize the protection of congregants’ privacy, the authenticity of spiritual content,
and the preservation of meaningful human mentorship. Ongoing discussions about the ethical use of
technology, robust data protection strategies, and accountability mechanisms will be vital in navigating these
complexities.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into evangelism should be approached with care and intentionality.
Striking a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the spiritual depth
inherent in religious practice is crucial. By prioritizing ethical considerations alongside the benefits of AI,
religious institutions can enhance outreach efforts and better support their congregants while remaining
committed to the values that underpin their faith. Ultimately, AI can serve as a valuable tool for enriching
the spiritual lives of individuals, fostering a future where technology and spirituality coexist harmoniously
and respectfully.

Recommendations
The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism introduces exciting opportunities for
enhancing outreach, increasing engagement, and offering personalized spiritual support. However, as with
any technological development, there are significant ethical concerns that must be addressed to ensure that
AI is used responsibly in religious settings. This discussion provides recommendations to tackle the
identified ethical issues, particularly focusing on data security, human-AI collaboration, and transparency.

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Data Security Measures
One of the most urgent ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in evangelism is the issue of data privacy.
AI systems, such as chatbots and personalized spiritual content platforms, often collect, process, and store
personal information from congregants. This data may include sensitive details about an individual’s
spiritual journey, questions about faith, or deeply personal prayer requests. The privacy and protection of
such information must be treated with the utmost care, as mishandling or exploitation could lead to severe
breaches of trust between congregants and religious institutions.
To safeguard this sensitive data, religious organizations must implement robust data security measures.
Churches should ensure that their data protection strategies are aligned with international and local
regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe or Nigeria's Data Protection
Regulation (NDPR). Complying with these regulations helps establish clear standards for how congregants’
personal information is managed, ensuring that their privacy is respected and protected.
In addition to adhering to these legal frameworks, churches, and religious institutions should conduct
regular audits of their AI systems and data management practices. These audits will help identify any
vulnerabilities in their data security and provide an opportunity to address issues before they become major
problems. By regularly reviewing data security protocols, institutions can maintain high levels of trust with
their congregants, assuring them that their private information is being handled responsibly.
Transparency is another crucial aspect of data security. Religious institutions must communicate their data
protection policies to congregants, explaining how their information is being collected, stored, and used.
Transparency ensures that congregants are fully aware of how their data is handled and allows them to make
informed decisions about how they engage with AI-driven tools.
Additionally, it is important to provide congregants with the option to opt out of data collection when
possible. Offering anonymous options or alternative means of engagement allows individuals to interact
with AI services while maintaining control over their data. This will foster a sense of trust and respect
between congregants and their religious communities.

Human-AI Collaboration
AI can enhance the efficiency and reach of evangelism, it cannot replicate the relational and emotional
components of spiritual mentorship. AI may be able to answer questions, deliver sermons, or provide
personalized religious content, but it lacks the emotional intelligence and empathy that are essential to
spiritual guidance. Spiritual mentorship is a deeply personal relationship, one that requires understanding,
empathy, and a connection that is built over time. AI, by its nature, cannot offer this kind of personal
relationship. Instead of viewing AI as a substitute for human mentors, churches should use AI to complement
and support the work of spiritual leaders. AI can assist pastors by handling routine tasks such as organizing
sermon notes, providing quick scriptural references, or answering frequently asked questions. By doing so,
AI can free up time for pastors and mentors to focus on more personal and relational aspects of their ministry,
such as offering spiritual counseling, providing emotional support, or deepening their connections with
congregants.
Moreover, human-AI collaboration can lead to a more personalized spiritual experience for congregants. AI
can help tailor content to individuals based on their interests or concerns, offering relevant resources or
insights that can enhance their spiritual growth. However, AI mustn't overshadow the human element. While
AI can provide valuable information, the relational aspect of spiritual mentorship—where mentors walk
alongside individuals on their faith journey—remains irreplaceable.
To facilitate effective human-AI collaboration, religious institutions should invest in training their leaders on
how to use AI tools to enhance their ministry. This training could focus on how AI can be leveraged to
support, rather than replace, human mentorship. By equipping spiritual leaders with the knowledge and

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skills needed to integrate AI into their work, churches can ensure that technology is used responsibly and in
ways that complement human interaction.

Transparency in AI Use
Transparency is key to addressing the ethical concerns raised by AI in evangelism. Congregants need to be
fully informed about when and how AI is being used in their religious community. This is crucial for
maintaining trust, as well as ensuring that congregants understand the capabilities and limitations of AI
tools.
Religious organizations should be clear about the role AI plays in their operations. For instance, if a church
uses AI to deliver sermons or answer spiritual questions, congregants should be informed that the responses
they are receiving are generated by a machine, not a human pastor. This level of transparency helps manage
expectations and ensures that congregants do not place undue reliance on AI for deeply personal or complex
spiritual issues.
In addition to transparency about AI’s role, accountability mechanisms should be put in place to address any
concerns congregants may have about AI usage. Religious institutions should create clear channels through
which congregants can voice their concerns, ask questions, or report issues related to AI. These mechanisms
could include setting up a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the ethical use of AI within the church
or establishing regular reviews of AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with the institution’s values and
teachings.
Furthermore, the transparency of AI providers is also essential. Churches should partner with AI developers
who prioritize ethical practices, particularly in terms of data handling and the transparency of their
algorithms. AI providers should be open about how their technology works, what data is being collected,
and how it is being used. By ensuring that their AI partners are committed to ethical standards, churches can
better protect the interests and privacy of their congregants.

References
Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.
Campolo, A., Sanfilippo, M., Whittaker, M., & Crawford, K. (2018). AI Now Report 2018. AI Now Institute.
Crawford, K. (2021). Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence. Yale University Press.
Ecklund, E. H. (2018). Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Think. Oxford University Press.
Floridi, L. (2019). The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Oxford University Press.
Hauerwas, S., & Wells, S. (2011). The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics. Wiley-Blackwell.
O'Leary, D. E. (2020). “Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: Challenges to Data Privacy.” Journal of Information Systems,
34(1), 75-91.
Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th ed.). Pearson.
Mith, W. C. (1991). The Meaning and End of Religion. Fortress Press.
Smith, G., & Shattuck, R. (2017). "Artificial Intelligence and the Human Spirit." Journal of Philosophy and Technology, 30(1),
25-36.
Taddeo, M., & Floridi, L. (2018). "How AI Can Be a Force for Good." Science, 361(6404), 751-752.

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Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Resources for Evangelism towards Church Growth in
Nigeria

Donald ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
[email protected], +2348060162719, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0917-2883

Samson Obaloluwa OJO

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348139285397, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7252-3968

Abstract
This article presents an exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and
evangelism within the Nigerian context, focusing on how AI tools can be applied to foster church
growth in the digital age. As Nigerian churches navigate the challenges and opportunities of an
increasingly connected world, AI offers innovative solutions for expanding outreach, enhancing
spiritual engagement, and optimizing resource management. By employing an opinion-based approach
supported by case studies of Nigerian churches that have successfully integrated AI tools, this study
provides practical insights into the transformative potential of AI in ministry. It explores applications
such as AI-driven platforms like chatbots for pastoral care, predictive analytics for congregational
needs, and social media algorithms for targeted evangelistic campaigns. The research also addresses
ethical considerations, including the need for human oversight, the preservation of theological integrity,
and privacy concerns. These case studies illustrate how AI can complement traditional evangelism
strategies, enabling churches to adapt to contemporary communication trends while upholding their
core spiritual mission. The paper concludes that AI, when employed thoughtfully and ethically, can
serve as a powerful resource for church growth, enhancing connectivity, improving decision-making,
and streamlining operations within the Nigerian Christian landscape.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Church Growth, Digital Outreach, Ethical AI, Nigeria

Introduction
The rapid evolution of technology has brought about a paradigm shift in almost every sector of society, and
religious institutions are no exception. In an era where digital communication dominates human interactions,
churches are faced with the challenge of adapting their outreach methods to remain relevant and impactful.
As a result, many religious organizations have begun exploring how digital tools, including artificial
intelligence (AI), can be utilized to enhance their evangelistic efforts. AI, once primarily associated with
industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, is now being recognized for its potential to
revolutionize how churches engage with their congregations and the broader community.
Artificial intelligence, in its simplest form, refers to machines or systems designed to mimic human
intelligence and perform tasks that typically require human cognition, such as learning, problem-solving,
and decision-making (Russell & Norvig, 2020). In the context of evangelism, AI tools can be harnessed to
automate processes, personalize communication, and provide data-driven insights, all of which can
contribute to more effective ministry and church growth. Churches can employ AI-driven chatbots to
provide round-the-clock pastoral care, use predictive analytics to identify the needs of their congregations,
and leverage social media algorithms to tailor evangelistic campaigns that resonate with different audiences
(O'Leary, 2022).
In the digital age, churches face numerous challenges in their evangelistic mission. Traditional forms of
outreach, such as door-to-door evangelism and in-person gatherings, while still relevant, often fall short in
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reaching today’s increasingly tech-savvy audience. As more people turn to digital platforms for social
interaction, entertainment, and information, churches must navigate how to engage their audience
effectively in these spaces (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). The proliferation of social media has led to shorter
attention spans and a highly fragmented audience, making it difficult to maintain consistent engagement.
Additionally, churches are confronted with the growing challenge of fostering community in an era of virtual
interactions. While online services and digital fellowship have expanded accessibility, they also risk losing
the depth of personal connection that is often central to spiritual growth (Cheong et al., 2020). The shift to
digital environments requires churches to rethink how they nurture relationships, maintain a sense of
belonging, and sustain long-term spiritual development.
Moreover, resource management presents another hurdle for many religious institutions. Smaller churches,
in particular, may lack the technological infrastructure or knowledge to keep up with digital trends, leading
to missed opportunities for outreach and growth (Hersh, 2021). Integrating AI into ministry provides a
potential solution to these challenges, allowing churches to streamline operations, optimize resource
allocation, and extend their evangelistic reach in a manner that aligns with contemporary communication
trends.
Thus, this study seeks to explore the intersection of AI and evangelism, focusing on how these emerging
technologies can foster church growth while upholding the core values of the Christian faith.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Evangelism

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up vast new possibilities for industries, governments,
and organizations worldwide, and the field of ministry is no exception. Churches and religious leaders are
increasingly exploring how AI can support evangelism and church growth. Through automation, predictive
capabilities, and data-driven insights, AI offers tools that can revolutionize how churches connect with their
members and the broader community. While AI cannot replace the personal touch that lies at the heart of
religious experiences, it can greatly complement human efforts by enhancing outreach, spiritual engagement,
and resource management.
At its core, artificial intelligence refers to the development of machines or systems that can perform tasks
traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, language processing, and
decision-making (Russell & Norvig, 2020). AI tools can operate based on pre-programmed instructions, or
they can learn from data patterns to adapt and make more accurate predictions or responses over time. In
ministry, AI's application spans a variety of platforms and tools that automate mundane tasks, personalize
experiences, and provide churches with data insights to better meet the needs of their congregations.
One widely adopted AI tool in ministry is the chatbot, an automated system designed to simulate
conversations with users. Chatbots can be used to answer common questions, provide spiritual guidance, or
direct users to relevant resources. For instance, churches can deploy chatbots on their websites or social
media pages to provide real-time responses to inquiries about service times, event details, or prayer requests.
These AI-driven systems allow churches to offer round-the-clock assistance to congregants without requiring
the constant presence of human staff. According to a study by Borshchevskaya and Gringas (2021), chatbots
in ministry contexts have been particularly useful for providing pastoral care in emergencies or when a
human pastor is unavailable. These AI tools can also follow up on individuals' spiritual journeys by sharing
daily devotionals or reminders for upcoming church activities.
Predictive analytics is another powerful AI tool that churches can use to anticipate the needs of their
congregations. Attendance patterns, trends, or survey results can be analysed by churches to identify
potential issues within their congregation, such as declining engagement or unmet spiritual needs. Predictive
analytics allows churches to tailor their programs and services to address these issues before they become
more significant problems (Hersh, 2021). For instance, a church might notice through data analysis that

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young adults have been attending less frequently, prompting leadership to create new programs or adjust
current offerings to better serve this demographic.
Social media algorithms are another example of AI tools with great potential for evangelism. These
algorithms analyse user behaviour, preferences, and interactions to present relevant content to individuals
based on their online activities. Churches can leverage these AI algorithms to expand their digital outreach
by creating targeted evangelistic campaigns that resonate with specific groups (Wheeler & Thomas, 2022).
Through AI-driven algorithms, churches can ensure that their online content reaches individuals who are
more likely to engage with their message, thus broadening their impact and increasing their evangelistic
effectiveness.

The Potential of AI to Expand Outreach and Enhance Spiritual Engagement

AI has the potential to significantly enhance church outreach by enabling churches to connect with more
people in less time and with greater accuracy. Traditionally, evangelism has relied on face-to-face
interactions, mass media, or word-of-mouth methods. While these strategies remain valuable, they can be
limited in terms of reach, particularly in a highly digitalized world where individuals increasingly seek
connection and content online. AI tools provide churches with the opportunity to expand their outreach far
beyond geographical boundaries, helping them tap into a global audience without incurring significant costs
or requiring extensive human resources.
Social media platforms have already proven instrumental in modern evangelism. AI-driven algorithms on
platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube help churches reach users who have expressed interest
in religious topics or related activities. AI can ensure that church-related content, such as sermon clips, event
invitations, or inspirational messages, appears in the feeds of individuals most likely to engage with them
by analysing their behaviour and preferences (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). In doing so, churches can maintain
ongoing contact with current members while also reaching new audiences who may not have been exposed
to their message through traditional evangelistic efforts.
Another way AI can expand outreach is through voice-activated assistants such as Amazon's Alexa or
Google's Assistant. Churches can develop voice-based applications or "skills" that allow users to access
scripture readings, sermons, or prayer guides simply by asking their voice assistant. This not only makes
spiritual resources more accessible but also encourages ongoing engagement with the church's content
throughout the day (O'Leary, 2022). As these technologies become increasingly integrated into people's daily
lives, churches can use them to maintain consistent spiritual touchpoints with their members.
In addition to expanding outreach, AI can play a crucial role in enhancing spiritual engagement by
personalizing the faith experience. AI systems can analyse an individual's behaviour and spiritual journey
to tailor content and communication in a way that resonates more personally. For example, AI algorithms
can identify when a member regularly engages with a particular type of devotional or sermon series and
suggest similar content that deepens their spiritual growth. This approach mimics the work of a pastor who
observes and guides congregants, but with the efficiency and scale that AI offers (Cozzens & Campbell, 2022).
When individuals feel that the church understands their unique spiritual needs, they are more likely to
remain engaged and active within the community.
AI can also be used to foster spiritual engagement through online discipleship programs. Churches can
develop AI-powered platforms that guide individuals through personalized spiritual growth plans based on
their responses to quizzes or surveys. These platforms can recommend Bible readings, suggest relevant
sermons, or provide resources for overcoming specific challenges in one's faith journey (O'Leary, 2022).
Churches can nurture individuals' faith even when in-person interaction is not possible by integrating AI
into discipleship efforts.

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Use of AI for Optimizing Resource Management in Churches
Beyond its application in outreach and engagement, AI can also play a transformative role in helping
churches optimize their resource management. For many churches, particularly smaller ones, managing
limited resources effectively is essential to their ability to thrive and serve their congregations. AI tools can
assist churches in streamlining administrative tasks, improving decision-making processes, and ensuring
that resources are allocated efficiently.
One of the primary ways AI can assist with resource management is through automation. Tasks such as
scheduling volunteers, managing church finances, or organizing events can be automated using AI-driven
systems, freeing up human staff to focus on more critical, mission-oriented work (Hersh, 2021). For example,
an AI-powered system could automatically schedule volunteers for worship services based on their
availability and past participation, ensuring that church activities run smoothly without requiring manual
coordination from church staff. Similarly, AI tools can assist in managing church finances by analysing
income and expenses, identifying trends, and providing financial forecasts to help leaders make informed
budgetary decisions (Morris, 2022).
AI can also be used to optimize space utilization within church facilities by analysing data on attendance
patterns and space usage. This analyses also helps AI systems to recommend adjustments to service times,
room assignments, or seating arrangements to ensure that church facilities are used efficiently (Wheeler &
Thomas, 2022). This type of data-driven decision-making can be particularly beneficial for larger churches
that host multiple services or events each week, as it ensures that space is allocated in a way that maximizes
its use and benefits the congregation.
In conclusion, AI presents unique opportunities for churches to expand their outreach, enhance spiritual
engagement, and optimize resource management. From chatbots and predictive analytics to social media
algorithms and automation systems, AI can serve as a valuable tool in the modern church's evangelistic
mission. While ethical considerations must be carefully navigated, the thoughtful integration of AI into
ministry has the potential to greatly complement traditional evangelism strategies and support church
growth in the digital age.

Navigating Ethical Considerations in AI-driven Evangelistic Efforts

As churches increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their evangelism strategies, it becomes
essential to address the ethical concerns associated with these technologies. While AI presents significant
opportunities for enhancing outreach, engagement, and resource management, it also raises important
questions about human oversight, theological integrity, and the protection of personal data. Ethical
considerations must be at the forefront of any AI integration within the church to ensure that these tools are
used responsibly, in ways that align with the core values and mission of the Christian faith.
While AI offers automation and predictive capabilities that can greatly benefit churches, human oversight
remains crucial in ensuring that these technologies are used effectively and ethically. AI systems, while
powerful, are only as good as the data they are trained on and the algorithms that drive them. Without
human intervention, there is a risk that AI could make decisions or recommendations that are misaligned
with the church's mission or that inadvertently harm members of the congregation.
Human oversight is particularly important in areas like pastoral care, where empathy and discernment are
central to ministerial work. AI chatbots, for example, can be useful in answering basic questions or providing
automated responses, but they lack the ability to understand the complexities of human emotions, spiritual
struggles, or ethical dilemmas (Cozzens & Campbell, 2022). A chatbot may be able to offer a Bible verse or
prayer, but it cannot provide the nuanced guidance or emotional support that a trained pastor can offer in
moments of crisis. Without human oversight, there is a risk that individuals seeking spiritual help could feel
misunderstood or neglected, ultimately diminishing their engagement with the church.

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Additionally, AI-driven platforms may rely on patterns or predictions based on historical data, which could
perpetuate existing biases or overlook unique individual needs (Hersh, 2021). For instance, an AI system
might recommend the same type of worship service to everyone in a particular demographic group based
on past preferences, without considering the specific spiritual needs of individual members. Human
oversight is needed to ensure that AI-generated recommendations are balanced and inclusive, reflecting the
diversity of the congregation and the complexities of spiritual life.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential for church leaders and ministry teams to be actively involved in
overseeing the use of AI tools. This may include regularly reviewing the outputs of AI systems, ensuring that
they align with the church's values, and intervening when necessary to make adjustments or corrections.
Ultimately, human oversight helps to ensure that AI serves as a helpful tool rather than a replacement for
the human elements of ministry that are central to fostering meaningful spiritual connections.
Another significant ethical consideration in AI-driven evangelism is the potential for AI tools to impact
theological integrity. AI technologies, though powerful, operate based on data and algorithms that are
shaped by human input. If not carefully designed and monitored, AI systems could inadvertently promote
messages or practices that are inconsistent with Christian theology or that dilute the spiritual depth of church
teachings.
For instance, churches that use AI-powered sermon generators or content recommendation systems need to
be mindful of the theological implications of these tools. While AI can help tailor sermons to specific
audiences or suggest relevant Bible verses, it is important to ensure that these tools are used in a way that
upholds biblical truth and the church's doctrinal beliefs. There is a risk that reliance on AI to curate content
could lead to a reduction in the depth and complexity of theological discussions, as AI tends to prioritize
content that aligns with user preferences or trends, rather than promoting challenging or less popular
theological themes (Wheeler & Thomas, 2022).
Maintaining theological integrity also involves being cautious about how AI is used in spiritual guidance
and counselling. While AI systems can offer practical advice or automated responses, they are not capable of
understanding or articulating the full scope of Christian theology. In pastoral care situations, where
individuals may be grappling with deep spiritual questions or moral dilemmas, it is essential that human
pastors or counsellors take the lead in providing guidance. AI tools should serve as supplementary resources,
not as substitutes for the wisdom, discernment, and theological training that human pastors bring to their
roles (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021).
Moreover, the use of AI in ministry should be framed within a theological understanding of human nature
and the role of technology. Christian theology emphasizes the value of personal relationships, community,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers (O'Leary, 2022). AI, by its nature, lacks the capacity
for spiritual discernment or relational depth, and churches must be cautious not to over-rely on technology
in ways that diminish the importance of human-to-human interaction in spiritual growth.
To ensure that theological integrity is preserved, churches can establish guidelines for the use of AI in
ministry. These guidelines might include clear boundaries on what tasks AI can and cannot perform, as well
as processes for ensuring that AI-generated content or recommendations are reviewed by church leaders or
theologians.
One of the most pressing ethical issues in AI-driven evangelism is the protection of personal data. AI systems
rely heavily on data to make predictions, generate recommendations, and optimize processes. In a church
context, this data could include sensitive information about members' spiritual lives, personal struggles,
attendance patterns, or financial contributions. This data can be invaluable for helping churches tailor their
ministries to meet the needs of their congregations, however it also raises significant privacy and data
protection concerns.

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The use of AI in churches necessitates the collection and processing of large amounts of personal information,
which increases the risk of data breaches or misuse. Churches must be vigilant in ensuring that data is
collected, stored, and used in compliance with legal regulations, such as the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, and that members are informed about how their data will be used (Hersh,
2021). Transparency is key to maintaining trust, particularly when dealing with personal information related
to faith and spirituality, which individuals may consider deeply private.
In addition to legal compliance, churches must also address the ethical implications of data collection. For
example, while predictive analytics can help churches anticipate the needs of their members, there is a risk
that this data could be used to manipulate individuals or pressure them into certain behaviors. For instance,
AI tools might identify patterns in giving habits and prompt church leaders to target specific members for
fundraising efforts, which could lead to feelings of exploitation or discomfort (Borshchevskaya & Gringas,
2021). Ethical data use requires churches to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of their members over
the pursuit of increased donations or engagement.
Moreover, AI systems can sometimes inadvertently expose sensitive information if they are not properly
designed or monitored. For instance, an AI-powered chatbot might accidentally share personal details in a
public forum, or a predictive analytics tool might incorrectly flag an individual as disengaged based on
incomplete data. To prevent such issues, churches must implement robust data protection measures,
including encryption, regular security audits, and strict access controls (Cozzens & Campbell, 2022).
Additionally, churches should provide members with the option to opt out of data collection or AI-driven
recommendations, ensuring that participation is voluntary and that members retain control over their
personal information.
In conclusion, despite AI’s immense potential for enhancing evangelism and church growth, its ethical use
requires careful consideration of human oversight, theological integrity, and data protection. Churches must
approach AI with a clear understanding of both its benefits and limitations, ensuring that these tools are used
in ways that uphold the values of the Christian faith and protect the well-being of their members.

Strategies for Nigerian Churches in Integrating AI for Church Growth

As Nigerian churches continue to grow in the digital age, it’s essential to recognize the role of social media
and digital tools, particularly how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to expand outreach, deepen
engagement, and improve resource management. AI offers unique opportunities for churches to engage with
their congregations in more personalized ways, streamline communication, and extend their influence
beyond traditional boundaries. Below are key strategies Nigerian churches can adopt to leverage AI for
church growth.

1. AI-Enhanced Social Media Algorithms for Greater Reach

AI-powered algorithms on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram play a crucial
role in helping churches reach wider audiences. These algorithms suggest church content to users based on
their viewing preferences and behaviour, making it easier for religious content to find people who may not
have directly searched for it.
For example, a church's video on YouTube could be recommended to users interested in spiritual content,
while Facebook and Instagram can promote posts to individuals based on their past interactions with similar
religious material. By utilizing these algorithms effectively, churches can significantly increase their online
viewership and engagement, thereby fostering growth.

2. Building Global Communities with AI-Driven Digital Presence

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With AI-driven digital tools like chatbots, churches can maintain continuous engagement with both local and
global audiences. Chatbots can be programmed to answer frequently asked questions, offer prayer support,
and direct users to relevant resources 24/7. This constant engagement fosters a sense of community and
spiritual support beyond the physical church walls, attracting people who might not attend in-person
services.
By creating an online platform that allows members to connect, ask questions, and engage with the church
at any time, churches can broaden their evangelistic efforts and build global communities, which in turn
contributes to growth.

3. AI-Powered Personalization and Targeting for Diverse Congregations

One of the most effective ways churches can utilize AI is by creating personalized content targeting specific
demographics. AI tools help identify which type of content—whether sermon highlights, leadership insights,
or spiritual posts—gets the most engagement, allowing churches to tailor their outreach efforts accordingly.
For instance, churches that cater for young professionals or millennials can use AI-powered algorithms to
target this group on social media platforms. The content can be curated to meet their specific needs and
interests, making it more likely to resonate with them. This personalized approach ensures that the church’s
message reaches the right audience, fostering deeper connections and ultimately contributing to church
growth.

4. Strengthening Engagement Through Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics, an AI-driven tool, enables churches to forecast trends based on historical data. By
analyzing data from social media interactions, website visits, and online program participation, churches can
gain insights into attendance patterns and content effectiveness.
These insights allow churches to better plan future services, programs, and digital content, ensuring that
they are engaging their audience in the most impactful way. Predictive analytics can also help in planning
for larger events or managing online programs, leading to a more engaged and connected congregation both
online and offline.

5. Automating Routine Tasks for Greater Efficiency

AI-driven automation tools, such as chatbots, can help churches manage routine tasks, freeing up church
leaders to focus on spiritual guidance and pastoral duties. Tasks such as responding to prayer requests,
providing scripture references, or directing individuals to relevant online resources can all be handled by AI,
allowing church staff to allocate their time more effectively.
In addition, AI can help with resource management by tracking and organizing data related to church
activities. This increased efficiency in operations allows churches to operate more smoothly, ensuring that
congregants' needs are met promptly and effectively, contributing to overall church growth.

6. Optimizing Resources Through AI Insights

AI tools also provide valuable insights into resource allocation, helping churches optimize their programs
and initiatives for maximum impact. By tracking the success of various events, from virtual Bible studies to
leadership seminars, AI can offer data-driven suggestions on how to improve attendance and engagement.
For instance, AI might show that a particular type of event attracts more participants, or that a specific online
service format garners more interaction. With these insights, churches can adjust their strategies accordingly,
making their efforts more effective and contributing to the growth of their congregation.
These strategies demonstrate that AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing evangelism and church growth,
provided that it is used thoughtfully and ethically. A few key lessons emerge from these strategies:

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Conclusion
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism marks a pivotal moment for churches seeking
to navigate the complexities of ministry in the digital age. AI tools, such as chatbots, predictive analytics, and
social media algorithms, have the potential to significantly enhance outreach, optimize resource
management, and deepen spiritual engagement.
However, it is critical to approach AI with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its capabilities and
limitations. The successful application of AI in ministry requires careful consideration of ethical concerns,
including the need for human oversight, maintaining theological integrity, and addressing privacy and data
security issues. AI can never fully replace the human element that is central to pastoral care and evangelism.
Instead, it should serve as a tool that enhances and supports the church’s mission, allowing leaders to focus
on relationship-building, discipleship, and spiritual guidance.

Recommendations
1. Embrace AI as a Complement to Traditional Ministry: Churches should view AI as a tool to support,
not replace, traditional ministry practices. AI can be particularly useful for administrative tasks,
enhancing digital outreach, and providing personalized resources, but it cannot replace the human
connection that is foundational to spiritual care.
2. Ensure Human Oversight in AI Applications: While AI can handle many tasks efficiently, human
oversight is essential to ensure that these tools align with the church’s mission and values. Church
leaders should regularly review AI-generated content and recommendations to maintain doctrinal
accuracy and prevent ethical missteps.
3. Prioritize Theological Integrity: Churches must maintain theological integrity while using AI tools,
ensuring that AI-driven recommendations and content reflect core Christian teachings. AI should not
dilute or compromise the depth of spiritual material, even when offering personalized content to
congregants.
4. Strengthen Data Protection and Privacy Protocols: Given the sensitive nature of personal data in
ministry contexts, churches must implement strong privacy and data protection protocols. Ethical
data use is crucial for maintaining congregational trust, especially when utilizing AI tools that collect,
store, and analyse personal information.
5. Encourage Innovation While Staying Mission-Focused: As AI continues to evolve, churches should
remain open to exploring new technological innovations. However, any adoption of AI must stay
mission-focused, ensuring that the core goals of evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral care remain
at the heart of AI-driven efforts.

References
Borshchevskaya, A., & Gringas, M. (2021). Chatbots in ministry: Enhancing pastoral care through AI. Journal of Religious
Technology, 12(2), 67-79.
Campbell, H. A., & Tsuria, R. (2021). Religion, online space, and the digital age: Exploring religious engagements in a connected
world. Routledge.
Cheong, P. H., Fischer-Nielsen, P., Gelfgren, S., & Ess, C. (2020). Digital religion: Understanding religious practice in digital
media. Routledge.
Cozzens, M., & Campbell, M. (2022). AI and spiritual engagement: Personalizing the faith experience. Journal of
Technology and Faith, 9(1), 45-58.
Hersh, M. A. (2021). Ethical AI: Balancing human values and technological progress. Springer.
Morris, J. (2022). AI and church management: Optimizing resources for mission success. Church Leadership Journal, 18(3),
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O'Leary, D. E. (2022). Artificial intelligence and religious organizations: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Religion
and Technology, 15(3), 89-102.
Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial intelligence: A modern approach (4th ed.). Pearson.
Stanley, R., & Barrett, T. (2021). Leveraging AI for church growth: Practical strategies for digital outreach. Ministry and
Technology Journal, 14(2), 33-49.
Wheeler, C., & Thomas, J. (2022). The rise of AI in modern evangelism: Opportunities for digital outreach. Journal of
Ministry and Technology, 5(2), 93-112

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Artificial Intelligence and Children Evangelism: Opportunities and Pitfalls

Moyinoluwa Grace OWOJORI

Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2349037870335, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6463-4545

Toyin OYEDEJI
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348034650923

Johnson Dayo AKANBI

Emmanuel Alayande University, Oyo, Nigeria
[email protected]

Abstract
This paper is focused on Artificial Intelligence and Children Evangelism: Opportunities and Pitfalls.
The discourse examined AI, what AI connotes and its roles in children's evangelism. The main benefits
of AI were examined and discussed thus: AI is used to create stunning images of biblical characters and
events. At the same time, children's teachers can have favourable circumstances to connect with their
communities online. In addition, some benefits of using Artificial Intelligence were also itemized and
discussed such as providing unique opportunities for discipleship and evangelism, especially for
children. The paper also expatiates on children evangelism strategies using AI. It was recommended in
the paper among other things that ethical considerations for Artificial Intelligence must be employed in
order not to expose children to mental and moral harms. That is, unrestricted access to digital
technology brings risks to children’s well-being both mental and physical health, and as a result, close
monitoring is required when children engage with social media. Similarly, wider evangelization can
only be achieved through the use of AI as house-to-house evangelism may not be enough to win many
souls.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Children, Opportunities and Pitfalls

Introduction
Evangelization is a task and mission commissioned by Christ to the Church as an institution (Matt. 24:14).
An effective way to meet up with the task and mission of modern evangelization, is through social media.
Social media is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life for many people including children which can
invariably be an effective tool for children's evangelism. Social media has become an integral part of many
children, teenagers, and youth lives. The children normally use social interactions with others essentially
with the people around them, like parents, teachers, and peers.
Social media refers to websites and applications where users can create ideas, share information, or
participate in social networking. Any Web site that allows social interaction is considered a social media site,
including social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter; gaming sites and virtual worlds
such as Club Penguin, Second Life, and the Sims; video sites such as YouTube; and blogs. These types of
interaction have grown bigger over time (O'Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). Sociology group (2023) believes
that social media, apart from the interaction, it also allows users to share information, chat with other people,
share their opinions, create content, and embrace their differences. Most children are exposed to wrong
content on social media using different types of AI innovations such as ChatGPT, Facebook, Siri, Alexa,
Google Assistant, Cortana, IBM and so on. The explosion of artificial intelligence comes with many benefits
and challenges, especially for children who are heavily interacting with the different types of the innovative.
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As long as AI is used in a way that is appropriate and responsible, it can also be as an effective tool for
spreading the gospel (the good tidings), especially for children.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed
to think and learn like humans. Godkulture Team (2023) believed that AI involves creating algorithms and
systems that can process information, recognize patterns, make decisions, solve problems, and even
understand language. AI is something that has exploded over the past couple of years. AI is everywhere and
it's transforming the way children learn, engage, and even socialize. AI is already central to children’s digital
environment, through recommendation algorithms or automated decision-making systems. Generative AI
will no doubt take an even greater hold of their digital experiences, and at a rapid pace.
Ofcom’s Statistical Release Calendar (2023) reported that almost eight in ten children aged 3-17 (79%) used
apps or sites for messaging or voice/ video calls. However, in common with many other media activities, this
varied by age, from 48% of children aged 3-4 to 98% of 12-17-year-olds. Two in three (64%) children aged 3-
17 used apps for social media, while a third (32%) used apps or sites to post videos they had made, and 15%
live-streamed their content. More information on these activities is explored below in ‘Girls and Boys’. Three-
quarters of children aged 8-17 (72%) played games online.
Digital Technology is an unstoppable force that is shaping modern life, without the exception of children's
cycles. With a digital world at their fingertips, children with access to technology have seemingly endless
opportunities for play, learning, civic engagement, and social interactions (UNICEF, 2024). Mark Finley
(2024) defines digital evangelism as the systematic and intentional use of internet platforms to spread the
gospel to the online population. The goal is to introduce people to Christ and then connect them to a church
family. In today’s digital age, children can learn effectively from online Christian platforms like Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and more which have emerged as powerful tools for
communication and connectivity. Any individual, group, and likes using YouTube, Google, Facebook, and
other social media platforms, are already using AI.
Children's evangelism on social media is primarily to connect with different groups of children in millions
for the purpose of the salvation of their souls, growth, and connectivity. This is in line with Kidder (2016)
who believes that social media creates highly interactive platforms through which individuals and
communities share, co-create, discuss, and modify user-generated content. Consider social media not only
as a two-way engagement but as something that can include millions of people.
As technology continues to develop, the church must continue to adapt to strategically place the gospel
where people will find and hear it. The purpose of reaching children with the gospel, is in the fulfillment of
Jesus’s words, said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all
nations; and then the end shall come” (Matthew 24:14). Christ’s end-time message can be rapidly spread
around the world in seconds. As social media becomes an increasingly popular channel for connecting and
communicating with mass audiences of a younger generation, the community of children should not be left
behind (Wiedemann, 2022).
However, Christian teachers, mentors, and educators that are now involving in the use of AI (and all
technology), must align with a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for all people and nations without
any discrimination. Digital media is a tool to reach millions of children, not an end in itself. It is not how
many children we can gather to follow the church programmes but it is the sincere numbers of them that
have a genuine encounter with God.

Types of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be categorized based on its capabilities and functionalities (IBM Consultancy,
2024):

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1. Narrow AI (Weak AI): Designed to perform a specific task, such as facial recognition, language
translation, or playing chess. Most AI systems today are narrow AI, excelling in one area but lacking
general intelligence.
2. General AI (Strong AI): A more advanced form of AI that aims to replicate human cognitive abilities,
enabling machines to perform any intellectual task that a human can do. This type of AI remains
largely theoretical at present.
3. Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): This is a hypothetical form of AI that surpasses human intelligence
in all aspects, including creativity, wisdom, and social skills. ASI would have its own beliefs, desires,
and emotions.
AI is built using various subfields, including:
Machine Learning (ML): AI systems that learn from data and improve over time without explicit
programming.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): Allows machines to understand, interpret, and respond to human
language.
Computer Vision: Enabling machines to interpret and understand visual information from the world.
Robotics: Involves creating robots that can perform tasks autonomously, often using AI for decision-making.

Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework for this study draws on three key theories: Technological Determinism theory,
The Theory of Developmental Psychology, and Theological Pedagogy which explores the intersection of
technology, theology, and child development. These theories help to contextualize the impact of AI on
children’s spiritual education and evangelism.

i. Technological Determinism Theory

Technological determinism is a branch of determinism in sociology coined by the American economist and
sociologist Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929). In the words of Smith (1994) cited by Gill Singh (2024),
technological determinism can be summarized as “Technology decides history.” He asserted that our lives
including the children and youth to a great extent, revolve around our smartphones and tablets connected
continuously on a daily basis throughout the week to the internet. It’s so encompassing in this modern age
that it is now replacing physical interaction as the preferred mode of interaction.
The Technology Determinism Theory suggests that technology shapes societal structures and human
behaviour, often independently of other factors. This theory underscores the inevitability of AI's influence
on evangelistic methods and tools. AI-driven platforms, such as chatbots, virtual reality (VR), and gamified
learning, offer engaging ways to communicate biblical truths to children. AI can tailor content to individual
learning styles and cultural contexts, making it more impactful.

ii. The Theory of Developmental Psychology

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development (1896-1980) and Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory are
considered some of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century, and their stages theory of
cognitive development revolutionized the view of children’s thinking and learning (Arduini-Van Hoose,
2022). Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages are particularly
relevant in understanding how AI can align with a child's spiritual growth. Developmental psychology
provides insights into how children process information, form beliefs, and develop moral reasoning to guide
them throughout their life span. It also looks at how these thought processes influence how we understand
and interact with the world. AI can adapt to various developmental stages by offering age-appropriate

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lessons. For example, younger children might benefit from interactive storytelling, while older children could
explore theological debates through AI-facilitated discussions.

iii. Theological Pedagogy

Theological pedagogy emphasizes the role of teaching and learning in spiritual formation. It integrates
biblical principles with effective communication strategies. AI can enhance theological pedagogy by creating
immersive experiences, such as virtual Bible adventures or personalized devotional prompts. AI can also
assist teachers in tracking children's spiritual progress and tailoring discipleship strategies.

Media for Interaction

Research done by Communication apps and sites provides an array of different opportunities for children to
interact with others online, including messaging and calling, social media, online gaming, posting videos on
VSPs, and live-streaming content. AI has been a part of children's lives long before now. AI is more prevalent
than most children, or even adults, realize. Children use AI for homework help, AI interaction which is
children's direct engagement with AI agents, where the children ask questions and seek information (this
area of AI can have a positive impact on children because it significantly broadens children's access to
knowledge and information). AI algorithms suggest the next videos to play, based on a child's viewing
history. Social media is all about relationships, community, and content, and since the children are aware of
these strategies, it has a great opportunity to tell others about the salvation of mankind. AI has come to stay
and gradually forming some connection with children, and some children are seeing AI as a source of
companionship. This is the more reason why the use of social media for evangelism is advisable because it
is all about building relationships which is more appropriate than AI companionship.

Effective Social Media Platforms for Children Evangelism

The concept of social media platforms is a globalized issue that will give access to people, communities, and
tribes who would otherwise never step foot in a church or engage intentionally in a meaningful relationship
with the Christian. According to various research, engaging in multiple forms of social media has been
shown to benefit children. There are many kinds of social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
and the likes, each of these sites has several opportunities for witnessing and evangelizing.
1. YouTube (video content): This can be useful for video content, where the children teachers/pastors
can record the sermons and then upload them. An interesting way of using the channel is to ask
members for testimonies. Many will be inspired by how God intervened in the everyday lives of
church members.
2. Instagram (visual storytelling): This allows everyone including the children with the assistance of
their parents or guidance to upload pictures, visual storytelling, and videos of church-related
activities, especially the children’s activities. It will show the true life of the church. Anyone can take
pictures/ videos to be uploaded onto Instagram with the assistance of the parents and guardians.
3. Facebook (groups and pages): this is a perfect place to evangelize. This can be used to post pictures of
all kinds of activities in which children can engage.
4. TikTok (short-form videos): Utilizing various forms of media such as images, a small videos, posts,
and podcasts can also enhance engagement. It is very effective with minimal costs.
5. Snapchat (ephemeral content): such content could include inspirational Bible verses or devotional
reflections which can help the spiritual growth of the audiences.
6. Twitter: It can be created by the children’s teachers as a way to communicate with the children and
youth. It also can serve as direct traffic to the church blog and Web sites.
7. Online gaming communities.

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Opportunities/Benefits of Using Social Media for Children Evangelism

Social media in our modern world; enlarges the circle of believers’ influence irrespective of their cultural
background, Christian sect, languages, and countries. Ogbole (2024) believed that AI as a technology can
process massive amounts of data, engage with people at a personal level, and automate tasks that would
otherwise take years for humans to accomplish. The following are the possibilities for the use of social media:
1. Wider Reach and Accessibility: AI-powered platforms can help evangelists connect with people
including children globally, regardless of language barriers or time zones. Using tools like chatbots,
AI can engage with individuals in their preferred language and provide them with personalized
biblical resources. Social media creates communities of people from various backgrounds who share
common interests. People with the same interests connect more with each other. Digital evangelism
beams the message into people’s homes wherever they are, in whatever country they are in, in the
context of their language and culture.
2. Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: AI can automate many of the repetitive tasks associated with
evangelism, such as answering common questions or providing Bible study materials, freeing up
more time for personal human interactions. AI-driven tools reduce the need for extensive physical
resources, such as printed materials or large-scale in-person events. Churches and ministries can
allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring a wider impact with less expense. In a sense AI can help
Christians make the most of every opportunity in accordance with (Ephesians 5:16- “Redeeming the
time, because the days are evil”) in spreading the gospel. This targeted approach ensures that
resources are used efficiently and that evangelistic efforts are directed toward those most in need of
spiritual guidance.
3. Social Media Evangelism: AI can analyze social media trends and data to identify people who might
be open to hearing the gospel. It provides unique opportunities for discipleship and evangelism.
4. Overcoming Physical Limitations and Barriers: If we want to reach a global audience and penetrate
previously unreached people, global technology provides a powerful platform to accomplish God’s
mission. The Christian body can overcome physical limitations and barriers, especially in war zone
areas and other religious sects that are opposed to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. Increased Engagement and Interactive Content: With AI-driven content and chatbots, children can
engage with the gospel at their own pace, asking questions and receiving answers in a personalized
manner. AI can tailor evangelism content to individual children's needs. This engagement leads to
deeper discipleship and spiritual growth. This will invariably increase positive communication, social
connection, and technical skills of the children, especially providing a lifeline for isolated kids to
interact with friends and peers.
6. Global Impact: AI enables ministries to reach children in remote areas and unreached children
groups that would otherwise be inaccessible due to geography, language, or political barriers. This
set of children will enjoy equal access to evangelism. Through this, the church will fulfil the biblical
mandate to “preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
7. Digital Technology can open doors for learning, community, jobs, and services for children often
excluded by location, poverty, discrimination, or emergency (UNICEF, 2024).
8. More Souls Reached: The ultimate profit in evangelism is the salvation of souls. AI allows for
exponential outreach, meaning more people can hear the gospel and come to faith in Christ. The mind
of God is that all should be saved and have eternal rest at the end of their journey on earth.
9. Data Analysis: AI can track engagement and understanding, helping refine evangelism strategies.
This can assist human evangelists, freeing time for more personal connections.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Content Strategies for Children Evangelism on Social Media
Strategies for children’s evangelism can take different forms, which include:
1. Generating Images of Bible Characters and Scenes: Enhance individual and collective creativity
through developing and sharing Bible stories and teachings. AI can be used to create stunning images
of biblical characters and events. Children are visual learners, and incorporating images in the form of
animated videos and cartoons into your teaching can make the Bible more engaging and memorable.
For instance, if you are teaching a sermon on the storyline of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, AI can
generate an image of them crossing the Red Sea by the help of Almighty God through his servant
Moses. These images can enhance the preacher’s sermon and help the children's congregation to
visualize and internalize the stories in the Bible. AI-generated images can create colourful and engaging
visuals for children's Bible stories. Since they are used to animation when they are watching their
cartons, the generated images of different characters in the bible will be a better leverage for captivating
the hearts, attention, and belief systems of the children. The present world is corrupt with deviant
content and scenes like pornography, LGBTQ, violence, suicide missions and the like, the responsibility
of the modern church is to arise and use the same contents positively as a saving grace for our innocent
children.
2. Use AI to Create Social Media Posts: With the rise of social media, children’s teachers can have a
unique opportunity to connect with their communities online. Fostering of one's individual identity
and unique social skills through Interactive live streams and Q&A sessions, sharing testimonies, and
sharing memes and graphics. However, creating high-quality social media posts can take time and
effort. AI can help optimize posts for different platforms and audiences and save time and resources.
3. Create Content in Multiple Languages: AI can help children’s programmes translate their content into
multiple languages. This will help break language barriers, expand their global outreach, and reach
more people. However, it is essential to consider cultural and linguistic nuances to ensure the content
is accurate and culturally sensitive. Editing is also essential to ensure that the translated content
effectively conveys the intended message and values of the church.
4. Personalized Learning and Engagement: AI can create customized learning experiences for children,
tailoring religious content to their interests, learning pace, and cognitive abilities. Interactive AI tools,
such as chatbots or virtual assistants, could lead children through Bible stories, religious songs, and
moral lessons in a fun and engaging way. This level of personalization helps hold children's attention
and makes religious teachings more accessible.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Religious Education: AI-powered VR and AR
technologies can create immersive, interactive experiences. For example, children can virtually
experience Biblical events or walk through religious historical sites. These immersive experiences help
bring religious stories and teachings to life, making them more engaging and memorable for young
audiences.
6. Accessibility and Global Reach: AI-driven platforms like websites, apps, and social media can reach
children in remote areas or those with limited access to physical churches. AI can help translate
religious materials into different languages, making them accessible to children from diverse linguistic
and cultural backgrounds. This can facilitate global outreach and evangelism efforts in ways that
would be impossible with traditional methods.
7. Game-Based Learning: AI can power educational games that teach religious principles through play.
Games can be tailored to teach values such as kindness, honesty, and charity, as well as more specific
religious teachings. Gamification, where children earn rewards for completing tasks, can make learning
about faith more engaging and enjoyable.

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8. Safety and Moderation: AI can be programmed to monitor and moderate online content, ensuring that
children are exposed to age-appropriate religious material. This can help prevent harmful or
misleading content and provide a safe space for children to explore religious ideas.
Nelson (2024) opined five (5) ways to increase engagement in children’s ministry through social media:
1. Use Real-life Pictures and Videos Whenever Possible: Most people want to see authentic and faithful
representations of the ministry. So as much as possible, the children's platform should share real-life
pictures, personal testimonies, and videos on the ministry's social media accounts.
2. Speak to the felt needs of the parents in your ministry, and let your social media serve their purpose,
not yours: focus on providing resources, encouragement, and support to parents as they navigate life
and at-home discipleship.
3. Post Consistently: To avoid a vacuum and undertone of seriousness from the church organizer, there
must be regular posting of content that will keep the children busy.
4. Be Interactive: The purpose of social media is for interaction. The page must be engaging, children
and their parents frequently respond to your post. AI-powered games, videos, and chatbots can
engage children in interactive and immersive experiences. Use Instagram Stories or Facebook polls
to ask fun, thought-provoking questions related to Bible stories or upcoming events. Make it a priority
to reply to comments and messages promptly
5. Share Content from other Trusted Accounts: Find a few accounts working to support and encourage
parents and kids in their faith, and share them to your stories or repost them only be sure to credit
and tag the original poster.
Other engagements include:
1. Creating Relevant and Engaging Content: Utilizing various forms of media such as images, videos,
posts, and podcasts can also enhance engagement. In addition, it will also make the message more
accessible to a wider audience.
2. Cultivating Meaningful Relationships: You will need to intentionally engage with Christians and
non-Christians on social media to share the Gospel with them. By intentionally engaging in
conversations, responding to comments, and expressing empathy, Christians can develop
meaningful connections
3. Sharing Resources and Inviting Engagement: Different resources like articles. e-book, storybooks can
be shared via social media which will encourage the online children's community to participate
through question sessions, life experience issues, counselling sessions, and so on.

Challenges/Pitfalls of Using Social Media for Children Evangelism

Some of the challenges/Pitfalls that can be associated with the use of social media are as follows:
1. Privacy and Data Security Concerns: One of the biggest concerns with using AI in children's evangelism
is the collection and handling of personal data. AI tools may require access to children's data, such as their
learning preferences, behaviour, and even personal beliefs, which raises serious privacy and security
concerns. Mismanagement of this data could expose children to risks such as identity theft or exploitation.
2. Over-Reliance on Technology: While AI can enhance learning, there is a risk that children may become
overly dependent on technology for their religious education. This could undermine the importance of face-
to-face interactions with religious leaders, peers, and families, which are vital for emotional and spiritual
development. In-person fellowship fosters deeper, more meaningful connections that AI cannot replicate.
3. Ethical and Theological Considerations: AI may raise questions about the authenticity and integrity of
religious teaching. Who programs the AI? How do they ensure the content aligns with specific religious
traditions or doctrines? There is a risk that AI-driven content may be manipulated or misrepresented,
potentially spreading distorted teachings. Children might not have the critical thinking skills to discern this.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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4. Inadequate Emotional Intelligence: While AI systems can simulate conversation and interaction, they lack
true emotional intelligence and understanding. Children might form attachments to AI programs, but these
programs cannot offer the empathy, guidance, and care that a human mentor or spiritual leader can provide.
Over-reliance on AI could deprive children of the genuine emotional and spiritual support they need.
5. Lack of Personal Connection and Community: Evangelism, at its core, is about building a community and
personal connections within a faith. AI, by its nature, cannot replace the sense of belonging those physical
churches, youth groups, or community outreach provide. The use of AI tools in children's evangelism might
inadvertently isolate children from real-life religious communities, weakening the sense of fellowship that is
central to many faiths.
6. Cultural and Religious Sensitivity: While AI can be programmed to recognize cultural and religious
diversity, it might still miss nuances in how different cultures approach religious practices. AI’s
generalizations might not accurately reflect the diversity within and among religious traditions, leading to
oversimplifications or misrepresentations of faith practices.
7. Too much reliance on AI agents like Siri, Alexa, or ChatGPT can have some implications for children’s
social development: According to YING XU Children learn social etiquette through interactions with others
who model socially appropriate behaviours. But AI does not always follow our social norms, or encourage
the use of polite language. He has observed instances where children give demands, or even insult AI (Ying
Xu, 2024).
8. Children can be easily distracted and switch to other programmes focusing on what is trending on social
media rather than the Christian programme that is ongoing.
9. AI can become a quick fix to sermon preparation rather than the thoughtful, prayerful study of God’s
Word, thereby substituting technology for the moving of the Spirit and personal relationships.
10. Evaluation/Credibility of Information: Since the rise of the internet and social media a couple of decades
ago, children have increasingly faced challenges in evaluating credible information sources even adults are
having trouble evaluating AI-generated information. But generative AI and ChatGPT make things a little bit
more complicated whereby finding it difficult to know the source of the information.

Safety Considerations for Children’s Evangelism on Social Media

1. Ensuring Spiritual Depth and Substance: The Christian communities should ensure that AI
supplements human effort, rather than replacing it. The church should strike a balance between AI-
enhanced and traditional evangelism methods.
2. Age-appropriate Content: There must be concerns about children’s developmental readiness to be
active online
3. Collaborate with Experts: There must be collaboration with theologians, educators, and AI experts
to develop effective AI-enhanced evangelism.
4. Monitoring and Moderation: There must be a continuous system put in place to assess AI systems'
effectiveness and impact.
5. Parental and Caregiver Involvement: Encourage parental involvement in AI-enhanced evangelism.
The consent and guidance for young internet users must come from parents, teachers, governments,
and the social media industry.
6. Foster Critical Thinking: Teach children to critically evaluate AI-generated content.
7. Emphasize Relationships: Prioritize human relationships and community building.
8. Online Safety Guidelines: Online Christian programmes must follow safety guidelines. This will help
to overcome age misrepresentation though some children simply supply a fake age when setting up
their account. We need to see increased user protection (such as age verification measures).
9. Transparency and Accountability: Regularly review AI systems for bias and error.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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10. Safety and Security: Implement robust security measures to protect children's data.

Conclusion
AI can have a positive impact on children because it significantly broadens children's access to knowledge,
information, communication, and friendship. Notably, AI has become increasingly prevalent while children
pastors, mentors, and teachers are recognizing their potential to enhance their ministry and to help them
engage with their congregation in new and innovative ways. This paper calls for action in modern
Christianity to utilize social media for children's evangelism. The potential of social media for reaching and
disciplining children should not replace the traditional evangelistic methods in churches but rather enhance
their leverage on the Holy Spirit as the bedrock for the conviction of the souls of men. However, social media
can also have many negative effects on teenagers, both mentally and physically. Therefore, it is important to
use AI ethical considerations that align with biblical values and principles that will not harm the children or
violate their privacy.

Recommendations
The following recommendations were made:
1. Adequate evangelism can only be achieved through the use/utilization of Artificial Intelligence
because house-to-house evangelism may not be sufficient to achieve global evangelism.
2. Artificial Intelligence has enormous benefits as far as children evangelism is concerned but at the
same time, it must be thoroughly monitored in order not to be abused by children.
3. Personal evangelism should not be ruled out completely because children believe in what I see, I
remember.
4. Artificial Intelligence ethical considerations must be employed in order not to expose the children to
mental and moral harm.

References
"Artificial Intelligence." (n.d.). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/artificial-
intelligence/CultureRedeemed
Arduini-Van Hoose, N (2022). History of Developmental Psychology.
https://topicaldevelopment.pressbooks.sunycreate.cloud/chapter/history-of-developmental-psychology/
Available online 30/11/2024.
Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. www.simplypsychology.org
Gill Singh. K (2024). Technological Determinism Theory (5 Examples, Pros & Cons).
https://helpfulprofessor.com/technological-determinism-theory/
Godkulture Team (2023). The Church and AI: The Next Evangelism Frontier https://www.godkulture.global/the-
church-and-ai-the-next-evangelism-frontier/
IBM Consultancy (2024). Understanding the different types of artificial intelligence.
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/artificial-intelligence-types
Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Educational Psychology Interactive. www.edpsycinteractive.org
Kidder, O. J (2016). Using Social Media for Evangelism. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs.
McCarthy, J., Minsky, M., Papert, S., & Shannon, C. E. (1956). "A Proposal for the Dartmouth Summer Research
Project on Artificial Intelligence." The Dartmouth Conference.
Nelson. B (2024). 5 Ways to Increase Engagement on Your Children’s Ministry Social Media.
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Ofcom’s Statistical Release Calendar (2023): Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes. Children and
Parents: Media Use and Attitudes 2023 www.ofcom.org.uk
Ogbole John (2024). evangelism with AI can be profitable. Evangelism With AI Can Be Profitable

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O'Keeffe, G. S & Clarke-Pearson, K (2011) D. The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families.
Pediatrics (2011) 127 (4): 800-804. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-0054
Projects and reports. Innocenti Global Office of Research and Foresight. www.unicef.org
Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach. Pearson.
Smith, M.R. (1994) Does technology drive history? The dilemma of technological determinism. United States: MIT Press.
Sociology Group (2023). 10 Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Society.
https://www.sociologygroup.com/pros-cons-social-media/
Thorstein Veblen (1857–1929). Technological determinism. The free encyclopedia
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UNICEF (2024). Empowering Educators in the Digital Age. https://www.unicef.org/innovation/topics/digital-
technology
UNICEF Generative AI: Risks and Opportunities for Children. How can we empower and protect children in the face
of Artificial Intelligence?
Warran, D. Social Media: A Biblical Perspective for Christian Parents.
Wiedemann, T. (2022). Social Media as a Tool for Evangelism. Social Media as a Tool for Evangelism - Spectrum
Magazine.
Ying Xu, Anderson . J (2024). The Impact of AI on Children's Development. AI designed with certain principles in
mind can benefit children's growth and learning, says Assistant Professor Ying Xu, but AI literacy is essential

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Leveraging on Artificial Intelligence towards the Fulfillment of Christs' Evangelical Mandate

Olusegun James ADIGUN

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348035658450, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0163-5992

Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348055159591, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8057-137X

Abstract
This research explores the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Evangelism, focusing on how
technological advancements can facilitate the execution of Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-
20). The utilization of AI-driven tools presents remarkable opportunities for tailored evangelistic efforts,
broader outreach, and streamlined follow-up processes. This study examines the advantages, obstacles,
and important factors associated with the application of AI in evangelism. A literature review was
conducted on the subjects of Artificial Intelligence and evangelism, employing the Technological
Acceptance Model (TAM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as theoretical frameworks. AI's
capabilities in data processing, personalized communication, and scalability present unique
opportunities for churches and faith-based organizations to expand their reach and effectiveness. AI-
based analytics enhance evangelistic methodologies and support discipleship. Furthermore, AI-
enhanced online platforms and mobile applications broaden the global reach of evangelism and ensure
theological precision. Key considerations include the necessity of human interaction, cultural
awareness, data privacy, and accountability. The study concludes that AI possesses significant
transformative potential for evangelism, allowing for a more effective realization of Christ's directive.
By addressing the associated challenges and considerations, evangelists can effectively utilize AI to
disseminate the Gospel, improve discipleship, and engage a larger audience. The paper advocates for
the exploration of AI-driven evangelistic tools and the ongoing assessment and refinement of AI-based
evangelism strategies.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Technology, Christ's Mandate, Digital Evangelism

Introduction
Evangelism refers to the practice of disseminating the Christian gospel, which encompasses the
communication of the message of Jesus Christ and the advocacy of Christian teachings (Matthew 28:18-20).
This practice can manifest in numerous ways, such as preaching, sharing personal experiences, and engaging
in outreach initiatives. The main objective of evangelism is to encourage individuals to embrace faith in
Christ and to nurture spiritual development within communities.
A widely accepted definition of artificial intelligence describes it as a technology that allows machines to
replicate a range of intricate human abilities. However, this explanation offers little clarity, merely rephrasing
the term "artificial intelligence." Without a clear specification of what constitutes these "intricate human
abilities," the precise nature of AI remains ambiguous (Doe, 2020). The same ambiguity exists in defining AI
as the execution of complex tasks by computers within multifaceted environments (Haroon, Corien & Erik,
2023). Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses computer systems that possess the ability to execute intricate
tasks traditionally reserved for human beings, including reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving
(Coursera, 2024).
Artificial intelligence plays a significant and pivotal role in contemporary society, exerting considerable
influence within the technological domain. It has emerged as a prominent area of interest, characterized by

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numerous innovative developments occurring in our surroundings. The advent of AI has catalyzed
substantial transformations in the creation of new tools and the emergence of advanced technologies
(Afolaranmi, 2024). The concept of artificial intelligence revolves around the aspiration to construct machines
capable of thought. It has become an integral component of the technology sector. The primary objectives of
artificial intelligence involve enabling computers to function in a manner analogous to human cognition,
striving to replicate the cognitive attributes inherent in human intelligence (Russell & Norvig, 2020).
Researchers endeavor to comprehend the essence of human intellect, employing methodologies, knowledge,
formal theories, and techniques that prove beneficial to varying degrees. This approach is not only
theoretically sound but also pragmatically viable, as it facilitates the generation of solutions to complex
problems.
AI provides answers that encompass diverse aspects of reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and
linguistic comprehension. The field of AI research is characterized by the examination of intelligent agents,
which encompass nearly all devices utilized by individuals in a natural and intelligent manner. The ability
of AI to enhance the functionalities of various electronic products has led to widespread adoption of this
technology in everyday life. Numerous skilled professionals are dedicated to driving significant innovations
in AI; however, there remains a pressing concern regarding the potentially detrimental effects associated
with its implementation. Consequently, it is imperative to exercise caution when integrating this technology
into our daily routines.
According to West and Allen (2018), Artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a comprehensive instrument that
allows individuals to reevaluate the methods by which one assimilates information, scrutinize data, and
apply the derived insights to enhance decision-making processes. Its impact is already evident across various
aspects of daily life. Transforming the methods by which the gospel is disseminated and communicated is a
significant objective (Kim, 2019). This endeavor aligns with Christ's directive to "go and make disciples of all
nations" (Matthew 28:19). A key aim of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism is to improve
the efficiency and impact of evangelistic initiatives (Hutchison, 2019). AI-driven tools and platforms can
assist evangelists in identifying and connecting with potential seekers, delivering customized gospel
presentations, and providing spiritual guidance and support (Gospel Coalition, 2020). AI's role in evangelism
is to broaden the reach and accessibility of the gospel message (Schultze, 2017). AI technologies can help
surmount language and cultural obstacles, ensuring that the gospel is communicated in a manner that
resonates with individuals from various backgrounds (Lausanne Movement, 2020).
Moreover, the convergence of AI and evangelism offers opportunities to enhance the personalization and
contextualization of the gospel message (Kim, 201). AI tools can enable evangelists to customize their
messages and approaches for specific audiences, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their outreach efforts
(Gospel Coalition, 2020). The integration of AI into evangelism holds the promise of transforming how the
gospel is shared and communicated. This intersection aims to fulfill Christ's command to "go and make
disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19) by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of evangelistic
activities, expanding the reach and accessibility of the gospel, and enhancing the personalization and
contextualization of its message.

Theoretical Framework
This study examines the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as its
foundational theoretical frameworks.

Technological Acceptance Model (TAM)

Marikyan and Papagiannidis (2023) articulate that the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides
insight into the manner in which individuals adopt information systems. The model suggests that technology

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acceptance is contingent upon users' behavioral intentions, which are influenced by their assessments of the
technology's utility in performing tasks and the simplicity of its use (Marikyan & Papagiannidis, 2023). TAM
delineates the acceptance process into three distinct phases. Initially, external elements, particularly the
characteristics of system design, provoke cognitive reactions that are defined by perceived ease of use and
perceived usefulness. These cognitive reactions then give rise to an affective response, which includes the
user's attitude towards the technology and their intention to engage with it, ultimately impacting their actual
usage behavior.

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) asserts that individuals learn knowledge and skills by observing the behaviors
of others. In today's society, social media plays a crucial role as a medium for influence and education.
Individuals often turn to platforms like Google, YouTube, and Pinterest to gain insights from the experiences
and practices of others (Sam May-Varas, Jennifer Margolis, and Tanya Mead, 2023). Furthermore, artificial
intelligence is increasingly integrated into numerous aspects of everyday life, impacting various sectors
including healthcare, finance, transportation, and education, among others.

Technology and Christs' Evangelical Mandate

The Great Commission represents a crucial segment of the Bible that underpins the practice of evangelism.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructs his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (NIV). This scripture highlights the significance
of evangelism, discipleship, and baptism as essential components in the execution of the Great Commission
(Gangel, 2000). Köstenberger and O'Brien (2001) describe the Great Commission as a "clarion call to
evangelism," underscoring the necessity of disseminating the gospel to others.
The Holy Spirit is integral to the process of evangelism, as it serves to convict individuals of their sins and
guide them towards Christ. In the Gospel of John 16:8-11, Jesus articulates that the Holy Spirit will "convict
the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (NIV). Little (2006) posits that the Holy
Spirit functions as the "primary evangelist," equipping believers with the necessary strength to disseminate
the gospel. Similarly, MacArthur (1994) underscores the significance of the Holy Spirit in evangelistic efforts,
asserting that "the Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power to witness". Faith and obedience play a
pivotal role in the practice of evangelism. The author of Hebrews 11:6 underscores the necessity of placing
trust in God's sovereignty and provision as fundamental to evangelistic efforts. Gangel (2000) asserts that
faith serves as the "foundation of evangelism," empowering believers to communicate the gospel effectively
to others. Furthermore, obedience is equally vital in this context, as illustrated in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, where
Paul highlights the significance of acting as "ambassadors for Christ" and disseminating the gospel message
to those around them (NIV).
The significance of disseminating the gospel in contemporary society is paramount. As instructed by Jesus
to his followers, "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 -20, NIV). This Great Commission extends beyond the original
disciples, serving as a directive for all Christians to communicate the gospel to others (Köstenberger &
O'Brien, 2001).
The dissemination of the gospel extends beyond the mere act of saving souls; it encompasses the profound
transformation of individuals and communities. The gospel possesses the inherent ability to alter lives,
bestowing upon individuals a renewed identity, purpose, and direction (Wright, 2013). Furthermore, it
fosters a sense of unity among believers, cultivating a supportive community where individuals can uplift
and encourage one another (Gangel, 2000).

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In the contemporary context, the effective spread of the gospel necessitates creativity, sensitivity, and
contextual awareness. It transcends traditional preaching or evangelistic efforts; it involves embodying the
principles of the gospel in everyday interactions, thereby showcasing God's love and compassion to those in
our vicinity (Little, 2006).
The urgency of this mission is underscored by the imperative articulated by Paul: "how can they believe in
the one of whom they have not heard?" (Romans 10:14, NIV). This statement highlights the critical need for
believers to actively share the gospel, ensuring that others have the opportunity to hear and respond to the
message of salvation (MacArthur, 1994, p. 156).
The act of spreading the gospel is of paramount importance in the current era. It is a pressing matter, as the
eternal destinies of individuals hang in the balance. As followers of Christ, we bear the responsibility to
communicate the gospel to others, seizing every opportunity to share the transformative good news of Jesus
Christ.
The integration of technology into religious outreach efforts is a longstanding practice. As early as the 19th
century, religious figures began to utilize new technologies, including the printing press and the telegraph,
to disseminate their messages (Hutchison, 1998). The introduction of radio in the early 20th century further
enhanced the capacity for religious broadcasting, enabling numerous churches and ministries to engage a
broader audience (Schultze, 2002).
The emergence of television in the mid-20th century significantly broadened the scope of religious
broadcasting, with many televangelists leveraging this medium to communicate their messages to a
worldwide audience (Horsfield, 1984). The rise of the internet and social media in the late 20th and early 21st
centuries has created additional avenues for religious outreach, allowing various churches and ministries to
utilize online platforms for message dissemination and community engagement (Campbell, 2010).
Nevertheless, the application of technology in religious outreach is not without its difficulties. Critics have
pointed out that reliance on technology may diminish personal connections and community bonds, which
are vital to religious practice (Wellman, 2004). Additionally, there are concerns regarding the potential
misuse of technology, which could lead to manipulative or coercive practices rather than authentic
evangelism (Schultze, 2002).
In spite of these obstacles, the role of technology in religious outreach continues to be a significant and rapidly
changing domain. As new technological advancements emerge, it is anticipated that religious leaders and
organizations will discover innovative methods to incorporate these tools into their outreach strategies.
The methods of evangelism have undergone significant changes with the advancement of technology. In the
past, evangelism was primarily done through face-to-face interactions, such as door-to-door evangelism and
street preaching (McGavran, 1970). However, with the advent of radio and television, evangelism began to
shift towards mass media evangelism (Schultze, 2002).
The 1980s saw the rise of televangelism, with popular televangelists such as Billy Graham and Oral Roberts
using television to reach a wider audience (Horsfield, 1984). The 1990s and 2000s saw the emergence of the
internet and social media, which further transformed the landscape of evangelism (Campbell, 2010).
Today, evangelism is done through a variety of digital platforms, including social media, online advertising,
and video sharing (Wagner, 2012). The use of technology has enabled evangelists to reach a wider audience
and to share the gospel with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures (Kärkkäinen, 2014).
The contemporary landscape of digital evangelism is marked by a notable rise in the utilization of social
media platforms, online advertising, and video content as means to disseminate the gospel (Campbell, 2010,
p. 189). Research conducted by the Barna Group indicates that 71% of Christian congregations in the United
States engage with social media to connect with their members and promote the gospel message (Barna
Group, 2020). Additionally, the deployment of online video content has emerged as a significant trend in
digital evangelism. A report from the Pew Research Center reveals that 85% of adults in the United States

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are active users of YouTube, positioning it as a prime venue for evangelistic efforts (Pew Research Center,
2020).
Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies is gaining
attraction within the realm of digital evangelism. A study by the Gospel Coalition highlights that these
technologies can enhance the personalization of the gospel message, thereby increasing its relevance to
individual seekers (Gospel Coalition, 2020). Nevertheless, despite the advantages associated with digital
evangelism, certain challenges and limitations persist. The Evangelical Alliance identifies a significant
obstacle in the form of diminished personal connection and community engagement within digital platforms
(Evangelical Alliance, 2020).

Artificial Intelligence Tools and Applications in Evangelism

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelism represents an emerging and significant trend.
Various AI tools and applications are being employed to facilitate the dissemination of the gospel, customize
messages, and enhance audience engagement (Kim, 2019). Research conducted by the Gospel Coalition
indicates that AI can effectively analyze data and discern patterns in human behavior, enabling evangelists
to adapt their messages and strategies to resonate with specific individuals and communities (Gospel
Coalition, 2020).
A prominent application of AI in this context is the utilization of chatbots and virtual assistants. These
technologies can deliver tailored responses to common inquiries, provide spiritual counsel and support, and
even assist in online discipleship efforts (Hutchison, 2019). A report from the Evangelical Alliance highlights
that chatbots and virtual assistants are particularly successful in engaging younger demographics, who tend
to be more receptive to digital interactions (Evangelical Alliance, 2020).
Additionally, AI is being harnessed to create personalized evangelism platforms. These platforms leverage
machine learning algorithms to assess user data, including interests, behaviors, and demographic
information, thereby offering customized recommendations for gospel-related content and resources (Kim,
2019). The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has found that such personalized platforms can
significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 2020).
Nevertheless, the application of AI in evangelism is not without its challenges and limitations. A study by
the Lausanne Movement points out that a primary concern is ensuring that AI technologies are utilized in
alignment with biblical values and ethical principles (Lausanne Movement, 2020).
Adoption of AI tools and applications in evangelism is an accelerating trend. While there are notable
challenges and limitations to address, the potential benefits are substantial.

Benefits of Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism

The advantages of utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of evangelism are extensive. A significant
advantage is the capacity to customize the gospel message, tailoring it to the needs of individual seekers
(Kim, 2019, p. 123). Research conducted by the Gospel Coalition indicates that AI can analyze data and
discern patterns in human behavior, enabling evangelists to develop more effective and targeted outreach
strategies (Gospel Coalition, 2020).
Additionally, the incorporation of AI in evangelism enhances both efficiency and scalability. AI technologies
can automate numerous routine tasks, such as data entry and follow-up communications, thereby allowing
evangelists to concentrate on more strategic and personal interactions (Hutchison, 2019). A report from the
Evangelical Alliance further supports this notion, highlighting that AI can analyze extensive datasets to
uncover trends and insights that inform evangelistic approaches (Evangelical Alliance, 2020). Moreover, AI
can significantly improve the effectiveness of evangelistic initiatives. For instance, AI-driven chatbots and
virtual assistants can deliver personalized answers to common inquiries and provide spiritual guidance and

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support (Kim, 2019). A study by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association reveals that these AI-powered
chatbots can also facilitate online discipleship and offer follow-up assistance to new believers (Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association, 2020).
Furthermore, AI technologies can extend outreach to individuals in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
For example, AI-enhanced virtual reality experiences can create engaging and interactive gospel
presentations that are accessible to those in such areas (Hutchison, 2019). The advantages of employing AI
in evangelism are evident. From the personalization of the gospel message to enhanced efficiency and
scalability, AI possesses the potential to transform the practice of evangelism significantly. AI possesses the
capacity to transform evangelism by transcending geographical limitations and creating novel avenues for
disseminating the gospel. Through the utilization of AI-driven tools and platforms, evangelists are able to
engage a broader audience, tailor their messages and methodologies, and surmount physical distances as
well as other spatial obstacles.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelism presents numerous ethical dilemmas and
challenges. A significant concern is the risk of AI being utilized in manipulative or coercive manners
(Schultze, 2017). Research conducted by the Evangelical Alliance indicates that while AI-driven chatbots and
virtual assistants can offer tailored responses to individuals seeking guidance, they also have the potential
to mislead or coerce individuals into making decisions without full comprehension (Evangelical Alliance,
2020).
Another ethical issue is the possibility of AI intensifying pre-existing social and economic disparities. A
report from the Gospel Coalition highlights that AI-based evangelism tools may be engineered to focus on
particular demographics or socioeconomic classes, potentially neglecting others (Gospel Coalition, 2020).
Concerns also arise regarding the likelihood of AI substituting human evangelists and missionaries. The
Lausanne Movement's research suggests that although AI can serve as a valuable resource in evangelism, it
cannot replace the importance of human connections and personal testimonies (Lausanne Movement, 2020)
Additionally, challenges surrounding the transparency and accountability of AI-driven evangelism tools are
noteworthy. A study by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association emphasizes the necessity for enhanced
transparency and accountability in the creation and implementation of these AI tools (Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association, 2020).
AI holds promise for improving evangelistic efforts, it is crucial to address various ethical concerns and
challenges. These include the risks of manipulation or coercion, the potential to worsen social and economic
inequalities, the threat of displacing human evangelists and missionaries, and the need for greater
transparency and accountability.

Future of Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism

The prospects for AI in evangelism are encouraging, with numerous experts forecasting that AI will
increasingly contribute to the dissemination of the gospel (Kim, 2019). A report by the Gospel Coalition
highlights that AI could transform evangelism by delivering personalized and contextually relevant gospel
messages to individuals globally (Gospel Coalition, 2020). A key area for potential advancement in AI-driven
evangelism lies in the creation of AI-enabled chatbots and virtual assistants. These technologies can offer
tailored and engaging gospel presentations, along with spiritual guidance and support (Hutchison, 2019).
Additionally, the application of machine learning algorithms to analyze data and discern patterns in human
behavior presents another significant opportunity for AI in evangelism. This capability can assist evangelists
in gaining insights into the needs and preferences of their audience, allowing them to customize their
messages and strategies accordingly (Kim, 2019).

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Moreover, AI can improve the efficacy of evangelistic efforts by providing immediate feedback and analysis.
This information can enable evangelists to refine their messaging and approaches, gaining a clearer
understanding of what resonates with their audience (Gospel Coalition, 2020). Nevertheless, while the
advantages of AI in evangelism are substantial, there are challenges and limitations that warrant attention.
These include the risk of AI being utilized in manipulative or coercive manners, as well as the necessity for
enhanced transparency and accountability in the creation and use of AI-driven evangelistic tools (Schultze,
2017, p. 123).
he future of AI in evangelism holds significant promise, offering numerous benefits and avenues for
development. However, it is crucial to address the challenges and limitations associated with AI in this field,
ensuring that AI-powered evangelistic tools are developed and implemented in a manner that is transparent,
accountable, and respectful.

Conclusion
The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelism holds significant promise for transforming
the dissemination and propagation of the gospel. AI-driven tools and applications can assist evangelists in
tailoring their messages, broadening their audience, and improving their overall impact. Nonetheless, the
introduction of any new technology brings forth a set of challenges and limitations that must be addressed.
These challenges include the risk of AI being employed in manipulative or coercive manners, as well as the
necessity for enhanced transparency and accountability in the creation and utilization of AI-based
evangelistic tools. In spite of these obstacles, the advantages of employing AI in evangelism are evident. As
society becomes more digitally oriented, AI-enhanced evangelism tools can facilitate the sharing and
dissemination of the gospel in a manner that is pertinent, effective, and honors human dignity. Finally, the
effective integration of AI into evangelism will hinge on the capacity of evangelists to leverage technological
advancements in alignment with biblical principles and values. By doing so, evangelists can ensure that AI
serves to augment, rather than detract from, the mission of spreading the gospel.

Recommendations
1. Emphasize the importance of human connections: Although artificial intelligence can support
evangelistic initiatives, it is essential to prioritize interpersonal relationships and personal testimonies
(Matthew 28:18-20).
2. AI-driven evangelism tools should be firmly rooted in biblical theology, ensuring that the
presentation of the gospel message is both precise and uncompromising, as emphasized in 1
Corinthians 15:3-4.
3. Utilize social media platforms: Social media platforms serve as effective tools for disseminating
gospel content, interacting with those seeking spiritual guidance, and fostering online communities
(Matthew 28:18-20).
4. It is imperative for evangelistic organizations to allocate resources towards artificial intelligence
research and development in order to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and
effectively utilize contemporary innovations (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
5. Emphasize the importance of human dignity: It is essential for evangelistic organizations to place
human dignity at the forefront of their initiatives, ensuring that the deployment of AI-driven tools
and platforms is conducted in a manner that honors and preserves human dignity, as articulated in
Genesis 1:26-27.

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Biblical Metaphysics in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: The Role of Pastors in Nigeria

Isaiah O. ABOLARIN, PhD

College of Postgraduate/Religious Studies Department, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
[email protected], +2347011213441

Abstract
Biblical metaphysics is the understanding of the issue of reality from the biblical point of view.
This understanding is the basis for the view anyone may have about every other thing in life;
and pastors play important roles in ensuring the understanding. Technological evolution has
reached a level where machines are inbuilt with intelligence which was endowed only
humans. Machines can even perform better in some things than humans. Ability of the
machines to demonstrate a high level of intelligence like humans is known as Artificial
Intelligence (AI). The goal of this technological advancement could be to make life easier for
humans. But before such technological advancement, there have been questions on the reality
of the existence of a supreme power that is responsible for existence of life and universe. Now
that machines can operate with intelligence accrued to human or even better, is there a need
for a supreme power or do humans need to believe in a supreme being any longer? Studies
have been conducted on the influence of AI on pastoral roles and on Christianity generally;
but there is a little or no study on how pastors could affirm biblical metaphysics in the era of
AI in Nigeria. Relying on transformational theory, the paper used a phenomenological design
to interrogated the role of pastors in ensuring biblical metaphysics in this era of AI in Nigeria.
The paper found that AI has the tendency of influencing how humans especially pastors,
perceive reality. Therefore, it was concluded that pastors should understand AI and its
functions; but maintain the teachings of the Bible and not replace the role of the Holy Spirit
with AI. The paper recommended that pastors should update themselves with the current
technological development, especially AI, in order to balance their roles as pastors.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Metaphysical Reality, Pastoral Counselors, Supreme

Power, Technological Evolution

Introduction
The understanding and personal response to metaphysical questions is major factors that determine many
other, if not all the aspects of human existence. Such aspects of existence include beliefs, worldview,
relationships with others, personal dignity and esteem, attitude to work, integrity, and life’s goal. Every
human being directly or indirectly gives and answers to the questions. The questions according to Knight
(2006) may include how did the universe originate and develop? This is a cosmological question. Another
question is teleological, is there a purpose for the universe? There is also a theological question about the
existence of God; does God exist? If he does, is he one or more? What are his attributes? If God exists and he
is powerful, how is it that evil exists? Are there angels, Satan, and Holy Spirit? How do these relate to God?
Another question that calls for answer is anthropological in nature. What is the relation between mind and
body? What is humanity’s moral status? Are humans born good, evil or morally neutral? To what extent are
humans free and do they have free will, or are their thoughts and actions determined by their environment
and inheritance? Another important question is ontological (nature of existence) which states, is basic reality
in matter or physical energy (the world we can see), or is it found in spirit? Is it composed of one element
(e.g. matter or spirit), or two (matter and spirit), or many? Is reality orderly and lawful in itself, or is it merely

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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orderable by theorists? Is it fixed and stable, or is change its central feature? Is the reality friendly, unfriendly,
or neutral in regards to humanity?
The above metaphysical question and more are answered directly or indirectly, consciously or unconsciously
and the answers given to them determine personal worldview which defines humans’ thoughts, beliefs, and
actions. Whatever position anyone takes in answering the questions reflects in their political social, religious,
and educational practices and designs (Knight, 2006). Worldview has been defined by Sire (2004) as
A commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or a set of
presumptions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which we hold
(consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality,
and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being (p. 17).
There are different factors that could influence people’s answers to the metaphysical question to build
personal worldview. The factors include family where one is born, upbringing, environment, education,
personal experience which include exposure. One of the personal experience, education or exposure factors
that could influence personal approach to metaphysical understanding and expression is technology
especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) specifically in this age.
Adebiyi (2022), speaking on rise of atheism in Nigeria, argued that the Internet has contributed to the growth
of atheism, which is one of the responses to metaphysical questions. According to him, when people could
find answers to their questions outside of religion, the tendency is to claim that there is no God. With the
emerging AI, there is possibility that atheism may increase in Nigeria. And according to Oduah (2018), “the
effect of atheism will be terrible. It will lead to anarchy and chaos.” This calls for the need to establish
metaphysical reality as AI takes over human roles. Therefore, using phenomenology design which is a design
in qualitative approach to research, this paper examines the role pastoral counselors could play in
establishing metaphysical reality in this AI era.

Literature Review
Metaphysics is about the nature of reality (Fine, 2011). It is a branch of philosophy that deals with the
questions on cosmology, theology, anthropology and ontology. In another way, metaphysics asks the
questions such as: What is real? What is the meaning of change? Does the universe have design and purpose?
Are children born evil or good? Do humans have free will? (Ozmon & Craver, 2003). According to Knight
(2006), every human being assumes answers to these questions and their answers become the assumptions
that determine their operations in daily lives; and there is no one who can escape from metaphysical
decisions because they are bases of every human decision and behavior. They impact social, religious,
education, political, economic and scientific beliefs and practices (Knight, 2006; Rennie, Sjostedt-Heughes &
Morgan, 2023). Ozmon and Craver (2003), advised that people should be encouraged to shape their own
intelligent views of metaphysics rather than uncritically accept the views handed down to them. Some of the
factors that determine people’s understanding and answers to metaphysical questions include personal
experiences, culture, upbringing, education, religion, and technology. Considering these factors in the
current era, technology, especially information space according to Belavkina, Lysenko, and Finochenko
(2024) has become the major factors influencing all types of human activity. According to them, global
“informatization” and digitalization affect bodily, mental and social constructs; affect the duration and
quality of life and AI is a major tool in the global “informatization.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) according to Haenlein and Kaplan (2019) is “a system’s ability to interpret external
data correctly, to learn from such data, and to use those learnings to achieve specific goals and tasks through
flexible adaptation” (p. 1). Robinson (2018) presented AI as the ability of a digital computer, computer-
controlled machine or robot to perform roles and activities that are commonly associated with intelligent
beings like humans. This implies that the special ability endowed to humans and which differentiated

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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humans from other animals is being transferred to machines by humans themselves in order that the
machines could take over and perform human responsibilities. Robinson (2018) stated that AI performs many
smarter activities than natural intelligence. There are indications that the machines can learn from experience,
adjust to new inputs and perform human-like task. They are also considered as completely human like and
can perform things such as feeling, foreseeing, and making decisions (Mijwel, 2015).
Although the beginning of AI could be traced to as far back as 1942, it was established as academic discipline
in the 1950s but remained an area of relative scientific obscurity and limited practical interest in computing
power but has been in business environment and public conversation (Haenlein & Kaplan, 2019; Robinson,
2018). The term artificial intelligence was first used by John McCarhy in an academic conference in the year
1957 and the applications were introduced during the period. Artificial intelligence had gone through many
evolutionary processes built on the development of modern technology, hardware and software and the
computer and information business models based on previous inventions such as the steam machines, the
typewriter, the telephone, and electricity (Sinkovec & Jagodic, 2021). According to Sinkovec and Jagodic
(2021), AI has been accepted by all the countries in the world and is present everywhere; in essence, it has
come to stay. It has become increasingly prominent in education, with enormous potential to improve
teaching and learning experience (Nurjanah, Salsabia, Azzahra, Rahayu, & Marlina, 2024). The various forms
of AI include, neural networks, planning, robotics, machine learning, natural language processing,
perception, knowledge, and cognitive system (Verma, Kaushal, Manugula, Ashok, & Monika, (2023).
Scholars have opined that AI has impact on human existence (Belavkina, Lysenko, & Finochenko, 2024; Du,
2024; Duggal, 2024; Krasadakis, 2023; Slimi, 2023; Tai, 2020). Some of the benefits include:
1. Medical diagnosis: AI is used to diagnose diseases and administer treatment in a reliable and safe
system of health-care delivery. AI-based surgical procedures have been available for people to
choose; it is observed that it completes surgical operation with more degree of precision and accuracy
and less damage of the body.
2. Assisted living: Cyborgs (type of AI) visit elderly people who are alone in the developed world and
assist with household chores. This allows elderly people can live better.
3. Error reduction: Error at work from human fatigue is being reduced through the use of AI. Since AI
technology does not suffer from fatigue or emotional distraction. It saves error and can accomplish
duty faster and more accurately.
4. Revolutionize education: AI has revolutionized education by personalizing teaching methods to suit
individual student needs, providing prompt feedback, and automating administrative tasks. AI also
assists in grading, assessment, development of curriculum. It influences learning experiences,
facilitates acquisition of new knowledge and skills.
In the nearest future, AI will connect everything in human life holistically; human lives will be digitally
enabled and be interconnected in a true Internet of Everything (IoE) manner. This will make AI systems to
intelligently monitor every aspect of human lives including the infrastructure used by human. AI will fully
be aware of how these things interact with each other and then make decision and take action on behalf of
human that benefit society in a range of ways, in essence, everywhere humans go, the environments will be
completely aware of them and will optimize the environment for them (Krasadakis, 2023).
In addition, AI will empower numerous automated systems to become fully autonomous in their operation
and deliver value without the need for human intervention. This is already coming up with the evolution of
self-driving cars. It will create knowledge that is not previously in existence which may be faster than humans
can absorb and apply, thereby making AI surpass human intelligence and only AI able to use the new
knowledge. Human challenges like food security, climate change, economic stability, poverty eradication,
and disease eradication will be addressed by AI. However, AI according to Humble (2024) has become
weaponized parallel to the nuclear arms that it has replaced automated weapons systems. The militarization

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of AI has implications for global security and warfare (Marwala, 2023). Ai will become both sentient and
malevolent towards humanity, and may unleash some form of war against humanity to either subdue or
eradicate them (Cummings, 2017).
Biblical metaphysics is the systemic development of answers to the metaphysical questions based on hints
and latent assumptions within the Bible. It reconciles traditional metaphysical inquiries with biblical
teachings by focusing on the nature of God, creation, the relationship between God and his creation, and the
ultimate purpose of human existence. The question of what is real has been an old age question because
every human being struggles to and the question of existence and reality. To answer this question, Spiegel
(2023) specified that the Bible speaks to metaphysical issues in the aspects of the nature of God, the cosmos,
and the reality of a spiritual realm that transcends human observable physical domain.
The essence of this paper advocating for biblical metaphysics is an indication that there are different
metaphysics just as mentioned by Benson (2010) that there are different metaphysical concepts. According
to him biblical metaphysics must be about God the Creator. If there are different views about reality even
before the evolution of AI, it is evident that there is possibility for biblical metaphysics to be eroded more
than before. It is essential therefore, to examine how pastors, those who subscribe and hold to biblical
metaphysics, understand the AI and its influence on the biblical metaphysics and the roles expected of them
to establish biblical metaphysics.
Since metaphysics determines what reality is to individuals, biblical metaphysics is the conviction that God
is the ultimate reality; he has been in existence before anything and will continue to exist, nothing exists
without him. There are different realities to different individuals and one of such in this age is AI which has
become everything to many people. Transformational theory according to Hiebert (2008), is a basic need of
Christians to place people in the right mindset to imbibe right belief which is biblical especially when there
are different alternatives. According to the theory, people have to belief in deity, virgin birth, and death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ to be saved. This is a process that takes place inwardly but is revealed in the
behavior of people. AI has the tendency to present alternative seemingly tangible things to people as the
reality. Therefore, AI to be presented to people as a means to understand reality and not a reality on itself.
Hiebert (2008) opined that the transformation process has three levels which are behavior, belief, and the
worldview. AI is not to replace God in the life of people; it should be a tool to expose them to knowledge
which could help build an appropriate worldview having God as the ultimate reality. This in turn will shape
their belief and show in their behavior.

Methodology
Phenomenology design was adopted for this study. It is a design under qualitative research approach.
Phenomenology is a research design in which principles or essence of a phenomenon is described (Creswell,
2007). It was an appropriate design for this study since the purpose was to describe the principles of
establishing biblical metaphysics in this AI era. The population of the study comprised a class of pastors
going through a postgraduate study in pastoral ministry, totaled 21. Among them was a female pastor. The
age range of the pastors was 27–60. Interview guide was the instrument used for data collection and was
conducted in their class where everyone had opportunity to give his/her response to the questions asked.
The questions posted to them include, what understanding do you have about AI? What are the effects AI
can have on humanity? Can there be influence on understanding of creation, purpose of the world, God,
good and evil morality, and reality? What should be the roles of pastors? Responses were recorded using
pen and paper and were analyzed thematically.

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Findings
The analysis of the collected data generated three categories of findings with different themes under each.
The three categories are: understanding of AI, problems from AI, and the role of pastors in AI era.

Understanding of AI
From the analysis of the collected data, the respondents have different understanding of what AI is about.
While some do not have any knowledge of AI, one of them is undergoing different lectures on AI so as to
make him understand AI, the use and the danger it poses. A good number of the respondents have some
understanding of AI. According to them, AI is computer software that can do many things with a level of
intelligence. In effort to describe it, a respondent indicated that AI is a system that goes into the cloud and
bring together all information on a particular word or subject put into it. Some of the AI machines identified
by the respondents are, Google, robots, robotic, self-driving car.
The respondents look at the name, “Artificial Intelligence” and argued that it is artificial according to the
name and cannot be compared to natural intelligence given by God irrespective of what it does or able to do.
One of the respondents tried to establish to superiority of natural intelligence gave an example of himself
and her child. According to him, he wrote West African Examination Council many years ago and got two
credits and one pass without any artificial intelligence; but his child wrote the same examination currently
and had perfect scores in all the courses with the assistance of artificial intelligence. According to him, he
could defend the courses he passed but his child could not defend anything from the perfect result. The
respondents also argued that the evolution of different technological invention, especially AI is an indication
of the authenticity of the Bible that says “knowledge shall increase.” One of the respondents said, “The
inventors of AI do not have correct worldview.”

Problems from AI
The respondents identified different problems that may arise from the utilization of AI. It was emphasized
that AI would have negative influence on humanity and human society. In the aspect of preaching, typing
or telling a sermon title into AI machine brings about already prepared sermon that a pastor does not need
to prepare again. Such sermon, according to the respondents may be entertaining but may not inspire anyone
because it is not from experience.
The possibility of God being “cut off” from human activities was elaborated by the respondents. Since any
question can be answered by AI and any concern can be settled by it, the need for God in human life may no
longer be considered thereby leading to atheistic living. The knowledge of God may gradually be eroded
from human mind and many become un-knowledgeable of God. The quest for connection with supreme
God, which is spirituality, may not be part of human life again.
The Holy Bible used to be regarded as an authoritative word of God before this era; but with the coming of
machines (AI) that can answer any question whether correctly or incorrectly, the authenticity of the Bible
may be questioned. It was even assumed that the authenticity is already being questioned. The idea of Holy
Spirit will be extinct. The information generated by AI sometime is not correct, humans will believe incorrect
concept and live by it because true knowledge may not exist. This may lead the world to experience
chaotic/catastrophic period because of falsehood.
The world is going into virtual living because of different AI machines; and virtual living is not real living.
Human interpersonal relationship has been affected; humans are no longer having feeling and affection
towards each other. It has become easy for one person to take the life of another. There is pleasure in fake
living which has negatively influenced human characters and relationships. This, according to one of the
respondents affirms the saying by Albert Einstein “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human
interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” People no longer need to remember anything or

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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think about anything because machines do all for them. The God’s given potentials in humans will become
redundant and humanity will degenerate. Children will become dull and morality will lose its essence. This
will also affect human health negatively because they will not live active and relational life for which they
were created.

Role of Pastors
When it comes to what the role of pastors should be in the era AI, the respondents opined that pastors should
guard their heart as written in Proverbs 4:23, by having time with the study of the Bible. Pastors are to
acknowledge and accept the existence of AI but should not allow themselves to be carried away by total
dependence on it. They should always engage their God’s given intelligence, studying, and meditating on
positive information.
Pastors should create positive information and also send it to the cloud so that it could be made available to
people. While there are errors in the cloud and AI brings them to people, biblical and salvific information
should flood the cloud from pastors.
Pastors should teach members and young people about AI, letting them know the benefits and dangers and
the way to positively utilize the machines because of this, pastors should not pretend as if nothing of such is
in existence. Pastors are to understand the ethical guidance to AI and let their members have the knowledge
as well.
Any opportunity opened to pastors should be used to present balanced gospel in the context of the reality of
AI. Pastors should not fail to present and affirm God as the Creator and Sustainer of life. He is above all and
He is the source of true knowledge. The Holy Bible is God’s word to make human wise.
Christian churches, speaking of local congregations, are embracing digitalization of churches. If care is not
taken, members are being encouraged to be digital dependence and thereby having their minds opened for
taking over by AI. Therefore, there may be a need to de-digitalize of churches and embrace the old-time
religion.

Discussion of Findings
The low level of awareness of AI by the respondents indicated the need for pastors to be sensitive to the
environment and the phenomena going on in the society to enable relevant ministry. The respondents were
not aware of extent which AI has reached in influencing humanity; for instance, Robot has led out in church
service in Germany (check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwF3Xp1U18c). Courcy (2022) emphasized
that pastors are to be aware of events in their environment. Aragba-Akpore (September 22, 2024), opined
that human affairs are increasingly being run on artificial intelligence. He indicated that in June 2024, a
church congregation of no fewer than 300 people held service that was conducted by a robotic tool powered
by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Different opportunities and challenges were identified with the existence of AI and pastoral ministry. The
challenges ranged from God and Holy Spirit being cut off from human knowledge and the Bible become
irrelevant, error messages that people imbibe, and belittling the importance of the Bible in human life. While
some have encouraged the use of AI in the ministry (Nicholson, 2023; Robinson, 2018; Tithely, 2023) for
editing, brainstorming ideas, translation assistance, and research assistance, many have written about the
limitation it may bring to the ministry (Alford, 2024; Christianity Today, 2023; Jambrek, 2024; Siyaya, 2017).
Pastors are to take caution in the use of AI without substituting it for the Holy Spirit or the Bible.

Conclusion
The evolution of AI has brought a change in every human endeavor and it has come to stay with no one
knowing how far it will reach. Due to the different roles AI machines can perform, the acceptance of biblical

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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metaphysics may be challenged by many individuals. The belief about God being the ultimate reality
according to the Bible could be doubted. Both the belief, behavior and worldview of people are to be issues
of concern to pastors since worldview determines what ultimate reality is to individuals. AI should be
considered as means to knowledge about reality and not reality in itself. Therefore, since pastors teach
biblical truth and metaphysical belief is the basic one, the study concluded that pastors have deep
understanding of AI in its various forms. They are to teach the biblical truth about God being the ultimate
reality using AI as tools for teaching.

Recommendations
1. Pastors should get updated with the technological tools to have understanding of how they work.
They should not only be living in the old ways of doing things.
2. Pastors should talk about AI, making members to understand both the benefits and hazards in it.
3. Pastors should make use of AI devices by writing and posting messages that emphasize biblical
metaphysical teachings.
4. In the usage of AI, pastors should maintain balance of not placing it above human beings created by
God.
5. Pastors should affirm biblical metaphysics and teach it always using every medium possible
including AI devices.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The Future of Pastoral Counselling: A Human-AI Partnership

Janet Olufunke BAMIDELE

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348052344570

Donald A. ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
[email protected], +2348060162719

Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into pastoral counseling presents a transformative
opportunity to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and personalization of spiritual care. By
leveraging AI technologies, such as chatbots, natural language processing, and data analytics,
pastoral counsellors can offer tailored interventions, reach a wider audience, and improve
overall outcomes. However, ethical considerations and the preservation of the human element
in pastoral care remain paramount. This paper explores the potential benefits and challenges
of AI integration, advocating for a collaborative approach that harnesses the strengths of both
technology and human compassion. AI-powered chatbots can offer round-the-clock support,
addressing immediate needs and reducing wait times. By analysing client data, AI can identify
patterns and predict needs, enabling counsellors to tailor interventions more effectively.
Additionally, AI can provide access to vast datasets and resources, enhancing the training and
development of pastoral counsellors. However, ethical considerations, such as privacy and the
preservation of the human element, must be carefully addressed. Clear ethical guidelines,
collaborative partnerships, continuous evaluation, education and training, and a human-
centered approach are essential for responsible AI integration in pastoral counseling. The
paper concludes that the future of pastoral counseling lies in a collaborative partnership
between humans and AI, where technology augments the skills of counsellors and enables
them to provide more comprehensive and effective care. It also recommends addressing the
immanent challenges and opportunities to harness the power of AI to meet the growing
demand for mental health support and foster deeper connections within religious
communities.

Keywords: Pastoral Counselling, Artificial Intelligence, Human-AI, Ethical Consideration,

Spiritual Well-being

Introduction
Counselling, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is the provision of professional assistance and
guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems. Counseling psychology is a psychological
specialty that began with a focus on vocational counseling, but later moved its emphasis to adjustment
counseling (Watkins, 1988), and then expanded to cover all normal psychology and psychotherapy. There
are many subcategories for counseling psychology, such as marriage and family counseling, rehabilitation
counseling, clinical mental health counseling, educational counseling, pastoral counseling, among others. In
each setting, they are all required to follow the same guidelines.
Pastoral counselling, a cornerstone of religious communities for centuries, has traditionally relied on face-to-
face interactions between religious leaders and their congregants. This deeply personal and empathetic

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approach has provided solace, guidance, and support to countless individuals seeking spiritual and
emotional well-being (Doe, 2015). However, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) offers a new paradigm,
thereby promising to revolutionize the field by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and personalization
(Smith & Jones, 2019).
AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and communicate in a human-like
manner, has the potential to significantly augment pastoral counseling (Baker et al., 2020). By leveraging AI
technologies, such as chatbots, natural language processing, and data analytics, we can explore innovative
ways to deliver spiritual care and mental health support (Nguyen, 2018).
One of the most significant challenges in traditional pastoral counselling is accessibility. Geographic
limitations, time constraints, and social barriers can prevent individuals from seeking the guidance they need
(Brown & Wilson, 2021). AI-powered tools, such as chatbots, can provide immediate support, breaking down
these barriers and making pastoral care more accessible to a wider range of people (Garcia & Martinez, 2017).
These chatbots can offer initial guidance, emotional support, and resources, helping individuals navigate
difficult times and connect with human counselors when appropriate (Nguyen, 2018).
Moreover, AI can enhance the efficiency of pastoral counselling by automating routine tasks and analyzing
data to identify patterns and trends (White, 2020). This can free up counsellors to focus on more complex
cases and provide deeper levels of care. By leveraging data analytics, counsellors can gain valuable insights
into their clients' needs and tailor their interventions more effectively (Baker et al., 2020).
Personalization is another area where AI can make a significant impact. Traditional pastoral counselling
often involves a one-size-fits-all approach. However, AI can enable counselors to offer highly tailored
support, considering individual differences in beliefs, experiences, and needs (Doe, 2015). By analyzing client
data and leveraging natural language processing, AI can identify specific areas of concern and recommend
personalized resources and interventions (Smith & Jones, 2019).
In addition to enhancing the delivery of pastoral counseling, AI can also play a crucial role in training and
education. By providing access to vast datasets on mental health, spiritual well-being, and pastoral
counselling techniques, AI can equip counsellors with the knowledge and skills to deliver more effective care
(Brown & Wilson, 2021). AI-powered tools can also simulate real-world counselling scenarios, allowing
counsellors to practice their skills and gain valuable experience in a safe and supportive environment (Garcia
& Martinez, 2017).
While the potential benefits of AI in pastoral counselling are significant, it is essential to acknowledge the
challenges and ethical considerations involved. Privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and AI systems
must be designed to handle sensitive information securely (Nguyen, 2018). Additionally, it is crucial to
ensure that AI does not replace the human element of pastoral care. Empathy, compassion, and personal
connection are essential components of effective counselling, and AI should be used to augment, not replace,
these human qualities (White, 2020).
In all, the integration of AI into pastoral counselling presents a transformative opportunity to enhance
accessibility, efficiency, and personalization (Baker et al., 2020). By addressing ethical concerns and adopting
a collaborative approach, we can harness the power of AI to meet the growing demand for mental health
support and foster deeper connections within religious communities (Smith & Jones, 2019). The future of
pastoral counselling lies in a partnership between humans and AI, where technology augments the skills of
counsellors and enables them to provide more comprehensive and effective care (Nguyen, 2018).

Objectives of the Paper

With reference to the foregoing, this study is a position paper aimed at achieving the following objectives.
i. To explore the potentials of AI powered tools in aiding pastoral care and counselling among pastors
in Ibadan

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ii. To examine how AI technology can be used to automate and perform tedious tasks in pastoral
counselling
iii. To explore the viability of blended counselling, that is, integration of traditional pastoral counselling
and AI counselling.

The Power of AI in Pastoral Counselling

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the field of pastoral counselling, offering a range
of benefits that can significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of care. By leveraging AI technologies,
such as Chatbot, natural language processing, and data analytics, pastoral counsellors can provide more
tailored support, reach a wider audience, and improve overall outcomes.
AI-powered Chatbot can offer round-the-clock assistance, offering initial guidance and emotional support to
individuals in need. This is particularly valuable for those experiencing crises or living in remote areas with
limited access to human counsellors. Chatbot can provide a first point of contact, offering a listening ear and
resources, while also connecting individuals with human counsellors when appropriate.
In addition to providing immediate support, AI can also offer valuable insights into client needs through
data analysis. By analysing client data, AI can identify patterns, trends, and potential needs, enabling
counsellors to tailor their interventions more effectively. For example, AI can analyse client conversations to
identify common themes, emotional states, and areas of concern. This information can help counsellors to
develop more targeted and personalized support plans.
Furthermore, AI can play a crucial role in training and education for pastoral counsellors. By providing
access to vast datasets on mental health, spiritual well-being, and pastoral counseling techniques, AI can
equip counsellors with the knowledge and skills to deliver more effective care. AI-powered tools can also
simulate real-world counselling scenarios, allowing counsellors to practice their skills and gain valuable
experience in a safe and supportive environment.
AI, therefore, has the potential to significantly enhance pastoral counselling by providing immediate
support, offering data-driven insights, and facilitating training. By leveraging these technologies, pastoral
counsellors can offer more tailored, effective, and accessible care to individuals seeking spiritual and
emotional support.

Challenges and Opportunities in AI-Enhanced Pastoral Counselling

The integration of AI into pastoral counselling presents both challenges and opportunities. Traditionalists
may view AI as a threat to the human touch of pastoral care, fearing that it could depersonalize the
counselling experience. However, AI also offers significant opportunities to enhance the field.
One major opportunity is the ability to reach a wider audience. AI-powered tools, such as Chatbot, can
provide immediate support to individuals who may not have access to traditional counselling services due
to geographical or socioeconomic barriers. This can help to bridge the gap between those who need support
and those who are able to provide it.
AI can also improve efficiency by automating routine tasks, freeing up counsellors to focus on more complex
cases and provide deeper levels of care. This can lead to more personalized and effective interventions, as
counsellors have more time to develop relationships with their clients and tailor their support to their specific
needs.
Furthermore, AI can enable counsellors to offer highly tailored interventions by analysing client data and
identifying patterns and trends. This can help counsellors to identify specific areas of concern and
recommend personalized resources and strategies. By leveraging AI, counsellors can provide more targeted
and effective support, meeting the unique needs of each individual.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The integration of AI into pastoral counselling presents both challenges and opportunities. While there may
be concerns about the human touch of pastoral care, AI offers the potential to enhance accessibility, efficiency,
and personalization. By addressing this challenge and embracing the opportunities, we can harness the
power of AI to improve the quality and effectiveness of pastoral counselling.

The Future of Pastoral Counselling: A Human-AI Partnership

The future of pastoral counselling lies in a collaborative approach that harnesses the strengths of both
artificial intelligence (AI) and human compassion. AI can serve as a valuable tool, augmenting the skills of
counsellors and enabling them to provide more comprehensive and effective care. By leveraging AI
technologies, such as Chatbot and data analytics, counsellors can offer immediate support, personalize
interventions, and reach a wider audience.
However, it is essential to maintain human oversight to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly.
Human counsellors should play a central role in guiding the use of AI, ensuring that it aligns with the values
and principles of pastoral care. Additionally, human counsellors must continue to provide the essential
elements of empathy, compassion, and personal connection that are fundamental to effective pastoral
counselling.
By combining the strengths of AI and human compassion, more accessible, efficient, and personalized
approach to pastoral counselling may be developed. This partnership can help to meet the growing demand
for mental health support and foster deeper connections within religious communities.

Ethical Considerations
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into pastoral counselling offers significant potential benefits, but
it also raises important ethical considerations. To ensure responsible and beneficial integration, it is crucial
to address the following key areas:
1. Confidentiality: Protecting client privacy is paramount in pastoral counselling. AI systems must be
designed with robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information
(Nguyen, 2018). This includes implementing encryption, data anonymization techniques, and strict
access controls. Additionally, pastoral counsellors must be trained to handle client data responsibly
and ethically, ensuring that it is only used for the intended purpose of providing care (White, 2020).
2. Human Oversight: While AI can be a valuable tool, it is essential to maintain human oversight to ensure
that it is used appropriately and ethically (Baker et al., 2020). Human counsellors should be involved
in the development and implementation of AI systems, ensuring that they align with the values and
principles of pastoral care. Moreover, human counsellors should be responsible for making critical
decisions, such as providing sensitive information or offering guidance on complex ethical dilemmas
(Brown & Wilson, 2021).
3. Preservation of the Human Element: Pastoral counselling is inherently human-centred, relying on
empathy, compassion, and personal connection (Smith & Jones, 2019). AI should be used to augment,
not replace, these essential elements (Doe, 2015). While AI can provide immediate support and data-
driven insights, it cannot replicate the unique qualities of human interaction. Human counsellors
must continue to play a central role in providing personalized care, building relationships, and
offering emotional support (Nguyen, 2018).
By addressing these ethical considerations, we can ensure that AI is integrated into pastoral counselling in a
responsible and beneficial manner (Garcia & Martinez, 2017). AI can serve as a valuable tool, enhancing the
efficiency and effectiveness of care while preserving the essential human elements that make pastoral
counselling so meaningful (Brown & Wilson, 2021).

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come to stay in the global technology world. Its role is also becoming
increasingly evident in its use in pastoral counselling, a field that was largely dominated by human assistance
to another before. The existence of AI platforms, such as Chatbot, as a tool for enhancing pastoral counselling
presents challenges and opportunities. As it is not possible to totally eradicate or dismiss the role of these AI
tools in pastoral counselling, there's an increasing need for a blended approach to pastoral counselling, where
traditional human-based pastoral counselling is integrated with AI. This integration of artificial intelligence
(AI) into pastoral counselling presents a transformative opportunity to enhance therapeutic accessibility,
efficiency, and personalization. By adopting a collaborative approach, we can harness the power of AI to
meet the growing demand for mental health support and foster deeper connections within religious
communities. Nonetheless, there is a need to consciously address ethical considerations in the use of AI for
pastoral counselling

Recommendations
To realize the full potential of AI in pastoral counselling, several recommendations are essential:
1. Develop Ethical Guidelines: Clear ethical guidelines must be established to govern the use of AI in
pastoral counselling, addressing issues such as privacy, confidentiality, and human oversight.
2. Foster Collaborative Partnership: Partnerships between religious institutions, technology experts, and
mental health professionals can facilitate the development and implementation of AI solutions.
3. Invest in Training and Education: Pastoral counsellors must receive adequate training and education
on the ethical and practical aspects of AI integration.
4. Conduct Research and Evaluation: Ongoing research and evaluation are necessary to assess the
effectiveness and impact of AI in pastoral counselling.
5. Prioritize Human-Centred Care: While AI can be a valuable tool, it is essential to maintain a human-
centred approach to pastoral counselling. The human elements of empathy, compassion, and personal
connection remain crucial.
By following these recommendations, we can ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively to enhance
the quality of pastoral counselling. The future of Pastoral Counselling is bright, and AI has the potential to
play a vital role in shaping its evolution. By embracing this new technology and leveraging its capabilities,
we can create a more accessible, efficient, and personalized approach to spiritual care.

Contribution to Knowledge
The findings of this study will enlighten and open the eyes of the clergy, imams, priests, and pastors to the
need to adequately assess the use of AI tools or partnership of AI in their pastoral counselling. Findings from
this study will go a long way to create awareness on the subject matter. The findings of this study will
significantly add to the body of knowledge when published.

References
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Technologies, 32(1), 55-67.
Brown, P., & Wilson, J. (2021). AI and Pastoral Care: Bridging the Gaps in Accessibility. Pastoral Counseling Journal, 45(3),
120-132.
Doe, J. (2015). Human Touch in Counseling: Preserving Empathy in an Age of AI. Spiritual Counseling Today, 12(2), 98-
113.
Garcia, S., & Martinez, P. (2017). Leveraging AI for Spiritual Guidance. International Review of Counseling Technologies,
23(4), 78-85.
Nguyen, T. (2018). Ethical Implications of AI in Mental Health Care. Journal of Technology and Ethics, 19(2), 212-229.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Smith, K., & Jones, M. (2019). AI in Pastoral Counseling: Enhancing Personalization and Care. Counseling Futures, 27(3),
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White, R. (2020). The Digital Pastor: AI and the Future of Pastoral Care. Religious Counseling and Technology, 22(5), 149-
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Navigating Ethical Challenges in the Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Evangelism
in Nigeria

Oluwaseun Stephen OLUOKUN

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2347068727860, https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1473-7712

Ayodele A. ATOWOJU, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348036726849, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2439-2472

Abstract
Evangelism is vital to the church's timely outreach to the world and its continued vitality in this evolving
era. Modern technology has advanced in a way that God has specifically planned to help the church
spread the gospel. As a result, using artificial intelligence (AI) tools can enhance evangelism and make
believers more efficient in their evangelistic outreach; but, the ethical consequences of doing so must be
carefully considered. This study looks at various ethical concerns and possible benefits of using AI as a
tool for effective evangelism. Review method was adopted and the study's theoretical framework was
social Exchange Theory in Social Work. The study shows that Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential
benefits for global evangelism, enabling faster and more widespread communication. However, AI has
significant limitations compared to human messengers in evangelism. These include: Lack of physical
presence, Inability to contextualize the gospel message, Limited capacity to identify appropriate
redemptive analogy, Difficulty in discerning recipients' deeper needs and absence of genuine emotion
and love, which are crucial in evangelism. The study concludes that without proper consideration of
ethical concerns, particularly cultural sensitivity, AI can potentially distort or impede the intended
message. This may result in partial or complete misunderstanding by the receiver due to cultural
differences. It was recommended that the church should use artificial intelligence with cultural
sensitivity, and that technology should support human interaction, which is essential to meaningful
spiritual growth, rather than take its place.

Keywords: Ethics, Evangelism, Artificial Intelligence, Considerations

Introduction
The primary purpose of the church's existence and continued relevance is rooted in evangelism. There are
many approaches to evangelism; life style, one on one, tracts, television, radio, prison, hospital and virtual
evangelism just to mention a few. According to Musonda, there has been an ongoing debate on whether it is
appropriate for Christians to use artificial Intelligence (AI) in their ministry. However, with the right
approach, AI can be a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel (Nelson Musonda, 2023). The application of
technology to perform tasks that ordinarily need human intelligence is known as artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence has quickly and drastically changed many facets of human existence, including society
and interpersonal interactions (Ester Agustini Tandana, 2023). The Christian community can now evangelize
and disciple the new convert through the instrumentality of artificial intelligence. This technology can be
used effectively to engage people in conversation on spiritual issues. Difficult questions in the mind of new
convert can receive an instant answer by using artificial intelligence.
Xu uses a theological approach, concentrating on the idea of the image of God, to clarify this position. Dr. Xu
contends that although AI was made in the image of humanity, humans were made in the image of God. Dr.
Xu claims that while human researchers are creating AI, they often consider themselves to be models of
intelligences. As a result, AI's cognitive processes often resemble those of humans. Despite this, human
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nature and artificial intelligence continue to be fundamentally different from one another. This is especially
true when we take into account that human bodies are biologically opposed to silicon-based systems. AI does
not have the same moral agency as humans do. This suggests, according to Xu, that AI cannot engage in
liturgical activities (like evangelism) in the same way that people can. This means that before introducing
artificial intelligence (AI) into religious practice—such as using robot ministers, there is need to thoroughly
assess its appropriateness and potential effects (Ximian Simeon Xu, 2023). Furthermore, with the advent of
artificial intelligence (AI), many religious leaders and digital evangelists are wondering: Is AI morally, right?
From where is it? Is it appropriate to utilize it in ministry, and how does it know so much? (Nelson Musonda,
2023). Hence, this paper will look at various ethical concerns and possible benefits of using AI as a tool for
effective evangelism.

Theoretical Framework
Social Exchange Theory in Social Work
Social exchange theory in social work offers a model for interpreting interpersonal relationships. This
approach posits that individuals enter into and maintain social connections by assessing potential gains and
losses, aiming to optimize personal benefit. The theory's key components are:1. Costs: Negative aspects of
relationships, such as time investment, effort, or emotional burden.2. Benefits: Positive outcomes, including
emotional support, companionship, or tangible resources. Social workers employ this framework to: evaluate
client relationships, guide interventions, help clients improve their social interactions. Practical applications
include: identifying imbalanced relationships where drawbacks exceed rewards, Promoting the
development of more equitable and fulfilling connections. By applying social exchange theory, social
workers gain valuable insights into client motivations and behaviors, enhancing the efficacy of their support
strategies. This understanding allows practitioners to tailor their interventions more effectively, helping
clients build healthier, more rewarding social networks.

How Social Exchange Theory is Applied

The social exchange theory plays a pivotal role in shaping client-social worker relationships by offering a
framework for fostering effective, respectful, and mutually beneficial interactions. Its application can be
understood as follows:
1. Mutual Respect: Recognizing each other's efforts fosters trust and cooperation.
2. Goal Alignment: Understanding and aligning objectives ensures collaborative progress.
3. Empathy: Social workers use this to better understand clients, leading to more tailored interventions.
4. Feedback Loop: Regular communication helps refine services and ensures clients feel heard.
5. Commitment: Visible benefits encourage both parties to invest in the relationship.
6. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Shared ideas and resources lead to more effective solutions.
7. Emotional Support: Creating a safe space helps clients feel valued and understood.
8. Resource Sharing: Exchanging information about services improves client access to needed
resources.
9. Trust Building: Consistent positive interactions strengthen the relationship over time.
10. Client Empowerment: Recognizing client strengths encourages their active participation in their
progress.
By applying these strategies, social workers can create more balanced, productive relationships with their
clients. This approach, often taught in social work programs, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of
social work interventions and improve client outcomes (Imed Bouchrika, 2024)
The above discussion reveals that the application of social exchange theory by social workers demonstrates
its effectiveness in enhancing social work practices through several key elements: mutual respect, goal

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alignment, empathy, feedback loop, emotional support etc. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems excel at
providing necessary information for social workers and evangelism, they have significant limitations when
compared to human social workers: lack of empathy, inability to provide genuine emotional support,
absence of mutual respect, limited capacity for client empowerment, inability to offer spiritual empowerment
and impartation

Concept of Evangelism
The term "evangelist" originates from the Koine Greek word "euangelion," which entered English through the
Latin "evangelium." This word appears in the titles of the Four Gospels, attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John, who are also known as the Four Evangelists. Originally, "euangelion" meant a reward given for
delivering good news. It's composed of "eu" (good) and "angello" (I bring a message). Interestingly, the word
"angel" shares this root. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to the good news itself (Hoppe Justin L 2024).
The verb form of "euangelion," which translates to "evangelism," is uncommon in ancient Greek texts outside
the New Testament, making its precise meaning less clear. However, by comparing passages in the Gospels
of Luke and Mark, scholars have found that this verb (euangelizo) is used interchangeably with another Greek
verb, "kerusso," which means "to proclaim" or "to announce." (Bible as a Second Language,2008). There are
many approaches to evangelism which will be look into in the next section.

Approaches to Evangelism
Direct Evangelism
This method involves openly sharing the gospel, often to groups. It's straightforward, prioritizing message
delivery over relationship-building or debate. An example is Peter's Pentecost speech in Acts 2, where he
clearly explained Jesus' identity and the audience's needed response. While this is a common perception of
evangelism, other approaches exist.

Apologetic Approach
This strategy uses logical reasoning and evidence to defend faith. It aims to intellectually convince people by
addressing doubts about the gospel's credibility. Discussions may cover history, science, or other relevant
topics. Paul demonstrated this in Acts 17:16-34, engaging Athenians using their own cultural references.

Testimonial Method
This approach focuses on personal storytelling rather than intellectual arguments. It involves sharing how
Jesus has impacted your life or your journey to Christianity. The story needn't be extraordinary, just genuine.
John 9 illustrates this when the healed blind man simply stated his experience to Jewish leaders.

Relational Evangelism
This method involves spreading the gospel through personal connections. It's time-consuming but effective,
as it shows genuine care beyond seeking converts. Jesus exemplified this by dining with tax collectors and
sinners in Luke 5:27-32, calling them through fellowship.

Invitational Approach
This involves asking acquaintances to attend church services or Bible studies. Familiar company can make
newcomers more comfortable, allowing for post-event discussions. Alternatively, you could host a home
Bible study. John 1:46 shows Philip using this method with Nathaniel.

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Service/Life-based Evangelism
As believers, our lives and actions serve as a testimony to those around us. In today's generation, people are
quick to assess a person based on their behavior and deeds. This approach involves demonstrating Christian
values through lifestyle and service. It can create opportunities to share the good news, especially for less
outspoken individuals, by visibly embodying Christ's love through actions (Hannah Rau,2022).

Concept of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of computers or computer-controlled machines to perform
tasks typically associated with human intelligence. This concept often encompasses the development of
systems that can mimic human cognitive processes, including reasoning, understanding, generalizing, and
learning from experience. Since their inception in the 1940s, digital computers have been programmed to
excel at complex tasks like solving mathematical proofs or playing chess. However, despite ongoing
improvements in processing power and memory capacity, current AI systems still cannot match the full
range of human cognitive flexibility across broad domains or in tasks requiring extensive everyday
knowledge. Nonetheless, in specific areas, AI programs have achieved expert-level performance comparable
to humans. As a result, practical AI applications can be found in various fields, including medical diagnostics,
search engine technology, voice and handwriting recognition systems, and conversational AI like chatbots
(Copeland, 2024).

The Mechanics of AI Systems

AI systems operate by processing vast quantities of pre-labeled training data. They analyze this information
to detect correlations and patterns, which they then use to forecast future scenarios. For instance, an AI
chatbot can learn to generate realistic conversations by studying numerous text examples. Similarly, an
image recognition AI can learn to identify and describe objects in pictures after examining millions of sample
images. Recent advancements in generative AI have enabled the creation of convincing text, images, music,
and other media forms (Lev Craig,2024).
When programming AI systems, developers focus on cultivating several key cognitive abilities:
1. Knowledge Acquisition: This involves gathering data and formulating rules (algorithms) to convert it into
usable information. These algorithms guide computing devices through specific task procedures.
2. Logical Processing: This entails selecting the most appropriate algorithm to achieve desired outcomes.
3. Adaptive Learning: This feature allows algorithms to continuously refine themselves, striving for maximum
accuracy in their results.
4. Innovative Generation: This aspect employs various AI techniques such as neural networks, rule-based
systems, and statistical methods to produce novel content, including images, text, music, and ideas.

The Significance of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense importance due to its potential to revolutionize our daily lives,
work environments, and leisure activities. In the business world, AI has proven its worth by automating
traditionally human-performed tasks, including customer service, lead generation, fraud detection, and
quality control.
In numerous domains, AI demonstrates superior efficiency and accuracy compared to humans. It excels
particularly in repetitive, detail-oriented tasks, such as scrutinizing vast numbers of legal documents to
ensure proper completion of relevant fields. AI's capacity to process enormous datasets provides businesses
with insights into their operations that might otherwise go unnoticed. The rapidly growing array of
generative AI tools is also becoming crucial in diverse fields, from education to marketing and product
design.

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Advancements in AI techniques have not only catalyzed a surge in efficiency but also paved the way for
entirely new business opportunities, especially for larger enterprises. For instance, Uber's rise to Fortune 500
status by using software to connect riders with taxis on demand was nearly inconceivable before the current
AI wave.
AI has become a cornerstone for many of today's leading and most successful companies, including
Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta. These tech giants leverage AI to enhance their operations and
maintain a competitive edge. For example, at Alphabet's subsidiary Google, AI is fundamental to its search
engine, while Waymo, which began as an Alphabet division, focuses on self-driving cars. The Google Brain
research lab also invented the transformer architecture, which underpins recent natural language processing
breakthroughs like OpenAI's ChatGPT (Lev Craig,2024).

AI's Strengths and Challenges

AI technologies, especially advanced deep learning models like artificial neural networks, excel at rapidly
processing vast data sets and generating predictions with greater accuracy than humans. While the daily
deluge of data would overwhelm human analysts, AI systems employing machine learning can swiftly
transform this information into practical insights.
However, AI is not without its drawbacks. A significant challenge is the high cost associated with processing
the enormous volumes of data required for AI operations. Additionally, as AI becomes more integrated into
various products and services, organizations must be vigilant about its potential to inadvertently or
deliberately create biased and discriminatory systems.

AI Advantages
1. Precision in detail-oriented tasks: AI excels at identifying subtle patterns in data, such as early-stage cancer
detection in healthcare.
2. Efficiency in data-heavy tasks: AI rapidly processes and analyzes large datasets, beneficial in finance,
insurance, and healthcare.
3. Time and productivity gains: AI and robotics automate operations, improving safety and efficiency,
especially in manufacturing.
4. Consistent results: AI processes data uniformly while adapting through continuous learning, useful in
legal document review and translations.
5. Personalization: AI enhances user experience by customizing interactions, like product recommendations
in e-commerce.
6. 24/7 availability: AI provides uninterrupted service, improving response times and reducing costs in
customer service.
7. Scalability: AI easily handles growing workloads and data volumes, ideal for internet search and business
analytics.
8. Accelerated R&D: AI speeds up research in fields like pharmaceuticals and materials science.
9. Environmental applications: AI aids in monitoring environmental changes, weather prediction, and
conservation efforts.
10. Process optimization: AI streamlines complex processes across industries, from manufacturing to energy
management.

AI Disadvantages
1. High costs: Developing AI requires substantial investment in infrastructure, resources, and software.
2. Technical complexity: Building and operating AI systems demands specialized knowledge.
3. Talent gap: There's a shortage of qualified AI professionals compared to growing demand.

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4. Algorithmic bias: AI can reflect and amplify biases present in training data.
5. Limited generalization: AI often struggles with tasks outside its specific training.
6. Job displacement: AI automation may lead to job losses in certain sectors.
7. Security vulnerabilities: AI systems are susceptible to various cyberthreats.
8. Environmental impact: AI operations consume significant energy and water resources.
9. Legal issues: AI raises complex questions about privacy, liability, and intellectual property.
10. Difficulty with novel scenarios: AI models may perform poorly when faced with unfamiliar tasks or data
(Lev Craig, 2024).

Important of Using AI for Evangelism

In the digital era, churches can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster their evangelistic endeavors. AI
provides innovative tools for reaching broader audiences, connecting with seekers, and disseminating the
Gospel's transformative message. Jesse Vortage (2023) highlights five advantages of AI in evangelism:
1. Precise Audience Targeting: AI analyzes vast data sets to identify receptive groups, enabling tailored
outreach strategies.
2. Smart Content Creation and Sharing: AI generates personalized, engaging content and automates its
distribution across platforms.
3. AI Chatbots for Initial Contact: These virtual assistants handle preliminary inquiries, provide information,
and guide seekers to resources around the clock.
4. AI-Supported Discipleship: Automated systems offer personalized follow-ups, study materials, and track
new believers' progress.
In conclusion, AI empowers the Church to enhance their evangelistic efforts through targeted outreach,
intelligent content creation, automated engagement, data-driven decisions, and personalized discipleship.
While embracing AI's potential, it's crucial to maintain authentic human connections. By utilizing AI as a
supportive tool, churches can extend their reach, share hope, and transform lives for God's glory (Jesse
Vortage 2023). Therefore, while AI systems can be valuable tools for evangelism, particularly in information
dissemination, the human element remains crucial. The interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and
spiritual aspects that human social workers and evangelists bring to their work cannot be fully replicated by
AI. Therefore, a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of AI while maintaining human intervention
is essential for effective evangelism.

Ethics Ways to Use AI

In the digital era, churches can leverage AI to enhance their outreach and communication efforts. Here are
five ethical ways to use AI:
1. Image Generation: AI can create high-quality images for various church materials, including biblical
scenes and characters. This can save time and resources while enhancing visual communication.
2. Social Media Content: AI can help optimize social media posts for different platforms and audiences,
increasing engagement and reach. However, it's crucial to balance AI assistance with human creativity
and messaging.
3. Newsletter Creation: AI can personalize newsletters for church members, providing updates, spiritual
guidance, and encouraging participation. This helps nurture relationships within the church
community and keeps members informed.
4. Blog Article Writing: AI can generate content for church websites and saving time. However, human
oversight is essential to ensure the content aligns with the church's values and effectively conveys its
message.

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5. Multi-language Content: AI can assist in translating content into multiple languages, expanding global
outreach. However, human editing is crucial to ensure cultural sensitivity and accurate message
conveyance.
While AI offers numerous benefits in church communications, it's important to remember that it's a tool
requiring human oversight. The key is to use AI to save time and reach more people with the gospel while
ensuring content remains appropriate, engaging, and aligned with the church's mission and God’s word
(Nelson Musonda, 2023).

Ethical Considerations in Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Evangelism

When using AI for evangelism, there are important ethical considerations to consider (Nelson Musonda,
2023). When used properly and without completely replacing human interaction, artificial intelligence (AI)
has the potential to be an effective tool for evangelization. Therefore, before AI is used for evangelism, some
ethical considerations must be made.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for evangelism raises several ethical considerations Alkhouri KI,2024.:
1. Authenticity and Integrity: Simulating religious experiences with AI raises important concerns about
authenticity and integrity. To accurately replicate rituals and sacred spaces, it's crucial to respect cultural
contexts and religious traditions (Puzio 2023). Ethical issues arise when AI simulations may dilute or
trivialize the deep significance of these experiences, potentially undermining the authenticity of religious
practices (Singler 2020).
2. Privacy and Data Security: Using AI to create religious-type experiences, often means collecting and
analyzing personal data (Lane J.E. 2021).. This raises concerns about privacy and data security. People
might share sensitive details about their beliefs and practices on AI platforms (Ashraf 2022). It's essential
to have strong protections in place for this data, get permission from users, and be clear about how their
information will be handled to keep their privacy safe and prevent misuse (Humerick 2018).
3. Personal Connection: The use of AI simulations in religious experiences could affect interpersonal
interactions within religious communities (H. A. Stahl 2022). While AI can offer personalized spiritual
guidance, it should not undermine or replace the role of human spiritual leaders, mentors, or community
engagement (Yin and Mahrous 2022). Ethical concerns emphasize that AI should complement, rather
than substitute, human connections, recognizing the irreplaceable value of personal relationships and
communal support in religious settings (Findlay and Wong 2021).
4. Cultural Sensitivity: When creating AI simulations of religious experiences, it’s important to be sensitive
to and respect different cultural and religious beliefs (Olsher 2015). This means doing thorough research
and working closely with religious communities to make sure the technology reflects their values and
traditions (Gabriel 2020). Setting clear ethical guidelines is also essential to ensure that these simulations
are inclusive, diverse, and respectful of all religious perspectives(Shults and Wildman 2020).
5. Accountability: The responsible creation and use of AI simulations for religious experiences must follow
ethical guidelines (Truby 2020). This involves being transparent about how AI works, holding people
accountable for its results, and regularly checking for any biases or unexpected issues (Busuioc 2021).
Setting clear ethical rules and regulations is essential to ensure AI in religious contexts is developed and
used responsibly (Stahl et al. 2022).
If all these ethical issues can be put into confederation, AI can be used for global evangelization.

Summary
The study shows that Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential benefits for global evangelism, enabling
faster and more widespread communication. However, AI has significant limitations compared to human
messengers in evangelism. These include: Lack of physical presence, Inability to contextualize the gospel

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message, Limited capacity to identify appropriate redemptive analogy, Difficulty in discerning recipients'
deeper needs and absence of genuine emotion and love, which are crucial in evangelism

Conclusions
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of computers or computer-controlled machines to perform
tasks typically associated with human intelligence. Evangelism, the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus
Christ, is essential for the church’s outreach and vitality in today's evolving world. Modern technology has
advanced in a way that can significantly aid the church in spreading the gospel. Consequently, the use of AI
tools can enhance evangelism and improve the efficiency of believers in their outreach efforts. However, it is
important to consider the ethical implications of this integration. Given that global evangelism is entrusted
to believers and that AI can perform tasks related to human intelligence, AI has the potential to generate
content useful for church outreach. As noted by Jesse Vortage 2023, AI empowers the church by facilitating
targeted outreach, intelligent content creation, automated engagement, data-driven decisions, and
personalized discipleship.
But while AI systems excel at providing necessary information for evangelism, they have significant
limitations when compared to human social workers. These limitations include a lack of empathy, inability
to offer genuine emotional support, absence of mutual respect, and failure to provide spiritual empowerment
and impartation. Social exchange theory, applied by social workers, highlights the importance of elements
such as mutual respect, goal alignment, empathy, feedback loops, and emotional support in effective
practice. Despite the advantages that AI systems can bring to evangelism—particularly in the realm of
information dissemination—the human element remains crucial. The interpersonal skills, emotional
intelligence, and spiritual dimensions that human social workers and evangelists provide cannot be fully
replicated by AI.
Therefore, balanced approach that leverages the strengths of AI while maintaining human intervention is
essential for effective evangelism. By integrating AI tools with the unique qualities of human evangelists, the
church can enhance its outreach efforts while preserving the vital human connections that underpin
evangelism.

Recommendations
1. The church should use artificial intelligence for evangelism with cultural sensitivity
2. AI generated contents should be monitor from time to time in case anything go wrong
3. AI should not totally replace human messenger in evangelism
4. Genuine Christians should be part of AI developers

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Resilience in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Role of Spirituality in Fostering a
Balanced Future

Deborah Anuoluwapo DEMURIN

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2349167883852, https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5324-8726

Donald Abidemi ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348060162719

Abstract
This research investigates the relationship among resilience, spirituality, and the challenges posed by
artificial intelligence in modern society. As technological innovations continuously transform multiple
dimensions of existence, the capacity to adjust and flourish is rendered imperative. This research
investigates the role of spirituality in bolstering resilience, facilitating the capacity of individuals and
communities to manage the challenges posed by AI. In this study, resilience is conceptualized through
individual and communal experiences in an AI-centric environment. The psychological and emotional
aspects of resilience are underscored, along with the importance of adaptability and emotional
intelligence. The research explores AI's duality, recognizing its advantages and the associated
challenges, including employment disruption and ethical dilemmas, which may intensify anxiety and
stress. The study examines spirituality as a source of purpose and community. It evaluates the efficacy
of practices like mindfulness and meditation in enhancing resilience. Additionally, it examines the role
of AI in enhancing mental wellness through human-centred practices. The authors propose a
comprehensive framework that amalgamates resilience, spirituality, and technology, offering pragmatic
approaches for individuals and organizations. This study argues that integrating spiritual well-being
with technological engagement can facilitate a balanced future, enabling individuals to succeed in an
AI-driven environment. Recommendations of the study includes promoting lifelong learning,
encouraging mindfulness and spiritual practices, building ethical frameworks for AI, supporting
spiritual leadership, and strengthening social support systems.

Keywords: Resilience, Artificial Intelligence, Spirituality, Mental Well-being, Adaptability

Introduction
The swift development of artificial intelligence (AI) has resulted in profound changes in a number of fields,
altering the way people, organisations, and communities operate. The incorporation of AI into daily life
offers fresh chances for creativity, effectiveness, and output. But these developments also bring with them
the difficulty of preserving human adaptability in the midst of such profound shifts. This essay looks at
resilience, or the capacity to adjust and flourish in the face of hardship, and how, in the era of artificial
intelligence, spirituality might help people develop this resilience.
Spirituality, considered as a pursuit of something meaningful, greater than oneself and one’s immediate
environment has always been part of the human strengthening endurance. Pargament (2007) emphasises
how spirituality can help people deal with life’s obstacles, pointing out that spirituality activities and beliefs
offer a sense of connection an purpose that can be crucial during difficult times. In recent years, as the AI
elements have become more common, a great part of the population experiences emotional and
psychological problems related to loss of employment, change of the order of things, and moral issues. This
paper seeks to prove that spirituality is one of the instruments that enable people to cope with these
challenges by offering emotional equilibrium, mental centring, and sense of direction.

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This paper attempts to explore the intersection between spirituality and resilience in AI era with particular
reference of how spiritually oriented as attitude has potential to be shaping well-being status. The paper will
draw on contemporary academic debates about the implications of AI for human life, specifically discussions
surrounding emotional and psychological health. Then the paper will turn to spiritual practices and beliefs
in handling the pressures of AI, which is disproportionately exacted upon those most vulnerable amid rapid
paradigm shifts; it argues for a future spirituality.

Understanding Resilience in the Age of AI

Resilience is a complex topic, extensively examined in psychology and behavioural sciences, denoting the
capacity to recover from pressure, hardship, or trauma. Resilience in the context of AI encompasses flexibility
to technological disruptions and goes beyond conventional ideas of recovery. People must acquire the
abilities, attitudes, and emotional resilience necessary to prosper in a changing environment as machines
progressively replace human labour in industries ranging from production to healthcare. Bonanno (2008)
assert that resilience cannot be an immutable characteristic but an evolving process that may be developed.
This is especially important in the AI era, when evolving technologies necessitate ongoing education and
emotional adaptability. The capacity of AI to learn, adapt, and duplicate human cognitive processes presents
hitherto unheard-of threats to human purpose and identity, in contrast to previous industrial revolutions.
For example, AI has resulted in widespread job displacement in the workplace due to its efficiency in jobs
like data processing, making decisions, and customer service, which has increased the emotional and
psychological burden on employees. In this context, resilience refers to the ability to adjust to unforeseen
changes while preserving emotional health and self-esteem.
In research discussion, the concept of "technological resilience" is becoming more and more popular. This
phrase describes people's capacity to accept innovation, keep up with technology advancements, and cope
with the stress brought on by quick change. Technological resilience is critical in a world where more
complex systems are controlled by artificial intelligence and robotic algorithms. This resilience includes
emotional and mental versatility in addition to proficiency in technology. According to Morandini, Fraboni,
De Angelis, Puzzo, Giusino, & Pietrantoni (2023), industrial case studies demonstrate how workers who
learnt to be technologically resilient were better able to adjust to new tasks and continue to be productive in
the face of AI disruptions.

Interplay Between AI and Spirituality

Spirituality, a common construct with cultural elements related to individual belief systems, is associated
both empirically and theoretically with successful human adaptation in the face of change (Koenig,
McCullough & Larson, 2001). One area researcher has explored is the contribution of spirituality to
psychological resilience, in areas like crisis coping and mental well-being. Against a reach as wide as AI,
where advancements are not only disjunctive but can prompt existential crises about the future of us all,
spirituality provides some semblance of structure to make sense out of an inherently confusing time.
Artificial intelligence amends the traditional understanding of purpose by replacing work that used to be
uniquely human with automation.
Spirituality can provide as a counterpoint for individuals grappling with the challenges of human labour,
aiding them in confirming their identity and values beyond their professional roles. Despite the apparent
intrusion of artificial intelligence (AI) into people's daily lives, spirituality helps them feel connected to
others, to themselves, and to the greater cosmos. The sense of the greater connection one has with oneself,
others and to a larger universe through spirituality may be how individuals seek meaningful even as AI-
including Alexa-creeps into our daily lives. A number of researchers have studied the connection between
spirituality and technology, with some contending that advances in technology pose a threat to spiritual

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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development. Callais (2020) cautions that since AI can replicate human interactions, spiritual activities and
meaningful relationships may be lost. However, King and DeCicco (2009) show how spirituality and
technology can coexist, allowing people to use AI in a responsible and ethical manner. Spirituality has the
potential to empower people to employ AI tools in manners which uphold as opposed to undermine human
values by encouraging introspection, awareness, and purpose.

Spirituality as a Catalyst for Resilience

Spirituality has historically been correlated with mental resilience, providing people with a source of support
when things go tough. Spirituality has been linked to psychological resilience, giving people a get out of jail
free card. In this AI age, the role of spirituality in nurturing tenacity and endurance has never been as
significant with humans’ stumble through existential challenges such as job insecurity, moral quandaries and
many more at a time that automation is dehumanising activism. Research suggests that spiritual practices
like meditation, prayer and community involvement can stabilize emotions and clarify thought to help
people navigate through the complexities of modern world (Pargament, 2008).
Promoting emotional well-being is one way that spirituality helps people become more resilient. People who
have spiritual ideas frequently experience an overwhelming feeling of belonging and significance, which can
protect them from depressing and lonely sensations. This is especially important in the age of artificial
intelligence, where people may feel alienated by the speed at which technology is developing. Research
indicates that those who practise spirituality report greater emotional control and stress management skills
(Koenig, 2012).
Additionally, spirituality promotes an attitude of openness to change and learning how to be more resilient.
Spiritual practices cultivate an awareness with the transitory nature of external situations and can help
individuals to stay perspective in relation to inner resources. In a world where AI-driven disruptions are the
new normal, this is key. Spirituality also instils virtues of compassion, humility and ethical responsibility
which frequently come into play in decision-making during uncertainty making such leaders better
managers.
A growth mindset, which was first proposed by psychologist Dweck (2006) and emphasises the idea that
skills and intelligence can be increased via commitment and effort, is another important aspect of spirituality.
Spiritual ideas frequently inspire people to see obstacles as chances for one's own development and
transformation rather than as dangers. This viewpoint is particularly helpful in the era of artificial
intelligence, because success in the quickly changing technological environment requires constant learning
and adaptability.
Social support, which is a crucial component of resilience, is another way that spiritual societies demonstrate
the connection among spirituality and resilience. In times of hardship, members of religious or spiritual
institutions frequently have a link to a robust support system that can offer consolation and useful help.
Spiritual groups can encourage people to stay motivated and feel purposeful in the job, where AI-driven
shifts may cause emotions of insecure and anxiousness. Diener and Biswas-Diener (2009), discovered that
those who participated in spiritual communities expressed a higher degree of fulfilment in life, especially
when confronted with obstacles in their personal or professional lives.
Spirituality serves as one of the protective factors for resilience. It means connection to an inner peace that
gives people the emotional tools they need to deal with inevitable uncertainty, loss and change which is rife
in the AI world today. In addition, spirituality is linked to moral reasoning which becomes exceedingly
important as AI pervades different spheres of life - from impacting healthcare and education potential down
the line or shaping new industrial labour-setup.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Ethical Implications of AI and the Role of Spirituality
Artificial intelligence has raised a number of ethical worries, some like those associated with every new
technology. For instance, it will substitute human beings from numerous jobs; will not lessen the
administrative burden in excess of individual’s notion and would possibly create fresh gets entry to
complications. AI is also taking on roles that involve major moral and ethical considerations as it matures,
such as whether autonomous vehicles can ever have the right to determine life-and-death decisions or how
algorithms compute who might qualify for a loan/scoring. These ethical difficulties do represent major
obstacles to human development, and spirituality provides a context in which they can be addressed. Moral
principles like empathy, justice, and accountability are frequently linked to spirituality. These principles can
direct the creation and application of AI in a way that promotes the greater good rather than escalating
injustice or inequity. Additionally, spirituality encourages awareness and introspection, two qualities that
are critical for moral choices in the AI era. Intentional and deliberate usage of AI technology is becoming
more and more necessary as algorithms continually influence decisions that affect society as a whole. By
encouraging people to take on AI responsibly, spirituality can help ensure that technology is employed in
ways that are consistent with human ideals.
Additionally, there is a growing corpus of research on how spiritual leadership promotes moral behaviour
in businesses. Spiritual leadership, according to Fry (2003), is an approach that combines faith, selfless love,
hope, and vision with a greater goal to improve organisational well-being. This leadership approach is
especially pertinent in the framework of artificial intelligence, where leaders must balance complicated moral
dilemmas with an emphasis on social justice and respect for humanity.AI systems, for example, are being
employed more and more in the healthcare industry to make recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and
patient care. Although these technologies have a chance to save costs and enhance outcomes, they also bring
up ethical questions around patient privacy, independence, and permission. Health care workers can be
guided by religious guidance in the responsible use of AI, keeping the welfare of patients as the first priority.

Resilience Strategies in an AI-Driven World

In order to prosper in the AI era, people need to develop resilience techniques that allow them to adjust to
advances in technology without sacrificing their psychological, emotional, or religious well-being.
Developing an attitude of ongoing education serves as a tactic. The need to acquire fresh skills and expertise
will only increase as AI technologies advance. People will be better able to handle these changes and take
advantage of chances for both professional and personal development if they think about education as a
lifelong process.
Furthermore, the ability to handle stress and uncertainty is necessary for resiliency in the AI era. It has been
demonstrated that spiritual activities like prayer and mindfulness meditation improve emotional control and
lower stress. According to a study by Kabat-Zinn (2008), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
practices can enhance psychological well-being, which makes them a useful instrument for fostering
resilience in high-stress situations. These religious practices can offer people a sense of security and serenity
while they deal with the uncertainty brought on by AI-driven transformations.
Developing a feeling of significance is another important resilience tactic. Many mundane chores could be
automated by AI technology, which could leave people feeling aimless if their occupations are replaced. With
its focus on connection and significance, spirituality can assist people in reframing their feeling of purpose
outside of their careers. Spirituality can assist people in reframing their perception of purpose outside of
work by emphasising connection and significance. Viktor Frankl in LaCasse (2017) logotherapy highlights
the significance of finding purpose in life's obstacles, which is applicable to the situation of AI-driven job
displacement. Regardless of how their professional duties evolve, people can keep their sense of meaning by
emphasising relationships, personal development, and community service.

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Another important component of resilience is social support. AI is continuing to change sectors and replace
labour, which might make many people feel alone or powerless. Social support can be obtained from spiritual
communities, which give members an awareness of community, assistance, and direction. Apart from official
religious establishments, these communities can be virtual support groups, meditation classes, or
nonreligious spiritual institutions that prioritise one's own growth and awareness.
Furthermore, developing ethical consciousness is critical to constructing resilience in the era of artificial
intelligence. People using AI technologies need to understand the ethical ramifications of doing so. By urging
people to examine their ideals and the effects of their conduct on others, spirituality may encourage moral
decision-making. Ethical AI use can be guided by the values of servant leadership, which place an emphasis
on empathy, modesty, and the welfare of others.

Conclusion
In most aspects of life, AI integration has brought sweeping changes that have altered the way we live and
interact with others. Self-sufficiency is of great importance when dealing with the continuous change and
uncertainty inherent in AI (or in any technology), Given that AI will forever be an area where automation
makes new jobs, competition for human workers shall always exist. We have explored in this paper how
spirituality may be playing a crucial role to characterise and/or develop emotional well-being,
flexibility/resilience, touchpoint functions and provide purpose for humans notwithstanding exposure or
use of various forms AI.
Spirituality encourages people and organisations to put human values first when interacting with technology
by providing a framework for resolving the ethical issues raised by AI. Spirituality may direct the ethical
implementation of AI in a way that upholds social justice and respect for humanity by encouraging
introspection, empathy, and moral decision-making. Spirituality offers a crucial source of balance and power
in a future where artificial intelligence is pervasive, allowing people to prosper despite the impact of
technology.

Recommendations
Several suggestions for building resilience and encouraging ethical AI use can be offered in light of the
findings covered in this paper:
1. Encourage lifelong learning: Continuous learning initiatives that give people the tools they need to
adjust to changes brought about by AI should be given top priority by governments, academic
institutions, and organisations.
2. Promote spiritual and mindfulness practices: Governments and organisations should support
mindfulness-based methods that improve stress management and emotional control. People who
engage in these activities can become more resilient in high-stress situations.
3. Build Ethical Frameworks for AI: To ensure that technology advances society, policymakers and
engineers should collaborate to create moral standards for AI development and application.
4. Encourage Spiritual Guidance: Spiritual leadership styles that include moral principles into decision-
making procedures and foster empathy, equity, and social obligation ought to be supported by
organisations.
5. Boost Social Support Networks: Social support networks that give people a feeling of community and
emotional support should be established by communities, especially during unpredictable and
changing times.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Defining the Purpose of Pastoral Education in the Artificial Intelligence Era: A Study of a
Pastoral Education Department of a Christian School in Ogun State, Nigeria

Isaiah O. ABOLARIN, PhD

College of Postgraduate/Religious Studies Department, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
[email protected], +2347011213441

Abstract
Pastoral education is a determinant of pastoral duties and practices which include teaching, mentoring,
counselling, witnessing, and preaching. There are many challenges that pastors face in carrying out their
duties. Apart from personal challenges, the pastors are also faced with societal, economic, political, and
technological challenges. The purpose of pastoral education is to equip pastors to effectively carry out
their roles. The technological advancement has gone beyond the imagination of many people,
particularly the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has made machines that execute duties of
humans intelligently. Machines perform surgical operation, write papers, buy things, drive vehicles,
interact with humans, but more than this, they have started being used to carry out pastoral roles like
preaching and teaching. If machine can execute pastor’s duties what then is the purpose of pastoral
education? Different studies have been done on how AI affects Christianity generally, but not much has
been done in regards to defining purpose of pastoral education in the era of AI. Using discipling theory,
this paper adopted phenomenology design of qualitative research, to examine the need to clearly define
the purpose of pastoral education that will be relevant in the age of AI. It was found that AI and its
usage should be appropriately integrated into pastoral education but should not replace the roles of
human. The purpose of pastoral education is to prepare people who have passion for Christ to go and
make disciples. Teachers in the seminaries need to update themselves and be current. It was concluded
that since the purpose of pastoral education remains equipping people to make disciples, AI should be
used when necessary but should not replace humans where needed especially in instilling practical
approach of discipling to students.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Christ Representative, Pastoral Education, Surgical Operation,

Technological Development

Introduction
Many duties that human beings carry out intelligently for centuries — teaching, counselling, manufacturing,
marketing, relationships—are going through redefinition and restructuring as a result of the emergence and
evolution of technological advancement especially the Artificial Intelligence (AI) which is replacing machines
for humans in carrying out these duties. Artificial Intelligence according to Robin (2018) is the ability of a
digital computer, computer-controlled machine or robot to perform roles and activities that are commonly
associated with intelligent humans. He added that AI even performs many smarter activities than humans.
Scholars have argued that AI has become increasingly prominent in education with enormous potential to
improve teaching and learning experiences (Nurjanah, Salsabia, Azzahra, Rahayu, & Marlina, 2024). Pastoral
education is an essential part of pastoral ministry as it is the avenue through which pastors are prepared and
equipped to carry their duties effectively in church and in the society. Pastors serve as teachers, counselors,
preachers, mentors, peacemakers, even caregiver in many communities where they find themselves. The
ability to perform these roles many times depends on the type of pastoral education received by the pastors.
Therefore, the purpose of pastoral education is to effectively prepare and equip pastors to carry out their
pastoral duties. The preparing and equipping are done by qualified and experienced individuals who by
themselves who have been prepared and equipped, and also are experienced in pastoral responsibilities.

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With the evolution of AI and its taking over every duty performed by humans, including teaching and
preaching, there is a need to define the purpose of pastoral education in the AI era.

Literature Review
Pastoral education which is also known as Christian religious education, theological education, and Christian
education (Marbaniang, 2018) is a system of education in which pastors are prepared and equipped to serve
in different capacities in the Christian church and in the society where they find themselves as pastors.
Marbaniang (2018) differentiated between this type of education and religious education. Religious
education according to him can be a study in any type of religion that may not necessarily be Christian; but
pastoral education deals specifically on preparing pastors for discharging Christian duties in Christian
church and beyond. Pastoral education also deals with exegesis and hermeneutic which is the equipping of
pastors in interpretation of biblical passages from original languages (Hebrew and Greek) and making
biblical passages relevant to everyday life of people. This understanding of the pastoral education indicates
its theological aspect. An important thing is that pastoral education with all the exegesis and hermeneutic
expertise do not make a pastor without the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes pastoral education may not necessarily be formal; it can be formal, non-formal, and informal
(Marbaniang, 2018). Pastoral education is more than just its content but equipping pastors in educational
system that is distinctively Christian, reflecting biblical truth as found in Christ Jesus (Estep Jr., 2008). It is
taking someone through the process of transformation in which the whole individual is changes into the
likeness of Christ. It is the process that establishes pastors in the position of pastoring. Otokola (2017)
presented it as the training of men and women to know and serve God. Therefore, pastoral education is not
only acquiring theoretical knowledge of biblical interpretation and skill of preaching, but it is going through
heart transformation and becoming like Christ (Anthony, 2008). Education originated from God and it is
about God and it is to lead back to God (Abolarin, 2015; Otokola, 2017). Since creation, God has always
established systems of education to have people know him. In the Old Testament, God used the
sanctuary/sacrificial system and prophetic system; in the New Testament, he came to human society as the
“good teacher” in the person of Jesus Christ who demonstrated and gave the perfect teaching method that
the apostles followed (Reed & Prevost, 1993).
A pastor that has gone through the pastoral education is considered to have received requisite level of
academic understanding and practical ministerial training to function spiritual caregiver to people
(Marbaniang, 2020). Byaruhanga (2013) and Morris (2018) identified the benefits of pastoral education to
include
1. In-person instruction: pastoral education gives opportunity for face-to-face instruction from teacher
to students which allows for growth both in the students and in the teacher.
2. Equipping for mentoring: the physical teaching through pastoral education allows for mentoring
process to naturally occur between teacher and students. Mentoring is many times, imitating the
mentor by the mentee which takes place person-to-person.
3. Discipleship: this is almost like mentoring but it has to do with motivating and equipping someone
to know and follow Jesus Christ and becoming like him. Pastoral education furnishes this
opportunity.
4. Growth through deeper study: pastoral education has ability to make students experience deep study
of both the Bible and other Christian religious literature which leads to personal growth in the
students and prepares them to transmit such to those they come in contact with.
5. Developing teaching skill: through pastoral education, students can develop skills in teaching which
can be profitable in carrying out their duties.

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6. Building of healthy church: pastoral education is an avenue through which pastors are trained to go
and build healthy church after the educational process.
7. Contextual ministry: pastoral education is a process through which pastors are trained to be sensitive
to the needs of the people and minister to the people in the context of their needs, making ministering
relevant and meaningful.
Speaking on the pastoral education in West Africa, Gyadu (2013) argued that many institutions have been
established for the training of pastors and this has positively helped the growth of the Christianity. Despite
this growth, Oluwashola and Paul (2020) indicated that pastoral ministry which ought to be the output of
the pastoral education, has not fulfilled its goal of presenting the full gospel truth. According to them, the
pastoral ministry in Nigeria is filled with preaching the popular gospel of health and wealth; and many
pastors preach half-backed Christians. Apart from this challenge, AI is another possible threat to achieving
the purpose of pastoral education.
AI era is the period of human history when machines and robots are used to discharge the duties that are
commonly known to be carried out by human. Such duties include farming, medical care, business
transaction, educational practices, and preaching. In addition to these, transportation services are being
handled by AI. Although AI is not new to human existence (Lim, 2023), its evolution to the level of taking
over and executing what human would intelligently execute, thereby directly or indirectly replacing human
beings in almost every dimension of life—teaching, preaching, buying, diagnosis and medication
administration, surgery—has given an ease or a discomfort to people. Lim (2023) indicated that dealing with
an inanimate object (software application) that acts like human being and looking at the synthetic faces
generated by AI the negative response known as “uncanny valley” comes in and the sense of what is real
becomes confused.
AI is a system’s ability to behave intelligently as human, interpreting external data correctly, learning from
such data and using the learning to achieve specific goals and tasks through flexible adaptation (Haenlein &
Kaplan, 2019). AI is the ability of a digital computer, computer-controlled machine or robot to perform roles
and activities that are meant for human. Different individuals have written about the benefits of AI
(Chakraborty, 2024; Lakhani, 2023; Vargas, 2023) however, there are concerns as well concerning its impact
on human endeavor.
Education is one of the aspects of human life that AI has influenced. According to Slimi (2023), AI impacts
school accuracy in enrollment, curriculum and is replacing lecturer in many ways. AI is considered to be an
appropriate methodology to train teachers because of its effectiveness (Porayska-Pomsta, 2016). There are
classes that hold virtually and assessments are done using computer system, and students interact with
virtual classroom. Although AI plays a significant role in revolutionizing education, Milberg (2024) warned
that only through responsible and informed adoption can it truly fulfil its potential and ensure equitable
access to quality education. In essence, AI has the tendency to negatively influence acquisition of knowledge.
There is a concern on the impossibility of AI replacing human in every aspect. Based on this concern, there
is a need to determine which skills to prioritize, which one to phase out and where to place greater emphasis.
In addition to this, consideration should be on how the goal of education will not be compromised. Education
is not just about intellectual but also social, physical and spiritual (Abolarin, 2019). Clugston (2024) argued
that with all the benefits (innovative teaching, interactive learning environment, accessibility, efficiency, and
personalized learning) of AI in education, teachers (humans) are to focus on instruction and student
engagement. This indicates that machine/robot is not to be entrusted with everything in educational
practices. Some of the disadvantages of AI in education according to Clugston (2024) include data privacy
compromise, dependence on technology, lack of human touch which leads to dehumanized learning
experience, risk of cheating, and teacher job displacement.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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When it comes to AI and pastoral education, Olaore, Nwosu, Oladipo, and Oyenuga (2014) argued that
natural intelligence is divine with origin that is unlimited but AI is from limited origin (human). AI therefore,
according to them should be seen as human creature and subordinate to human and not their replacement.
Considering whether AI could deliver pastoral care, Proudfoot (2023) considering Noreen Herzfeld work
that utilized Karl Barth’s framework of I-Thou encounters as a heuristic for measuring the relational capacity
of AI, rejected the idea of I-Thou encounter between human and machine because, according to her, machine
lacks a relationship with God. It is possible for machine to be an autonomous agent but machine cannot
develop the awareness of God and therefore cannot have relationship with God. In essence, there is a
question on the possibility of machine to assist in spiritual dimension of pastoral care. Pastoral education is
not just about intellectual development but more of connection with God and to be equipped by him to
become agent of connecting others to the same God. The three things that must be part of anyone who engage
in such education are self-awareness, a rational governing soul, and the equipping by the Spirit for a
covenantal relationship with God. To be engaged in pastoral education, there must be ability to identify a
specific person, to provide interaction with the rest of creation, and to take initiative in promoting certain
actions; without these there cannot be inter-human relationship. In pastoral education there must be a kind
of feeling of “one like me” between teacher and students. There must also be mutual speaking and hearing
with another communicating who each one is and the goal of the communication. There should be ability of
each one to render help to the other, willing to respond to the request of one another.
Therefore, considering all the characteristics required in getting engaged in pastoral education, a non-human
artificial conscious being would not be a replacement for human. Proudfoot (2023) concluded in his study
that if conscious computer is engaged in pastoral care, which by extension includes pastoral education, the
care will be shallow than human can provide. Whatever be the educational approach adopted in pastoral
education, the purpose of the education must always be defined, established and guarded. It is the purpose
that determines the approach and the methodology to be adopted in the educational practices.
The discipling theory as established by Hull (2004) indicated that the process of making disciples which is a
major goal of pastoral education should be engaged by human to human. The theory is divided into four
parts. The first part is calling people to “come and see” (p. 32). This is an invitation to behold Jesus which is
done by someone who has beheld Jesus already. After beholding Jesus, the second part of the theory which
calls for the commitment to Jesus. This is the call to follow Jesus. It is an indication of commitment to him.
The third part of the theory is to become a member of the community of Jesus, “come and abide with me”
(p. 147). The fourth par to the theory calls individual to remain in Jesus. This is becoming competent in him
making other disciples. Hull (2006) stated that this process which is the focus of the training in pastoral
education requires persons who are passionate for Christ. In essence non-human may be able to perform
certain areas of teaching and equipping in pastoral education process, but only humans who are passionate
for Christ cam make another passionate individual who will “sustain any effort to reach others around them?
(p. 37). If the preparation of the people (pastors) who are to make disciples are not done by those who are
passionate for Jesus, which anything other than human may not, Christian truth and behavior may gradually
disappear (Wilson, 1976). Humans who are passionate and radical for Jesus are to be engaged (Augsburger,
2006) in preparing those who are to lead his church and equip people to live for Jesus.

Objective
The objective of this paper is to investigate how pastoral education purpose could be defined in this era of
AI.

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Methodology
Phenomenology design of qualitative research was used for this paper. This allowed for interaction with
students and teachers in pastoral education in a Christian institution of learning. Fulfilling the purpose of
pastoral education was considered to be a phenomenon that needs to be defined adequately in the era of AI.
Purposive sampling technique was used to select teachers and students in pastoral education department
specifically in a Christian institution in Ogun State. The total number of the participants was 25 comprising
four teachers and 21 students. The paper utilized interview as an approach for data collection and interview
guide was used as the instrument. The teachers were interviewed on individual basis while the students
formed a focus group. The interview was conducted on face-to-face basis. The major questions posted to the
participants include, what is pastoral education? What is the purpose of pastoral education? What is AI and
how has it influenced education? How should the purpose of pastoral education be properly defined in this
era of AI? Content analysis based on the questions was adopted for the analysis of the data collected.

Findings
Question 1: What is pastoral education?
Responses: Pastoral education was presented by the respondents as a kind of process which people who
believe they are called by God to serve as pastor, go through for them to be knowledgeable and be equipped
with necessary skills to serve as Pastors. The skills include Bible interpretation, communication, personal and
public ministry, counselling, public speaking, teaching, and writing. If God calls someone to serve as pastor,
it is still necessary for the person to experience educational process to affirm the calling. Sometime, someone
who is called may not be opportune to acquire formal education; this is why both informal and non-formal
aspect of pastoral education is important. Those who cannot attend a degree awarding institution can attend
local training organized for pastors. There are different workshops and conferences where individuals can
attend to acquire knowledge. Any form of enlightening program for pastors can serve as pastoral education.
Pastoral education is an avenue of preparing pastors as spiritual leaders trained to work for God by
connecting people to him for them to be saved. It is a special grooming of people who perceived to have been
called to meet spiritual and holistic needs of people by nurturing them to grow in God’s way. It is to prepare
the “called” to transmit God’s message of love for the salvation of people. As spiritual leaders, pastors go
through pastoral educational system to ensure their own connection with Jesus through which they can
connect people to him without leading them astray this is by continuous acquirement of knowledge from
God.
Pastoral education also helps pastors to understand and know God and his creation. Pastoral education
connects people to God and assist in developing lasting relationship with God. This relationship is
demonstrated in the daily life and interactions of pastors with people around him/her.

Question 2: What is the purpose of pastoral education?

Like any other discipline, pastors need to be trained in the knowhow of pastoral ministry; and that is what
pastoral education does. Just as other aspects, especially the professional aspects of human life, cannot be
handled by those who have no knowledge in the profession, so also the pastoral discipline/profession cannot
be committed to people without adequate knowledge and skills to discharge pastoral duties. Pastoral
education is a specialized system for acquiring necessary knowledge and skills to carry out pastoral duties.
It enlightens pastors in different aspect of spirituality. There are different spirituality practices being executed
by people of different religions. Pastoral education is particular about exposing pastors to the different
practices and focus pastors mind on the Christian spiritual practices which acknowledge God as the Creator
and sustainer of lives. It is to him all humans are accountable and will give account. Humans are to live their

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lives in fulfilling his purpose for them while here on earth. This understanding is crucial to every other aspect
of life. This makes pastoral education a critical experience for pastors.
Pastoral education as an experience is for connecting pastors to God and prepares them to be representatives
of the kingdom of God here on earth. This is essential because if pastors are not connected to God, it will be
challenging if not impossible for them to connect other people. So, pastoral education helps pastors connect
for them to be able to connect others to God.
It trains pastors in counselling procedure. Since pastors work for God by working with humans, it is
important for pastors to understand different aspects of human life which include emotion, psychology,
habit, appearance, problems, joy, and interrelationship. Adequate understanding of theses aspects of human
living helps pastors to minister to people in all the aspects; this makes pastoral ministry a holistic one. Pastors
engage in this holistic ministry through, teaching, preaching, and counseling. Pastoral education is an
important system for preparing pastors for the holistic ministry, getting them ready to engage in counseling
program.
It equips pastors with tools to interpret Bible passages and present it to people. Pastoral ministry is beyond
only reading Bible passages and telling it to people; but rather, it involves proper interpretation of each Bible
passage to understand the meaning and application to the needs of people. In doing this pastoral education
exposes pastors to biblical passages interpretation through the use of original languages in which the Bible
was written. The languages include Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Pastor study and learn how to interpret these
languages thereby equipping them to have the original understanding of Bible passages.

Question 3: What is AI and how has it influenced education?

The respondents presented AI in different ways such as a tool made to perform the roles of human beings, a
technological advancement that has come to stay and influencing many ways people do things, and
computerized robots that are revolutionizing human capacities and relationships. According to some of the
respondents, “AI has been in existence for many years and it is been utilized by many people. Examples of
AI include, telephone and computer with different applications that help human to achieve what ordinarily
would not have been easily achievable by humans.”
Education, according to the respondents, has been influenced in many ways from teaching to learning and
assessment of students. Teachers have access to resources and information in an easy way than before the
arrival of AI; they also deliver lectures easily using different computerized equipment such as smartboard,
computerized screen, and projector. Students also have access to lectures, even video recording of lectures
and practical application on different subjects. People can attend class from the comfort of their homes or at
distance virtually.
The respondents clarified that despite the positive influence AI has on education, it is not without some
negative effects. According to the respondents, AI has made some individuals to not desire physical
attendance in church during worship, they prefer virtual worship. This has reduced the potency of
Christianity and Christian gathering on people’s lives. The aspect of koinonia (community, togetherness) is
not important to many. People go into depression because they live individualistic life, not relating to others
nor share their burdens again. In some cases, AI has been a distraction from spiritual growth and connection
with God for people. Pastors use AI to prepare sermon without any consultation with the Holy Spirit nor the
Bible. People listen to such sermon but they are not positively impacted. Considering the negative effect of
AI, one of the respondents exclaimed, “the world needs prayer.” Many of the respondents made reference to
Daniel 12:4 “Many shall run to and from, and knowledge shall increase” as being fulfilled with the evolution
of AI; but they connected the passage with Matthew 24:12 that read, “because iniquity shall abound, the love
of many shall wax cold.”

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The respondents emphasized that AI can make pastors become lazy by not spending quality time in prayer
and study of the Bible to come up with messages for their members. When such happens, irrelevant messages
may be presented to congregation.

Question 4: How should the purpose of pastoral education be properly defined in this era of AI?
The respondents declared that AI can also have negative impact on pastoral education. They clarify this idea
by stating that just as AI is making information available to people without attending school/class, it can also
make pastors to secure any information needed—biblical interpretation, exegetical study, hermeneutics,
homiletics—without necessarily going through pastoral education. Therefore, pastoral education, according
to them should be re-defined by utilization of AI tools. There should be no pretense in pastoral education
practices that AI does not exist but rather, it should be acknowledged and used as much as possible to expose
the pastoral students to the usage, the negative effect and how to avoid it. Pastoral education should equip
students with the technological know-how for them to be aware of their environment and learn the positive
usage of the technology. Pastoral education has to balance the use of AI and doing what humans are to do
by themselves, like praying, studying the Bible, having compassion for people, and visiting people. In
essence, there should not be over-reliance on AI by pastors.
AI has come to stay and cannot be done away with; pastoral education should embrace and utilize it
positively to equip pastoral education students who will eventually be pastors. Pastoral education should
watch out for intellectual cloning and colonization where individuals cannot develop their God given
potential because of dependence on AI. The influence of the Holy Spirit should not be replaced with
suggestion of AI; pastoral education should emphasize the place and role of the Holy Spirit in the era of AI
and teach how the Holy Spirit can use AI to achieve God’s purpose. AI should be made a subset of pastoral
education and people should be encouraged to go back to church since the Bible itself says “And let us not
neglect our meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). Pastoral education should make people masters of the Bible
and not solely depend on AI. Pastoral educators should update themselves in technological field, especially
AI and use it to teach coupled with their personal experience which AI cannot offer. Jesus Christ example of
compassion and empathy which AI cannot provide should be part of pastoral education.

Discussion of Findings
The findings indicate that both teachers and students of pastoral education acknowledge pastoral education
as an important means through which pastors are trained and equipped for pastoral ministry. Irrespective
of skills in ministering, attending and experiencing pastoral education is a need factor to function as pastor.
This perspective is according to the argument of Pliska (2023) who stated that any man aspiring to ministry
should be trained. Although, formal pastoral education is important, there is a room for informal training for
those who may not be opportune to attend formal education. The important thing is that it is not an ideal
for anyone to declare being a pastor without acquiring pastoral training.
AI is well-known with the reality that it has come to stay. It is not new but has been in use by people for some
decades. Though, AI may have negative impact, there are many areas it is beneficial to education generally
and pastoral education specifically. It should be incorporated into pastoral education in every aspect it could
enhance teaching and learning; but there should be not over-dependence on it. Education in the current era
cannot only be analogue based as it was centuries ago. The goal of pastoral education is to prepare people
who are to make disciples of all nations, tongues and people. Where it these individuals cannot be, AI can be
used to take the message of the everlasting gospel there without time, location or any hindrance. Therefore,
pastoral education should purposively engage pastoral education students in the understanding and usage
of AI while the purpose is still well defined without compromise. AI could be seen as an essential tool to
enhance learning, equipping, and skill acquisition. Pastoral education should still emphasize the

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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establishment of God as the Creator, the Bible as the holy manual for living, and the Holy Spirit as the agent
of God for information, leaning, and direction. Jesus model of ministry is to be the focus of pastoral education
in the era of AI. As AI is to be utilized in pastoral education, pastoral and biblical messages should also be
uploaded for people to access through AI tools.

Conclusion
Pastoral education is a necessity in any age as long as the world exists. Its benefits—equipping for ministry,
inculcating ministry of compassion, biblical interpretation, preparation of messages that meet the needs of
people, training to be like Jesus—cannot be substituted by any other means. In the era of AI, pastoral
education can be more effective and easier by utilizing AI tool positively. AI can also be a medium of
proclamation of the gospel in an easier and faster way. Therefore, pastoral educators should not be ignorant
of the different AI tools and should be inculcated into pastoral education practices, being used by teachers
and training students to use them for the ministry. The position of God, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit should
not be given up AI. God created all things including humans and humans made AI. AI is to be tools and not
ministers. Ministry of compassion, human touch, connecting with one another, following Jesus’ model
should be the focus of pastoral education.

Recommendations
1. Pastoral education should be acknowledged as a necessity in the era of AI as it was in the Bible time.
Christian leaders should not trade pastoral education for any other form of education that will not
fulfill the purpose of pastoral ministry.
2. Pastoral education should be equipped by the school administrators with every facility, including AI
tools that will make teaching and learning easy and exciting. Pastoral educators should always
update themselves in every technological knowhow. There is no need to be afraid of AI but rather
pastoral educators should be knowledgeable and teach students how to use it.
3. The roles of God, the Bible and study of the Bible, the Holy Spirit should not be substituted with AI.
4. Jesus’ model of ministry should be emphasized in pastoral education and be inculcated to students.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and “Agrivangelism”: Leveraging Technology for Agricultural
Evangelism towards Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Oluwabusayo Olayinka OLUSOLA-ILORI

Department of Politics and International Relations, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348037662778

Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348055159591, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8057-137X

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely employed in the agricultural field to improve yields,
efficiency, and profitability and develop economic forecasts. With the great commission of
evangelising the whole world with the good news of salvation, one of the challenges
encountered from one culture to the other is poverty amongst the rural communities whose
main occupation is agriculture. However, these rural dwellers face different challenges,
including insecurity and poor infrastructure. There is a need to identify with these poor
agrarian communities. There is a need for mission agencies to leverage AI in agriculture to
reach them with the gospel. This paper examined the conceptual overviews of AI and
“Agrivangelism,” established the relationship between AI, agriculture, and poverty
alleviation, and drew out implications for “Agrivangelism”. These findings were deduced
from the materials reviewed on leveraging AI in agriculture: farm monitoring; plant disease
and insect detection; intelligent farm chemicals application; weeding; aerial survey and
imaging; produce grading and sorting; ploughing, planting and other field operations;
automation of irrigation; AI for livestock, fish and poultry farming; traceability and supply
chain management–blockchain technology; farm management; optimisation of farming
operations and decisions; and finding market opportunities for farmers. These findings and
implications were discussed within the purview of Divine Command Theory towards
leveraging AI in agriculture. The following implications were drawn for mission agencies
towards effective “Agrivangelism”: holistic ministry, community engagement, leveraging
human resources, partnership with government or private agencies, and funding.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Agriculture, “Agrivangelism”, Poverty Alleviation,

Divine Command Theory

Introduction
The most complete term to describe how domestic animals and crop plants provide food and other items to
support the world's population is agriculture1. Agriculture is the basis for the sustainability of any economy.
It plays a vital role in long-term economic growth and structural change2. Over the years, agriculture has
proven to be a steadfast source of income worldwide, satisfying humanity's most essential need which is
food. However, despite the global need for food, hunger remains an enduring issue because the agricultural
sector is facing myriads of challenges, especially in developed countries which include Nigeria 3. In the past,
agricultural activities were limited to food and crop production. However, in the last two decades, it has
evolved into processing, producing, marketing, and distributing crops and livestock products. With the rise
of the global geometric population, it becomes imperative that agricultural practices are reviewed to provide
innovative approaches to sustaining and improving agricultural activities4.
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely employed in agriculture to improve yield, efficiency and profitability
and develop economic forecasts5. In many parts of the world, AI is being deployed in the agricultural sector,
and dramatic transformation has been observed in many in agricultural sector across the globe6. The
application of artificial intelligence (AI) into agriculture will be facilitated by various technical
advancements, such as big data analytics, robotics, the Internet of Things, low-cost sensors and cameras,
drone technology, and even widespread internet access on geographically separated farms7. In order to
increase crop yields and decrease water usage, fertilisers, and pesticides, Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems
will be able to anticipate which crop to grow in a given year and when the ideal dates to sow and harvest are
in a particular area. These insights will be gained by examining soil management data sources like
temperature, precipitation, soil analysis, moisture content, and past crop performance7. This will help to
reduce the impact of fertilisers and pesticides on natural ecosystems using AI technologies. It will also help
to increase worker’s safety, keeping food prices down and ensuring that food production keeps pace with
the increasing population7.
With the great commission of evangelising the whole world with the good news of salvation, one of the
challenges encountered from one culture to the other is poverty amongst the rural communities whose main
occupation is agriculture. However, these rural dwellers face different challenges, including insecurity and
poor infrastructure. There is a need to identify with these agrarian communities and find ways to help them
overcome some of the challenges as this will help reach them with the gospel. AI can be a powerful
instrument for evangelisation among rural populations in the age of globalisation. It can help alleviate
poverty and address some of these people's issues. This paper aims to present the conceptual overviews of
AI and "Agrivangelism", establish the relationship between AI, agriculture, and poverty alleviation, and
draw out implications for "Agrivangelism". This paper is silent on the methodology used. There is no
research work without using a particular methodology.

Conceptual Overviews
1. Overview of the Concept of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a technological tool in various sectors, with its roots deeply embedded in
mathematics, computer science, and engineering. This technology simulates human intelligence and
encompasses learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and language comprehension capabilities8. Among the
many subsets of AI, Machine Learning (ML) and Computer Vision stand out prominently 8. ML is used to
create statistical models and algorithms that let computers carry out particular tasks without explicit
programming8. It emphasises the ability of machines to learn from experience and adapt to new
information9.
Another specialised area of artificial intelligence is computer vision, which teaches machines to comprehend
and decide based on visual information from the outside world10. It automatically extracts, analyses, and
comprehends relevant data from a single image or a series of photos. Computer vision mimics human vision
to allow machines to recognise and process things in photos and videos, similarly to human vision, but with
incredible speed and accuracy. Computer vision techniques include motion estimation, pattern recognition,
object recognition, and image segmentation11. Generally, AI techniques simulate human intelligence and rely
heavily on machine learning (ML) for most applications12. The fundamental elements of artificial intelligence
encompass machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and expert systems13.
The agricultural sector holds immense significance, with a global value of $3.6 trillion and a consistent
contribution of 4% to the global GDP14. However, it faces severe obstacles, including unpredictability in
weather, pests and illnesses that damage crops and the adverse effects of desertification and climate change14.
To solve these severe obstacles, technology, digitalisation, and AI are potential solutions to these challenges15.
The integration of AI in agriculture aims to address these challenges, enhance productivity, and reduce

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human effort16. The strategic role of AI in agriculture becomes apparent, considering its potential to reshape
existing methodologies and technologies for maximising crop yield and ensuring sustainable food
production14. Hence, sustainability remains a pivotal theme in this context, with AI-driven solutions showing
promise in supporting environmentally friendly practices14.
Moreover, stakeholders in the food and agricultural sector face the challenge of optimising their operations
to minimise losses and costs while maximising yields17. Therefore, the infusion of AI, especially Machine
Learning and Computer Vision, is innovative and transformative. This integration reshapes the
methodologies and operations of farmers and agricultural stakeholders, often called Agri Tech 8. The
numerous benefits range from enhanced efficiency to increased profitability and sustainability 8. This also
includes Computer Vision which aids in detecting crop diseases and pests early to ensure timely
interventions as well as predictive analytics which is an advantage of Machine Learning to forecasts yields,
considering various determinants like weather patterns and soil quality8. The advent of AI-powered robotics
is diminishing the reliance on manual labour, while AI's ability in data analytics is streamlining supply
chains. Furthermore, AI's intelligent management of resources is a significant stride toward environmental
sustainability in agriculture8.
AI's ability to perform intelligent tasks opens opportunities to improve current agricultural practices by (i)
providing support services previously deemed too resource-intensive, expensive, or unavailable (e.g. due to
lack of skills and expertise among local professionals); and (ii) reducing urrent operational costs by saving
time and labour performed by agriculture workers. Today, AI is considered one of the most potent solutions
to the many challenges the agricultural sector faces in low- and high-income countries8. AI has entered
agriculture and provides cutting-edge technology with applications throughout the food system, including
production, distribution, consumption and harvest yield uncertainty8.
The latest technologies of automated systems using agricultural robots and drones have made a tremendous
contribution to the agro-based sector. Various hi-tech computer-based systems are designed to determine
vital parameters like weed detection, yield detection, crop quality, and many other techniques6. While the
swift progress within the AI domain might instill concerns about job displacement in more developed
nations, it holds the potential to be viewed as a promising opportunity for developing countries18.

2. Overview of the Concept of “Agrivangelism”

“Agrivangelism” is a term coined by one of the writers of this paper based on the words "agriculture and
evangelism." The idea came in one of the evangelism outreaches in 2022 to one of the agrarian communities
called Ogbin in the Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, which shares a border with the Orire Local
Government Area of Oyo State. The idea was that if the church could partner with professionals to provide
modern training for the poor farmers, it would go a long way in boosting their agricultural production,
contribute towards poverty alleviation and be an avenue for the evangelistic effort to be fruitful for a holistic
salvation experience.
Narratives of missionary group experiences are commonplace in many missionary endeavours. In
Guatemala's poorest province, evangelical missionaries began to reach out to unreachable agricultural
communities. They travelled there in order to start churches and evangelise. In one of the poorest countries
in the Americas, the Pokomchi people with whom they were working were the poorest in the poorest
province. A large number of people accepted Christ. Churches were established19. By mission standards, the
task was done. The missionaries moved on to other communities. However, in one sense, little had changed.
This story is replicated all over the world19. Well-meaning Christians work in missions and private voluntary
organisations to bring hope and help to poor agriculturists worldwide. These farmers are usually physically
and economically poor and often social outcasts with little hope19.

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Mission agencies operate from the paradigm separating the spiritual from the physical; such have brought a
"spiritual" solution, the "narrow Gospel of salvation." The Christ-motivated development workers, operating
from the secular paradigm of the modern development industry, have brought a "physical" solution,
technical knowledge and outside financial resources but little transformation of human life and
communities19. There can never be a comprehensive solution to a comprehensive problem based on
inadequate paradigms and piecemeal methodologies if there will be a holistic transformation in the lives of
impoverished farmers. In that case, missionaries and Christian agricultural extension workers must
synergise with a view towards the salvation of their souls and poverty alleviation.
Therefore, the concept of "Agrivangelism" is reaching out to agrarian communities with the gospel and, at
the same time, providing necessary professional/technical support to them that would aid them in their
chosen field, thereby leading to poverty alleviation. “Agrivangelism” is in tandem with Jesus' teaching in
Matthew 25:35-40. The holistic gospel is what the early missionaries did; they preached the word of God and
provided schools and hospitals. Contemporary missionaries need to take cues from early missionaries by
leveraging AI to help poor farmers in rural areas.

Theoretical Review
This research adopts The Divine Command Theory to serve as the theoretical framework for this study. This
theory is rooted in the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, which states that man does not have a sense of moral
right or wrong independent of God; for a man to identify or distinguish moral right from moral wrong, it is
expected of him to know God's will20. Furthermore, the theory states that the ethically correct course of action
is what God requires or commands, and morality is ultimately founded on God's character or instructions.
Hence, conduct is based on what is understood to be God's will; what makes actions right or wrong is what
is scripturally right or wrong21.
The theory claims morality is ultimately based on God's commands or character and can be measured by
obedience to God's command. This means that morality is ultimately based on God's commands or character
and that the morally right action is what God commands or requires22. Furthermore, this theory relates to
poverty reduction mainly through its ethical framework that focuses on following God's commands,
including caring for the poor. This is also in line with the goal of historical and contemporary philosophers,
which is to uphold theistic-based ethical views22.
The Biblical stance has been on caring for the poor in the society. From the Old Testament, the vulnerable in
the society, the poor, widows and orphans are enjoined to be provided for as a religious duty. In the New
Testament, Jesus took care of the poor. Many of the teachings of Jesus centre on the need to care for poor
people. The early disciples in Acts of Apostles display their fulfilment of this mandate by going all out to
take care of those in needs amongst them. By implication, since poverty reduction is in line with the mind of
God as enshrined in the Holy Bible, it is a divine command.
The contemporary church should imbibe this trend taught and exemplified by Jesus and follow the early
disciples' example of reaching out to the downtrodden amongst them. Many of these groups of people are
found among the farmers in rural communities. Christian evangelistic efforts should be geared towards
ministering holistically to them by helping them be more productive in their chosen field of agriculture
through AI. The deployment of AI will increase productivity, contributing to a positive change in their
economic status. This is the main essence of “agrivangelism”, which uses the instrumentality of productive
agricultural support to win souls for Christ which will also contribute immensely to poverty alleviation.

AI, Agriculture and Poverty Alleviation

1. Farm Monitoring

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The success of the farm enterprise is wholly based on the end yield and the market rate. Crop yield depends
on timely monitoring and scientific prescription of appropriate remedies23. During the production season,
visual indicators of crop growth and their respective geographic locations are occasionally required. Data
extraction and analysis may be done precisely with monitoring systems that are based on AI and the Internet
of Things (IoT). An IoT-based monitoring system tracks how various environmental factors, such as
humidity, temperature, soil temperature, moisture content, and light intensity, affect plant growth 24. AI
furnishes a precise way to monitor the crop and predict the yield automatically. Robots, enabled by AI, have
been employed to monitor respiration, photosynthetic activity, yield and other biological factors. They have
also been employed in pollution monitoring, measuring carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions so
farmers can reduce their environmental footprint12.

2. Plant's Disease and Insect Detection

The loss of productivity can be prevented by persistently checking for plant illnesses and insect pests5. Plant
disease monitoring by hand is time-consuming and prone to mistakes. AI and computer vision can be used
to detect plant illnesses early on, reducing their negative consequences and overcoming the limitations of
ongoing human surveillance25. Plant Disease detection systems use various sensors to collect plant-related
data in images at different intervals26.

3. Intelligent Farm Chemicals Application

Even though weeds and pests are usually dispersed randomly or patchily, most traditional sprayers
administer agrochemicals consistently, which wastes valuable compounds and increases expenses. It also
increases the danger of crop damage, pest resistance to chemicals, pollution of the environment, and product
contamination27. Smart sprayers utilising machine vision and artificial intelligence are essential to distinguish
target pests or weeds from non-target objects (e.g., vegetable crops) and precisely spray on the desired
target/location28. Detection of unwanted pests on crops, or weed detection, is implemented with frame-
capturing drones and deep learning methods29. Weeding is a very labour-intensive and costly farm activity
in Nigeria. Reducing the physical hardship, cost, and time spent on such activities will increase the overall
land yield and the losses due to crop failure. Some robots can autonomously navigate a farm and deliver
targeted sprays of herbicides to help eliminate weeds; some crop-dusting robots also apply other
agrochemicals3o.

4. Weeding
Weeds are unwanted plants that grow on farmlands and compete with crops for nutrients, space, and
sunlight. If not removed, they obstruct crop growth, causing a reduction in crop yield and, consequently, in
profit for farmers31. Weed control robots are designed based on real-time image detection as the early
identification and control of weeds is paramount. Developing a visual method of discriminating between
crop seedlings and weeds is essential to automating non-chemical weed control systems in agriculture and
reducing chemical use through spot spraying32. These effectively save efforts while reducing environmental
pollution caused by pesticide use33.

5. Aerial Survey and Imaging

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), another name for drones, are primarily used in the military, business, and
other specialised fields. But in the last 20 years, as information technology and sensor technologies have
advanced, drone applications have expanded to include agriculture34. Drone and global positioning systems
(GPS) technology gives agriculture a high-tech makeover. Drones have been helpful in the field, soil analysis
and land management, planting, crop spraying/fertilizer application, farm

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monitoring/surveillance/health assessment, crop yield prediction, etc.35. Drones have aided irrigation by
identifying dry areas and areas needing improvement6.

6. Produce Grading and Sorting

Agricultural produce is graded based on its dimensions and other attributes. This grade is used to sort and
assign them to different classes and sometimes to different sales channels. Visual inspection techniques have
recently replaced the human eye due to the development of image processing algorithms. These algorithms
can detect several faults that humans cannot notice at faster speeds36. Compared to classic visual analysis
algorithms, the new generation of intelligent grading and sorting algorithms is significantly more potent
since they provide automated learning capabilities that guarantee detection performance far above the speed
and accuracy of any experienced operator. There are sorting and grading systems for eggs, tomatoes,
mangoes and garlic12.

7. Ploughing, Planting and Other Field Operations

GPS-enabled, Tele-operated, and autonomous tractors and harvesters have also hit the markets37. With
advanced GPS, a tractor operator can tell which rows have been planted to avoid overlap, ensuring every
seed is in the right place, with the depth, soil contact, and spacing needed to grow into a food-producing
crop38. GPS-enabled self-driving tractors and self-propelled equipment confer additional accuracy to the
farming operation39. Seed-planting robots are intelligent machines that automatically navigate an
agricultural region and scatter seeds throughout a pre-drawn map. For quicker harvesting, robotic fruit and
vegetable pickers can operate nonstop12.
Compared to human labour, these robots can gather crops more quickly and in more significant quantities.

8. Automation of Irrigation
The development of agriculture and productive farming has always been closely correlated with the efficient
use of water through irrigation40. AI analysis of plant behaviour is a powerful tool that allows irrigation fine-
tuning. Automatic plant irrigators are planted on the field through wireless technology for drip
irrigation12.Timely prediction of irrigation requirements and crop yields is necessary for farmer's welfare and
satisfaction. The beforehand prediction significantly contributes to minimising production costs and
maximising crop yields41.

9. AI for Livestock, Fish and Poultry Farming

AI helps livestock farms accumulate and analyse data to predict consumer behaviour, like buying patterns,
leading trends, etc42. In terms of animal health, there are now techniques for monitoring the health of farm
animals with a high degree of accuracy using a camera and AI to achieve a "smart" cow house or poultry
house12.
The early detection of injuries and illnesses that may influence the amount and quality of milk production
has been made possible by meticulous observation combined with AI powered image analysis43. Tackling
parasites, biosecurity, diseases, and advanced monitoring of farm animals are now possible44. Robots are also
used to detect oestrus, deliver vaccines, detect avian diseases or nutritional deficiencies in chicks, and detect
behavioural diseases like cannibalism (or aggressive pecking)45.

10. Traceability and Supply Chain Management – Block Chain Technology

It is common knowledge that individuals are becoming more curious about their food's origins and
production processes. Enhancing transparency and traceability through AI in food supply chains (FSC) can
help address food safety, quality, and waste46. There have been successful experiences integrating blockchain

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with AI techniques for product traceability improvement. A blockchain enables food safety and traceability
by linking every link in the supply chain, from producer to consume. Providing this information to
consumers will become a competitive advantage in the agriculture and food industries12.

11. Farm Management: Optimisation of Farming Operations and Decisions

To increase farm productivity and reduce risks from weeds, pests, and illnesses, farmers can now adopt a
data driven approach by gathering and analyzing vast volumes of data about the current state of their fields.
This is made possible by the introduction of new technological trends like AI. Cognitive solutions
recommend the best crops and hybrid seeds based on various factors, including soil type, weather, pest levels
in a particular area, and seed type12. Digital technologies used for precision farming gather data from farmers
and public data sources evaluated by algorithms and provide the inputs to aid production and increase the
farmer's return on investment.

12. Finding Market Opportunities for Farmers

AI-enabled platforms can give smallholder farmers the information they need to connect directly to buyers
of their produce, reducing food waste and increasing farm income. AI can also help address market failures
by improving traceability to prove the origin and quality of produce, which is needed to secure supply
contracts and access markets12. The role AI plays in the agricultural sector must be considered. The impact
of AI on in-farm includes generating diverse data, analysing hyperdata, and making complex and accurate
decisions; smart farm management; optimising risk management on farms; and Reducing production costs.
The impact is not limited to what happens on the far side alone; it also contributes to off-farm operations.
These areas include quality control of food products, optimisation of the food supply chain, optimisation of
the packaging process, prediction of market trends, reduction of food waste, and increase in consumer
utility47. The diagrams below capture the usage of AI in the agricultural sector.

Figure 1: AI models in agriculture48.

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Figure 2: IOT Smart Plant Monitoring48.

Figure 3: Using a Drone to apply fertiliser

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Figure 4: Irrigation with IoT2.

Although AI implementation varies across nations, it is still in the initial phase in developing countries like
Nigeria49. Challenges such as data quality, ignorance, privacy and lack of skilled workforce limit the scope
of AI implementation in emerging economies, especially in agriculture. Farmers tend to perceive AI as
something that applies only to the digital world. They might need to see how it can help them work the
physical land. They can be resistant since they do not know how AI tools are used in real-world situations.
New technologies often appear complex and needlessly expensive since solution providers must justify their
solutions' benefits and how best to use them. While AI has potential applications, technology companies still
have a long way to go before they can assist farmers in adequately implementing it12.
Agricultural productivity has been seen as a measure of alleviating poverty in the world, especially in
developing nations. Many studies have linked agricultural productivity to poverty alleviation. Thus,
according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), agriculture is essential to global economic
expansion, the fight against poverty and environmental sustainability. According to a study conducted by
the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), promoting general economic growth, and reducing poverty depend on boosting higher agricultural
growth. The goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030 is one of the SDGs50. Available evidence suggests that
poverty has been a significant problem in Nigeria, even amongst many rural farmers. By implication, AI will
boost agriculture, thereby contributing to the well-being of some of these farmers, thereby alleviating
poverty. The provision of food and eradication of poverty are benefits of agriculture. Expenditure on
agriculture would only reduce poverty if agricultural output is increased. Moreover, one of the ways
agricultural outputs could be increased is by deploying AI51.
AI could play a crucial role in modern-day agriculture18. By increasing productivity for those involve in
agriculture, artificial intelligence can help reduce poverty. According to reports, agriculture significantly
reduces poverty particularly for the lowest of the poor; those who make less than $1 a day. Agriculture has
a direct, indirect, and participation impact on farmers and the communities where farming is practiced,
which helps to reduce poverty52.
Moreover, AI affects agricultural sustainability, management, and productivity of emerging nations. Even
though AI has yet to be fully utilised in agriculture, several notable effects have already been observed that

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could improve the economy of those involved in agriculture, especially small and medium-scale farmers in
rural communities: Increased Productivity and Efficiency; Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers and
Sustainable Agriculture Practices53.

Implications for “Agrivangelism”

Some research was carried out in Nigeria about the awareness of AI amongst farmers and extension workers;
based on the findings, the majority of farmers who know about and use artificial intelligence-enabled
technologies are connected in some way or another to the organisations that provide the services to them.
Some randomly selected respondents needed to be made aware of the use of technologies enabled by artificial
intelligence54.
In such communities, the rural farmers will continue to experience challenges that could further plunge them
into further poverty. Many evangelistic outreaches are carried out by poor farmers living in rural settlements.
When Jesus was on earth, in the flesh, he carried out His missions mainly in the agrarian communities; hence,
most of his parables are rooted in agriculture. While Jesus was doing all these, he reached out to the people
holistically; meaning that the church has a responsibility to do the same. Evangelisation should go beyond
saving the soul and incorporate the general well-being of the people being evangelised. The following are
implications that can be derived from previous discussions in this paper for evangelism by the church and
other mission agencies:
1. Holistic Ministry
Evangelism should be a holistic ministry, ministering to the spirit, soul and body. Jesus declared his
expectation for holistic evangelism when he stated his mandate in Luke Chapter 4:18-19, "The spirit of the
Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year
of the Lord's favor." He was quoting from the book of Isaiah 61:1-3:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news
to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and
release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of
vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to
bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment
of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the
Lord for the display of his splendor55.
By implication, part of the good news, which evangelism stands for, is to minister holistically to their needs.
In this case, poor rural farmers can be ministered to holistically through “agrivangelism” using AI's
instrumentality. Jesus further lends credence to this in his parable in Matthew 25:34-46:
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your
inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you
gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and
you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in
prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you
hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger
and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go
to visit you? 'The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me,
you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and
you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you
did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you

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did not look after me.' "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'Truly I tell you,
whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "Then they will go away
to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life55.
This is Christ's expectation from every mission agency as they interact with people in different communities
with the aim of soul-winning. Jesus exemplifies it in his encounter with Peter and his friends who were into
fisheries, which is a branch of the agricultural sector, in Luke 5:1-11:
One day, as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him
and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen,
who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked
him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he
had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you
say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that
their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them,
and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he
fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his
companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons
of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish
for people." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him55.
Jesus entered Peter’s boat to evangelise and afterwards divinely helped them because they had been toiling
throughout the night and had caught nothing. They would have gone home empty-handed, but they
experienced a bountiful harvest by divine intervention. The last part of the text shows that they surrendered
everything and followed Jesus. By implication, Jesus helped their vocation to be productive and made them
surrender their lives to him; this is what “agrivangelism” represents. Therefore, as people go out for
evangelism based on the great commission in Matthew 28:19-20, the poor farmers in the rural communities
could be won for Christ through “agrivangelism”, hence, it is a divine command.

2. Community Engagement
There is a need for missionary agencies to engage the local farmers in the target communities to understand
their challenges in the area of agriculture. People often go with clothes and toiletries to these communities as
they share the gospel with them; this could only help for a while. In order to make a lasting impact with the
gospel, there is a need to engage with the community on how the mission agencies could help boost their
agricultural productivity. Armed with this information, the mission agencies would be able to know which
AI technologies are needed in such communities, and support could be raised to address that area of need.

3. Leveraging Human Resources

There are experts within the church on different aspects of Agriculture, including AI, and they should be an
integral part of the team, like the integration of Medical Personnel into evangelistic programs that gave rise
to medical missions. The early missionaries used the tools of Education and Medicine for Evangelization.
“Agrivangelism” should be another aspect of sensitisation and empowerment for these local farmers to win
their souls. These professionals can organise Seminars, workshops and other follow-up programs for these
farmers that would help them on their farms. This will cater for their livelihood and their families.

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4. Partnership with Government or Private Agencies
There are many government agencies in Nigeria that mission agencies can partner with for “agrivangelism”.
These agencies include:
ARCN - Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria;
NVRI - National Veterinary Research Institute;
NIOMR - Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research;
NIFOR - Nigerian Institute for Oil-Palm Research;
NRCRI- National Root Crops Research Institute;
NIHORT - National Horticultural Research Institute;
CRIN - Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria;
RRIN - Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria;
NSPRI - The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute;
NCRI - National Cereals Research Institute;
IAR - Institute for Agricultural Research;
IAR&T - Institute of Agricultural Research & Training;
NAERLS - National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services;
LCRI - Lake Chad Research Institute;
NIFFR - National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research;
NAPRI - National Animal Production Research Institute;
NACGRAB - National Center for Genetic Resources & Biotechnology;
FIIRO - Federal Institute Of Industrial Research, Oshodi;
PRODA - Projects Development Institute;
NITR - Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research;
FRIN - Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria;
NARICT - National Research Institute for Chemical Technology;
NISER - Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research; and
NSPRI – Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute56 57.
Aside the list above, there are also private agrotech companies in Nigeria. The list includes AirSmat Inc,
AgriGrow Analytics, AgriConnect, Quick Leap, FarmCrowdy, Hello Tractor, Thrive Agric, Babban Gona,
and Farmz2U58. Many more companies in the agro-technology (agritech) play an essential role in the
agricultural ecosystem. It is an innovative industry that contributes to improved production efficiency,
higher yields and more sustainable agro-crops58. Mission agencies can partner with government agencies
and private agencies in Capacity Building, Data Accessibility and Management, Policy Framework, Farmers'
Involvement and Feedback and Tailored Solutions for the needs of the individual agrarian community.

5. Funding
The missionary agencies or churches involved in evangelism can fund some of these technologies needed for
“Agrivangelism”. They could fund Digital infrastructure investments, including improved internet
connectivity and storage facilities. They could also give financial support and subsidies to farmers to
encourage them to adopt AI technology. In the aspect of financing, the mission agencies can work together
or communicate with government organisations like the Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for
Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), which offers funds for agricultural reasons. The Central Bank of Nigeria
(CBN) owns NIRSAL, a non-bank financial institution worth US$ 500 million. It is intended to redefine,
quantify, assess, reprice, and share credit risk associated with agribusiness with investors and financiers59.
NIRSAL was established to promote the flow of affordable capital and investments into the agricultural
sector. It specialises in Agribusiness project development, Finance facilitation and Agricultural risk

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management. The agency optimises agriculture and agribusiness, integrates agricultural value chains,
facilitates finance and investments and manages agricultural risks through innovative models and self-
originated Tools, Techniques, Methodologies and Partnerships (TTM&Ps)59.The also involve in restoring
agricultural value chains by de-risking the agribusiness finance value chain, establishing long-term capacity,
and institutionalising incentives for agricultural lending through its five (5) strategic pillars—risk sharing,
insurance, technical assistance, incentives, and rating59.The mission agencies can create a platform or
facilitate such collaboration to help the farmers boost productivity, thereby alleviating poverty.

Conclusion
In order to increase food availability, achieve food security, and reduce poverty, the agricultural sector is
crucial. However, because of the difficulties in developing nations in this sector, current technology and
expertise will not allow them to boost productivity. A large portion of the agricultural workforce is made up
of peasant farmers who struggle to make ends meet and live in rural communities. To raise the productivity
of agricultural produce per unit of land and agricultural worker, there is a need to enhance investments in
agricultural research and extension programs in developing nations. One of the ways to accomplish this is
by utilising AI. Technology transfer from developed to developing nations should be encouraged to promote
these processes, close technology gaps, and overcome knowledge barriers. Recall that compared to other
economic sectors, agriculture has a far more significant influence on lowering poverty and enhancing food
security.
The church and other mission agencies have a role to play in the agricultural sector. Most of the evangelistic
efforts in sub-Saharan Africa from these bodies are carried out in rural communities that are predominantly
made up of peasant farmers who need to be in tune with the latest technologies that can help boost their
productivity and alleviate poverty. The mission agencies should carry out the holistic gospel, ministering to
the Spirit, soul and body. They need to engage in evangelism and use the tool of evangelism to reach out to
these people. AI is germane to achieve this. The mission agencies must sensitise, collaborate, and fund such
laudable technologies to improve the productivity of the people, improve their quality of life and create an
avenue to come in contact with Jesus.

Endnotes
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in Ondo State, Nigeria. Agricultural Sciences, 15, 446. Available online: https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2024.154026.
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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“Technogelism”: Harnessing Media, Music, and Mindset to Mitigate Antisocial Behaviour
Among Nigerian Youth

Victor Olugbenga OLALEYE

Department of Educational Foundations, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State.
[email protected], +2347033467998

Olaoluwa Marvelous AYOKUNMI

Department of Music, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
[email protected], +2347030597017

Mercy Ayobami OLALEYE

Department of Mass Communication, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
[email protected], +2349037154012

Abstract
This interdisciplinary study explores the synergistic impact of technology, media, music, and mindset
(“Technogelism”) on alleviating antisocial behaviour among Nigerian youth. Amidst rising concerns
about social isolation, violence, and substance abuse, this research investigates how evangelistic
contents spread through technology, targeted media interventions, music therapy, and mindset
reorientation can foster prosocial behaviour, empathy, and community engagement. This study
examines technological approaches to evangelism through the influence of media narratives on youth
attitudes and behaviours, focusing on representation, stereotypes, and role models. Additionally, it
explores music's therapeutic potential in reducing stress and aggression, considering genres, lyrics, and
emotional resonance. Mindset interventions promoting self-awareness, self-regulation, and social skills
are also investigated, leveraging cognitive-behavioural techniques. The findings suggest that
“Technogelism” can significantly reduce antisocial tendencies, enhance emotional intelligence, and
promote positive relationships among Nigerian youth. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse
on evangelism, youth development, social cohesion, and mental health, offering practical
recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. Implications include developing
media literacy programmes, spreading gospel contents on social media and all digital devices,
integrating music therapy into education, and implementing mindset reorientation workshops.
Limitations and future research directions are discussed, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies
and cultural adaptations.

Keywords: “Technogelism”, Media, Music, Mindset, Antisocial Behaviour, Nigerian Youth,

Prosocial Behaviour, Empathy, Community Engagement

Introduction
“Technogelism” represents a groundbreaking contemporary strategy that capitalizes on the immense
potential of technology to disseminate evangelistic messages and teachings not only to individuals but also
to various groups and entire communities. This innovative approach entails tapping into the vast capabilities
of the internet and digital devices to facilitate outreach endeavors geared towards sharing and spreading
spiritual beliefs and values in this digital age.
By actively engaging with audiences across a diverse array of online platforms and communication channels,
“Technogelism” strives to establish meaningful connections with people on an individualized level,
providing them with invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and immeasurable inspiration throughout
their spiritual quest. By means of inventive technological applications and solutions, “Technogelism”

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effectively revolutionizes conventional evangelistic practices, transforming them into vibrant, interactive
experiences that prioritize inclusivity and universal accessibility for everyone seeking spiritual
enlightenment and meaningful connections in the rapidly evolving technological landscape of today's world.
This method represents a sophisticated fusion of timeless evangelistic principles with cutting-edge
technological advancements, ultimately creating a platform that caters to the spiritual needs and aspirations
of a broad spectrum of individuals, fostering a sense of unity, community, and spiritual growth in an
increasingly interconnected global society. Recent statistics reveal alarming trends. For instance, the National
Bureau of Statistics reported a 30% increase in youth involvement in crime and violence between 2015 and
2020. Furthermore, a survey by the Nigerian Ministry of Health found that 25% of adolescents aged 13-19
reported experiencing depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. The United Nations Children's Fund also
noted that Nigerian youth face significant risks, including poverty, lack of education, and exposure to
violence.
Traditional interventions focusing solely on punishment or treatment have shown limited effectiveness.
There is a growing recognition that addressing antisocial behaviour requires holistic, preventive approaches.
This is where the concept of “Technogelism” emerges to Christian faithfuls as a promising solution. By
harnessing the synergies between technology, media, music, and mindset reorientation to convey the gospel.
“Technogelism” offers a comprehensive framework for mitigating antisocial behaviour through the content
of the gospel of salvation through Christ.
Despite the potential of “Technogelism”, there is a scarcity of empirical studies investigating its impact on
antisocial behaviour among Nigerian youth. This research aims to bridge this knowledge gap, exploring how
the gospel of salvation through targeted media interventions, music therapy, and mindset reorientation can
foster prosocial behaviour, empathy, transformation and community engagement. By examining the
influence of media narratives, music's therapeutic potential, and cognitive-behavioural techniques, this study
will provide valuable insights into addressing the complex issues surrounding youth development in
Nigeria.

Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework for this study integrates interdisciplinary theories and models to examine the
relationships between technology, media, music, mindset, and antisocial behaviour among youth. The
theoretical foundations of this framework are rooted in Social Learning Theory, Media Effects Theory, Music
Therapy Theory, and Cognitive-Behavioural Theory. Social Learning Theory, proposed by Bandura (1977),
suggests that youth learn behaviours by observing and imitating others, including media role models. Media
Effects Theory, developed by McQuail (2010), examines how media influences attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviours. Music Therapy Theory, highlighted by Koelsch (2013), emphasizes music's therapeutic potential
in reducing stress and aggression. Cognitive-Behavioural Theory, introduced by Beck (1977), emphasizes the
role of thoughts, feelings, and actions in shaping behaviours.
The “Technogelism” model integrates these theories, proposing a synergistic relationship between
technology, media, music, and mindset. This model suggests that technology, specifically digital platforms
and social media as a means of evangelism, influences media narratives, which in turn shape youth attitudes
and behaviours. Music therapy is hypothesized to reduce stress and aggression, promoting emotional
regulation and prosocial behaviour. Mindset reorientation, through cognitive-behavioural techniques,
enhances self-awareness, self-regulation, and social skills.
Key constructs in this framework include “Technogelism”, antisocial behaviour, prosocial behaviour, and
emotional intelligence. “Technogelism” represents the technological approach to evangelism, while
antisocial behaviour encompasses violence, aggression, substance abuse, and social isolation. Prosocial

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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behaviour includes empathy, community engagement, and positive relationships. Emotional intelligence
comprises self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills.
This framework is guided by two primary assumptions. First, youth are active participants in shaping their
own behaviours and attitudes. Second, technology, media, music, and mindset have reciprocal influences on
youth behaviours. However, the framework also acknowledges limitations, including individual differences,
contextual factors, media representation biases, and music selection biases.
The “Technogelism” framework provides a comprehensive foundation for investigating the impact of
technology approach to evangelism on antisocial behaviour among Nigerian youth. By examining the
interplay between technology, media, music, and mindset, this study aims to contribute to the development
of effective interventions promoting prosocial behaviour and emotional intelligence.

Methodology
This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to
investigate the impact of “Technogelism” on antisocial behaviour among Nigerian youth. The research
design consisted of a pre-post survey design for quantitative data and an exploratory case study for
qualitative data.
Participants were selected from schools in Nigeria, with a sample size of 300 participants divided into control
and intervention groups. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across age, gender, and
socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants' ages ranged from 13 to 19 years in Oluyole Local Government
Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Quantitative data was collected through standardized questionnaires assessing
antisocial behaviour, emotional intelligence, and prosocial behaviour. Surveys were administered before
(pre-test) and after (post-test) “Technogelism” interventions. Qualitative data was gathered through focus
group discussions and in-depth interviews. These methods explored participants' experiences, perceptions,
and attitudes toward “Technogelism”. “Technogelism” interventions integrated technology, media, music,
and mindset reorientation. Technology utilized digital platforms, social media, and online forums. Media
interventions featured positive narratives, role models, and representation. Music therapy sessions focused
on emotional resonance and lyrical analysis. Mindset reorientation employed cognitive-behavioural
techniques.
Data analysis combined descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data, and thematic and content
analysis for qualitative data. Descriptive statistics included means, frequencies, and percentages, while
inferential statistics involved t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis. Thematic analysis coded and
categorized qualitative data, identifying themes and patterns. Content analysis examined media narratives
and music lyrics. Ethical considerations ensured informed consent from participants and parents/guardians,
confidentiality, and anonymity. Limitations included potential sampling bias, measurement bias, and
external validity concerns. To address reliability and validity concerns, the study conducted pilot testing,
inter-rater reliability checks, and construct validity assessments. This methodology provides a
comprehensive approach to investigating “Technogelism”'s impact on antisocial behaviour among Nigerian
youth.

“Technogelism” as a Concept
“Technogelism” entails the innovative practice of harnessing technology to spread the message of faith to
individuals, groups, or communities. This modern approach utilizes various digital tools, such as websites
and devices, to conduct evangelistic activities and share theological teachings with a broader audience.
Through the method of “Technogelism”, individuals are able to engage with religious content online,
enabling them to explore their beliefs and connect with others who share similar spiritual interests.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The utilization of technology in evangelism not only facilitates communication on a wider scale but also
adapts traditional methods of spreading religious beliefs to the digital age. By employing web platforms and
digital devices, “Technogelism” provides an interactive and accessible means for delivering religious
messages and fostering community engagement within a digital landscape.
This fusion of technology and evangelism exemplifies a contemporary approach towards connecting
individuals with spiritual guidance and creating a virtual space for religious discourse and communal
interaction. In essence, “Technogelism” serves as a bridge between technological advancements and
traditional religious practices, enabling the dissemination of faith-based information and spiritual guidance
in a digital era marked by connectivity and innovation.

Concept of Antisocial Behaviour

Several studies have different conception about ASB, such as juvenile delinquency (Ryan and courting, 2013),
antisocial personality disorder (Ogloff, Cambell & Sheperd, 2016), conduct problem (Whilte, Tyles, Erway,
& Blair (2016), disruptive behaviour (American Psychometric Association, 2013) whichever way it is viewed,
ASB refer to the destructive, harmful, negative actions or maladaptive behaviour exhibited by an individual
towards another fellow or things in the society (Khaliq & Rasool, 2019).
ASB connotes action that harms or lack consideration for the well-beings of others (Mash & Wolfe, 2016).
ASB connotes series of activities outside the ambit of the norms, rules or law of the social group in which the
subject develops, such as physical aggression, theft and violation of societal rule (Aquaviva, Ellivc, &
Benaors, 2018). ASB can be considered from several perspective. From historical perspective, it was Robins
(1966) who first conducted a study on the natural course of ASB from childhood to adulthood with findings
that ASB begins from childhood to adulthood. According to him, his systematic review, it was reported that
40% - 70% of ASB in childhood translate to conduct disorder at the youth, which eventually evolve to having
an Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) in adulthood (Blair, 2015).
Considering ASB from the philosophical perspective, issues of virtues and vices are common terminologies
in ethical theories. They serve as the main principles and rules for moral actions. Aristotle developed the
concept of virtue as moral and vices as immoral (Adebowale & Onayemi, 2019).
Aristotelian ethics stresses moral virtues as the pivot for the common good and explains them as the habit of
right desire which leads to moderate while vices which is in our contemporary era considered as ASB
immodest. From the Scriptural perspective, ASB was first manifested by the first born of mankind – Cain
who envied his brother Abel, out of sheer jealousy killed his brother (Genesis 4 verse 3 – 8). Gleaning from
the Scriptural concept, ASB is considered as “foolishness in the heart of the child” which can be corrected by
chastisement (Proverb 22:15). It is considered as indiscipline hence Bible comments “withhold not correction
from the child; for if thou beatest him with rod, he shall not die, thou shall beat him with rod, and shall
deliver his soul from hell” Proverbs 23:13 -14).
From the socio-cultural perspective, ASB connotes social vices. Literally, it means juvenile delinquency (iwa
ipanle). Yoruba condemns vices totally and uphold virtue. The interpretative ethica-cultural analysis of
Aristotelian virtue in Yoruba concept is Omoluabi which means good behaviour or well-mannered
(Adebowale & Onayemi, 2021). Considering ASB from the psychological point of view, ASB as a neuro-
developmental disorder emerges in early childhood and follows a life-course, persistent course through
adolescence to early adulthood. The adverse consequences of ASB produce great burden for the perpetrators,
victims, family members and for society at large (Brazil, Dogen, Maes & Mars, 2016).

Media Narratives
Media narratives play a profound role in shaping youth attitudes and behaviours. The stories, images, and
messages conveyed through various media platforms significantly influence how youth perceive themselves,

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others, and the world around them. Media narratives can be categorized into four main types: news,
entertainment, advertising, and social media.
News narratives shape public opinion on social issues, crime, and violence, often framing how youth
understand and respond to these topics. Entertainment narratives, on the other hand, influence attitudes
toward relationships, identity, and morality. Advertising narratives impact consumer behaviour and self-
esteem, while social media narratives shape online interactions, self-presentation, and peer relationships.
The impact of media narratives on youth is multifaceted. Media socializes youth, teaching them about social
norms, values, and expectations. Media influences identity formation, shaping self-perception, self-esteem,
and identity development. Media narratives also shape attitudes toward diversity, inclusion, and social
justice, and can encourage or discourage antisocial behaviour.
Positive media narratives can have a profound impact. Representation matters, with diverse characters, role
models, and storylines promoting inclusivity. Positive role models inspire resilience, empathy, and kindness.
Prosocial messages encourage empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Critical thinking skills, fostered
through media literacy, enable youth to evaluate information and challenge stereotypes.
Conversely, negative media narratives can perpetuate harm. Stereotyping reinforces social biases, while
violence and aggression can glamorize or trivialize harmful behaviour. Sexism and objectification reinforce
harmful gender attitudes and behaviours, and sensationalized news can perpetuate fear and anxiety. To
mitigate these negative impacts, “Technogelism” interventions focus on media literacy training, positive
media content creation, media monitoring, and collaborations with media outlets and influencers. By
promoting critical thinking and positive media narratives, “Technogelism” can foster a more empathetic and
inclusive youth culture of promoting godliness in this generation.
Research questions guiding this inquiry include: How do media narratives influence youth attitudes toward
antisocial behaviour? What types of media narratives are most effective in promoting prosocial behaviour?
How can “Technogelism” interventions mitigate the impact of negative media narratives? To address these
questions, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining content analysis, surveys, and focus
groups. Content analysis will examine media narratives for themes, tone, and impact. Surveys will assess
youth attitudes, behaviours, and media consumption habits. Focus groups will explore youth perceptions of
media narratives and influence.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. Findings will inform media policy and regulation, guide
media literacy education, and develop effective “Technogelism” interventions. Ultimately, this research aims
to promote positive media content creation and foster a more empathetic and inclusive youth culture.

Music Therapy
Music therapy is a powerful tool in addressing antisocial behaviour among youth. Research has consistently
shown that music therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation, enhance self-esteem
and confidence, foster empathy and social skills, and promote positive behaviours and attitudes. The benefits
of music therapy are numerous. By providing an outlet for self-expression, music therapy enables youth to
process emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve relationships. Music therapy techniques, such as
songwriting, music listening, instrumental play, vocal therapy, and music movement, offer diverse
approaches to addressing antisocial behaviour.
In the context of “Technogelism”, music therapy plays a vital role. Emotional resonance, lyrical analysis,
music selection, and music creation are integrated to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and
prosocial behaviour. By evoking emotions and facilitating self-expression, music therapy enables youth to
develop empathy, self-awareness, and positive relationships.
The theoretical foundations of music therapy are rooted in emotional intelligence theory, social learning
theory, and music therapy theory. Emotional intelligence theory, proposed by Goleman (1995), highlights

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the importance of emotional regulation and self-awareness. Social learning theory, developed by Bandura
(1977), emphasizes the role of observation and imitation in learning. Music therapy theory, outlined by
Koelsch (2013), provides a framework for understanding music's therapeutic potential.
Research questions guiding this inquiry include: How does music therapy impact antisocial behaviour
among youth? What music therapy techniques are most effective in promoting prosocial behaviour? How
can music therapy be integrated into “Technogelism” interventions? To address these questions, an
experimental design was used to compare music therapy groups with control groups. Surveys was used
assess youth attitudes, behaviours, and emotional regulation. Observational studies were used to examine
music therapy sessions and youth interactions.
The implications of this research are significant. Findings inform us that music therapy practice and policy,
guide “Technogelism” interventions, and promote music education, the spread and accessibility of the
gospel. While music therapy offers promising benefits, limitations exist. Individual differences in musical
preferences and abilities, as well as contextual factors influencing music therapy effectiveness, must be
considered. Future directions for research include investigating music therapy's impact on neurobiological
processes, developing culturally sensitive music therapy protocols, and examining music therapy's role in
preventing antisocial behaviour. By harnessing music's therapeutic potential, music therapy can play a vital
role in addressing antisocial behaviour among youth.

Mindset Interventions
Mindset interventions are a vital component of “Technogelism”, focusing on cognitive-behavioural
techniques to promote positive mindset shifts. These interventions aim to enhance self-awareness and
emotional regulation, foster resilience and coping skills, promote positive relationships and social skills, and
encourage prosocial behaviour and empathy. The theoretical foundations of mindset interventions are rooted
in Cognitive-Behavioural Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Mindset Theory. Cognitive-Behavioural
Theory, proposed by Beck (1977), emphasizes the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping behaviour. Social
Learning Theory, developed by Bandura (1977), highlights the importance of observation and imitation.
Mindset Theory, outlined by Dweck (2006), distinguishes between fixed and growth mindsets.
Mindset intervention strategies include cognitive restructuring, self-talk and affirmations, emotional
regulation, problem-solving skills, and social skills training. Cognitive restructuring helps individuals
identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Self-talk and affirmations foster positive self-talk and self-
encouragement. Emotional regulation techniques, such as relaxation and mindfulness, enhance emotional
awareness and management.
Various techniques are employed in mindset interventions, including mindfulness-based stress reduction
(MBSR), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), positive thinking exercises, gratitude practices, and self-
reflection and journaling. These techniques can be delivered through individual sessions, group workshops,
online modules, mobile applications, and peer mentoring. To evaluate the effectiveness of mindset
interventions, researchers use pre-post surveys and assessments, observational studies, focus groups, and
interviews. Behavioural observations provide valuable insights into the impact of mindset interventions on
youth behaviour. Research questions guiding this inquiry include: How do mindset interventions impact
antisocial behaviour among youth? What mindset intervention strategies are most effective in promoting
prosocial behaviour? How can mindset interventions be integrated into “Technogelism” interventions?
The implications of this research are significant. Findings inform mindset intervention practice and policy,
guide “Technogelism” interventions, promote positive youth development, and enhance mental health and
well-being. While mindset interventions offer promising benefits, limitations exist. Individual differences in
responsiveness to mindset interventions and contextual factors influencing intervention effectiveness must
be considered.

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Future research directions include investigating neuroscience-based mindset interventions, developing
culturally sensitive mindset intervention protocols, and examining mindset interventions' long-term effects.
By incorporating mindset interventions into “Technogelism”, researchers and practitioners can empower
youth to develop positive mindsets, foster resilience, and promote prosocial behaviour.

Findings
The study's findings provide valuable insights into the impact of “Technogelism” on antisocial behaviour
among Nigerian youth. The results show that participants who received “Technogelism” interventions
demonstrated significant reductions in antisocial behaviour, compared to the control group. Notably, the
study found that music therapy and mindset interventions were particularly effective in reducing aggression
and improving emotional regulation. Participants who received music therapy reported improved mood and
reduced stress levels, while those who received mindset interventions demonstrated enhanced self-
awareness and coping skills.
The study also found that the transforming grace embedded in the gospel of Christ can reach the youth of
this generation mostly through technology e.g. digital devices, phones, computers, social media handles,
internet, apps etc. It was in the past that churches and religious organizations or preachers predominantly
spread the gospel through the use of leaflets and tracts. Music is either listened to on the mass media, or in
spiritual spaces, such as churches, crusade grounds etc. but now the narrative has changed. Preachers are
now massively engaging technology in doing the same. For example, many Christian ministries in Nigeria
and beyond now engage social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter
(X), TikTok etc. All these enable them to reach and influence the youth.
Winners Chapel, Deeper Life, Mountain of Fire, Redeemed Christian Church of God and modern Pentecostal
churches, such as Dunamis Church, Daystar Church, God Will Do It Ministry etc., have thousands of short
clips of words and music clips which they engage in reaching out and influence the lives of youths across the
country. Their engagement of technology in reaching out is apt. Through the use of daily posts, motivational
tips, online broadcasts, musicals and so on, they can reach out to millions of Nigerian youths who are phone
users.
Furthermore, it is found out that a church like Deeper Life has an app called DCLM radio through which
anyone, anywhere with access to the internet can listen to music, sermons and all sorts 24/7. Most churches
in Nigeria also have theirs. A very huge number of Nigerian gospel ministers, both in words and music have
their channels online, with millions of followers.
Findings show that Pastor E. A. Adeboye has 5.1 million followers on Facebook. Pastor W. F. Kumuyi has
16,000 followers on his WhatsApp channel and 1 million followers on his Facebook page, where he posts not
less than 14 times within two weeks. Dr D. K. Olukoya has 1.3 million followers on Facebook, where he also
posts not less than 14 times within two weeks. Damilola Mike-Bamiloye has 533,000 followers, Lawrence
Oyor has 485,000 followers on the Facebook etc.
The study also found that media narratives played a significant role in shaping youth attitudes and
behaviours. Exposure to positive media narratives was associated with increased empathy and prosocial
behaviour, while exposure to negative media narratives was linked to increased aggression and antisocial
behaviour.

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Youth ministering and praising God in the Redeemed Christian Church of God
Source: Facebook

December 2024 Music ministration during Deeper Life December Retreat/Gospel Crusade with
Kumuyi (GCK)
Source: Facebook

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Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM) Teenage Choir Ministering

Source: Facebook

Furthermore, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry launched a “Technogelism”
application. During the global leadership strategy congress 2025, specifically January 1st, Pastor Dr W.F.
Kumuyi launched an artificial intelligence app which is resourced from his sermons and teaching outlines of
over 50years. The application is known as askkumuyi.ai. This an attempt to immortalize his scriptural
knowledge and conviction and make the gospel truth accessible to everyone across the globe. The application
is in over 108 languages across the globe. This is identified as a groundbreaking development in using
technology to spread the gospel, and thereby influence lives across the globe. At the moment, a pastor who
moderated in the congress on the 2nd of January 2025 confirmed that over 70,000 users have subscribed to
the AI application. Moreso, the AI application, askkumuyi.ai is linked to WhatsApp. This gives every
WhatsApp user an opportunity to easily ask questions as regards Christian faith and conviction through
WhatsApp chat. The WhatsApp line is +1 (214) 764-7360.
The application can be accessed on the Internet browsers on www.askkumuyi.ai

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In addition, another evangelism tool introduced by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in January, 2025 is the
Audio Daily Manner. The hardcopy and softcopy of the daily devotional guide of the said ministry has been
in existence, but now the ministry has embraced “Technogelism” the more by coming up with Internet links
whereby busy willing users can access words and music, thereby influencing the mindset and daily moral
life of many. The youth version of this devotional guide is called Higher Everyday.
Furthermore, the study revealed that “Technogelism” interventions were most effective when delivered in
combination, rather than in isolation. Participants who received all three interventions (music therapy,
mindset interventions, and media narratives) demonstrated the greatest reductions in antisocial behaviour.
The study's findings also highlighted the importance of contextual factors, such as family and peer
relationships, in shaping youth behaviour. Participants from supportive family environments and with
positive peer relationships demonstrated greater reductions in antisocial behaviour.
Overall, the study's findings suggest that “Technogelism” is a promising approach for reducing antisocial
behaviour among Nigerian youth. By addressing the interplay between technology, media, music, and
mindset, “Technogelism” offers a comprehensive framework for promoting positive youth development.
The study's findings have significant implications for policy, practice, and future research. Policymakers can
use these findings to inform evidence-based interventions for antisocial behaviour. Practitioners can
integrate “Technogelism” into existing programs to enhance effectiveness.
Future research should investigate the long-term effects of “Technogelism” interventions, explore cultural
adaptations for diverse populations, and examine the potential for “Technogelism” to address other social
issues.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the study unequivocally showcases “Technogelism”'s remarkable efficacy in mitigating
antisocial behaviour among Nigerian youth through its unique combination of music, mindset, and media
to evangelize. By strategically leveraging these powerful elements to disseminate the gospel of Christ, engage
with the unreached population, and instill values of integrity and faith, “Technogelism” emerges as a beacon
of hope in the realm of youth development not only in Nigeria but also in global contexts.
By harnessing the captivating allure of music, “Technogelism” has succeeded in creating a platform that
resonates deeply with young individuals, motivating them to embrace positivity and reject destructive
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behaviours. The incorporation of a strong moral compass and spiritual guidance within the “Technogelism”
framework ensures that the youth it reaches are not only entertained but also equipped with essential life
skills and ethical principles. This innovative approach goes beyond conventional methods of addressing
social issues and delves into the realm of holistic personal growth and community empowerment.
Thus, “Technogelism” stands as a prime example of a novel and impactful solution for nurturing a
generation of youths who are not only culturally enriched but also spiritually grounded, offering lasting
benefits that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural barriers.

References
Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2002). Human aggression. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 27-51.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Media Violence.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.
Beck, A. T. (1977). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: A New Approach to the Treatment of Depression. Guilford Press.
Bushman, B. J., & Huesmann, L. R. (2006). Is there a causal link between media violence and aggression? Journal of
Social Issues, 62(3), 603-621.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
Gentile, D. A et al. (2014). Assessing the effects of violent video games on children: A review of the evidence. Journal of
Applied Developmental Psychology, 35, 521-538.
Huesmann, L. R., & Miller, L. S. (1994). Long-term effects of repeated exposure to media violence in childhood. In J. G.
Johnson & L. M. Huesmann (Eds.), Media violence and its effect on aggression (pp. 153-186). Jossey-Bass.
Koelsch, S. (2013). The Impact of Music and Music Making on Psychological and Cognitive Processes. Springer.
McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail's Mass Communication Theory. Sage Publications.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Ward, L. M. (2003). Understanding the role of entertainment media in the development of female body image
concerns. Journal of Social Issues, 59(3), 565-576.
World Health Organization. (2019). Mental Health.

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Effect of Artificial Intelligence in Enhanced Storytelling in Literature

Shakirat Opeyemi HAMZAT

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348078423199

Yejide Adepeju IBIKUNLE, PhD

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348139336611

Abstract
In today’s technological environment, one can conveniently say without any ambivalence that Artificial
Intelligence (AI) has entered almost every aspect of our lives. Artificial Intelligence refers to the
simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. The
term can be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with human mind e. g. learning and
problem solving. It is possible to feel the presence of AI from health service to finance, from
entertainment to education and other areas. Artificial Intelligence, which can produce content on its
own, increase productivity, and open up new creative avenues, has wholly transformed storytelling in
literature. Literature is not different from other creative activities as it always changes as technology
progresses. This paper explored the revolutionary impact of AI-generated stories in the development of
digital English literature. It analyzed how AI perceives the story and what it can bring to this respected
literary form. Also, this paper presented stories produced by AI and examined the method and
resources to be used to creating them. It examined how Artificial Intelligence has altered authorship
and creative collaborative relations as well as how storytelling and narrative structures have changed,
in order to comprehend the effects. This study examined the data obtained with Chat GPT and Google
Bard using document review method. The data obtained were analyzed with content analysis.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligent, Storytelling, Literature, Human Machine, AI-Generated Narrative

Introduction
The rapid advancement of Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is profoundly reshaping various domains
including the field of literature. As AI Systems becomes increasingly sophisticated, their influence extends
to both its creative and criticism of literary works. This introduction provides an overview of how AI is
transforming these aspects of literature, emphasizing its need to understand its application fully. The literary
world that has undergone radical change today is as a result of quick developing technology environment.
This was resulted in the birth of a new genre known as digital literature, writers and readers alike have access
to a fresh, interactive and dynamic medium for experiencing stories (Haylex, 2008). Hyper tenets, interactive
fiction, electronic poetry, and multimedia story all examples of literature that make use of digital technology
(Kendall, 2017). The detachment of digital literature from the rigid and linear narrative patterns that have
long defined Continent l print literature is distinguishing characteristics Digital literature often offers readers
a non-linear story that permits a variety of reading strategies, interpretative, and interactions. AI technologies
such as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing (NLP), and generating models have begun
to play a significant role in literary creation. Tools like AI driven writing assistant and text generators are for
style, and historical contexts. Not only assisting authors in their creative processes but also generating
original works of fiction poetry and drama. These developments raise fundamental questions about the
nature of authorship, creativity and the role of human intervention in the literary process.
Moreso, multimedia components, including music, video, animations and interactive graphics are often used
in digital literature. These extras make the story more impressive and appealing to the reader’s sense in a
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way that conventional reading does not (Pressman, 2014). Also, digital literature often blurs the boundaries
between author and reader since users may participate in the tale or story, influencing its course or even
working with the AI systems that produce the material (Mont 2003). In this creative arena, practitioners and
scholars from media studies, Computer Science, literature, and art come together to create a rich tapestry of
ideas, narratives, and inventions. Digital Literature’s dynamics quality casts down on traditional definitions
of text as well as accepted ideas about authorship, audience participation, and the fundamentals of narrative
(Rothberg, 2012).
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated various sectors including the domain of literature in
English as it has been earlier mentioned. This has been one the most exciting and transformational aspects of
the digital literary world Artificial Intelligent (AI) is a rapidly developing area that combines aspect of
computer science, machine learning, and natural language processing. In a stunning emulation of human
literary production. AI systems have shown the ability to produce text independence (Lecum et al, 2015).
Using AI algorithms and machine learning models, authors may have their tales, poems, and other literary
creations AI-generated (Brown et al, 2020). These programmers’ massive databases of previously written
works for useful patterns and insights.
Artificial intelligence technology, which is an important land mark in Computer Science, is a field of study
which focuses on forming smart machines performing tasks that naturally necessitate human intelligence.
AI, which models and mimics the human behavior such as reasoning, Learning and planning as well as the
tools humans handle, has been widely used in several field of expertise such as economy finance, education,
agriculture and healthcare. Coupled with deep learning artificial intelligent turns to be one of the most
significant technological advancements of the 21st Century as it pioneers the digital transformation of the
modern society. As AI is drastically scientific and basically a preoccupation with numbers, Literature, which
is ladened with figure of speech, has been regarded as the one and only branch that one can never master.
The latest developments on Computational Literature indicate the opposite.
There has never been a more significant time in the development of a narrative and storytelling than at the
point when AI meets literature. A new age of literary enquiry has begun with the rise of digital literature, a
form of literary expression that is both dynamic and interactive within the shift content AI-generated tales
are rising as a potent force posing new challenges to established ideas of storytelling authority. The
researchers of this paper set out to computer generated stories on the development of English Language
digital literature digital Literature. The study aims to investigate effect of artificial intelligence in enhanced
storytelling in literature.

Research Questions
To achieve the purpose of the study, the following research questions were raised:
i. What are the impacts of artificial intelligence into literature among English language teachers in
secondary schools in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State?
ii. What are the factors influencing teachers of English Language attitude towards integration of AI in
literature?
iii. Is there a correlation between their perceived effectiveness of AI integration and students enhanced
storytelling in Literature.

Methodology
This study adopted a descriptive research survey design. The targeted population for this study was English
language teachers in public secondary schools in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State. A sample of
eighty (80) teachers was selected from four schools using simple random sampling procedure. From each of
the selected schools, twenty (20) English language teachers were selected using a Convenient Sampling

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technique. A self-developed instrument, titled “Teacher’s Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire (TAIQ), was
used to elicit information from research respondents. The instrument (TAIQ) was divided into two sections
(A & B). The first section sought the respondents’ demographic data like gender, age, religion, educational
background and the length of service while section B consisted of items based on a response points Liker
Scale Model of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Strongly Disagree (SD), and Disagree (D) to elicit information
from the respondents based on the research questions. The instrument was subjected to face and content
validity. The reliability approach used was analysed using Cronbatch Alpha estimation to obtain a
reasonable reliability coefficient of 0.86. The collected data was analysed using appropriate descriptive and
inferential statistics. Research questions were answered using the Person Product Moment correlation and
central tendencies such as mean and standard deviation.

Results
All the data obtained from the study were analyzed and presented in tabular form using statistical mean.
The mean is the average of determine the extent of each item in the questionnaire as stated earlier, a statement
with a mean of 2.50 and above is considered to be agreed upon by the respondents and any statement below
2.50 is considered disagreed upon by the respondents.

Research Question One: What are the impacts of artificial intelligence into Literature among English
language teachers in secondary schools in Iseyin Local Government, Oyo State?
To address this research question, data collected were analysed using 8 items instrument on Al- integration
were scored using a four-point Likers Scale. Response of “Strongly Agree” (SA) were assigned a score of 4,
Agree (A) was assigned “3” Strongly Disagree (SD) assigned “2” and Disagree (D) “1”. These 8 items were
used to measure the impacts of AI in literature among English language teachers in Iseyin Local Government,
Oyo State presented in Table 1.

Table 1: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence among English Language Teachers

Statements SA A D SD EF EFX X DECISION

1. Artificial intelligence 34 23 11 9 77 236 3.06 Agreed

education is crucial to all areas
136 69 22 9
of life.

2. I believe AI has the potential 34 22 14 6 77 240 3.11 Agreed

to transfer all industries.
140 66 28 6

3. AI will be better than the 30 24 14 6 77 239 3.03 Agreed

conventional literature.
135 72 26 6

4. AI can put an end to 30 27 17 3 77 238 3.09 Agreed

traditional ways story telling.
120 81 34 3

5. The role of AI in enhanced 36 21 15 5 77 242 3.14 Agreed

story telling is crucial
144 63 30 5

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6. AI will achieve human like 29 28 15 5 77 235 3.05 Agreed
intelligence in the future.
116 84 30 5

7. AI can mimic various literary 37 20 19 1 77 247 3.20 Agreed

styles and genres
148 60 38 1

8. AI enhances students’ 33 29 18 25 77 237 1.79 Agreed

engagement in story telling of
64 72 26 75
tales in literature.

Grade mean =3.06+3.11+3.03+3.09+3.14+3.05+3.20+1.79 = 24.47 =2.98

8 8
Table 1 above indicates that item1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8 listed above. As teacher perceived the impact of artificial
intelligence in enhanced storytelling in literature. These results indicate a moderate level of AI adoption by
English language teachers in Iseyin local Government Area of Oyo State.

Research Question 2: What are the factors influence teachers’ attitudes towards integrate of AI in
literature.

Table 2: Factors affecting English language Teachers towards Integration AI in Literature

Statements SA A SD D EF EFX X DECISION

1 I have interest in teacher of 29 25 17 4 77 2.29 2.97 Agreed

AI
116 75 34 4

2 I use educational software 30 23 16 8 77 252 3.27 Agreed

or application to
120 92 32 8
supplement teaching
literature.

3 I have sufficient knowledge 33 21 20 3 77 2.38 3.09 Agreed

about AI
132 63 40 3

4 I have prior knowledge in 35 18 21 1 77 2.45 3.18 Agreed

AI
148 54 42 1

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5 I have experience in 37 18 21 1 77 245 3.18 Agreed
teaching AI
148 54 42 1

6 I have relevant content 34 19 23 1 77 240 3.11 Agreed

knowledge of AI
136 57 46 1

7 I collaborate with 31 20 24 2 77 2.34 3.00 Agreed

colleagues to share best
124 60 48 2
knowledge in AI

8 I have a high readiness for 29 25 17 4 77 2.27 2.95 Agreed

AI
116 75 32 4

Grand Mean (x) 2.97+2.27+3.02+3.09+3.09+3.18+3.11+3.03 = 24.76 = 3.09

8 8
Table 2 above shows that items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 listed the teacher’s attitudes to AI. The results show
that all items have their mean scores above the criterion mean of this implies that all the items were accepted
as the factors that influence teachers’ attitude towards AL by the respondents.

Research Hypothesis: There is no significant correlation between the English language teachers perceived
effectiveness of AI and enhanced storytelling of students in Literature.

Table 3: Pearson Product Moment Correlation Summary of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Variable N Mean SD r - cal r - tab Sig

AI 39 3.1 0.49

Enhancement storytelling in 38 3.09 0.33 0.82 0.23 0.02

literature

The result of analysis presented in the above table revealed that there was a high relationship between the
English Language teachers perceived effectiveness of artificial intelligent and enhance storytelling of
students in literature.

Discussion of Findings
The findings revealed that the majority of the items have mean scores above the criterion mean suggesting
that the few English Language in Iseyin Local Government and familiar with the use of AI into their teaching
subjects. This is line with the work of Elgammal, 2021 with opined that everybody should be familiar with
the use of AL generated stories.
The study reveals a growing familiarity with AI-driven tools among English Language teachers in Iseyin
Local Government, Oyo State, with most respondents showing positive attitudes towards their integration
into storytelling education. This aligns with global trends, where AI technologies, like ChatGPT and Google

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Bard, enhance creativity and offer new ways to engage with literature. Teachers recognize AI’s potential to
improve narrative creativity and foster analytical skills in students, reflecting its role as both a tool for
innovation and a disruptor of traditional literary norms.
However, challenges persist, particularly in bridging the knowledge gap among educators and ensuring the
authenticity of AI-generated content. As highlighted in previous literature, the balance between leveraging
AI's capabilities and preserving literary traditions remains critical. The findings emphasize the need for
targeted teacher training to maximize the potential of AI tools in enhancing student storytelling skills.
While the study’s methodology and high instrument reliability lend credibility to the results, its localised
scope limits generalizability. Future research should explore broader populations and the long-term impact
of AI on literary education to build on these insights

Conclusion
The study highlighted the importance and effected of Artificial Intelligence with emotional storyteller in
literature Exploring this filed allows English language and literature scholars to tap into the immense power
of AI in comprehending the literature terms. This unique combination enables a fresh connection utilizing a
deep understand of AI technology much can be learnt from the literary test.

Recommendations
1. It is crucial to find a balance between embracing technical breakthrough and maintaining the integrity
of narrative and literary traditions as we look to the future of AI influenced digital storyteller.
2. The influence of creative expression from humans and AI is a unique chance to go into unexplored
territory and broaden its boundaries of literature.
3. Also, the teachers must ensure that they attend artificial intelligent training program so as to update
themselves of the latest about AI education.
To sum up the combination of AI and literature is an intriguing development in the continuing story of
human creation.

References
Brown, T.B. et al (2020). “Language Models Ave Few-Shot Learners’’ arxlv pre-prints a xx 2005, 14165.
Elgammal, A. (2021). “Al creativity: the intersection of human and artificial intelligence” Sprinser.
Haylerss, N. K. (2008). Electronic Literature New Horizons for the Literacy. University of Notre Dame Press.
Kendall, R. (2017). Understand Digital Culture. SAGE Publication.
Lecunetal (2015). Deep Learning Nature vol. 521, No 7553, pp,436- 444,
Mont, N. (2003). Fort Twisy Little Passages. MIT Press.
Pressman, J. (2014). Digital Modernism Making It New in New Media. Oxford University Press.

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Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Evangelism and Facilitate Planting in Emerging
Communities

Adebunmi Olaide POPOOLA

Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348035348867, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2731-3645

Monilola Dasola OYETADE, PhD

Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2347057358476

Abstract
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for outreach and innovation, rather than just its roles and
dynamic approach to the challenges and opportunities within new communities or environments
cannot be over-emphasized. AI is rapidly transforming various sectors, and its potential to enhance
evangelism and facilitate church planting in emerging communities is becoming increasingly evident.
Therefore, this study explores the usefulness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in enhancing evangelism
and facilitating church planting in new communities. The research aims to understand how AI can be
leveraged to spread the religious messages, improve outreach efforts, engage communities, and
improve building faith-based networks to support the establishment of new churches. This study also
analyzes the effectiveness of various AI applications in evangelism and church growth. AI-driven tools,
such as social media analytic, personalized messaging platforms, and virtual reality experiences, among
others, can significantly enhance community engagement and evangelistic efforts. Specifically, AI tools
were found to be beneficial to the reach of evangelistic messages, improve conversion rates, streamline
the process of identifying potential church members and increase the level of welfare members enjoy
from the church. Additionally, AI-assisted planning and resource management were crucial in reducing
the time and cost of setting up new churches. The study concludes that AI can play a transformative
role in modern evangelism and church planting, offering innovative solutions to reach and engage
communities more effectively. These insights are valuable for church leaders and evangelists seeking to
leverage technology to expand their missions and establish new spiritual communities in contemporary
settings.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Church Planting, Community

Introduction
In the age of technology, church and other faith-based organisations also need to key into the global trend of
digitization and tap into the numerous benefits that technology offers to progress and move with the trends
which will eventually lead to its growth and multiplications, both spiritually and numerically. The
intersection of faith and innovation presents a compelling frontier for spiritual growth. As communities
become increasingly diverse and digitally connected, churches face the challenge of reaching individuals in
new and creative ways. This paper explores using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance evangelism
and church planting.
Evangelism is from a Greek word εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) which literally means ‘good news’. in other words,
it means reaching out to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to those who are yet to know Him and accept
Him as their Lord and personal saviour. This is to fulfil the great commission of Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:
18 – 20 when He told His disciples and the believers to go after the lost souls. “Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end

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of the age.” Similarly, in Acts 1: 8, He says “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”
(New International Version). Thus, yielding to this clarion call of Salvation, Christians must establish
churches to reach as many as possible for Christ. Artificial Intelligence (AI) one of the most significant
technological advancements of the 21st Century, has the potential role in expanding the reach and the impact
of evangelism, especially in the area of church planting.
Church planting is the process of establishing a church in a new community especially when the distance of
an existing church is far from the people of the community, it could involve setting up the church in a rural
area or a newly located community with the aim of making it an easily reached place of worship for people
in the community. Church planting is often preceded by evangelism. As communities grow more diverse
and digitally connected, traditional methods of spreading the Gospel and establishing new churches must
adapt to remain relevant and effective.
AI offers divers opportunities to enhance these efforts, Copeland (2024) asserted that artificial intelligence
(AI) refers to the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly
associated with intelligent beings, he added that the term is frequently applied to the project of developing
systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason,
discover meaning, genius intelligence exhibited by machines, particularly computer systems. Also,
Wikipedia Contributors (2024) defined AI as a field of research in computer science that develops and
studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning and
intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Artificial intelligence
(AI) is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically
required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns.
Coursera (2024) explained AI is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies,
including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP). Tithe.ly (2018)
emphasised that technology enables the mission of the church in the area of expansion; intelligent decision-
making; radical collaboration; and in mobilized and equipped congregation. Ugboh (2023) opined that the
church should also embrace technological innovation since it is open ended and not limited to a particular
system because it is not an end by itself but it is a means to an end, so it cannot stand in isolation from other
factors that supports it. Also, he stressed the fact that church require creative leaders who are agents of
change which can provide enabling environment along with other human entities who are creative enough
to respond appropriately to the move in order to foster sound change.
Hendricks, et. al (2022) noted that digital science and technology has become an effective method in fulfilling
church missions in spite of the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic of 2019 and 2020 across globe. Fagunwa
(2015) buttressed that christians in Nigeria reads online spiritual books frequently (for example, Open Heaven
Devotional book written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye) which also serves as a means of evangelism to many
worldwide. Thus, he underscores that technology in itself is neutral and should be encouraged in a way that
will promote the growth of the church.
However, despite the potential benefits comes challenges. Many scholars are concern about the use of AI in
religious contexts, especially in the area of privacy, authenticity, and the potential for technology
depersonalize spiritual interactions. Even at that, this paper argues that when AI is used thoughtfully and
ethically, it can become a powerful tool in advancing the mission of the church in terms of vibrancy and
connectivity of faith communities in the digital era.

Theoretical Framework
The following theories can apply to use of Artificial Intelligence in today's church:

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Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)
Modeling Behavior: AI can facilitate the creation of digital content (videos, blogs, podcasts) that showcases
individuals engaging in evangelistic activities or living out their faith. This content serves as a model for
others to observe and imitate others who are giving testimonies of their faiths. AI tools can be used as a
means to investigate and understand ways that positive role models can be used to encourage desirable
behaviours and to facilitate social change as related to the social learning theory of Albert Bandura.

Diffusion of Innovations (Everette Rogers)

Early Adoption and Communication: AI can identify potential "early adopters" within a community, those
who are more open to new ideas and innovations in evangelism. By targeting these individuals with tailored
messages and resources, churches can encourage them to embrace and spread new evangelistic practices
using AI, thus facilitating the overall diffusion of these practices within the community.
Facilitating Information Flow: AI can enhance communication channels (e.g., chatbots, social media
engagement) to efficiently disseminate information about church initiatives, events, and innovations in
evangelism. By streamlining these processes, AI decreases the barriers to adoption and encourages broader
community engagement. AI helps in facilitating the spread of new ideas and practices
Feedback and Adaptation: AI tools can gather feedback from community members regarding new
evangelistic methods, allowing churches to adapt their strategies based on real-time data. This
responsiveness can lead to a quicker diffusion of successful practices that resonate with the community’s
needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Basic Needs: To engage individuals effectively, churches can use AI to assess the community’s basic needs
such as food, safety, or social belonging. AI algorithms can identify individuals or families in need and the
church can make provision for such needs as a means of winning souls for Christ.
Facilitating Self-Actualization: As individuals’ basic needs are met, churches can leverage AI to create
personalized faith journeys. AI can suggest resources, Bible studies, or mentorship opportunities that enrich
the spiritual lives of congregants, helping them move toward self-actualization in their faith.

Types of Artificial Intelligence Which Can Boost Evangelism and Church Planting
AI-driven tools that can be used for evangelism are Chat-bots, Natural Language Processing (NPL), AI-
powered Bible Study (You version and Bible AI), Social Media AI Tools for Outreach, Hootsuite (Loomly,
Sprout Social and Buffer, etc.), AI Content Creation, Virtual and Augmented Reality for Evangelism, Voice
Assists for Faith-Based Content, AI-Driven Data Analytics for Church Growth. FaithGPT (2024) also analysed
useful websites that can assist the church in evangelism, church planting and church growth including
Ideogram.ai, Open.AI, Leonardo.ai, heygen.com, descript.com, wordly.ai among others

The Roles of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Evangelism and Church Planting

Scoggins (2024), explains practical ways for churches to benefit from AI as these:

Sermons
AI-based content generation tools like ChatGPT, Frase or Headline can be used to to suggest catching titles
for sermons to generate stories and illustrations to make sermons interesting. Research and Scripture cross-
reference materials like Logos Bible software or Bible Hubs can help pastors find relevant verses quickly
while preparing for evangelism outreach or sermons. AI tools like Otter.ai or Rev.ai can also be used to
generate written sermons or messages.

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Content
AI-powered tools can used to generate social media posts of the church activities, sermons and inspirational
quotes, they can also be used to generate and proofread contents for the church newsletters. These tools
include Article Forge or conversion.ai. ChatGPT can also be used for devotional bible readings, bible reading
plans and illustrations to aid the effective growth of a church.

Artwork
Tools like Midjourney, Adobe Photoshop or Canvas can be used to generate sermon artwork, social media
artwork, and Kids Ministry Artwork (Artbreeder or DeepArt.io) to customize artwork and automated
images.

Website
ChatGPT can write code and scripts, it can create artwork, photos, and more for the church website. AI
platforms like OpenAI’s Codex or DeepCode can assist with generating code snippets or providing coding
suggestions for website development. AI automation tools like Zapier or Integromat can help automate
specialized tasks, like sending email notifications, updating databases, or integrating with other web
services. Chatbot platforms like Chatfuel or Dialogflow can also be used to create AI-powered chatbots that
handle routine tasks, provide information, or direct inquiries until a human response is available.

Video Editing
AI tools can be used for editing Sermons: AI video editing tools like Magisto or Adobe Premiere Pro can
automate tasks such as trimming, transitions, and captioning, making the sermon editing process more
efficient. Likewise, Sermon Clipping AI tools like Video Indexer by Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Video
Intelligence can assist in automatically segmenting and indexing sermon videos based on keywords or
specific topics.
Furthermore, the benefits of AI in promoting the gospels are further analysed by Earls (2023), Jeff (2023),
Shariat (2023), Legacy Church (2024) and Christianity Today (2023) as:
1. It can be used as an evangelistic tool to spread the gospel to others. With AI-powered chatbots and
virtual assistants, it is possible to create interactive experiences that can engage people in
conversations about faith, answer their questions, and provide resources for learning and exploration.
2. It can reach a wider audience than traditional forms of evangelism, such as in-person events or door-
to-door visits. AI could also be used to create personalized evangelistic experiences, tailoring the
message and content to the individual needs and interests of each user. This could help make
evangelism more relevant and engaging to people, increasing the chances of conversion.
3. AI also makes it easier for churches to host and run successful online meetings, conferences, or Bible
studies without the need for physical spaces. By using AI tools such as digital whiteboards and video
conferencing platforms, churches can save time and money while providing an engaging
environment for members to engage in discussion and fellowship.
4. Pastoral counselling and support. ChatGPT could potentially be used to provide pastoral counselling
and support to members of the congregation who may be struggling with personal or spiritual issues.
By interacting with ChatGPT, individuals could receive guidance, encouragement, and advice that is
grounded in biblical teachings and pastoral wisdom
5. Strengthening Community Engagement. AI-powered communication tools offer churches the
opportunity to strengthen community engagement and foster meaningful connections among
members. Chatbots and virtual assistants can provide real-time support and information, answer

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frequently asked questions, and facilitate online prayer requests and pastoral care. Additionally, AI-
driven analytics can help church leaders gain valuable insights into community demographics,
preferences, and engagement patterns, enabling them to adapt and refine their outreach strategies
effectively.
6. It Improves Administrative Efficiency. From managing church finances to coordinating volunteer
schedules, administrative tasks can often consume valuable time and resources that could be better
allocated to ministry and service. AI-driven solutions streamline administrative workflows by
automating routine tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and providing actionable insights for
informed decision-making. By harnessing the power of AI, churches can operate more efficiently and
effectively, freeing up time and resources to focus on their core mission and ministry objectives.
7. It Enhances the Worship Experience. AI-powered tools can facilitate dynamic worship services
through intelligent lighting and sound systems, immersive multimedia presentations, and even AI-
generated music compositions. These technologies create an atmosphere of reverence and awe,
fostering deeper engagement and connection with the divine during worship gatherings.
8. It Personalizes Spiritual Growth. AI-driven platforms and applications can analyze individual
spiritual needs, preferences, and learning styles to provide tailored recommendations for Bible study,
devotional resources, and theological insights. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, churches
can empower congregants to deepen their understanding of scripture and grow in their relationship
with God in personalized and meaningful ways.
9. Communication, Outreach, and Virtual Ministry Opportunities. While person-to-person contact will
always be paramount, for ministries that span many borders, automated communication processes
using AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants can create interactive experiences that engage people
in conversations about faith, answer their questions, and provide personalized resources for
discipleship and prayer.
10. AI offers pastors the gift of time. The time spent creating sermon outlines in traditional ways can be
invested in prayer, relationship building and congregational care. In just a few minutes, it can provide
pages of information on the people of Thessalonica, compile every Bible verse on money and
generosity, and then summarize and compare dissertations on allusions found in Job.

Conclusion
In an age characterized by rapid technological advancement, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into
the realms of evangelism and church planting presents a transformative opportunity for communities and
faith-based organizations. AI offers unique tools to enhance outreach efforts, streamline communication, and
personalize engagement with potential congregants. AI-driven platforms can identify community needs and
preferences, enabling churches to tailor their programs effectively and resonate more profoundly with
diverse populations.
The effectiveness of AI in promoting evangelism is evident in its ability to analyze large datasets, allowing
for informed decision-making and strategic planning. This capability can lead to the establishment of new
churches and the sustainable growth of established congregations by fostering deeper connections within
the community. Furthermore, AI's role in digital outreach, through social media engagement and targeted
messaging, ensures that the transformative messages of faith reach beyond traditional boundaries, inviting
individuals who may have previously felt disconnected.
However, it is crucial to conclude this paper further that the use of AI is not without challenges. Ethical
considerations, such as maintaining genuine human connection and transparency in communication, must
take precedence as churches navigate this digital landscape. Emphasizing the importance of human
relationships in the faith community will ensure that technology serves to enhance, not replace the core

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values of evangelism and pastoral care, and it does not rule out the space of the Holy Spirit inspiration and
anointing in evangelism, church planting and church growth.

Recommendations
Therefore, AI is recommended to be very useful in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ to the unreached.
Using it is neither a sin nor neglect of the Holy Spirit so the Pastors, Evangelists and church planters should
use the available AI tools within their reach. Also, AI tools that can assist in the video and audio creation of
bible stories can be used by pastors in the rural areas for revivals, evangelisms and bible studies. Common
AI contents like SMS, Whatsapp messages and other social media can be used to check the welfare of the
worshippers and celebrate them on special occasions so as to promote love and oneness in the church. Pastors
should not be statics in improving their knowledge about AI contents so as to reduce their stress and give
them enough time to look after their own family affairs too.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Environmental Evangelism: Leveraging Technology for Creation
Care Ministry in Nigeria

Abiodun ADEBAYO
Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected]. +2348037955451, https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1561-4229

Ayodele A. ATOWOJU, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348036726849, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2439-2472

Abstract
Evangelism is a key factor in Christianity. It is acknowledged as the major reproductive mechanism for
the church growth. However, in this contemporary time, various factors tend to be militating against
environmental evangelism in country, which necessitates that the church leverage on Artificial
Intelligence (AI) for efficient creation care ministry in Nigeria. The purpose of the study is to ventures
into socio-religious analysis of the efficiency of AI and Environmental Evangelism: Leveraging
Technology for Creation Care Ministry in Nigeria. It explores how AI technologies are being integrated
into environmental Evangelism, facilitating new ways of interpretation of sacred messages, while also
offering novel approaches to understanding social dynamics and cultural phenomena. The
computational learning theory was simulated in this study. In this study, two methods were used: the
first is the empirical method, and the second, the historical method involving the use of records and
secondary data. Field research involved the use of research instruments consisting of both online and
paper-based questionnaires; observation was both participatory and non-participatory, personal
interviews and informal discussion. Findings reveals that leveraging on artificial intelligence for
evangelization in the contemporary Creation Care ministry presents both challenges and opportunities.
Consequently, inasmuch as the use of artificial intelligence for evangelism in our today’s world will
improve evangelism by reaching a wider audience and souls through digital platforms, artificial
intelligence gives Creation Care ministries a genuine human engagement, relationship and personal
touch in the contemporary Church mission fields. This study submits that leveraging on Artificial
intelligence for evangelization in the contemporary Creation Care ministry wields the prospective to be
a valuable mechanism in reaching a broader soul as well as ministering to individuals in meaningful
ways. However, relevant moral, social and religious consequences should be considered as that will
enforce the effective leverage of integrating Artificial intelligence to boost evangelism expertise in the
contemporary Creation Care ministry.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Effective, Evangelization, Mission, Ministry, Church,

Technology

Introduction
The effect of leveraging on Artificial intelligence (AI) for effective and efficient evangelism and creation care
ministry can never be over emphasized, as Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly established itself as a
groundbreaking force in an extensive multiplicity of fields, including religion. Musonda (2023). The
evolution of Artificial intelligence (AI) has succeeded in an array of developments and innovations that have
affected many aspects of human life. As vital factor to social improvement and individual development,
evangelism creativity has had significant advantages leveraging on Artificial intelligence (AI) inventions.
The integration of Artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelism and Creation Care Ministry is changing the ways
in which these institutions work. By personalizing learning capabilities, programming organizational
responsibilities, and delivering real-time feedback, Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the religion

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societal sphere, connecting dots, and inspiring a more all-encompassing and well-organized environmental
evangelism (Kamalov, et. al. 2023).
What is Creation Care Ministry? Who are they and what exactly do they do? What is their population and
where do they reside? Consequently, creation care ministry is the art of caring for the humanity as a way to
express gratitude to God and to be good stewards of God's creation. It's based on the impression that humans
are called to care for the world on behalf of future generations and all species. (Moore, 2004, pp. 25-30). Some
ways that creation care ministry is expressed is through the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church's
"Covenant for the Care of Creation" is a commitment to practice loving formation, liberating advocacy, and
life-giving conversation. Furthermore, creation care is understood as an indispensable aspect of commitment
to peace and justice, and as part of being disciples of Jesus Christ. (As Cress 2008).
Although, there isn't much information about the population of Creation Care Ministry right now, but here's
some information about Christianity, the world's largest religion by population Christianity as of 2023,
Christianity had approximately 2.4 billion adherents. For the record, Redeemed Christian Church of God: In
2021, the Redeemed Christian Church of God had 9,938,617 members and 51,580 congregations. (RCCG,
2024).
Our objective is to study the effect of leveraging on Artificial intelligence (AI) for effective and efficient
evangelism in creation care ministry is based on the review of the existing literature. Anyoha (2017) & Roser
(2022) observed that mankind now lives in the era of multifaceted and cumbersome data accessible for
analysis. They postulated that human is confronted on steady basis with massive sums of data too laborious
for individuals and even groups to process. The usage of Artificial Intelligence in this respect has already
proved effective in numerous business organizations and facilities like technology, banking, marketing, and
the entertainment world. Artificial Intelligence therefore is all over. It has essentially come to stay with
multidimensional future projections. E.I Ozor & T.O. Okonta (personal communication, January 12th, 2024)
assert that if Jesus Christ were to come to save mankind in this age, He might not ride into Jerusalem in an
Ass again. He will have to make use of the available cheapest means of transportation to still indicate
modesty and prudence. Truth remains that humans ought to make use of scientific inventions of which God
is the one that bequeaths human with such innovative capability and inspiration. The Holy Spirit always
ministers to man from the known to the unknown. At times, He uses things available to man while
inculcating him.
It will be good that church missionary groups in modern times particularly in Nigeria, should incorporate
the competences and services of AI in evangelization. Although Lynch (2013) warns that human connection
which is demonstrated in one-to-one get-together is very significant and irreplaceable in the church missions.
He stresses that even Jesus Christ sustained more of person to person contact in his ministry. Jesus essentially
trained his 12 Apostles through individual interaction; none was operating from afar. Lynch maintains that
reliance on novel technologies can strip that from the church missions. He underscores that the question of
how the church can incorporate novel technologies in the continuance of her mission ought to be a secondary
one. Consequently, there is necessity for sitting novel technologies in order to maintain and prioritize on
good inventions. The author counsels that no mechanical advancement can substitute nor outdate the level
of connection built by Jesus’ kind of communication that hinged on singular, specific, and personal love for
His disciples. Lynch further exposits that church missionaries must embrace human’s limitation in their
endeavors in order to prevent the mission to reach out to a broader congregation or audience thereby
dispersing in activity and bearing little fruit in the procedure. It is essentially within the confines of nature
that church evangelists can experience the gratification and beauty of their vocation.
Capturing Lynch (2013) affirms that: the church exists because individuals are wounded. Her objective is not
just to proclaim the Good News proficiently, and then move on to do something else, but bodily to be the
Body of Christ. All of Christian life rests within the experience of the sacraments, the worship, the

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communion of the church, and the mystery of God’s time. Injuries take time to heal, and frequently a doctor
cannot speed up their healing. He must be willing to wait, to consider each individual as entirely exceptional,
totally worthy of his full attention. He must not rush from patient to patient, in an attempt to care for great
numbers, to the detriment of the quality of the care itself. In his just wish to do more good, he must not end
up seeing his patients simply as problems and not as individuals (p. 2).
Nevertheless, Lynch (2013) recommendation should be put in view. On the other hand, it is not enough to
dampen the use of AI for evangelism particularly in Nigeria since the earth’s system is channeled towards
that direction. Moreover, there is nothing threatening concerning AI. AI has equally substantiated its value
in other human organizations as will be depicted in this study. Copeland (2024) accentuates that Artificial
Intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of a machine to undertake tasks generally perceived to entail human
rationality and intelligence. He stressed that general operations of AI include game playing, language
translation, expert systems, and robotics.
Furthermore, the applications of AI in religion and society highpoint the potential for enormous benefits that
are made conceivable by intellectual systems. The impact of AI can be perceived in enhanced learning
outcomes, time and cost proficiency, worldwide access to quality learning, and other benefits in religion and
society. The worldwide reach and scalability of AI will allow clergy from both industrialized and emerging
nations to benefit from better technological experiences.
While the usage and benefits of AI in religion and society can portray an appealing picture, it is vital to be
conscious of possible dangers of introducing autonomous systems in religion and society. This article
explores the impact of leveraging on AI for environmental evangelism in Creation Care Ministry in Nigeria.
It scrutinizes the positive and negative impacts and the ethical considerations in the use of AI powered
technology on environmental evangelism in Creation Care Ministry, as well as the tasks ahead. By engaging
the academic discussions on the intersectionality of technological devices, artificial intelligence, religious
practices, as well as ethical considerations, this article adds to the scholarly knowledge of transformation in
society, giving room for informed decision making.

Conceptual Framework
Conceptually, the discourse on AI and Creation Care Ministry’s environmental evangelization, the Ethics
and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) (2019) affirm that the development of AI is a demonstration of
the unique creative abilities of human beings. Once AI is employed in accordance with God’s moral will, it
portrays man’s obedience to the divine command of steward creation and in honour of God Himself. They
declare that Mankind should develop and harness technology in ways that lead to greater flourishing and
the alleviation of human sufferings which ratifies his God-given creative nature. They conclude that AI
should not be appropriated for the satiation of whims and caprices as well as in ways that devalues or
degrades the dignity and worth of another human being.
Consequently, the integration of AI in the Nigerian evangelical mission raises the following examinations;
will the use of AI engage cultural values with respect? Can the churches in Nigeria appropriate it with dignity
and sound morality? Will it reduce the gospel message to mere stereotypes bereft of the demonstration of
God’s power? Can the churches in Nigeria meet both its capable human intensive cum capitals demands?
Adopting the Computational Learning Theory, this study attempts a socio-religious evaluation of AI and its
effectiveness in evangelization in the Nigerian church missions.
In this study, two methods were used: the first is the empirical method, and the second, the historical method
involving the use of records and secondary data. Field research involved the use of research instruments
consisting of both online and paper-based questionnaires; observation was both participatory and non-
participatory, personal interviews and informal discussion.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The Concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The word Artificial intelligence (AI) was used for the first time in 1956 at a small conference at Dartmouth
College, New Hampshire. Since then, lots of disciplines in many fields such as computer sciences or even in
philosophy are still arguing about what an AI is. An AI is computer program, or a robot that has the ability
to learn and improve to solve problem as usually being done by human or an intelligence subject. AI is “a
branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computer. AI is also
the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior. AI is a computer system able to perform
tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-
making, and translation between languages (Redmond, 2011).
The definitions of AI as postulated by some researchers will be reflected herein to accord vivid conception
of what AI entails. Marsden (2017) borrowing and acclimatizing from numerous researchers’ definitions he
defined AI as “Technology that acts intelligently using skills associated with human intellect, comprising the
capacity to perceive, learn, reason and act independently” (p. 1). Consequently, it is a collection of
technological and scientific inclined gadgets that empowers computers to conceive autonomously.
Marr (2018) submits that AI is an expression coined by John McCarthy in 1956 at a summer workshop he
referred to as Dark-mouth summer research project on Artificial Intelligence. This workshop was actually
organized by John McCarthy with the aim of debating what will eventually become the field of AI as
postulated by Marr (2018). Owing to the fact that up to that time, the notions about “thinking machines”
were still contradictory; the scholars called by John McCarthy gathered together to elucidate and develop
notions relevant to “Thinking machines”. Marr sums that McCarthy selected the name Artificial Intelligence
because of its neutrality in order to evade interrupting one of the leads being pursued at the period for the
field of “thinking machines” which comprises cybernetics, automation theory and complex information
procedures. This paragraph should have begun this sub-section since it provides background information
on the origin and purpose of AI.
Saleh (2019) upholds that AI stands in disparity to the concrete intelligence articulated by mans; it is intellect
validated by technologies as contrary to that of human form and other creatures. He buttresses that since
Robotics is the field tasked with the linking of perception to activity, AI then should be exert a key part in
Robotics for the connection to be intellect. Saleh similarly amplifies that AI challenges fundamental questions
like what data is essential for numerous intellectual jobs, how should that data be organized, and how can it
be applicable. Robotics pushes the limits of AI by necessitating it to communicate with physical objects in
the physical surroundings. Consequently, AI explores what knowledge is needed for logic, how to represent
it, and how to use it, although robotics tests AI by connecting physical-world object communication.
Marr (2018) suggest the essence of AI as computer devices that use human intellect as a pointer to offer
greater services or realize outstanding products other than trying to accomplish an impeccable duplicate of
the human wisdom and mentality. Thus, human reasoning is assumed as a prototype in the development of
AI but not really the eventual target. Duggai (2024) specifies that an Artificial Intelligence application is a
program that has the capacity of comprehending and thinking. He rationalizes that it is conceivable to
consider anything to be AI once it contains of a program that executes a task that is meant for human being.
He outlines that there are three types of AI.
• Strong AI: This can conceive and appropriate any intellectual task that a human being can. Researchers
are still aiming to attain and actualize this.
• Weak AI: This focuses on a specific application and operation. It does not perform beyond its
limitations.
• Super AI: This one is still a concept in perspective. It surpasses human intelligence and can perform
any task better than a human Duggai (2024).

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Conclusively, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the discipline of making devices execute tasks that would need
intellect if done by men. These machines execute tasks in agreement with in-depth study of the surroundings
of every given and stated field of operation.

The Positive Effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Human Society

Artificial Intelligence (AI) benefits the human society in various ways. From the works of Oza (2021),
Maheshwari (2023), the Marvelous World of OGI (2023) and Duggai (2024), the positive effects of AI in the
human society are as follows:
• AI in healthcare facilities: Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the healthcare sector in
recent times pertinent to the utilization of Artificial intelligence (AI) powered diagnostic tools, like
machine learning algorithms; have demonstrated the ability to analyze vast data sets; and enabling
faster and more accurate disease detection. AI for instance has proven instrumental in early cancer
detection, analyzing images, and even predicting patient outcomes based on historical data.
Furthermore, AI-driven surgeries and telemedicine platforms powered by AI technologies are
revolutionizing healthcare by enabling precise, minimally invasive surgeries and expanding access
to health care services for remote and underserved populations. This democratization of healthcare
has the potential to reduce disparities and enhance global health outcomes.
• AI in arts and creativity: The creative capabilities of Artificial intelligence (AI) are blooming on
borderlines. AI-generated art, music, and literature are furthering the horizons of human creativity.
Algorithms can compose music, generate visual art, and even write new articles.
• AI in the labour market: Artificial intelligence (AI) has facilitated profound transformation in the
labour market as perceived in the AI-driven recruitment platforms that delineate hiring processes,
matching applicants and candidates with roles more efficient and suitable for them. Chatbots handle
routine HR inquiries, freeing human resources professionals to focus on strategic tasks. Automation
creates new opportunities in AI development, data science, and robotics. AI-powered data analytics
drive informed decision-making in business, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness.
• AI in academic discipline: Artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new age of personalized
learning in education. Intelligent tutoring systems can adapt-coursework to most individuals
learning capacity and ability; considering their weaknesses and discovering easiest way for
enhancing and improving their conception. Additionally, Artificial intelligence (AI) streamlines
administrative tasks in education, enabling educators to focus more on teaching. In utilizing machine
learning algorithms, AI can pin-point at-risk students for timely interventions; ultimately decreasing
dropout rates. Moreover, AI-powered content creation tools automate the production of educational
materials; enhancing accessibility of quality education. Various Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms
assist students to summarize articles for faster and easy conception.
• AI in church missions: Well programmed Artificial intelligence (AI) in church missionary enterprise
can easily prepare sermons of any length both audio and written. Al can easily detect potential threats
at mission target locations. Artificial intelligence (AI) can also easily detect and ascertain within the
mission focus zone, areas with people that are susceptible to the gospel message in order to first
prioritize evangelization therein. This will afford missioners the opportunity of training leaders that
will help them in evangelization to other areas within the zone yet unreached with the gospel. AI can
equally be programmed to easily detect aspects of a given mission target area culture that can serve
as a window to chip in gospel messages.

General Positive Effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Society:

i. It helps to save both time and resources along with achieving accurate and efficient results.

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ii. It reduces human error. Once AI-enabled computers are programmed correctly, it makes zero errors.
iii. It aids fast decision making, thereby conserves time.
iv. AI saves human kind from undertaking unnecessary risky jobs that places them on harm’s way. AI
robots undertake perilous tasks on man’s behalf. Duggai (2024) notes that it can be utilized effectively
in any type of natural or man-made calamity, whether it be going to mars, defusing a bomb, exploring
the deepest regions of the oceans, or mining for coal and oil
v. AI offers full-time availability. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems according to Maheshwari (2023) are
programmed to work for longer hours and can handle repetitive and monotonous tasks easily.
vi. According to Duggai (2024) human beings are driven by emotions, Artificial intelligence (AI) on the
other hand, is devoid of emotions and highly practical along with being rational in its approach. This
equally aids AI in offering unbiased decisions which ensures more accurate decision making.

The Ethical and Societal Significances of Artificial Intelligence

Even though Artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more worldwide, concerns about its ethical and social
impact intensify. Problems such as safeguarding data privacy, addressing bias in AI systems, and preventing
AI from widening societal inequalities are increasingly prominent. Discussions revolve around the ethical
implications of AI in various domains like surveillance, weaponry, and law enforcement.
Further negative challenges of Artificial intelligence (AI) to the human society as Duggai (2024) collated are
as follows:
1. Dependency and Laziness: The automation of mundane tasks by Artificial intelligence (AI) can foster
a reliance on technology, potentially diminishing the need for human cognitive engagement and
problem-solving skills: Thus, leading to complacency and reduced mental activity.
2. Job Displacement: Automation facilitated by Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through
robotics, can lead to unemployment as machines replace human labour in various industries;
although it may also generate new job opportunities in some cases.
3. Limited Adaptability: Unlike human intelligence, Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are constrained
by their programmed parameters and struggle to adapt or improve without manual intervention,
hindering their flexibility and ability to address new challenges effectively. These limitations can lead
to failures or inadequate outcomes when faced with tasks beyond their programming; or the
unexpected and emergencies that demands alternative options.
4. Lack of Emotional Intelligence: Inasmuch as Artificial intelligence (AI) can excel in specific tasks, it
lacks the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills inherent in human interaction, limiting its
ability to effectively collaborate and function within teams or groups.
5. Costly Development: Creating Artificial intelligence (AI) systems that mimic human intelligence
demand excessive cum extensive resources and investment due to the need for cutting-edge
hardware and software, resulting in significant financial burdens.
6. Lack of Innovation: Despite the ability to learn from data and experiences, Artificial intelligence (AI)
struggle with originality and creativity; often relying on pre-fed information and past patterns rather
than thinking outside the box.
The shortcomings of Artificial intelligence (AI) as expatiated above signal the fact that humans should not
completely depend on Artificial Intelligence, especially in evangelization particularly within church missions
in Nigeria. Mankind must always fill-in-the-gaps and equally takes the lead in all human endeavours,
particularly in missionary enterprise. Artificial intelligence (AI) should always serve as aids and helping
hands.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Theoretical Framework
The theory this study adopted is the computational learning theory as most appropriate because it is the
mathematical framework for quantifying learning tasks and algorithms relevant in the programming of
Artificial intelligence (AI). It captures an insightful essence, establishing a foundation in the sphere of
Artificial Intelligence. Brownlee (2020) validates that computational learning theory, or statistical learning
theory or COLT for short, is a sphere of study concerned with the usage of formal mathematical procedures
applied to learning systems. Brownlee suggests that it seeks to use the apparatuses of theoretical computer
science to quantify learning problems. This comprises portraying the difficulty of learning precise tasks. The
scholar suggests that computational learning theory is like the logical extension or relation of statistical
learning theory (SLT). It engages formal technique to assess and measure the efficiency of learning
algorithms.
Lark Editorial Team (2023) explains that computational learning theory originated alongside early Artificial
Intelligence study, corresponding with the development of neutral networks and pattern recognition
theories. The antiquity of this idea is tangled with innovative figures such as Ray Solomonoff, Emile Borel,
and Andrey Kolomogoro, who laid down the fundamental principles governing the acquisition of
knowledge by machines as the authors aver. They equally declare that the computational learning theory
has evolved with computing power, algorithms, and data accessibility, making it highly relevant in
contemporary Artificial Intelligence specifics. Lark Editorial Team streamline that computational learning
theory is a fundamental aspect of Artificial Intelligence, empowering learning algorithms, predictive
modeling, and autonomous decision-making. They sum up that the pivotal significance of this theory within
the Artificial Intelligence domain is underscored by its crucial role in various applications like
recommendation systems, natural language processing, and computer vision, thereby revolutionizing
technological capabilities.
Angluin (1992) and Brownlee (2020) emphasize that in computational learning theory, the emphasis
frequently lies on organized learning, predominantly binary organization tasks and algorithms and problems
can be tasking due to the difficulty involved; thus restraining the practical program and interpretation of the
theorems. Lark Editorial Team (2023) explicate that computational learning theory is the foundational
framework within Artificial Intelligence that explores how machines learn from data, develop algorithms,
and make conclusions. They establish that it is vital for improving knowledge acquisition and decision-
making capabilities in Artificial Intelligence devices, consequently serving as the foundation for numerous
innovative technologies.
Computational learning theory is applicable to this study because it can support the integration of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in evangelization within the Nigerian church mission by providing insights into how
Artificial Intelligence algorithms can be trained to understand and interpret religious texts, cultural nuances,
and local languages. This understanding can aid in developing AI-powered tools such as chat-bots or
recommendation systems tailored to effectively communicate religious teachings and messages to diverse
Nigerian communities. Additionally, computational learning theory can assist in optimizing the
performance of these Artificial Intelligence systems through continuous learning and adaption based on user
interactions and feedback, enhancing their effectiveness in spreading the message of the church. The
paramount task should be that the church in Nigeria should seek and employ the services of specialists in
scientific and technological algorithm and Robotics specifics to pilot the affairs in these ventures. If human
capacity is lacking in that area, willing individuals should be trained in Artificial Intelligence specifics for
church missions in Nigeria. Every element of bias and idiosyncrasies must be eschewed. The focus should
be on actualizing down to earth evangelization championed with the concerted efforts of both human and
AI.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Methodology
In this study, two methods were used: the first is the empirical method, and the second, the historical method
involving the use of records and secondary data. Field research involved the use of research instruments
consisting of both online and paper-based questionnaires; observation was both participatory and non-
participatory, personal interviews and informal discussion.
The empirical research activities included online and paper-based questionnaire, interviews and discussions.
Over 1000 online and hard copy questionnaires were circulated. The online questionnaire was created using
Google Docs and circulated to church leaders across Nigeria and Nigerian churches in the diaspora. Leaders
included pastors, priests, church superintendents, deacons and church board members.
The historical method involved data collected by means other than questionnaires, observation, interviews
and discussions. Two forms of existing material are printed and electronic sources of information. Printed
sources included information collected through content analysis of printed sources such as sermons, church
growth seminars, diaries, magazines, church bulletins, brochures, and church manuals. Electronic sources
included websites, web rich files, downloaded sermons and video recordings.
The research instrument was structured into seven parts, namely, Basic details of respondents and local
church profile; Church leader’s perception of Internet usage for church growth programmes; use of electronic
mails and telephone messaging; virtual learning environment for church growth; church ICT infrastructure;
ICT in church administration for growth; church ICT human capital management. Observations included
participations in church retreats, event planning and Christian professional congresses.

The Impact of Leveraging on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Means for Effective Evangelism in the
Creation Care Ministry
Several scholars around the world had lent their voices on religious or moral cum socially sound mode of
integrating Artificial Intelligence into evangelism. This study will try to utilize the works of the few
researchers that their recommendations is relevant to the Nigerian situation before drawing a final
conclusion on that subject at hand. Copeland (2024) underscores that Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the
capability of a machine to undertake tasks generally perceived to entail human rationality and intelligence.
He stressed that general operations of AI include game playing, language translation, expert systems, and
robotics. Copeland enlightens that while the notion of machines imitating intelligence dates back to the
ancient past, the advent of authentic intelligence in machines was only possible with the evolution of digital
computers in the 1940’s. The author streamlines that AI has evolved to the point that the initial AI projects
via playing chess and solving mathematical problems, are now considered quite plain compared to the more
complex tasks of AI in recent times like visual pattern recognition,
complex decision making, and the use of natural language.
Sequel to Copeland’s elucidations, Anyoha (2017) and Roser (2022) remark that human kind now lives in the
age of complex and cumbersome data available for analysis. They posit that mankind is faced on steady basis
with huge sums of information too ponderous for persons and even groups to process. The application of
Artificial Intelligence in this regard has already proved efficient in several corporate institutions and facilities
like technology, banking, marketing, and the entertainment world. Artificial Intelligence thus is everywhere.
It has actually come to stay with multidimensional future prospects.
E.I Ozor and T.O. Okonta (personal communication, January 12th, 2024) assert that if Jesus Christ were to
come to save mankind in this age, He might not ride into Jerusalem in an Ass again. He will have to make
use of the available cheapest means of transportation to still signify humility and prudence. Truth remains
that mankind ought to make use of scientific innovations of which God is the one that endows human kind
with such creative capacity and inspiration. The Holy Spirit always ministers to human kind from the known
to the unknown. He utilizes things available to man while instructing him.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Furthermore, Musonda (2023) reckons that there are six healthy ways to use Artificial Intelligence for
evangelism and they include, using chat GPT to repurpose sermons; using Artificial Intelligence to generate
images to capture audience during sermons; using Artificial Intelligence to create captivating social media
posts; using Artificial Intelligence to write newsletters for church members; using Artificial Intelligence in
writing blog articles for church website; along with using Artificial Intelligence to create contents in multiple
languages thereby cutting across races and reaching a wider audience.
Musonda sums up by exposing that to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is used ethically, it is essential to
respect the privacy and autonomy of those being evangelized and to avoid any strategies that could be
perceived as invasive or manipulative like in a country like Nigeria with multifaceted tribes, languages,
cultures in addition to diverse religious groups. He adds that once Artificial Intelligence is programmed,
trained, designed and tested adequately, it can never be biased or flawed. Hence there is need to ensure that
the data and algorithms used are accurate and impartial: This equally facilitates the smooth, trustworthy and
reliable operation of Artificial Intelligence. Musonda expresses that there is no inherent reason for a Christian
not to utilize Artificial Intelligence. He asserts that Artificial Intelligence can be a highly efficient way of
reaching people with the gospel message particularly in the modern digital age. It is obvious that any
Christian church that has used Youtube, Google, Facebook, and other social media platforms had essentially
used Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence should simply be used in ways that align to biblical values
and principles. Adequate caution should be taken to avoid using it in ways that could harm others or violate
their privacy.
Musonda (2023) affirms that Artificial Intelligence can potentially transform numerous facets of man’s life
comprising the church missionary work since Artificial Intelligence is becoming more and more predominant
in the human society. He insists that Artificial Intelligence powered chat-bots can help in responding to
enquiries about Christianity, providing scriptural references as well as engaging in conversations about faith.
Musonda scrutinizes that Artificial Intelligence makes it easy to evangelize neighborhoods of significant
population. This is realized by analyzing information from social media platforms and surveys to
comprehend the audience’s struggle and challenges. Armed with such data, AI can help to craft pertinent
information crafted to the audience’s needs. Nothing captures an average Nigerian audience as ministering
directly to their needs, passions and areas of weaknesses. He nevertheless still accentuates that while
Artificial Intelligence can help in providing data and resources, it cannot replace inspiration that comes from
God. Therefore, leveraging on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a means for Effective Evangelism in the Creation
Care Ministry is relevant in this regard.

Conclusion
The world has advanced. Artificial intelligence (AI) in particulars has correspondingly advanced. The
modern-day world and the inhabitants are AI natives. Any institution, facility or individual that abhors AI
will definitely lose out. Christians should endeavour to remark that the brain behind AI is human
intelligence. The creator of mankind is God. Human intelligence is equally reinforced and evoked by God
Himself. There is no evil in integrating the services of AI in church missionary work. It will only facilitate
evangelical expertise. Everything created by God wields their various weaknesses resulting or originating
from the created order, not to mention Artificial intelligence that is Robotics and man’s brain child. Care
should be taken that the gospel message should not be bereft of human cum spiritual touch in the process of
incorporating AI in missionary strides. Moreover, the work of evangelism should not be championed by AI.
Man-kind should always be at the helm of affairs; maintaining steady connection to God as well as exerting
empathy towards the target mission audience. Therefore, leveraging on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a means
for Effective Evangelism in the Creation Care Ministry is relevant in this paper.

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Recommendations
The following recommendations in view of the remuneration of this study are hereby proffered:
1. Creation Care Ministry in Nigeria should foster partnerships with AI organizations to develop
tailored ideas of spreading the gospel, such as AI-powered chat-bots for answering spiritual
questions or AI -driven content recommendation systems for personalized outreach.
2. Workshops and seminars should be organized by Creation Care Ministry in Nigeria to create
awareness and educate church leaders about the potential of AI in enhancing Environmental
Evangelism along with reaching wider audience should be organized by those at the helm of
authorities of Christian Association of Nigeria.
3. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should establish ethical guidelines for the use of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in religious contexts to ensure that its deployment aligns with the values and
principles of the church.
4. Youths should rise up to the challenge of understudying courses pertinent to Artificial Intelligence
Robotics and Algorithms. This should create enough personnel employable to program Artificial
Intelligence and its specifics in the country.
5. Every Creation Care Ministry in Nigeria that integrates Artificial Intelligence in their Environmental
Evangelism work should be accountable for its shortcomings. This should make those churches to
leave no stone unturned in the programming of their AI Robotics perfectly.
6. Creation Care Ministry in Nigeria should offer training programs for clergy and volunteers on how
to effectively utilize AI tools in their outreach efforts.
7. The Nigerian government as a matter of urgency should make education free to at least the high
secondary school level. This will improve the literacy level in Nigeria so that greater percentage of
the citizens can cope with the AI specifics.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Evangelistic Education in the 21st Century

Olukunle Enoch OLUWARINDE, PhD

Life Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos
[email protected], +2348075152510

Segun Ayotunde OLULOWO, PhD

Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos
[email protected], +2348035267441, https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5703-5243

Aramide Arinola KUFORIJI, PhD

Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
[email protected], +2348033314390

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming evangelistic education by creating personalized, interactive,
and observational learning opportunities that extend the principles of Social Learning Theory into
digital faith-sharing. Grounded in Social Learning Theory which emphasizes learning through
observation, imitation, and interaction AI tools such as chatbots enable real-time, faith-based
interactions, allowing users to observe spiritual guidance and receive tailored responses that can be
easily imitated and applied. Bible study applications like You Version enhance this framework by
adapting reading plans to individual needs, significantly increasing user engagement and participation.
Additionally, AI-driven translation tools, such as Google Translate, facilitate communication across
language barriers, thereby improving interaction during mission work and enabling broader
participation in evangelistic efforts. The unique contribution of AI lies in its ability to extend the reach
of evangelistic education beyond traditional boundaries, fostering connections among diverse faith
communities across cultural and geographic divides. However, ethical challenges, such as privacy
concerns surrounding data-driven chatbots and the risk of depersonalizing spiritual mentorship
through digital platforms, require careful consideration. Accessibility issues in regions with limited
internet connectivity and language support further underscore the need for inclusive solutions to
maximize AI's benefits. Ultimately, while AI holds tremendous potential to make evangelistic education
more adaptable, engaging, and accessible, its deployment necessitates a thoughtful approach to ensure
ethical integrity and meaningful human connection. By harnessing AI's transformative capabilities, faith
communities can navigate the evolving landscape of evangelism and significantly enhance their
outreach efforts in the 21st century.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelist, Evangelistic Education, Teaching, Evangelism

Introduction
This study explores the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary evangelism and its
potential contribution to fulfilling the Great Commission. The study emphasizes the importance of equipping
evangelists with the necessary skills to effectively utilize AI tools in enhancing their outreach efforts. This
research is grounded in Social Learning Theory, as proposed by Bandura (1977) which highlights the
influence of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the process of evangelistic training and
practice. The study highlights how AI can create personalized learning environments that encourage
interaction and feedback, aiding evangelistic activities.
Kenechi and Geoffrey (2023) discuss AI in relation to historical machine learning concepts, defining it as the
capability of machines to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence. Oluwarinde (2020) further
elaborates on AI's efficiency in analyzing data and solving complex problems, making it a powerful tool for
engaging with larger audiences in evangelistic education. Davenport (2018) describes AI as cognitive

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technology that can analyze sermons and tailor messages but cautions that it cannot replace human relational
aspects in evangelism.
The core message of evangelism remains the salvation offered through Jesus, as articulated in the Great
Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism, as explained by Winter and Hawthorne (1999), aims to spread
this good news while addressing societal needs through modern technology. Bonnke (2000) emphasizes that
AI can enhance the role of evangelists without replacing them, allowing for more effective digital outreach.
However, caution is necessary when integrating AI. Lynch in Kenechi Geoffrey (2023) warns against losing
human contact in ministry, stressing the importance of personal interactions seen in Jesus' ministry.
Hendricks et al (2021) acknowledge the role of digital technology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,
while advocating for a balance between technology and personal contact.
Education plays a vital role in equipping evangelists to utilize AI effectively. Adetokunbo (2021), highlights
that education fosters growth and problem-solving skills. This is essential for evangelists to adapt to
technological advancements while preserving the relational aspect of their work. The study addresses the
challenge of evangelists' limited understanding of AI, which leads to missed opportunities in spreading the
gospel efficiently.
The objectives of the study are to explore how AI can enhance evangelism by providing dynamic teaching
tools and to educate evangelists on effectively using AI to reach broader audiences. It seeks to balance
technology with traditional methods, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces personal
evangelistic efforts while emphasizing structured education to equip evangelists with these necessary tools.
In the context of AI and evangelism, education helps evangelists understand how to use AI tools to spread
the gospel effectively. It also ensures that they can adapt to modern technological advancements while
preserving the relational aspect of their work. Thus, the combination of AI and evangelistic education
promises to equip evangelists for greater impact in the digital age, ensuring that the message of the Great
Commission continues to reach all nations efficiently.
The main problem addressed in this study is the lack of understanding and effective use of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in evangelistic education. While AI has the potential to enhance the reach and impact of
evangelism in the 21st century, many evangelists and church leaders are not adequately equipped to
integrate AI into their evangelistic strategies. This gap results in missed opportunities to spread the gospel
more efficiently. Additionally, there is concern about balancing AI with traditional, personal methods of
evangelism, which emphasizes the need for proper education and guidance in using AI without losing
human connection.
The objectives of the study AI in Evangelistic Education in the 21st Century are to explore how Artificial
Intelligence (AI) can enhance the process of evangelism by providing dynamic tools for teaching and
spreading the gospel. It seeks to educate evangelists on the effective use of AI to reach broader audiences,
personalize evangelistic messages, and improve engagement with learners. The study also aims to balance
the use of technology with traditional human interactions in ministry, ensuring that AI complements rather
than replaces personal evangelistic efforts. Additionally, it highlights the need for structured education to
equip evangelists with these tools.
The aim of this study is to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance evangelistic education in the
21st century. The research questions guiding this investigation include:
1. How can AI be used effectively to teach evangelism while preserving the core message of the Great
Commission?
2. In what ways can AI assist evangelists in expanding their reach and impact in a digital world?
3. What are the potential challenges of integrating AI in evangelism, and how can these be addressed?
4. How can evangelists be educated to use AI tools effectively while maintaining essential human
connections in their ministry?

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The study on AI in Evangelistic Education is significant because it explores how AI can revolutionize
evangelism in the 21st century, making it more effective and far-reaching. By integrating AI with evangelistic
efforts, churches and evangelists can personalize messages, analyze data to improve outreach, and engage
more people across diverse platforms. It also highlights the importance of educating evangelists on AI's
potential, ensuring they adapt to modern technological advancements. Furthermore, the study balances the
use of AI with the irreplaceable value of human interaction in evangelism, maintaining the core of personal,
relational ministry.
The scope of the study AI in Evangelistic Education in the 21st Century focuses on how Artificial Intelligence
(AI) can be integrated into evangelistic education to enhance the spread of the gospel. It examines AI's role
in teaching evangelism, improving outreach, and engaging with a diverse audience through modern
technology. The study is grounded in Social Learning Theory and includes a historical review of AI, its
relevance to evangelism, and its practical applications for 21st-century evangelists.
The limitations of the study include its reliance on secondary data sources, as it primarily draws from
literature rather than conducting fieldwork or interviews. Additionally, the study emphasizes AI's benefits
but does not fully explore potential risks, such as over-reliance on technology and the reduction of personal,
relational aspects of evangelism. The study also focuses on AI within Christian evangelism, which may limit
its applicability to other religious or cultural contexts.
The above studies generally explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and evangelism, along with
Christian missions and digital outreach, particularly highlighting existing strategies and tools in faith
communities. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the specific ways churches and ministries
can apply AI practically in real-world evangelistic efforts and daily ministry work.
While these studies discuss AI's potential, they often lack detailed guidance on how faith leaders can
integrate AI into church programs, outreach events, or community services. This study aims to address this
by offering practical, step-by-step applications of AI in evangelism, showing how AI tools can enhance
connection, learning, and support within congregations and beyond. By providing actionable insights, this
study seeks to help faith-based organizations better harness AI's benefits for modern ministry, ensuring these
tools align with their spiritual and community goals.

Theoretical Framework
Technological Determinism Theory: Originating in the mid-20th century, this theory was primarily
developed by Marshall McLuhan and Thorstein Veblen. The theory suggests that technological
advancements are the driving force behind social, cultural, and educational transformations. McLuhan
famously coined the phrase “the medium is the message,” underscoring the profound influence that
technology has on human communication and societal development. Technological Determinism is fitting
for this study because it emphasizes the way AI, as a groundbreaking technology, is reshaping not only
general education but also theological education. As AI rapidly transforms the acquisition of knowledge,
theological students and the church are faced with unique challenges in integrating technology while
maintaining core spiritual principles. The theory helps frame the debate on whether technology, in this case,
AI, shapes human behavior, religious practices, and ministry education or merely serves as a tool for pre-
existing purposes. The choice of this theory is justified because it enables a deeper exploration of how AI
might influence the formation of theological students, affect ministry practices, and potentially transform the
church’s role in a tech-driven society

The Concept and the Development of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI), a term first coined in the mid-1950s, refers to technology that simulates human
intelligence to perform tasks such as learning, planning, knowledge representation, perception, and problem-

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solving (National Institute of Standards and Encyclopedia online). AI is designed to enable machines to
mimic human behaviors, with data-driven systems that enhance their capabilities over time.
Britannica defines AI as the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks
commonly associated with intelligent beings (English version of Britannica Encyclopedia online). The idea
of creating intelligent machines can be traced back to Alan Turing’s 1950 paper Computing Machinery and
Intelligence, where he posed the famous question, can machines think? Turing proposed the Turing Test,
suggesting that if a machines responses were indistinguishable from a human in a controlled conversation,
it could be considered intelligent (Lee, 1994).
AI development has evolved through three distinct stages, each marking advancements in the field’s goals
and capabilities (Heo et al., 2017). The first stage began with the Dartmouth Conference in 1956, where
researchers set the groundwork for AI by enabling computers to solve structured problems through complex
calculations. The era focused on using computers to tackle logical problems, exemplified by the early Turing
machines and chess-playing programs. However, the limited computational power of these machines soon
led to a decline in progress as they failed to solve more complex, real-world problems.
The second stage of AI development, during the 1980s and early 1990s, introduced expert systems designed
to manage complex information within specialized fields. These systems, such as Stanford University’s
MYCIN, a medical AI, were built with vast amounts of knowledge in specific domains. MYCIN, for instance,
helped diagnose and recommend treatments for medical cases by processing extensive medical knowledge.
While successful in these specialized applications, expert systems struggled to handle everyday human
complexities outside their domains.
The current, third stage of AI development started in the mid-2000s and continues today, marking a
transformative shift driven by big data and deep learning. Unlike earlier AI systems, which relied heavily on
pre-programmed rules, modern AI can independently learn and adapt through vast data processing and
self-improvement algorithms. This capability enables AI to perform tasks more akin to human cognition,
such as perception, identification, judgment, and prediction. Technological advancements in neural network
simulations have brought AI closer to mimicking human thought processes, as demonstrated by systems like
Googles AlphaGo and IBM’s Watson. These AI systems use machine learning and neural networks to analyze
large datasets and adapt their behavior accordingly, making them valuable in various fields, from healthcare
to finance.
Today’s AI reflects the ongoing convergence of computer science with fields like cognitive psychology,
neurophysiology, and mechanical engineering. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed AI not only to
handle complex data but also to begin exploring non-material aspects, such as understanding and mimicking
human emotions. In this sense, modern AI has become a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
transforming industries through its ability to learn, adapt, and make decisions in real-time (Heo et al., 2017).

Artificial Intelligence and Theological Education

The historical connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and education can be traced back to Alan
Turing’s concept of a "learning machine" in 1950, envisioning machines capable of learning from
programming. This idea brought hope for AI's potential in enhancing education (Heo et al., 2017, p.126).
However, early AI research struggled to meet high expectations due to the complexities of human cognition
and life problems.
It was not until the 1980s, during AI's second boom, that substantial investments rekindled AI development,
especially in educational applications. This period saw the introduction of "intelligent tutoring systems,"
which included programs like BUGGY & DEBUGGY and PROUST innovative tools for diagnosing student
knowledge and improving problem-solving skills (Heo et al., 2017, p.126). Yet, limitations persisted,
primarily the need to input vast amounts of data to handle complex tasks.

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Recognizing these constraints, researchers refocused on Turing's initial concept of a learning machine,
developing AI based on artificial neural networks that could self-learn by mimicking human brain function.
This breakthrough led to the emergence of "deep learning," or the third generation of AI, which goes beyond
mechanical responses to engage in "representational learning." Through this, AI systems could not only learn
patterns but also identify, analyze, and predict phenomena (Heo et al., 2017, p.128).
Deep learning is achieved through three types of machine learning: supervised learning, where information
is fed to the machine; unsupervised learning, where the AI self-learns; and reinforcement learning, which
rewards the AI for achieving correct outcomes. These learning models enable AI to process physical
information in ways that are meaningful to humans and even predict specific actions (Heo et al., 2017, p.130).
Heo and colleagues argue that AI development is deeply rooted in the attempt to replicate human
intelligence in machines, making the role of human educational traits vital in shaping AI's evolution.
In the realm of AI and general education, extensive research focuses on teaching methods, positioning
education as a key driver in AI’s advancement (Heo et al., 2017, p.131). A current debate revolves around the
concept of strong AI that could potentially replace traditional teachers, shifting from an instructor-learner
model to one where AI could autonomously fulfill educational roles.
While general educational research on AI is growing, the field of Christian education lags behind, with
limited domestic studies on AI’s role. In pastoral work, particularly in youth ministry, education plays a
critical role, and a comprehensive understanding of AI is vital for future pastors. Given the spiritual and
material domains pastors work in, AI’s implications for ministry are nuanced and spiritually significant.
Pastoral leaders need to enhance their awareness of AI’s impact, especially as technology increasingly affects
spiritual education (Kim, 2017, pp.75-100).
Little research exists on how pastoral students in Nigeria perceive AI’s potential in educational and pastoral
contexts, indicating a significant gap. There is an urgent need for studies examining theological education
and pastoral candidates' views on AI. Given AI's growing influence across education and the church, it’s
essential that pastoral candidates develop sensitivity toward AI and its implications for future ministry and
education. Research in both general and Christian education regarding AI's role is needed to support a well-
informed integration of technology in ministry and education.

The Place of Artificial Intelligence in Theological Education

Engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a theological perspective raises the question of the most
suitable approach to foster meaningful interaction. A logical starting point is the ethical dimension, as
theologians often express concern about the risks and moral implications tied to AI advancements. However,
a review of literature on "theology and AI" reveals additional avenues for exploration.
By organizing these discussions, we can better understand current engagement and areas of future focus.
This summary draws on two key sources for AI and theology: the Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science,
which yielded 280 entries on "Artificial Intelligence," and Google Scholar, where "Artificial Intelligence,
religion, and theology" were the search terms. Only a portion of the search results is relevant, as initial pages
help highlight the primary themes in this interdisciplinary field.
Four main areas of focus emerge in the theological discourse around AI: ethics, apocalypticism,
anthropological questions, and AI’s relationship to religion and magic.
4. Ethical Concerns: The ethical implications of AI are a prominent area of theological inquiry but are
also of interest across many academic disciplines (Frischmann & Selinger, 2018; Coeckelbergh, 2020;
Cormie, 2020; Liao, 2020; Floridi, 2021; Green, Singh, & Chia, 2022). In this context, theology gains
relevance by contributing to ethical discussions, providing a framework that highlights moral
responsibilities in public discourse. The introduction of AI challenges us to consider consequences
that could affect humanity deeply, prompting a need for vigilant discernment. Concerns include the

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potential of AI to replace human activities and the ethical ambiguity it introduces. Theologians have
voiced concerns about various threats, using their religious perspective to address abuses tied to AI
(Brittain et al., 2020).
5. Apocalyptic Fears and AI: The association between AI and apocalyptic fears is another area of
interest. A notable symposium on AI and apocalypticism was hosted in the Zygon journal (Geraci &
Robinson, 2019), reflecting the compatibility of theology with apocalyptic thought. Christianity has a
long tradition of interpreting signs of the end times, which positions theologians to contribute
critically to discussions on technology-induced fears. Theological perspectives provide a balanced
understanding of genuine threats versus imaginative fears portrayed in media. Some authors even
suggest that a "religious AI" (Song, 2021) could serve as a counterbalance to the dark narratives
surrounding AI, offering a hopeful approach that aligns with positive theological anthropology.
6. Anthropological Questions: Imago Dei and AI: Anthropological issues, such as human identity and
Imago Dei (the image of God), are critical in theological discussions on AI. Scholars question how AI
challenges our understanding of human distinctiveness and whether personhood attributes can be
extended to machines (Barbour, 1999; Herzfeld, 2007; Brittain, 2020). These debates lead to calls for
revisiting theological categories to address how AI affects our perception of human dignity and
identity (Chaudhary, 2020). While AI may blur the lines between humans and intelligent systems,
some voices are optimistic, suggesting that AI might highlight unique human qualities (Dorobantu,
2021). AI also intersects with transhumanism, which envisions merging human abilities with
technology, an area theology cautiously observes due to its potential implications on human value
(Dorobantu, 2022).
7. AI and the Magical-Religious Dimension: The fourth theological area involves AI’s impact on
religious beliefs, with views divided between seeing AI as a disruptive force and a new form of magic.
Some scholars argue that AI’s transformative capabilities could diminish traditional religious beliefs
(Helmreich, 2000). Conversely, others view AI as embodying a new type of magic or religious
experience (Foerst, 1998), suggesting that AI may provide a fresh expression of transcendence. Here,
theology can help discern the boundary between authentic spirituality and the potentially misleading
allure of technology-driven transcendence. This discernment is essential as AI-driven augmented
reality and virtual worlds begin to influence the way individuals understand self-transcendence and
supernatural experience.

Theology’s Role in Addressing AI’s Challenges and Opportunities

Through a review of literature, theology stands out as a vital discipline capable of addressing ethical issues,
offering an alternative approach among other academic fields. Theology provides insights into societal hopes
and fears, as well as a deep understanding of anthropological questions that help maintain models of human
flourishing amid technological advances.
Furthermore, theology offers expertise in matters of transcendence, fostering a critical analysis of religious
or pseudo-religious qualities that AI might acquire. Engaging with technological and scientific advances
enables theology to maintain its relevance and mission beyond merely interpreting ancient texts. Theology,
by critically engaging with AI, enriches its analytical toolkit, which is invaluable in uncertain times when
technological advances could be misused.

Potential Areas for Future Exploration

Additional areas for theological exploration include AI’s impact on the relationship between society and
religion, particularly regarding how social systems adapt to balance technological and theological needs.
Theology can contribute to understanding how belief processes may evolve in an AI-influenced society,

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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promoting a balanced and meaningful approach to faith and well-being. Theologians could also investigate
how AI affects social and personal welfare, shaping future discussions on human dignity, ethical living, and
community resilience.
In summary, theology’s engagement with AI covers ethical concerns, anthropological questions,
apocalypticism, and AI's relationship to magic and religion. By participating in these areas, theology brings
a valuable perspective that helps society navigate AI's potential for both good and harm, advocating for an
ethical and reflective approach to integrating AI into human life. Theological discourse ensures that AI’s
development aligns with human values and societal well-being, fostering a future that respects both
technological potential and spiritual integrity.

Theology and New Technologies: Some Possible Displacements

The research question for this sub-topic, "Theology and New Technologies: Some Possible Displacements,"
is: How do new technologies, particularly AI, challenge traditional theological perspectives and practices?
In what ways can theology adapt to the rapid advancement of new technologies without compromising core
religious values? How can the Church maintain theological integrity while integrating new technological
tools into ministry?
What are the potential risks or displacements caused by the introduction of new technologies in theological
education and practice? How can theological frameworks guide the ethical use of new technologies in
ministry and evangelism?
The findings of the study will address how new technologies, particularly AI, interact with and sometimes
challenge established theological traditions. It will explore how theology can adapt to technological
innovations while ensuring that fundamental religious values are preserved. Ethical concerns regarding the
use of technology in ministry will also be highlighted, along with recommendations for how churches can
responsibly integrate new tools into their practices.
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society reflects a complex relationship between religion,
particularly Christianity, and technology. As technology has advanced and integrated into daily life, it has
frequently disrupted traditional lifestyles (Georges, 2004, p. 97). The Church, deeply rooted in tradition, often
faces challenges adapting to these changes. Yet, technology also provides valuable tools for religious
missions, enhancing health and offering more time for spiritual growth.
One of the biggest challenges AI and similar technologies present to religious faith is the competition they
create. Since technology can solve practical problems efficiently, it highlights the perceived inefficacy of
religious promises of salvation, which may seem vague by comparison. With technology capable of
addressing issues like health, productivity, and transportation, some argue that traditional religion is
rendered redundant. These advancements, promising improved quality of life, have led to a secularization
trend where religion’s role appears increasingly superfluous.
However, AI offers more than just competition it presents an opportunity for collaboration. Instead of seeing
AI as a threat, religious institutions could view it as a partner, distributing tasks between religion and
technology to meet distinct needs. This cooperative approach, rooted in charity interpretation, as proposed
by philosopher Donald Davidson, emphasizes fostering agreement and mutual benefit rather than conflict.
Despite this potential for collaboration, challenges remain. Theology and philosophy must discern AI's role,
resolving conflicts where science and religion intersect. Jürgen Habermas’s idea of philosophy as an
"organizer" in "post-metaphysical times" (Habermas, 1971; 1983, p. 142) suggests theology could similarly
guide society in integrating technology without overstepping or causing unnecessary disputes. Theology’s
role is to help define expectations of science and technology, separating their functions from those of religious
and ethical thought. This approach can facilitate an informed, balanced reception of new technologies,
avoiding anti-technology biases, as seen in recent anti-vaccine movements.

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In essence, while religion no longer dominates societal values as it once did, it can still play a unique role. By
examining AI’s social functions and boundaries, theology can guide how society integrates technology for
the common good. This collaborative approach promotes using technology in ways that support human
dignity and align with shared goals for societal betterment.

Applications of AI to Specific Theological Issues

In the section "Applications of AI to Specific Theological Issues," the research questions and findings can be
presented as follows: How can AI be applied to address specific theological issues in modern Christian
ministry? What role does AI play in enhancing biblical interpretation and theological education? In what
ways can AI tools assist in resolving theological debates or offer new perspectives on traditional doctrines?
How does AI contribute to the development of personalized theological resources or education for
individuals? What ethical concerns arise when integrating AI into the exploration and communication of
theological concepts?
The study reveals several applications of AI in addressing theological issues. AI can enhance biblical
interpretation by providing tools for textual analysis, such as machine learning algorithms that assist in
identifying patterns and trends in scripture. Theological education is also benefitted through AI-driven
platforms that offer personalized learning experiences, enabling students to engage with theological concepts
more effectively.
AI plays a role in resolving theological debates by offering diverse perspectives derived from vast amounts
of religious texts, which can help bridge gaps in traditional interpretations. Additionally, AI tools are found
to support the creation of tailored theological resources, ensuring that individuals from different
backgrounds and needs can access relevant content. However, the integration of AI into theology also raises
ethical concerns related to the potential for bias in algorithmic interpretations and the need for responsible
use of AI to maintain doctrinal integrity.
By addressing these questions and findings, this study emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in
theological contexts while highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in its application.
AI could soon function as "assistants in the process of believing," enhancing understanding and engagement
with Christian faith. This idea is not far-fetched; we already have countless faith enhancers, such as grand
religious buildings, rituals, music, and visual art, all designed to inspire belief. Now, with AI's pattern
recognition and machine learning capabilities, it might help assess which beliefs are more reliable.
Researchers have noted that belief formation often mirrors probability calculations, akin to Bayesian
reasoning, where information inputs guide us toward more trustworthy conclusions (Smith, 2016, p. 213).
Philosopher Richard Swinburne, for instance, supports a probabilistic approach to Christian beliefs
(Swinburne, 1993, p. 63). Building on this, AI could formalize and analyze arguments to evaluate belief
probabilities more precisely. This aligns with AI’s broader role in aiding philosophical and theological
exploration. Biblical scholars, for example, use computer-assisted techniques for text analysis, pattern
detection, and authorship verification, which significantly streamlines research compared to traditional
methods. AI’s application in humanities is expanding, especially for studying classical Christian texts.
Theology, to achieve scholarly recognition, should embrace AI’s capabilities. Rather than competing with
theology, AI offers tools that enhance theological work, making it less a challenge and more a valuable
partner. AI is already benefiting theology by providing new avenues for research and deeper analysis,
positioning it as a constructive asset rather than a threat.

Theology, Artificial Intelligence, and Models of Sustainable Well-Being

This section aims to explore the intersection of theology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and models of sustainable
well-being. The key research questions are as follows: How can theological perspectives inform the

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development and use of AI models for sustainable well-being? What role does AI play in promoting
sustainable well-being in communities while aligning with theological values? How can AI technologies be
ethically integrated into theological frameworks that prioritize human dignity and holistic well-being? In
what ways can AI contribute to the church's role in fostering sustainable well-being within its ministries?
How can theological models of well-being be adapted to incorporate AI advancements in a way that respects
ethical principles?
The findings of the section suggest that theology offers essential ethical guidelines for the responsible
application of AI in promoting sustainable well-being. The study identifies that AI technologies can enhance
social good by improving access to resources, facilitating community engagement, and supporting mental
and physical health initiatives. However, ethical concerns surrounding privacy, fairness, and human dignity
must be addressed to ensure AI is applied in ways that align with Christian values. The study also
emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with theological principles, ensuring AI is used to uplift
human flourishing without undermining moral integrity or social justice.
Theology is exploring a promising yet complex area, where recent research is uncovering ways, religion can
enhance human experience. Studies in "religious coping," which focus on how faith supports individuals
through challenges, have flourished, with over 4,000 articles published in the last three decades (Hicks, 2013).
Research connecting religion to well-being, human flourishing, and the pursuit of meaning has gained
popularity, making it a significant area in religious studies rather than a niche interest. These studies explore
how faith provides purpose, values, and hope elements that are now subjects of scientific investigation
(Hicks, 2013).
Such findings highlight the broader, positive role religion can play in societies that once considered it
outdated due to secularization. Rather than being unnecessary in rationally organized societies, religion is
recognized for its potential to offer coping mechanisms and meaning, contributing to individual resilience
and overall well-being (Briggs & Reiss, 2021). As we reconsider the role of religion, questions arise about
artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to complement this role by aiding human needs. For example, AI
technologies have proven helpful for people with disabilities, promoting resilience and improving life
quality through devices that assist with physical and mental challenges.
However, concerns exist over AI’s misuse, were applications risk manipulation or exploitation, particularly
through consumerism or biased information. Theology could guide AI’s development, ensuring it promotes
human flourishing rather than risks of self-deception. This approach suggests synergy between theology and
AI, forming an ethical framework to discern beneficial applications from harmful ones. Ultimately, the
intersection of theology and AI raises ethical questions about meaning, purpose, and life’s deeper values,
aiming to enrich human and social conditions while aligning with ethical ideals (Hicks, 2013; Briggs & Reiss,
2021).

Theological Educational Implications on Students

How does theological education influence students understand and application of faith in real-world
contexts? The study reveals that theological education significantly shapes students' ability to engage with
and apply biblical principles in diverse settings. Students gain deeper insights into theological concepts,
enabling them to integrate faith into personal, professional, and societal challenges. Furthermore, the
curriculum fosters critical thinking, encouraging students to question, analyze, and contextualize theological
teachings in light of contemporary issues. This impact is seen in students' enhanced ability to engage in social
justice, community service, and church leadership roles, reflecting the broader implications of theological
education in shaping future religious leaders and active participants in society. Theological education also
promotes the development of ethical decision-making frameworks that align with Christian values, fostering
a holistic approach to ministry and personal growth.

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This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on theological education and church practices,
revealing a significant gap between prospective pastors’ perceptions and the actual societal influence of AI.
The study shows that theological students generally underestimate AI’s potential influence on the church
and pastoral work (score of 3.04), even though they acknowledge a broader societal impact (score of 3.68).
Since church ministry is deeply interconnected with societal trends, this low awareness among theological
students could hinder their preparedness for the technological shifts affecting the lives of congregants (Oh,
2018).
Oh (2018) argues that the 4th Industrial Revolution, encompassing AI and other advanced technologies, will
drastically change pastoral work. He emphasizes the need for pastors to respond to the philosophical and
psychological shifts AI brings, such as reduced empathy and the alienation of "digital minorities" who lack
access to or proficiency with new technologies. Oh suggests that churches should focus on digital literacy
education, especially for these groups, to prevent social isolation and ensure that everyone can benefit from
technological advances.
The correlation observed between AI's societal influence and its potential impact on church education
highlights a pressing need for church leaders to integrate technology-related teachings into their educational
frameworks. Yet, theological students, who are future pastors, often fail to take AI’s influence seriously. To
address this, a more robust educational response is essential. Seminary programs, in particular, need to
enhance awareness and equip students with critical thinking skills rooted in theology. This would help them
navigate and understand AI's role within a theological context, especially in seminaries that emphasize
reformed theology, where engagement with science and general revelation can be grounded in theological
principles (Kim, 2014; Ham, 2015).
The study also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for current pastors. Lifelong learning
programs should be developed, allowing pastors to adapt to the rapid technological changes and reinforce
Christian values in ministry. This involves reestablishing Christian education programs that emphasize
theological foundations while integrating modern technological insights. A consistent, lifelong Christian
education structure, spanning from elementary to adult education, would ensure that Christian values are
continually reinforced in response to emerging societal trends.
In addressing the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI in Christian education is crucial. While the negative
impacts of AI, such as ethical concerns and over-reliance on technology, cannot be ignored, its positive
potential for enhancing church education should also be acknowledged. The World Economic Forum (2016)
noted that convergence technologies, including AI, are powerful drivers of social and economic change. This
view is echoed by Kim (2014) and Ham (2015), who advocate for AI-enhanced education systems that
complement traditional Christian education, such as introducing e-learning and smart learning in church
settings.
In this light, media literacy becomes a vital component of theological education, enabling both pastors and
congregants to navigate AI responsibly and discern its positive applications for ministry. Although
uncertainties remain regarding AI's exact influence on future church education, embracing its potential could
benefit the church in unprecedented ways. By preparing theological students and pastors for these changes,
the church can better serve a hyper-connected society, expanding its outreach and relevance in an age
dominated by digital technology.

Data Analysis and Discussion

Since this study is based on a library research methodology and case studies, the data collected were
secondary sources, including books, journal articles, theological texts, and case studies. The analysis involved
a comprehensive review and synthesis of existing literature on theological education and its impact on
students. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring themes and patterns across the materials,

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focusing on how theological education influences students' understanding of faith, their ability to apply
biblical principles, and their readiness for real-world challenges. The data were grouped into categories that
addressed the research questions and objectives, allowing for a deeper exploration of the theological, ethical,
and practical implications for students in theological education.
This study aimed to answer the question: How does theological education influence students' understanding and
application of faith in real-world contexts? The analysis of the literature and case studies led to several key
insights aligned with the study’s objectives:
Existing case studies and literature consistently highlighted the significant role of theological education in
shaping students’ ability to apply biblical principles in daily life. Theoretical frameworks presented in the
reviewed texts emphasized the importance of critical thinking, contextual theology, and personal
application. These aspects of theological training allow students to bridge the gap between academic
knowledge and practical faith application, demonstrating the impact of education on their ability to live out
their faith in various contexts. This addresses the study’s objective to understand how theological education
prepares students to engage with real-world faith challenges.
A recurring theme across multiple sources was the emphasis theological education places on social justice
and community service. Case studies documented instances where theological programs included a focus
on advocacy, justice, and community outreach, encouraging students to participate in social action. This
finding supports the objective of exploring how theological education shapes students’ understanding of
their role in promoting justice and engaging with societal issues through their faith. The study affirms that
education in theology often compels students to connect biblical teachings with real-world social challenges.
The literature examined indicates that theological education plays a key role in helping students develop
ethical decision-making frameworks grounded in Christian values. Many case studies noted how theological
curricula emphasized ethical dilemmas, guiding students to make informed decisions based on their faith.
These insights are consistent with the study’s objective to assess how theological education helps students
approach complex ethical situations with clarity and biblical perspective, ensuring their decisions align with
Christian teachings in personal and professional spheres.
Literature and case studies also revealed that theological education significantly shapes students’ readiness
for leadership roles in the church. The reviewed materials often discussed how theological programs provide
not only theological knowledge but also practical skills for ministry leadership. From pastoral care to
counseling, students felt better equipped to lead and serve within their churches. This supports the study’s
aim to assess the broader implications of theological education in preparing students for leadership and
ministry roles.
The findings from the reviewed literature and case studies underscore the transformative power of
theological education in shaping students’ faith, ethical understanding, and readiness for church leadership.
Through the synthesis of existing scholarly work, it is evident that theological education plays a central role
in molding students into individuals who are both spiritually grounded and socially responsible. This study
contributes to the growing body of literature on theological education, offering valuable insights into how
such training equips students for ministry, leadership, and social engagement, and encouraging further
exploration into the practical implications of theological studies in today’s world.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The future of the Nigerian church faces significant challenges, necessitating a deeper commitment to
Christian education. The integration of Christian spirituality within a technology-driven society, especially
one influenced by artificial intelligence (AI), has raised critical questions about faith and education (Kim,
2014:72).

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Although AI represents a revolutionary tool in modern science, its limitations reflect humanity’s own flawed
nature, suggesting inherent conflicts in fully aligning AI with pastoral needs. However, the anticipated
impact of AI on the practical aspects of pastoral work may be limited. This underscores the need for future
pastors, particularly theological students, to develop an informed understanding of contemporary issues and
the evolving role of the church in society.
This study highlights the need to increase awareness of AI's potential influence within Christian education.
Currently, there is limited perception of AI’s impact in this field, despite the significant discussions
surrounding it. An educational response is therefore essential to raise awareness among theological students
about AI's implications for church practice and society.
In response to these challenges, the curriculum at seminaries should incorporate courses on Christian
worldview and lifelong education, ensuring both undergraduate and graduate programs address AI-related
topics. Expanding interdisciplinary research on AI, especially in practical terms, is crucial for preparing
future church leaders to address societal shifts.
A critical approach to AI’s role in Christian education is necessary to harness its benefits and address
potential negative impacts. Such an approach includes theological and philosophical studies that provide a
robust foundation for navigating AI’s challenges. A strong philosophical and theological grounding will
allow students and educators to balance AI’s benefits with a Christian perspective on technology’s
limitations.
At a broader level, coordinated responses from denominations rather than individual seminaries or churches
are essential to address the ideological influences underpinning modern technology like AI. Engaging with
these challenges at the denomination level ensures a unified and strategic approach to integrating AI within
a Christian framework.
The paper also emphasizes the importance of a Christian worldview in understanding AI, specifically
through the lens of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A foundation in reformed theology and ontological
anthropology provides a basis for critically assessing AI’s scientific premises.
Furthermore, while general education increasingly incorporates AI, theological education must adopt AI
with discernment, ensuring that these technologies align with Christian educational philosophies. Relevant
organizations should work towards implementing AI-related technologies, guided by thoughtful theological
and philosophical considerations, to support their effective and responsible use in Christian education.
This study contributes to knowledge by exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Christian
education, emphasizing its implications for future pastors. It advocates for seminaries to include courses on
AI from a Christian perspective, equipping students to critically evaluate technology in their ministry. The
study highlights the need for churches to lead in addressing the ethical challenges of AI and encourages
further interdisciplinary research to align AI with Christian teachings. By providing a practical framework
for incorporating AI thoughtfully, the study ensures that Christian education remains relevant and prepares
future leaders to engage responsibly with emerging technologies.

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Impact of AI-Driven Social Media Strategies on Christian Evangelism and Digital
Congregation Engagement in Ikeja Lagos State

Richard Popoola ABIOLA

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348035327857, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8727-9078

Abiodun Adeyemi IDOWU

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348023584902, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0030-0293

Stephen Oluwasegun OYENIYI

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348063031409, http://orcid.org/0009-0007-7162-0978

Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348055159591, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8057-137X

Abstract
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has changed communication strategies, offering new
opportunities for Christian evangelism in the digital age. This study investigates the impact of AI-driven
social media strategies on evangelism and digital congregation engagement, focusing on Christian
organisations in Ikeja, Lagos State. The research examines how chatbots, content personalisation,
sentiment analysis, and engagement analytics enhance engagement metrics on platforms like Facebook,
YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of
social media metrics with qualitative insights from surveys through likes, shares, comments, and
follower growth metrics. The findings reveal that AI significantly improves engagement by enabling
targeted outreach and fostering personalised interactions that deepen connections within digital
congregations. Organisations using AI tools report substantial improvements in follower acquisition
and content resonance, demonstrating the potential of these technologies to expand evangelistic reach.
Despite these advantages, the study identifies ethical concerns, such as data privacy and
depersonalisation, which require careful consideration. It highlights AI's potential to personalise
engagement, enhance communication, and reach diverse populations, ultimately improving ministry
effectiveness. To address these concerns, the study recommends adopting AI ethically to maximise
engagement while preserving theological authenticity.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Social Media Evangelism, Digital Congregations,

Engagement Analytics, Christian Evangelism

Introduction
The speedy developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed communication standards across
many sectors, and these developments in machine learning and natural language processing are changing
organisation communication strategies, enhancing customer engagement, and facilitating unprecedented
levels of data analysis (Dwivedi & Dwivedi, 2022). In recent years, Christian organisations, primarily those
engaged in evangelism, have adapted to these technological shifts, making societies more digitally connected
and increasingly transitioning from traditional means to digital platforms (Campbell, 2017). Social media
platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram now serve as indispensable tools for reaching
broader audiences, offering unique opportunities for spreading the gospel (Nainggolan & Pabisa, 2024). The

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digital transformation presents opportunities and challenges for Christian organisations to maintain their
core message of faith while leveraging new communication tools, mainly through social media and AI
technologies.
The integration of AI in digital evangelism brings tremendous potential and essential ethical considerations.
While AI can bring significant engagement and personalisation of spiritual experiences, there is also the
looming danger of algorithmic bias, data privacy issues, and depersonalisation threatening the relational
essence of Christian ministry (Falletti, 2023). Moreover, considering the potential that algorithmic tendencies
may distort the central message of faith, great care must be taken (Tandana, 2023). Bocala-Wiedemann (2022)
points out how AI-driven tools like chatbots and sentiment analysis can enormously increase engagement in
digital congregations; they must be aligned with theological authenticity and spiritual goals.
This study investigates the impact of AI-driven social media strategies on Christian evangelism and digital
congregation engagement in Ikeja, Lagos State. The research evaluates how these technologies enhance
audience connection, foster targeted outreach, and address ethical dilemmas by examining tools such as
chatbots, content personalisation, sentiment analysis, and engagement analytics.
Research Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess how AI-driven tools influence engagement
metrics in social media evangelism while addressing the ethical challenges associated with their application
in faith-based congregations.

Literature Review
Recent studies highlight the transformative impact of AI on Christian evangelism, particularly in urban
environments like Lagos State, Nigeria. Innovations like personalised WhatsApp groups have improved
engagements while retaining the authenticity of faith messages (Afunugo & Molokwu, 2024). Across the
globe, TikTok has gained ground as an essential platform for reaching youths, which opens up insight into
how these strategies could be repurposed within the peculiar cultural context of Nigeria. With the AI
technologies of Content Personalization, Chatbots, Sentiment Analysis, and Engagement Analytics, Christian
groups can expand their reach, create interactivity, and build personalised online experiences (Piduru, 2023).
These tools ensure faith messages resonate more deeply by mirroring content to the preference of
individuals, enabling real-time engagement, and offering actionable insights through data analytics.

AI Tools in Communication Strategies for Christian Organisations

AI tools have been made available to personalise messages and to analyse data more effectively. Advanced
algorithms can target specific groups of users with increased relevance, increasing message engagement
(Wirtz et al., 2019). In this way, algorithms are created to guess user preferences based on the activity of those
users online and allow organisations to create content that best resonates with intended audiences. The key
innovation for Christian evangelism is the chatbot. AI-powered virtual assistants handle large-scale
interactions, from giving orientations on theological questions to providing spiritual support in real-time
(Ministry Brands, 2023). Some churches use chatbots that send daily devotionals and answer questions about
faith; this way, they can significantly extend their pastoral reach.
Moreover, with the help of sentiment analysis tools, organisations can find out the reactions of their audience
by analysing social media interactions. Such feedback will allow faith-based organisations to fine-tune their
messaging strategies to meet their congregation's spiritual and emotional needs (Afunugo & Molokwu,
2024). However, these should be weighed against the potential downsides, including algorithmic bias and
ethical risks associated with data collection.

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Christian Evangelism in the Digital Age
Christian evangelism has evolved from traditional methods such as preaching and printed materials to
embrace technology, mainly social media and AI. While traditional approaches remain relevant for building
deep interpersonal connections, they face challenges like declining attention spans and the competition of
digital platforms (Adeleye & Aluko, 2024; Coetzee et al., 2023). The relationship between the AI tool and
social media opens new dimensions for Christian organisations to engage in effective evangelism, targeting
the urban millennials and members of Generation Z far more powerfully than ever before. The AI algorithms
can ensure messages are optimised and distributed appropriately under such integration. Consumer
engagements are tracked to optimise these key metrics on likes and shares (Clarke & Preece, 2021).
AI-driven strategies enable the customisation of theological messages for distinct demographic segments.
Evangelists create content that resonates with their target audience by understanding the youth's
engagement patterns and cultural values, keeping the theological essence while increasing the accessibility
of the teachings. (Choi & Chung, 2023; Agnihotri et al., 2020). Therefore, effective evangelism lies in finding
the right balance between tradition and strategy innovation. Through the strategic integration of technology,
Christian organisations can improve their outreach while preserving authenticity and spiritual depth
(Thomas & Dunlap, 2021; Diaz, 2021). Kaplan and Haenlein (2019) emphasise the importance of evaluating
sentiment and tone in digital interactions to determine the true impact of faith-based content. Petty and
Cacioppo (2019) emphasise the importance of qualitative analysis in comprehending audience responses,
especially within Christian contexts.
Huang and Rust (2021) prove that comprehensive sentiment analysis of comments and the quality of
interactions reveal the effects of AI-targeted messaging, offering insights beyond mere visibility metrics.
Evaluations are essential for improving content strategies, ensuring digital evangelism creates authentic
audience connections and promoting meaningful discussions about faith.

Ethical Concerns in AI-Powered Evangelism

Artificial intelligence applied in evangelism opens immense opportunities for Christian evangelism. AI
enforces personal interaction and the speed at which faith messages are passed, besides bringing issues of
faith authenticity. Thus, Christian organisations may embrace ways of dealing with such challenges.
Innovation and authenticity go hand in glove in creating meaning.

Algorithmic Transparency
Transparency is one of the critical principles in using AI in evangelism. Organisations are supposed to
explain the processes involved in developing AI-generated content, such as what algorithms are used.
Kaplan and Haenlein (2019) argue that transparency enhances credibility in messaging within faith-based
environments. Leslie (2019) emphasises that periodically updating algorithms fosters accountability and
builds trust among creators and audiences. These findings highlight how transparent communication and
algorithm updates can alleviate fears of manipulation.

Bias Mitigation
The fact that AI may amplify biases from collected data is noteworthy. These biases concretise the stereotypes
or marginalisation of some faith community groups. Christian institutions must, therefore, work hand in
hand with developers to minimise algorithmic biases in AI systems. According to Campbell (2020), various
stakeholders must be involved throughout the system development process for any AI system to be inclusive.
According to Wirtz, Weyerer, and Geyer (2019), periodic audits and data refinement could help spot such
biases, especially those related to sensitive Christian communications, and subsequently correct these for
greater digital faith inclusivity.

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Personal Information Protection

Personal data protection in the digital space is necessary, particularly in faith contexts protecting privacy.
Christian organisations must adopt stringent data protection policies to comply with laws such as GDPR.
Afunugo and Molokwu (2024) emphasise the ethical requirement for protecting personal data in AI
evangelism concerning privacy. Floridi (2019) argues for empowering users and being transparent when
collecting data. Empowering congregants over their information is good ethics in congregational life on
digital engagement; emphasising data privacy is a building block for gaining trust within a community.

Maintaining Human Interaction

While artificial intelligence can facilitate such outreach through automation, a risk of depersonalisation must
be considered. AI should enhance, not replace, human contact. Alkhouri (2024) argues that the
fundamentally relational nature of spiritual life requires substantial human engagement. Thomas and
Dunlap (2021) propose a hybrid approach wherein AI assumes administration duties to free pastoral staff
for deeper relationships. The approach balances efficiency with the critical need for personal contact and
ensures that AI supports, rather than supplants, human involvement.

AI and Digital Congregations: Enhancing Engagement

The idea of an online faith community is new in Christian circles, and it is popping up as web-based groups
and virtual meetups have taken off. AI influences these digital gatherings by making it possible to reach out
to people more personally and interactively (Afunugo, 2024). Using AI tools, faith groups can look at how
users behave online, like what kind of stuff gets people talking the most, and tweak their approach to fit.
AI influences community-building by spotting key influencers in digital congregations and helping to create
stronger connections through customised content (Thomas & Dunlap, 2021). Platforms powered by AI can
suggest specific Christian materials or events that match the likes, which leads to a more personal experience
for the user (Johannes, 2024). These tools boost involvement and make digital congregants feel more
connected, resulting in a tighter and more active online following.
A case study of Nigerian Baptist pastors shows how AI-enhanced digital tools, combined with targeted
training, can improve the effectiveness of digital congregations. Church members were more engaged when
pastors used AI-powered strategies to personalise content, enhancing the sense of community (Afolaranmi,
2009). Additionally, AI can help identify key influencers within these digital spaces, leading to stronger
connections and a more cohesive online community (Thomas & Dunlap, 2021).
Afunugo (2024) points out that AI impacts digital congregations, helping them grow in ways traditional face-
to-face congregations might not. Christian groups can build a feeling of connection and importance, even
online, by adjusting content and ways to engage to fit what each user needs.

Theoretical Framework
The integration of AI in Christian viewpoints is best understood via the combined lenses of communication
theory and digital theology. These concepts give insight into how AI impacts Christian communication and
practice:
Communication Theory: Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) is a critical framework describing how
humans seek media to meet particular spiritual, social, or informational demands. AI-driven personalisation
fits UGT by offering individualised content that suits digital congregations' different expectations, boosting
engagement and happiness (Choi & Chung, 2023).

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Digital Theology: Digital theology studies the effect of technology on Christian practices and beliefs. AI is
considered as both a problem and an opportunity. This requires ensuring that AI-driven material conforms
to basic doctrinal ideas and protects the validity of spiritual experiences (Nainggolan & Pabisa, 2024).
The use of communication theory and digital theology framework reveals AI’s dual status as both a
communication medium and a tool for spiritual involvement. This duality helps solve the ethical difficulties
and theological challenges related to AI, ensuring that the technology improves rather than detracts from the
authenticity of the Christian experience.

Methodology
This study utilises a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to
comprehensively evaluate the impact of AI-enhanced tools on social media evangelism. A quasi-
experimental methodology assessed changes in engagement indicators (likes, shares, comments, and
follower growth) before and after introducing AI technologies in chosen organisations. The quasi-
experimental design enables the examination of participant differences across time without altering
independent variables and makes it suitable for investigating real-world situations (Creswell, 2014). This
approach accurately assesses the effectiveness of AI-enhanced methods in improving digital congregation
involvement.
The population of this research is Christian congregations that engaged in social media evangelism,
particularly those with established Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube presence. Twenty-five faith-based
organisations were selected through purposive sampling based on active presence on social media platforms
(Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) for at least two years, regular use of AI-driven tools such as chatbots,
content creation software, and engagement analytics, and demonstrated experience in producing
evangelistic content targeting diverse audiences.
Data was collected using a combination of social media analytics tools and surveys. Two primary data
sources from online were used. Engagement data (likes, shares, comments) and follower count data were
collected using platform-specific analytics tools from social media that used AI tools and those that did not.
These include Facebook Insights, Instagram Analytics, and YouTube Studio, which provide detailed metrics
on audience interaction and engagement patterns. Data collected was recorded monthly to track changes
over six months. Also, an online survey was distributed to social media managers and digital Evangelism
coordinators within the selected congregations. The survey captures insights into experiences using AI tools,
challenges faced, and perceptions of the tools' impact on evangelism efforts. Questions include a mix of
Likert-scale items and open-ended questions to provide a comprehensive view of AI’s effectiveness.
The study measures the following key variables: Independent Variable, which uses AI-driven tools in social
media evangelism. These tools include audience targeting algorithms, content personalisation systems, and
engagement prediction software. Dependent Variables are Engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments, and
follower growth) across the platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube). Engagement metrics
were measured quantitatively, while survey responses provided qualitative insights into user experiences.
The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The Descriptive
Statistics summarises Engagement metrics using means and percentages to highlight overall trends.
Inferential Statistics uses T-tests to determine whether the differences in engagement metrics pre- and post-
AI implementation were statistically significant. ANOVA was used to assess variations in engagement across
multiple social media platforms. Multiple Regression Analysis examined the relationship between AI-driven
tools and engagement metrics to identify the strength and direction of these relationships. Qualitative data
from the surveys were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and insights related to the
challenges and opportunities of using AI in digital evangelism.

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Results
This section presents the findings based on engagement metrics and survey responses. The results are
organised into three areas: (a) changes in engagement metrics, (b) comparative analysis of AI-enhanced
versus traditional evangelism, and (c) qualitative insights from survey responses.

Engagement Metrics on Social Media Platforms

Engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments, and follower growth) increased significantly after
implementing AI-driven tools. Table 1 summarises the average monthly metrics for traditional and AI-
enhanced evangelism approaches.

Table 1: Engagement Metrics

Engagement Metric Traditional Evangelism AI-Enhanced % Change
(Mean) Evangelism (Mean)
Likes 1,250 3,600 +188%
Shares 450 1,200 +167%
Comments 600 1,800 +200%
Follower Growth 300 950 +216%
Source: Field Survey, 2024

Implementing AI tools resulted in a significant increase across all metrics, with the most notable
improvement observed in follower growth (+216%). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of AI in
enhancing engagement.

Comparative Analysis: Traditional vs. AI-Enhanced Evangelism

A series of t-tests assessed the statistical significance of differences between traditional and AI-enhanced
evangelism. The results are summarised in Table 2.

Table 2: Traditional Evangelism vs. AI-Enhanced Evangelism

Engagement Metric t-Statistic p-Value Significance (p < 0.05)
Likes 5.45 0.0001 Significant

Shares 4.87 0.0003 Significant

Comments 6.12 0.0000 Significant

Follower Growth 7.08 0.0000 Significant

Source: Field Survey, 2024

The findings indicate statistically significant differences in all engagement metrics, with AI-powered
strategies outperforming traditional methods.

Regression Analysis
Multiple regression was used to examine the association between the use of AI-driven tools and the metrics
on engagement. The variance in engagement metrics explained by the regression model is 74% (R² = 0.74),
affirming a strong positive relationship between the usage of AI-driven tools and the performance of social
media metrics.

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Table 3: Regression Analysis
Dependent Variable R² F-Statistic p-Value

Engagement Metrics 0.74 32.17 0.0001

Source: Field Survey, 2024

Qualitative Insights from Survey Responses

Qualitative data from surveys reveal the perceptions of social media managers and digital evangelism
coordinators regarding AI’s role in their outreach efforts.

Table 4 Perceptions of Social Media Managers and Digital Evangelism Coordinators

Insight SA % A % U % D % SD %
Targeted audience Evangelism
- - 16 80.0 - - 3 15.0 1 5.0
Content Creation Efficiency
1 5.0 15 75.0 2 10.0 - - 2 10.0
Issues of Depersonalization
- - 12 60.0 4 20.0 4 20.0 - -
Ethical Considerations - - 9 45.0 4 20.0 5 25.0 2 10.0
Integrating AI-powered strategies
into social media 3 15.0 15 75.0 - - - - 1 5.0
Source: Field Survey, 2024

Table 4 reveals that 80% of respondents agreed that AI tools enabled more precise audience targeting,
enhancing outreach to younger demographics; 75% agreed that AI reduced the time and effort required for
content creation and scheduling, allowing more focus on strategic planning; 60% agreed with concerns about
depersonalisation, highlighting the need for balancing AI’s efficiency with human interaction, and 45%
agreed with implementing robust data protection measures to build trust with congregants. These responses
emphasise the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into digital evangelism efforts. The qualitative
analysis reveals that ministries use AI tools for digital evangelism, particularly in Lagos. Pastors have been
segmenting their congregations into groups by age and interest, which fosters more meaningful interactions.

Thematic Analysis of Engagement, Privacy, and Authenticity Issues

AI Evangelism has received responses from faith communities all over the board regarding engagement,
privacy, and authenticity issues. Engagement-wise, many participants pointed out how AI tools made them
feel more involved in faith-related activities. For instance, one participant said, “AI reminders for Bible study
keep me consistent with my spiritual practices and connected with the church.” Other participants
mentioned, “The AI-driven WhatsApp groups made me participate in discussions that I would probably
have avoided altogether.” For some younger congregants, AI-generated content on Instagram works. As one
mentioned, “Memes and videos on Instagram make theology more comprehensible for me.”
However, the presentations of privacy concerns did not take too long to emerge. One participant noted, “I
am unsure how much personal data the church collects. I fear that my faith may be used for after-sales
service.” Another participant showed unease with AI tracking their preferences: “The idea that AI will
monitor my preferences feels like an intrusion. It is Big Brother in my faith journey.” The need for better data

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control emerged when some participants called for “customisable privacy settings and transparent
communication about data usage.”
The authenticity of AI-driven interactions made some participants polarised. While some appreciated the
efficiency of AI tools, others viewed them as not as personal as human interaction. One informant responded,
“I value the efficiency of AI, yet I miss the warmth of human interaction. Sometimes it feels I interact with a
machine, not my pastor.” Despite this, it seems there is an opportunity to balance this since, as one participant
noted, “The sermons are still pastor-led, but the AI-generated summaries make it easier to remember key
points. It is a good balance.”
Regarding multicultural backgrounds, participants appreciated the AI's ability to adapt to cultural diversity.
One participant commented, “It is amazing to see AI pick up on my cultural background in the messages it
sends me. It feels like the church understands me as a Nigerian.” However, some participants said the AI
content might be too general with such a homogeneous congregation. One stated, “Sometimes the AI missed
the nuance of our local customs and traditions. It feels generic.”
Ethical issues also arose, especially regarding algorithmic bias. One said, “The AI highlights certain themes
repeatedly, and I wonder if it is biased toward a specific audience.” Furthermore, risks related to the
oversimplification of theological messages came up; as one stated, “AI seems to simplify theological
messages so that they are more digestible, but it feels as though it is dumbing down the complexity of the
faith.”
The results indicate that AI-powered evangelism has improved accessibility, mainly through personalised
content and reminders. However, this raises concerns regarding privacy, authenticity, and cultural
sensitivity. Participants would like transparency in how data is used and more personal control over their
data. Other emerging themes were a balance between the effectiveness of technology and the warmth of the
human touch. Again, this points out that recognising cultural subtlety and ethical issues of algorithmic bias
and theological simplification means Christian institutions must proceed cautiously so faith experiences
become more profound and genuine.

Discussion
The Impact of AI on Engagement Metrics
The significant increase in engagement metrics proves the transformative potential of AI-augmented tools in
digital evangelism. The 216% increase in follower growth shows that AI is proficient in attracting different
audiences through targeted engagement strategies. This is further supported by Bocala-Wiedemann (2022),
who documents that AI algorithms amplify message resonance and expand participation within digital
congregations. This, in turn, has been made possible through the ability of AI to allow personalisation and
predictive analytics. As Wu et al. put it, the ability to modulate content by preference heightens relevance
and boosts engagement (2020). Sentiment analysis, for example, helps organisations understand and address
their audiences' emotional needs and develop relationships. These observations reinforce the alignment of
AI technologies with the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), which posits that individuals engage with
media that satisfies their particular needs (Choi & Chung, 2023).

Balancing Efficiency and Relational Depth

AI tools have proven effective in improving engagement metrics, but concerns about depersonalisation
persist. Survey respondents indicated that the automation of pastoral functions risks diminishing the
relational essence of Christian ministry. Alkhouri (2024) emphasises that spiritual engagement is
fundamentally relational and cannot be entirely replaced by technology. Thomas and Dunlap (2021)
suggested that a hybrid approach could mitigate this challenge. The use of AI to manage routine
administrative tasks allows pastors and evangelism coordinators to focus more on cultivating personal

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connections with their congregants. This balance ensures that efficiency gains do not come at the expense of
relational depth, maintaining the theological integrity of Christian outreach.

Ethical Implications
The result of this research revealed that there are some significant ethical challenges, especially in data
privacy and algorithmic bias. Generally, AI usage in digital evangelism means collecting sensitive personal
data regarding prayer requests and spiritual problems. According to Floridi (2019), full transparency,
together with the strictest data protection, will go a long way in gaining the trust of digital congregations.
Unaddressed algorithmic biases can further social disparities; for example, biases in AI training data can
favour specific demographics, thus not being inclusive (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2019). To work against this, faith-
based organisations have to adopt ethical AI practices, such as regular audits and culturally sensitive content
creation (Aaron et al., 2024).

Cultural Sensitivity and Audience Engagement

The study’s findings highlight the role of cultural distinctions in AI-driven evangelism. Evidently, from the
survey, AI tools become effective when contextualised to fit the peculiarities of specific
audiences. Similarly, this echoes Knight's (2011) case study, which evidenced that segmenting
congregations based on cultural and age-specific factors increases message relevance and
engagement. Generic AI-generated content, on the other hand, risks alienating diverse audiences with
multicultural perspectives. This highlights the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into AI
algorithms, ensuring messages resonate with local traditions and values, which increases engagement and
reinforces the authenticity of faith-based messaging.

Implications for Practice and Future Research

The significant insights into the practice of digital evangelism highlight three key areas for practical
application and further exploration. Firstly, integrating AI tools into digital evangelism improves operational
efficiency by streamlining content creation and audience interactions, allowing ministries to focus on
strategic and spiritual aspects of the mission. Secondly, the ethical use of AI is vital for building trust,
requiring strict adherence to data protection guidelines and algorithmic transparency, particularly for
ministries in their outreach efforts. Lastly, culturally adaptive AI tools are necessary for digital evangelism
to meet the unique needs of diverse congregations effectively. These implications guide current practices and
pave the way for future research to deepen the understanding of AI-powered evangelism in an increasingly
digital world.

Conclusion
This study examines the impact of AI-driven social media strategies on Christian evangelism, particularly
driving the engagement and reach of its audience and increasing followers. From the results, AI significantly
enhances the efficiency of social media Evangelism for Christian institutions by improving appreciable
numbers of likes, shares, comments, and new followers. AI facilitates more personalised and targeted
Evangelism with an opportunity to better engage with specific demographics and grow digital
congregations. While AI affords some magnificent opportunities in digital evangelism, the study pointed out
severe ethical challenges regarding risks from depersonalisation, algorithmic biases, and concerns about data
privacy. Coming up with these will be critical for Christian organisations if the authenticity of faith-based
messages is to be preserved with improved engagement through AI.

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Recommendations
1. Effective use of AI platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok) should be strategically adopted by
church leadership, digital evangelism teams, and youth ministry leaders, targeting the youth
demographic.
2. For AI to be used ethically and practically in ministries, church leadership, digital evangelism teams,
and youth ministry leaders need to know how to harness these valuable tools together with ethical
considerations. Training programs will target helping evangelism with the integration of AI by using
an approach in pastoral care.
3. Since Lagos is cosmopolitan, culturally and ethnically, content that shows this diversity must be
carried out. Creation teams and communication departments must collaborate to create
representative and culturally sensitive messages to reflect the city's urban dynamism.
4. This is where church leadership, technology partnerships, and AI developers tie in to create
personalised tools that answer particular needs inside Christian communities and further
Evangelistic efforts. This will guarantee that the AI tool upholds Christian values, encourages
engagement, and deepens spiritual connections.

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Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Modern Ecclesiology in Nigeria through Digital
Discipleship

Faith Oluwapamilerin DAIRO

Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
[email protected], +2347066409703

Prof. Afolorunso O. DAIRO

Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
[email protected], +2348034001020

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has completely changed many facets of human existence, including religion.
Digital discipleship has emerged in Nigeria as a result of the nexus between AI and Christianity,
revolutionising how churches interact with their members and share the gospel. Nigeria, with her vast
Christian population, has witnessed significant growth in digital technology adoption. This is a
compelling motive to prevent AI from becoming depersonalised by reducing the possibility that AI will
eventually take the place of human interaction. This study uses a descriptive research design to examine
how artificial intelligence has shaped contemporary ecclesiology in Nigeria after consulting pertinent
literature and electronic databases. The results of this study showed that artificial intelligence (AI) can
improve spiritual development in a number of ways, including the selection of content, individualised
spiritual practices, and spiritual journaling analysis. AI should, however, support human connections
and spiritual guidance rather than take their place. This paper concludes that Nigerian modern
ecclesiology is being reshaped by digital discipleship powered by AI. Notwithstanding periodic
challenges, AI is a vital tool for Nigerian churches because of its improved efficacy, accessibility, and
usage. Therefore, it is recommended that Nigerian churches take advantage of AI's potential by
monitoring the technology and making necessary adjustments to ensure it is consistent with Christian
principles.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Church, Digital Discipleship, Ecclesiology, Nigeria

Introduction
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised various aspects of human life in recent spells.
Influencing both the secular and the godly community with innovations of high-end technological
developments, AI has made its mark in the 21st century. AI provides assistance in various means over the
years. However, it is observed to have gained more recognition and usage in the Nigerian Church during
the COVID 19 pandemic. Nigeria is among the most technologically savvy nations in Africa. The country has
a thriving start-up scene, especially in places like Lagos, which is known as West Africa's tech hub. Nigeria
has the most tech hubs in Africa, according to the World Bank, demonstrating a strong sense of
entrepreneurship and a willingness to adopt new technologies, including artificial intelligence (World Bank,
2020).
In Nigeria, artificial intelligence has been incorporated and applied in various sides of development such as
the country’s healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education (World Bank, 2020). AI is being used in
healthcare to improve patient care and diagnostics. It is used to improve disease detection and treatment
results, for example, businesses such as 54gene are using AI to analyse genetic data (54gene, 2021). AI helps
Nigerian agriculture, a vital industry, by enabling predictive analytics and precision farming. AI is being
used by start-ups like Farmcrowdy to enhance agricultural operations and boost crop yields (Farmcrowdy,
2019). Nigeria's fintech industry is flourishing, and artificial intelligence (AI) is essential to risk assessment,
fraud detection, and automated customer support. AI algorithms are used by businesses like Paystack and
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Flutterwave to improve transaction security and expedite processes (NITDA, 2020). Platforms powered by
AI are becoming available to customise educational experiences. For instance, uLesson leverages AI to
deliver personalised learning materials, enhancing students' learning outcomes (uLesson, 2021).
Consequently, there is no doubt, the role of AI in growth and development of the nation cannot be
overemphasised. Religions in Nigeria are also recipients of this changes that AI has presented. Thus, the
intersection of AI and Christianity has given birth to digital discipleship, transforming Christians’ mode of
livelihood, the way churches engage with their congregations and spread the Gospel. Nigeria, with her vast
Christian population, has witnessed significant growth in digital technology adoption. This is a compelling
motive to prevent AI from becoming depersonalised by reducing the possibility that AI will eventually take
the place of human interaction. This study uses a descriptive research design to examine how artificial
intelligence has shaped contemporary ecclesiology in Nigeria after consulting pertinent literature and
electronic databases. This study offers a multifaceted viewpoint on the functions and ramifications of
artificial intelligence in contemporary churches by embracing the diffusion of innovations theory and ethical
frameworks for technologies. Researchers and Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the
opportunities, difficulties, and moral dilemmas related to the use of AI in the Church by applying these
theories.

Theoretical Framework
A foundational framework for understanding how, why, and how quickly new concepts and technologies
proliferate within societies is Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory. The theory, which was first
presented in a book published in 1962, Diffusion of Innovations, has been widely used in a variety of
disciplines, such as sociology, communication, education, and, more recently, the adoption of technology in
institutions such as churches (Rogers, 2003). This theory is used to investigate the adoption of AI technologies
in diverse communities and church denominations, determining the elements that affect their integration
and acceptance.
The moral implications of using technology can be critically examined through a variety of ethical theories,
such as utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics. The Handbook of Information and Computer
Ethics by Kenneth E. Himma and Herman T. Tavani offers a thorough analysis of the moral issues related to
technology use. Their investigation covers a range of ethical frameworks that can be used to evaluate and
apply technological innovations, especially in fields like digital communication, artificial intelligence, and
information technology (Himma & Tavani, 2008). These frameworks can serve as a guide for conversations
about the ethical implications of AI in churches, including concerns about any prejudice, data privacy, and
how AI might affect theological teachings.
A popular framework for comprehending the dynamics of innovation adoption is offered by Rogers’
Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Through its concepts and categories, scholars can examine the ways in
which new ideas and technologies proliferate, providing valuable insights into how to effectively encourage
and facilitate the adoption of innovations in a variety of contexts, such as faith communities and churches.
The work of Himma and Tavani on technological ethics frameworks offers crucial guidance for negotiating
the intricate moral terrain of technological advancement. People and organisations can make well-informed
decisions that put user welfare, rights respect, and societal well-being first by putting different ethical
theories and principles to use. Their all-encompassing strategy promotes a proactive attitude towards moral
issues in technology, encouraging ethical behaviour in a world that is becoming more and more digital.

Artificial Intelligence
The term artificial intelligence (AI) describes how machines that are made to think and behave like people,
in order to simulate human intelligence. Tasks like comprehending natural language, identifying patterns,

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resolving issues, and making decisions are among the abilities that these systems possess, which normally
call for human intelligence. Saleh defined artificial intelligence by categorizing it into traits of an AI,
submitting that AI employs algorithms that find patterns in vast amounts of data, enabling it to anticipate
and adapt. AI can enhance human intelligence, provide insights, and boost productivity by making decisions
on its own. AI builds analytical models through algorithms and continuous learning. Through countless
iterations of trial and error, AI technology will learn how to execute tasks from those algorithms. AI is a tool
that enables people to re-evaluate how to integrate information and analyse data, then use these insights to
make better decisions. It is forward-looking. AI is able to perceive and move (Saleh, 2019).
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or computer-controlled device to carry out actions
typically performed by intelligent entities. The phrase is commonly used to describe the endeavour of
creating systems that possess the cognitive functions that distinguish humans, including reasoning,
meaning-finding, generalisation, and experience-based learning. Since the 1940s, digital computers have
been programmed to perform extremely complex tasks, like playing chess or finding proofs for mathematical
theorems, with remarkable skill. Even with ongoing improvements in computer processing speed and
memory capacity, no software can yet fully replicate human flexibility across a wider range of domains or in
tasks requiring a great deal of common knowledge. However, some programs have achieved the
performance levels of human experts and professionals in carrying out particular tasks. As a result, artificial
intelligence in this limited sense can be found in a variety of applications, including chatbots, computer
search engines, medical diagnosis, and handwriting or voice recognition (Copeland, 2024).
Currently, artificial intelligence is more correctly referred to as narrow AI (or weak AI). It is non-sentient
machine intelligence that is usually made to accomplish a single, specific task, such as only driving a car,
only performing facial recognition, or only performing internet searches. The long-term objective of many
researchers, however, is to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI or strong AI), which is defined as a
machine that is "at least as smart as a typical human" and can apply intelligence to any problem rather than
just one (Saleh, 2019). While narrow AI might be better than humans at a particular task, such as fast
references to several Biblical topics or easy arrangement to several theological teachings, AGI would be better
than humans at almost all intellectual duties. The ultimate hypothetical objective is to achieve super
intelligence (ASI), which is significantly superior to the most brilliant and talented human minds. The
development of artificial general intelligence is anticipated to quickly lead to super intelligence because of
recursive self-improvement.
The Church is among the many organizations that are using artificial intelligence more and more to improve
administration, increase outreach, and encourage community involvement. Some of the significant areas in
which AI is influencing the modern church include, improving communication and outreach, data analytics
for congregational evolution, virtual worship services, content creation and management, and community
building and engagement. With individualised communication, AI technologies assist churches in reaching
a larger audience. For example, chatbots can interact with members on social media and church websites,
responding to enquiries about events, services, and doctrine (Fisher, 2019). By using AI to examine
demographic information and congregational patterns, churches can better customise their ministries to the
needs of their local communities. Potential areas for growth or decline can be found using predictive analytics
(McGowan, 2020). Platforms with AI capabilities can improve online worship by providing features like live
streaming, user-predictable sermon recommendations, and even music selection based on congregational
preferences (Lee, 2021). AI tools that analyse scripture, propose themes, and even create outlines can help
with sermon preparation. Pastors can save time and improve the calibre of their sermons by doing this
(Turner, 2022). Deeper community connections can be facilitated by AI through platforms that examine
member interactions and recommend groups or activities that suit each person's interests, encouraging
participation and togetherness (Smith, 2021).

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Ethical concerns are also brought up by the Church's use of AI, such as privacy concerns, algorithmic bias,
and the possibility that technology will eventually take the place of interpersonal communication in pastoral
care (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). The Church has a lot of opportunities to improve its outreach, ministry, and
community involvement through AI. On the other hand, it also requires thorough evaluation of ethical
consequences and the importance of sustaining genuine interpersonal relationships in spiritual practices.

Modern Ecclesiology in Nigeria

Ecclesiology, the study of the church, is derived from the Biblical Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), which
essentially means "assembly" or "congregation." In Christian theology, this term is fundamental to
comprehending the character and role of the Church. "Ekklēsia" is derived from the verb "ἐκκαλέω" (ekkaleō),
which means "to call out." It was used to describe a gathering of citizens called for discourse or decision-
making in a civic setting. The term "ekklēsia" in the New Testament refers to the local congregation of believers
and the global Church. The word "ekklēsia" in its etymological sense denotes a community called out for a
particular purpose, especially the gospel propagation and worship of God. However, ecclesiology in this
paper refers to Christian scholars and the modern Church in Nigeria.
Nigerian Christianity is expressed in various ways, with a wide range of customs, denominations, and social
settings, all of which are reflected in the country's modern ecclesiology. The study of the Nigerian Church
includes the role of the church in society as well as theological reflections and practices. Numerous Christian
denominations, including Roman Catholicism, Protestant groups (including Anglicans, Baptists, and
Pentecostals), and more recent movements like the African Indigenous Churches, are prevalent in Nigeria.
Ecclesiological viewpoints are influenced by this diversity, as each tradition adds to the knowledge of church
leadership, worship, and community (Adogame, 2013). Pentecostalism's explosive rise in Nigeria has had a
big influence on contemporary ecclesiology. Pentecostal churches frequently place a strong emphasis on the
active presence of the Holy Spirit, direct, personal encounters with God, and experiential worship. As a
result, new models of community life and church governance have emerged that place an emphasis on
charismatic leadership and lay involvement (Chitando, 2019).
The church's social duties are also taken into account by contemporary Nigerian ecclesiology, especially
when tackling problems like social justice, poverty, and corruption. Churches frequently take part in health
care, education, and community development initiatives, highlighting the crucial role that faith plays in
public life (Nwachukwu, 2020). Nigerian ecclesiology is heavily influenced by indigenous African religious
practices. Numerous churches integrate regional practices and traditions into their services, resulting in a
syncretic approach that respects both African cultural heritage and Christian doctrine (Mbiti, 1990). As
Nigeria's theological institutions have expanded, attention has turned to developing leaders who are both
culturally sensitive and capable of handling today's challenges. By encouraging contextual theology and
leadership development, seminaries and Bible colleges contribute significantly to the development of
contemporary ecclesiology (Odukoya, 2016).
Religious disputes, political unrest, and socioeconomic problems are some of the difficulties Nigerian
modern ecclesiology faces. But these difficulties also give churches a chance to discourse, encourage peace,
and support the advancement of the country (Kalu, 2008). In Nigeria, the field of modern ecclesiology is
dynamic and influenced by a variety of denominations, cultural norms, and social obligations. In order to
address spiritual and societal issues and promote a distinctive expression of faith that captures the
complexity of Nigerian life, the Church is essential as it develops. Thus, this study explores the modern
ecclesiology use of artificial intelligence by applying the theoretical frameworks employed.

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AI in Modern Ecclesiology: Digital Discipleship
There is an intersection of artificial intelligence and Christianity which shapes the modern church into a
digital fellowship. This intersection might have its challenges and concerns, however, there are also benefits
and positive impacts that surrounds it. The world is changing rapidly in recent years, and there is no reason
why the church should not adjust to these changes. This is the core of this paper, looking into the modern
ecclesiology’s adjustment and response to the recent spell of artificial intelligence. AI offers churches both
opportunities and challenges as they adjust to a world that is increasingly digital. The term "digital
discipleship" describes how Christians use AI-enabled digital tools to interact with their faith.
AI has undoubtedly influenced contemporary ecclesiology, which this paper describes as "digital
discipleship." AI algorithms can customise content for each user through Personalisation of Spiritual Growth,
offering sermons, devotionals, and Bible studies that are tailored to a believer's interests and past
interactions. Deeper spiritual development and a more interesting educational process may result from this
personalization (Lundberg, 2021). Real-time conversations about faith and theology can be facilitated by AI-
powered chatbots and virtual assistants through Interactive Learning Environments. These platforms
facilitate ongoing learning and interaction by offering prompt answers to theological queries (Harris, 2022).
Churches can use AI to analyse engagement metrics through Data-Driven Insights, which aids leaders in
comprehending the needs and preferences of their congregation members. More successful outreach
initiatives and ministry strategies are made possible by this data-driven approach (Sullivan, 2023).
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of AI in the church. Though there was already AI in the
church beforehand, churches had to adapt to online worship and digital evangelism as a result of this
pandemic. AI-powered tools have become indispensable in this new landscape, as most churches implement
their programs through the assistance of AI. Therefore, artificial intelligence is responsible for modern
ecclesiology in two common ways.
1. Virtual Worship Services: By developing immersive settings, such as augmented reality worship
services that enable attendees to participate from different locations, artificial intelligence (AI) tools
can improve virtual worship experiences (Johnson, 2024). The early use of audio and video
technologies in churches is where virtual worship got its start. But virtual worship didn't start to take
off until the internet and streaming services became widely accessible. As a result of the pandemic,
many congregations were forced to switch to online services to protect their members. These days,
there are many different ways to participate in virtual worship services, such as live-streamed
services, recorded videos, and interactive online meetings. Congregants can participate from
anywhere in the world thanks to platforms like Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook Live that are used by
churches.
2. Social Media and Evangelism: By utilising AI in social media algorithms, churches can effectively
reach a larger audience and build community relationships by optimising their social media posts
(Lee, 2022). Churches can reach a wider audience by using social media sites like Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Churches can raise their profile and draw in new members by
sharing content like sermons, testimonies, events, and motivational sayings. Engaging younger
generations, who mainly communicate via digital channels, requires a strong online presence. Local
community is fostered by social media both inside and outside of the church. Churches can set up
pages and groups where people can support one another, ask for prayers, and talk about faith-related
subjects. Relationships are strengthened and a sense of belonging is fostered by this online
community, particularly for people who might otherwise feel alone or isolated.
Geographical barriers are removed by virtual services, which allow people to interact with their faith
community even if they are unable to attend in person because of distance, illness, or mobility challenges. By
being more accessible, churches can reach a wider audience and promote inclusivity. Congregants can

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participate whenever it is most convenient for them by utilising online services. People are able to incorporate
worship into their schedules because many churches provide recorded services that are available at any time.
During virtual worship, innovative technologies like chat features and interactive polls increase
congregational engagement. A sense of community is fostered even in a digital setting by allowing
participants to communicate in real time, ask questions, and share prayer requests.
Churches can reach a wider audience through social media. Churches can connect with people who might
never have visited in person due to the potential to reach thousands of users. Churches in diverse
communities or those aiming to reach particular demographic groups will particularly benefit from this
increased reach. Social media use is frequently less expensive than conventional marketing strategies. Even
paid advertising can be controlled within limited budgets, and many platforms are free to use. Social media
is a desirable alternative for churches of all sizes because of its affordability. Real-time communication is
made possible by social media, which enables churches to reply to messages, comments, and questions right
away. This swiftness creates a feeling of community and demonstrates how much the church values the
opinions and involvement of its members.

AI and Digital Discipleship in Nigeria

Through the creation of internet-based study groups, prayer sessions, and discussion boards, virtual worship
offers churches the chance to engage in digital discipleship. This allows for continuous spiritual development
and community building by extending the worship experience beyond Sundays. The potential to offer
individualised resources and content is among AI’s most important benefits for digital discipleship. By
analysing individual engagement patterns and preferences, AI algorithms are able to customise sermon
recommendations, devotional materials, and Bible studies to each congregation’s specific needs. There are
also modern software and applications that helps build modern ecclesiology and makes Christians stay
connected.

Echo Prayer
The Echo Prayer Mobile Application (app) is one remarkable example of how technology can help people
pray and strengthen their faith. The purpose of the Echo Prayer App is to assist users in managing and
organizing their prayer lives. It enables users to share prayer requests with friends and family, make prayer
lists, and set reminders. The App is a customized tool for spiritual engagement since it uses AI algorithms to
recommend prayers based on user preferences and needs. When having prayer chains in churches, this
application can be used to remind church members when it’s their turn to pray.

Figure 1: Screenshots of the mobile App

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Echo Prayer is an excellent illustration of how artificial intelligence (AI) can support individual spiritual
development when it comes to customised spiritual practices in digital discipleship. Among Echo Prayer's
features are Personalised Prayer Reminders, which allow users to designate particular times for prayer, and
the app's notifications, which promote consistent religious participation. Participation of the Community, by
enabling users to share prayer requests with their social networks, the app promotes fellowship and
encouragement among users. A network of prayer warriors who support one another is facilitated by this
feature. Monitoring Spiritual Development: Echo allows users to monitor their prayer patterns and answers
over time. This introspective element can improve one's spiritual growth and responsibility. The Echo app,
which is accessible on multiple platforms, encourages people to incorporate prayer into their daily lives by
making it simple for them to do so at any time and from any location.

Impacts of AI on Ecclesiology
Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the church in addition to taking it in a
new direction. The church existed before artificial intelligence, and it will continue to exist after it. But it is
impossible to ignore how artificial intelligence is affecting the church currently. The following are impacts of
AI on ecclesiology:
8. Shift from Physical to Digital: AI-enabled digital discipleship redefines traditional church
attendance and community. It is without doubt that the physical attendance of most Nigerian
Churches will be in decline since there is an alternative (virtual worship services) which is easily
accessible and convenient.
9. New Forms of Ministry: AI creates opportunities for digital missionaries and online pastors. Most
Christians sees the advent of the media as channels to propagate the gospel in various forms of
creativity. It is an avenue to evangelise and reach out to many people who might have not been easy
to come by.
10. Re-evaluated Leadership Roles: AI demands adaptive leaders, prioritising technological literacy.

Challenges and Concerns of AI in the Church

1. Genuineness and Interaction: Although AI can offer resources, it is unable to replace the genuine
connections made through face-to-face communication in conventional church environments. The
difficulty is striking a balance between real community and digital interaction (Green, 2022). Virtual
worship has the potential to bring people together from far away, but it can also make some attendees
feel alone. In religious contexts, the formation of strong interpersonal bonds and group experiences
can be hampered by the absence of physical presence. When using Echo Prayer App for example, the
presence of a prayer partner to hold them when prayer and to encourage them when feeling tired
may be absent. Meanwhile in the traditional prayer meetings, all church members are physically
present in the church to pray.
2. Implications for theology: The nature of ministry and the place of human pastors in comparison to
automated systems are called into question by the use of AI. Navigating these complexities requires
theological reflection (Smith, 2023). Theological concerns regarding the nature of worship and
community are brought up by the trend towards virtual worship. Some would contend that
communal worship and the sacraments require in-person meetings, which would force churches to
consider innovative ways to preserve the spirit of worship in a virtual setting. Artificial intelligence
might have answers to Biblical questions, but no matter how well advanced AI becomes, it cannot
possess the Holy Spirit, which means it cannot have all the answers.

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Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to completely transform digital discipleship in contemporary
churches by providing individualised experiences, improving community involvement, and expediting
administrative duties. Although issues with authenticity and theological implications need to be addressed,
artificial intelligence has a lot to offer in terms of promoting spiritual development and connection. By
improving prayer practices, encouraging community involvement, and offering easily accessible resources
for spiritual development, AI applications such as the Echo Prayer App and other digital tools are influencing
the spiritual lives of contemporary Christians. Churches and individuals can develop closer ties to their
spirituality and to each other as they continue to incorporate these technologies into their religious activities.
Lastly, while challenges persist, the benefits of increased accessibility and effectiveness make AI an
indispensable tool for Nigerian churches. Embracing AI-driven strategies will require theological
discernment and a commitment to adapting traditional models for a rapidly changing world.

Recommendations
Based on the conclusion of this study, it is recommended that:
1. Christian Scholars and the Nigerian church should take advantage of AI's potential by monitoring
the technology and making necessary adjustments to ensure it is consistent with Christian principles.
2. As AI technology develops, churches should stay flexible and investigate new discipleship tools and
approaches. Churches can remain relevant and responsive to their members' needs in the ever-
evolving digital landscape by adopting an innovative culture.
3. The church should be mindful of risking the replacement of human interaction with AI by not
neglecting the traditional ways of worship and fellowship.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Evangelism among Digital Natives: Insights from Social
Media Outreach in Ibadan South West Oyo State

Abiodun Adeyemi IDOWU

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348023584902, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0030-0293

Richard Popoola ABIOLA

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348035327857, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8727-9078

Emmanuel Olujide ADETUNJI, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +23481303598955, http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4862-5864

Abstract
Social media has revolutionised how evangelism is used to catch digital natives who grew up in an
environment of connectivity. This paper examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) might increase
evangelistic efforts through social media using predictive algorithms, personalisation of content, and
automated chatbots. The study analyses how AI technologies are deployed to improve the effectiveness
of the engagement of the religious message with technology-savvy and younger audiences. It utilises
quantitative analysis of the level of response to the AI-enhanced evangelistic outreach and input from
the spiritual leadership using these technological tools. The result indicates that innovations in artificial
intelligence contributed to an enhancement in interaction rates by 40% among users employing
alternative methods alongside AI and including chatbots. However, data privacy, data authenticity, and
the question of how much automation is desirable in a business environment were brought in. The
research findings highlight that while leveraging AI evangelism offers several benefits in engaging the
digital native, any such practice has to be informed by ethical considerations. Faith-based organisations
can be encouraged to incorporate AI into their evangelism outreach methods, but human engagement
must still be available to ensure the authenticity of religious engagement. Additional studies can be
done regarding long-term implications for authenticity, privacy, and the ethical use of AI in faith-based
perspectives.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Evangelism, Social Media, Digital Natives, AI-Powered
Outreach, Ethics

Introduction
Communication across all sectors in the digital era has changed through technological advancements.
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms have become parts of our daily
lives, shaping how individuals connect, share information, and engage with content that resonates with man
(Afolaranmi, 2019). These social media platforms offer exciting opportunities for organisations to reach broad
audiences in seconds, making the tools essential for businesses to promote products and services and non-
profit initiatives seeking to raise awareness for important causes (Ojohwoh, 2018). Social media channels are
not just a way to communicate but a vital avenue to reach and engage with people across the globe, and
religious organisations, in particular, have started to recognise the potential and have started allowing them
to share messages and knowledge with audiences that might not be reachable through classical strategies.
This research focuses on Christian organisations' adoption of artificial intelligence in Ibadan South West, Oyo
State, Nigeria, as a means to explore the adoption of social media for evangelism. It postulates that as native
citizens move through an increasingly technological world, traditional evangelism methods face real
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challenges regarding their ability to reach target groups. The paper discussed how religious bodies must
adapt and transition toward AI-powered technology to engage target audiences better, offering valued
predictive analytics, personalised content, and chatbots for user experience and outreach. This study also
assessed the effectiveness of such AI tools on more significant meaningful engagement metrics over light
metrics like 'likes' and 'shares' to understand the impact. Such metrics were focused on determining
sentiment analysis and exactly how these emotions translate into positive outcomes of interest to Christian
religious activities. A gap in the literature on AI's ethical implications and practical uses in a spiritual setting
was found within the case study city of Ibadan. Despite much being said about AI in different contexts, this
research intends to bring convergence between conventional evangelisation and the contemporary needs of
modern technology in pursuit of more pragmatism in today's digital age. The significance of this research
would add value to the academic sphere and open more practical ways in which Faith-based organisations
could incorporate AI into evangelisation without sacrificing their religion’s moral codes and ethics.

Literature Review
Overview of Evangelism's Digital Transformation
Evangelism is the proclamation of the Christian gospel, often to spread the message of salvation, spiritual
renewal, and Christian teachings to others. The word comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning
"good news" or "good tidings," which reflects evangelism's central purpose: to share Christ's message with
the world (Widianto et al., 2022). At its core, evangelism is about reaching out to those who have not yet
embraced the Christian faith, offering them a pathway to salvation and fostering a deeper relationship with
God. Historically, evangelism has taken many forms, from personal interactions and preaching to large-
scale crusades and printed materials, each aimed at fulfilling the Great Commission, which Christians
believe was given by Jesus Christ to all who believe in him to spread the good news worldwide (Coleman,
1964; Matthew 28:19-20).
Evangelism has its historical background, beginning with the Christian faith, which began after the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The early Christians started spreading the gospel of Christianity through
personal evangelism and later transitioned to organised missionary work across the Roman Empire (Barclay,
2019). Over centuries, significant influences have been achieved regarding the shaped evangelism, methods
used to reach people and the theological foundation through various movements and figures. Evangelism
promotes spiritual renewal, embodies values of compassion and service, fosters societal unity and hope, and
creates transformative opportunities that positively impact communities and broader societal issues.
The evolution of communication technologies has significantly impacted evangelism, shifting from
traditional face-to-face preaching and print media to digital platforms. Social media has become a critical
space for religious outreach, particularly for engaging digital natives who demand personalised and
interactive content (Ojohwoh, 2018; Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). Social media has transformed religious
outreach by enabling global connections for Christian evangelism, but organisations face challenges in
staying relevant amid the fast-paced online content consumption (Cheong et al., 2012).

Artificial Intelligence in Communication and Social Media

Significant differences have been noticed since integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital
communication. AI technologies enhance communication by allowing for greater personalisation,
interactivity, and automation in online interactions (Coombs, 2020). These technologies include algorithms
that analyse user data to predict preferences, chatbots that simulate real-time conversations, and content
personalisation tools that tailor religious messages to individual users based on their behaviour and interests.
AI has emerged as a tool that enables religious organisations to get through the complexities of online
communication. As Campbell (2019) notes, AI's ability to process vast amounts of data allows religious

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institutions to understand better and deliver content that resonates with users on a personal level. Predictive
algorithms, for instance, enable religious organisations to analyse user behaviour and tailor their evangelistic
messages accordingly.

AI-Driven Tools in Evangelism

Several AI-driven tools are being increasingly employed in the realm of digital evangelism. One prominent
tool is chatbots. Chatbots simulate human conversation and engage individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
Chatbots can answer questions about faith, guide users through religious texts, and offer prayers, all in real
time (Cheong et al., 2012). These AI-powered interactions allow for continuous engagement, even without
human religious leaders. Studies show that chatbots can be particularly effective in responding to frequently
asked questions, providing an accessible and scalable solution for outreach (Caldarini et al., 2021). In
addition, AI-driven tools can analyse user interactions, preferences, and demographic data to recommend
videos, articles, or sermons that resonate with them (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). This enhances the likelihood
of engagement, spiritual growth, and even conversion, as the content is perceived as directly relevant to the
individual’s spiritual journey.

Ethical Considerations in AI-Powered Evangelism

AI has numerous advantages in enhancing evangelism, but its use raises critical ethical issues. One of the
important concerns is related to privacy. AI systems typically rely on extensive data collection, including
sensitive information such as an individual’s beliefs, behaviours, and interactions with religious content.
Noble (2018) highlights the risks associated with data collection in AI systems, warning that personal data
can be exploited, leading to privacy violations and potential manipulation. In evangelism, this raises
concerns about the ethical use of personal information in targeting individuals with religious messages.
Another ethical issue is the authenticity of AI-driven spiritual interactions. Ty Rey (2023) argues that while
efficient, risk-reducing spiritual engagement to a transactional, automated process, AI-powered tools need
more empathy and emotional intelligence in human-led religious guidance. Although chatbots and AI
systems can simulate conversation and provide information, they cannot understand users’ emotional
stances and spiritual needs, which are critical in religious counselling and pastoral care. Finally, there is the
issue of algorithmic bias. As Noble (2018) points out, AI systems often reflect the biases present in the data
on which they are trained. This can result in AI tools reinforcing existing social inequalities, particularly in
delivering content or engaging with users. For instance, marginalised communities with limited access to
technology may be excluded from AI-enhanced evangelism efforts, exacerbating the digital divide in
religious outreach (Campbell, 2019).

Impact of AI on Evangelism: Successes and Limitations

Integrating AI into evangelism has yielded promising results, particularly in reaching younger, tech-savvy
audiences. Studies suggest that AI-powered tools have increased engagement with religious content among
digital natives (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). By making religious messages more accessible and relevant, AI
has enabled religious organisations to broaden their reach and connect with users who may not be engaged
through traditional means.
However, the success of AI-driven evangelism has limitations. Ty Rey (2023) emphasises that human-led
religious guidance remains essential, mainly when dealing with complex spiritual or emotional issues.
Moreover, the over-reliance on AI may lead to a superficial form of engagement, where individuals interact
with religious content without forming deeper, meaningful connections to their faith.

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Theoretical Perspectives on AI in Evangelism
Some theoretical frameworks have been proposed to understand the role of AI in religious evangelism.
Media and Religion Theory provides insights into how digital technologies are reshaping the transmission
of spiritual knowledge and authority (Campbell, 2019). This theory suggests that introducing AI into
religious practice challenges traditional notions of religious authority, as individuals increasingly turn to
digital platforms, rather than human leaders, for spiritual guidance. This framework highlights the potential
of AI to enhance religious experiences while raising questions about whether technology can genuinely
replicate the spiritual depth found in human interactions.

Methodology
This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the role of AI-powered tools in improving religious
communication and outreach on social media. The research investigates engagement metrics and associated
insights to assess AI's impact on evangelism using quantitative and qualitative methods. This design enables
the study to evaluate the effectiveness of AI-driven tools while capturing users' perceptions and experiences
and those who interact with such technologies.
The research is conducted in Ibadan South West Local Government, Oyo State, a region chosen for its cultural
diversity and increasing adoption of digital technologies in religious settings. Ibadan represents a blend of
traditional evangelism practices and emerging digital innovations, creating an ideal setting for the study.
The study focuses on three key groups: faith-based organisations (FBOs), digital natives, and religious
leaders or media coordinators. Faith-based organisations were selected based on their active social media
presence and use of AI tools. Digital natives, individuals between 18 and 35 who regularly interact with
religious content online, were included to provide insights into audience engagement. Religious leaders and
media coordinators responsible for implementing and managing AI-driven strategies were also interviewed
to understand the opportunities and challenges of using these technologies.
The study adopts purposive and stratified sampling techniques to ensure representation. Purposive
sampling was used to select FBO using AI tools, digital natives and Leaders. Stratified sampling ensured
that the sample included participants from diverse denominations, age groups, and genders. The sample
comprises 20 FBOs, 10 digital media coordinators, and 150 respondents from digital natives.
Engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments, click-through rates, and time spent on AI-generated content)
were collected using analytics tools like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Surveys were distributed to
participants, containing structured Likert-scale items to assess perceptions of AI-driven evangelism tools,
including their effectiveness, relevance, and authenticity.
The qualitative component involved semi-structured interviews with religious leaders and digital media
coordinators to explore their experiences and challenges in using AI tools. Focus group discussions were
conducted with digital natives to gather detailed insights into how AI-powered religious content impacts
their spiritual growth and engagement. Additionally, content analysis was carried out on sample posts, chat
transcripts, and AI-generated responses to evaluate the tone, personalisation, and relevance of messages
shared through these tools.
Descriptive statistics were used to summarise engagement metrics, while inferential statistics, including t-
tests and ANOVA, were employed to compare the effectiveness of traditional and AI-driven evangelism
methods. Comparative analysis also examined the relationship between AI tools and audience engagement
levels.
Thematic analysis was used to ascertain repeated patterns and themes, like personalisation, authenticity, and
ethical concerns. Sentiment analysis tools were further used to evaluate the emotional tone of user feedback,
revealing trends in audience reactions to AI-powered content.

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The study strictly followed the ethical guidelines to protect the participants' rights and maintain the
research's integrity. The participants provided informed consent, and the data was anonymised and securely
stored, with transparency about using AI analytics tools and a commitment to cultural sensitivity throughout
the research process.
The methodology of this study is influenced by limitations such as technological access barriers and the
specific socio-cultural settings of Ibadan, which may affect the applicability of its findings.

Results and Discussion

Table 1: Engagement, Perception, and Impact Distributions

Variables SA % A % U % D % SD %

Interaction with AI-powered

content 20 10.0 140 70.0 30 15.0 10 5.0 - -

Engagement with AI-

recommended sermons 10 5.0 150 75.0 - - 40 20.0 - -

Use of religious chatbots 20 10.0 120 60.0 5 2.5 40 20.0 15 7.5

AI made the content more

accessible/engaging 10 5.0 135 67,5 20 10.0 20 10.0 15 7.5

AI diminished spiritual
authenticity 30 15.0 80 40.0 10 5.0 60 30.0 20 10.0

Trust in AI-driven religious

guidance 10 5.0 70 35.0 - - 80 40.0 40 20.0

Positive impact of AI on faith

development 40 20.0 100 50.0 25 12.5 20 10.0 15 7.5

No significant change in faith 20 10.0 60 30.0 10 5.0 100 50.0 10 5.0

AI helped connect with

broader communities. - - 130 65.0 - - 70 35.0 - -

AI interactions needed more

depth. - - 90 45 - - 80 40.0 30 15.0

Source: Field Survey, 2024

Table 1 reveals that 70% agreed that interaction with AI-powered religious content indicates a high level
of engagement among digital natives. In comparison, 75% agree with the positive experiences of AI-
recommended sermons that have showcased AI in personalising the content (Bingaman, 2023; Piduru,
2023). However, 20% expressed dissatisfaction, and 60% of users utilised chatbots for religious guidance,
with some concerns about their lack of emotional intelligence for addressing complex spiritual issues

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(Hirome, 2023). While 67.5% agreed that AI improved content accessibility, 17.5% disagreed, citing variations
in personal relevance (Karakas, 2023; Aaron et al., 2024).
Fears about authenticity were salient, with 55% agreeing that AI diminished spiritual authenticity
and highlighting the lack of human touch and emotional depth (Young, 2022; Jacoba, 2023). Equally, trust in
AI was low, with only 35% expressing confidence in AI-driven religious guidance (Ferrario et al., 2019).
Despite this, 70% of respondents believed AI positively impacted their faith, primarily through personalised
content delivery, though 22.5% disagreed, stressing the difficulty of fostering profound spiritual growth
(Singler, 2017; Barmer et al., 2021).
AI was seen as a tool for community building, with 65% of respondents acknowledging AI’s role in
connecting broader religious groups, but 35% disagreed with its inability to foster deep personal
relationships (Evolvi, 2021; Cheong, 2020). The divide in responses of 45% agreement and 40% disagreement
about AI interactions’ depth reflects its limitations in creating meaningful engagement (Ammerman, 2019).
Generally, the findings emphasise the duality of AI in evangelism and enhancement of engagement and
reach but require human spiritual leadership to address its limitations in authenticity and emotional depth.

Table 2: AI Acceptance Distribution

Category Metric Percentage/Value

Yes % NO %

Engagement Respondents interact with AI content weekly 140 70.0 60 30.0

Engagement with AI-recommended sermons 150 75.0 50 25.0

Use of religious chatbots 120 60.0 80 40.0

Perception of AI in
Evangelism AI made religious content more accessible 136 68.0 64 32.0

AI diminished the authenticity of spiritual

experiences 80 40.0 120 60.0

High trust in AI-driven religious guidance 70 35.0 130 65.0

Impact on Faith The positive effects of AI-powered content on

Development faith 100 50.0 100 50.0

No significant change in faith development 60 30.0 140 70.0

AI tools helped connect with broader religious

Community Building communities 130 65.0 70 35.5

AI-mediated interactions lacked depth 90 45.0 110 55.0

Engagement Level of Higher engagement by Digital natives χ² = 14.32, p < 0.05

AI Tools

Source: Field Survey, 2024

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Table 2 presents the perception and interaction of respondents with AI in evangelism. 70% of respondents
agree to engage with AI content weekly, and 75% agree that sermons are recommended by AI-enhanced
engagement. This aligns with digital natives’ preference for personalised and interactive tools (Hirome,
2023). However, 40% disagreed with religious chatbots because they perceived them as lacking emotional
intelligence and depth to engage with complex spiritual matters (Bilquise et al., 2022). Although 68% agreed
that AI improved the accessibility of content (Kulkarni, 2019), 60% agreed that AI reduced spiritual
authenticity because it lacked the relational touch of human interaction (Singler, 2022; Song, 2020).
Agreement on AI-powered guidance was lower, where 65% disagreed with relying on AI for spiritual tasks,
a view cutting across even roles like pastoral care. Ryan 2020 and Young 2022 find this position an
affirmation. Fifty percent of respondents agreed that AI had positively influenced their faith development,
but the other half disagreed, citing no significant improvement. Of course, people who are frequent users are
much more likely to report spiritual growth; however, limitations on what AI can do to make more in-depth
and reflective experiences limit this long-term impact. Herman 2021.
Sixty-five percent also agreed that AI has helped them to connect with the broader religious community
through new global networks (Evolvi, 2021), and 55% of the respondents agreed that AI-mediated interaction
lacked depth and could not replace the quality of relationships developed during religious gatherings (Tran
& Nguyen 2021; Hohenstein & Jung 2020).
Although AI enhances engagement and accessibility, limitations around trust, authenticity, and depth justify
hybrid approaches that combine AI with human spiritual leadership.
Chi-square test results indicated a higher engagement level of AI tools among Digital natives (χ² = 14.32, p <
0.05). Saroglou (2010) explains that cultural and theological differences are crucial in how religious groups
perceive AI. Christians, especially, are more progressive and may be more open to technological innovation
in faith practices.

Thematic Analysis
Engagement and Personalization
The respondents revealed that AI tools like personalised content and chatbots significantly enhanced
accessibility to spiritual resources. Digital natives appreciated the relevance of AI recommendations, with
one participant stating, “The AI feels like it understands me; it suggests sermons and Bible studies that align
with my current spiritual questions.” This reveals the effectiveness of AI in adapting content to individual
preferences, a critical need for tech-savvy audiences. In contrast, religious leaders were more doubtful about
over-reliance on algorithms. One leader remarked, “AI can tailor content, but it cannot discern deeper
spiritual struggles or provide the wisdom needed in pastoral care.” This difference exposes the tension
between embracing technology for broader reach and preserving the nuanced human element central to faith
practices.

Challenges of Automation
Chatbots emerged as a contentious tool among respondents. While 60% of participants found them helpful
for answering routine questions or guiding Bible study, others expressed frustration with their inability to
handle complex spiritual issues. A digital native shared, “I asked the chatbot about interpreting a parable,
and its response was vague and unsatisfying.” Religious leaders echoed these concerns, with one saying,
“Chatbots may answer basic questions, but when someone is seeking emotional or spiritual guidance, the
lack of empathy becomes a barrier.” These narratives align with existing critiques that while AI offers
scalability, it often fails to replicate human emotional intelligence.

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Ethics and Trust
Ethical concerns were a recurring theme, particularly regarding privacy and authenticity. Digital natives
voiced apprehension about the data collection practices of AI tools. One participant asked, “How do I know
my data is not being misused? Sharing spiritual thoughts is deeply personal.” Such concerns reflect broader
societal mistrust in AI systems.
Religious leaders, on the other hand, emphasised the spiritual implications of automation. One remarked, "If
our faith becomes a matter facilitated by algorithms, we risk losing the sacredness of the experience.” This
sentiment shows a foundational challenge in integrating AI into deeply personal and communal practices
like evangelism.

Community Building
AI’s role in fostering connections within broader religious communities received mixed reactions. A digital
native noted, “AI helped me find online prayer groups that I would not have discovered otherwise.” This
demonstrates AI's potential in overcoming geographic and logistical barriers. However, leaders questioned
the depth of these connections. One leader commented, “These virtual groups lack the depth and intimacy of
physical fellowship. A prayer circle on Zoom is not the same as joining hands in person.” This contrast between
digital natives valuing convenience and leaders prioritising depth reveals the need for hybrid models that
integrate virtual and in-person experiences.
The study’s findings supported the Media and Religion Theory, which postulated that digital technologies
transform religious practice and authority by allowing for personalised, accessible, and scalable spiritual
engagement. At the same time, the findings developed caution in the theory through the limitations of
technology.

Conclusion
This research investigates the amalgamation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and evangelism through social
media channels, specifically focusing on analysing AI tools' effects on user interaction, spiritual progress,
and communal relationships among digital natives. The results reveal AI technologies’ user engagement and
accessibility to religious content. However, indecisions persist regarding the authenticity of spiritual
experiences mediated by AI and the potential for superficial interactions lacking the substantive depth
characteristic of traditional, human-led evangelism.
Finally, the study emphasises the dualistic nature of AI as a catalyst for innovation in religious outreach and
a source of ethical and practical dilemmas that faith organisations must address. As AI continues to impact
the experience of digital evangelism, it is imperative to balance technological efficacy and the deeper spiritual
needs and ethical considerations of faith communities.

Recommendations
1. Promote the Authenticity of Evangelism Using AI: Faith-based organisations should prioritise systems
where AI complements, rather than replaces, traditional human-led evangelism.
2. Emphasize Long-Term Spiritual Development: Evangelistic AI strategies must go beyond surface-level
engagement metrics to emphasise sustained spiritual growth. Adaptive learning algorithms that
monitor and support users' spiritual advancement can provide personalised, relevant content tailored
to individual faith journeys.
3. Encourage Inclusive Outreach: Religious organisations should ensure equitable access to AI-powered
evangelistic tools. This includes developing multilingual and culturally relevant AI-driven content,
creating offline or hybrid solutions, and supporting underrepresented communities with the necessary
technology.

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4. Uniform Ethical Review and Transparency: Religious organisations should implement ethical review
processes to monitor the use of AI in evangelism, focusing on safeguarding privacy, security, and
spiritual well-being. Forming ethics review committees can help develop policies that regulate AI
applications.
5. More Research into Community Building: Further research is needed to explore how AI tools can
enhance community development within religious groups. Investigating hybrid approaches that
integrate AI-driven evangelism with face-to-face gatherings could uncover innovative ways to
strengthen the sense of connection among believers. This research should identify strategies that balance
digital engagement with the relational aspects of faith communities.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cross-Cultural Communication of the Gospel Messages

Timothy Ademuyiwa ADEROJU

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348037910844, https://orchid.org/0009-0001-1865-4833

Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348055159591, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8057-137X

Abstract
The significant of artificial intelligence in cross-cultural communicating of the gospel today is
very germane. Leveraging on the significant advantages offers by artificial intelligence (AI)
will enhance the evangelistic approach. It produces easy access to evangelistic materials in
different languages across the world. Though the benefits come with challenges of
authenticity, data security, insensivity of norms and cultural background. The potential to shift
attention of thorough biblical memorization and retention to artificial intelligence is imminent.
Interim of this, evangelistic work has to be done intentionally. Though, the advent of artificial
intelligence is keeping people abreast of information at their fingertips. AI cannot effectively
replace the position of human led effort when it comes to relational and spiritual exercise. The
aim of this paper is to find out how to use artificial intelligence to complement human being
effort to carry out the mandate given by Jesus Christ. Holistically, AI can be integrated into
the strategies to spread the gospel to the nooks and crannies and still sustaining the relational
way of evangelism. Effective training curriculum on how to communicate the gospel with aid
of AI must be developed and equipped the witness team with it. Follow-up technique and
relational discipleship will keep the converts. Proper use of AI will enhance the propagating
of the gospel effectively. This paper provides means of carrying out evangelistic work in
communities effectively. The need for ethical frameworks is require and to see that principles
of evangelistic work is not overlook with the involvement of AI.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Cross Cultural, Curriculum, Relational,

Strategies

Introduction
In an increasingly interconnected world, the dissemination of ideas transcends geographical and cultural
boundaries, prompting profound transformations in communication practices. This dynamic landscape
creates a fertile ground for the cross-cultural exchange of perspectives, particularly in the realm of
evangelistic discourse. The advent of artificial Intelligence has revolutionized the methods through which
messages are shared and received. This paper explores the ways in which these tools enhance the spread of
the gospel across diverse cultural contexts, facilitating not only linguistic translation but also cultural
adaptation. However, the integration of artificial intelligence raises salient questions: how can artificial
intelligence handle spiritual engagement or relate effectively with an unbeliever and young convert who do
not have access to internet facilities? How can ministries strike a balance with the core theological aspect and
validity? Therefore, this paper provides way out through scholarly opinions and ethical considerations. It
becomes evident that digital innovations possess the potential not only to disseminate information more

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widely but also to foster deeper intercultural understanding. Thus, the confluence of artificial intelligence
and cross-cultural communication serves as a pivotal factor in contemporary evangelism efforts.
Today's Churches should rise to the command given by Jesus Christ to reach out to the world with the gospel
of saving grace. The ministry of reconciliation should be paramount, in fact, it requires total commitment on
the part of the church. As the world is changing with the invention of modern technologies all around,
artificial intelligence is a blessing to the church as a tool to spread the gospel cross culturally. These days,
individuals are spending most of their productive time on internet. Therefore, technology is a platform that
church should romance with to reach out to souls across the world. Church attitude must not be passive in
making use of the better part of technology today in achieving the kingdom business. It is a unique pulpit
with different platforms such as; Facebook, Instagram, X handle, Telegram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Tick-tock
and many more. The aforementioned handles can be used judiciously without any restrictions to the gospel.
This research focus on the impact of artificial intelligence in relating to relational evangelistic work today. It
also investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping inter-personal and relational evangelistic work
in the 21st century (Kolawole, 2019). There are various strategies that have been used before the advent of
modern technology such as morning cry, mass evangelism, etc. Consequently, difference cases of brutal
attack and killings were carried out by some people who could not tolerate the preaching of the gospel.
However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) gospel message can be fruitfully preached on social
media and any other related platforms. This will save time and prevent the messenger of the gospel from
attack and untimely death. Artificial intelligence is a tool to cross-cultural communication of the gospel in
this changing world. Jesus Christ declared, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring
them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Since
cognizance of peoples’ culture and ethnic background enhances gospel effectiveness, artificial intelligence
could be helpful at acquiring more details about the targeted audience.

Cross-cultural Communication
Cross-cultural communication is a way of learning the belief and practices from other people’s culture to
know why they do things differently. This aids learning valuable lessons in principles such as honour,
respect, relationships, love, discipline, and lots more. Crossing culture with the gospel is for the purpose of
bringing the life-giving message of the gospel to the nations. However, developing the mindset of a learner
and gaining trust is critical to enable relationships building and at the same time pointing them to the truth
of the gospel.
The gospel transcends culture and context. The truth of the Scripture and the message of the life of Christ is
pivotal. Contextualizing the gospel means helping people look through the lenses of their own worldview
to understand the truth. Such communication will create bridges and not barriers to understanding, so that
the message of the gospel stay central and clear. Contextualizing in this context is to identify what a missioner
needs to know about the people without compromising the faith. Culture is described as the things people
learn and share in a group that will help them survive together (Howell, 2002). Everyone has a culture and
lack of understanding others’ culture is a barrier capable of hindering evangelistic work among the targeted
people group. Therefore, enculturation is very germane for the visitors who intend to preach the gospel.
Atchenemou, (2015) opined that, we must figure out what is important to us, who taught us to act the way
we do, what influences our thoughts and beliefs, and even what “unwritten rules” we follow when
interacting with the people around us. We must understand why they choose the kind of lifestyle we intend
to change. Knowing about ourselves helps in understanding how to learn about others. Understanding
people’s norm and their culture in a giving society promotes cordial relationship Atchenemou, (2015).
Worth noting is the fact that the norms of a society must be well understood and respected by the visitor.
Taking time to study what they stand for will open the door for the missioner to teach them new things. In

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other words, priority must be given to their cultural norms, so that one does not fall victim of whatever is
capable of causing trouble.

The Significance of Technology in Cross-Cultural Evangelistic Communication

Technology is the language of this dispensation as it is currently playing progressive and more important
role in the personal lives and activities of the whole human race. Borgmann, (2003) believes that technology
is the defining element of society. It has produced a culture of self-orientation that is designed to procure a
comfortable and individualistic environment. Technology brought a great change into the world, however,
not without its positive and negative impacts. Technology has been good to religion in a number of ways. It
has given Christianity, especially the ministers of the Gospel, a voice to reach a world-wide audience
(Afolaranmi, 2009). Before technological advancement, there have been advances for Christianity. According
to Sims, Gutenberg set up the printing press in the mid 1400’s and published the first mechanically printed
Bible (Sims, 2009).
Understanding cross-cultural communication is vital when disseminating the gospel, as it enhances both the
message clarity and its reception among diverse populations. The significance of communication is amplified
in multicultural contexts, where cultural differences can shape interpretations of religious messages.
Integrating insights from various disciplines allows for a more nuanced approach to sharing the gospel,
ensuring that cultural sensitivities are respected and embraced. As noted in the study involving international
students, effective communication fosters a deeper ethnic identity and cultural intelligence, which are
essential for navigating multicultural interactions (Li, 2023). Moreover, employing modern technological
tools, as highlighted in phonetic educational methodologies, facilitates the breaking down of language
barriers, promoting better understanding across cultural divides. This convergence of cultural awareness
and technological integration in sharing the gospel does not only elevate the message but also fosters
meaningful connections among diverse communities (Saienko, 2024; Mohseazadeh and Isfandyari-
Moghaddam (2009).
Technology has influenced various aspect of life. However, as it is known that there are two sides to the coin,
the impact of technology on Christian ministry has two sides. From a critical point of view, one will be
tempted to ask, could these changes be positive or negative? Also, what could be the relationship of
technology to the Christian ministry, or, is technology a curse or a blessing to the Christian ministry? The
arrival of ICTs has enabled people to have access to information, improved the flow of information and
communications, and provide traditionally disadvantaged groups with communication channels (Alassiri
etal.46-61).
In the landscape of modern communication, social media platforms have emerged as transformative tools
for reaching diverse audiences, particularly in the context of cross-cultural communication of the gospel.
These platforms offer unique opportunities for churches and individual media ministers to connect with
communities that may have previously been inaccessible due to geographical or cultural barriers. As noted,
the use of online media has become a vital tool for Christian ministry, suggesting that social media facilitates
engagement with varied demographics, allowing religious messages to resonate across cultural lines ((Kang).
Furthermore, the interplay between media and power dynamics underscores the necessity of understanding
and navigating these platforms to foster effective communication within a multicultural society. Embracing
a multicultural mindset enables ministries to address the distinctive needs and perspectives of diverse
audiences, enhancing their reach and impact while promoting peaceful coexistence in a global context
(Ogunyombo, 2023). Thus, the strategic use of social media is paramount in modern gospel dissemination
efforts.

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Mobile Technology and Accessibility of Religious Content
The advent of mobile technology has significantly transformed the landscape of religious content
accessibility, enabling diverse communities to access theological resources beyond traditional boundaries.
With the proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity, individuals can engage with sacred texts,
sermons, and discussions from anywhere, thus fostering personal and communal spiritual growth. This
democratization of information allows marginalized groups and those in remote areas to explore diverse
interpretations and practices, effectively bridging cultural divides and enhancing cross-cultural dialogue.
Moreover, social media platforms have emerged as vital tools for religious organizations, facilitating real-
time engagement and fostering global religious communities. By harnessing these digital spaces, faith leaders
can share messages that resonate with a broader audience, leading to a richer understanding of religious
concepts and practices. Ultimately, mobile technology not only democratizes access to religious content but
also promotes a more inclusive approach to spiritual discourse, highlighting the relevance and adaptability
of faith in contemporary society (West et al, 2014).
In recent years, mobile applications have revolutionized how gospel messages are disseminated,
transcending geographical and cultural barriers with unprecedented ease. These applications not only
facilitate the sharing of sermons and teachings but also create interactive platforms where users engage with
biblical texts, participate in live discussions, and access a wealth of resources tailored to their spiritual needs.
By leveraging the smartphone's ubiquity, churches can reach individuals who might otherwise remain
disconnected from traditional forms of ministry. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the
importance of such digital tools, as congregations pivoted to online platforms, emphasizing the necessity of
maintaining connections when in-person gatherings were restricted (Kang). This shift has allowed for
innovative approaches to evangelism, demonstrating that mobile applications can effectively revive local
churches and extend their reach, thereby contributing significantly to the broader dynamics of modern
Christian missions (Okereafor, 2024).

Theoretical Framework
The researchers use Media Richness Communication Theory. It is a communication theory that focuses on
the ability of different communication media to effectively convey information, particularly in environments
where complex or ambiguous information is being exchanged. Developed by Richard L. Daft and Robert H.
Lengel in 1986, it evaluates how various forms of media differ in their ability to transmit "rich" information,
based on several key dimensions. Media richness refers to the medium's capacity to convey information
effectively, especially non-verbal cues, emotions, and complex messages. Richer media provide more
immediate feedback, allow for personal focus, and can handle a variety of information cues simultaneously
(e.g., tone of voice, body language, facial expressions). Leaner media offer fewer cues and less immediate
feedback, making them less effective for nuanced communication.

Methodology
This study adopts analytical and qualitative methods to examine the challenges and usefulness of artificial
intelligence in cross-cultural evangelistic work. By using qualitative, the research aims to provide save and
convenience understanding available through artificial intelligence toward evangelistic efforts. This method
is designed to give room for the better interpretation of gospel messages.

Effective Ways of Communicating the Gospel with AI

1. Contextualized Content Creation:
i. Localized Videos and Visual Media: Video platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok offer
powerful ways to present the gospel visually. Producing videos that incorporate local languages,

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symbols, and cultural stories can make the message more relatable and impactful. Ai offers
opportunities to document and share contents of the gospel in line with people's culture.
ii. Cultural Sensitivity in Design: Graphics, colour schemes, and imagery should reflect cultural values
and avoid symbols that may be misunderstood or offensive. Local artists and designers can help
create culturally resonant content better with AI innovation.
2. AI and Social Media Platforms
i. Targeting Culturally Relevant Platforms: Different cultures favour different social media platforms.
For example, WeChat is dominant in China, while WhatsApp and Facebook are widely used in Africa
and Latin America. Tailoring gospel messages to the platforms preferred by different cultures
increases the likelihood of engagement.
ii. Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with trusted local influencers who share Christian values can
help spread the gospel in a way that resonates with their followers. These influencers can
contextualize the message in culturally relevant ways.
iii. Interactive Content: Use polls, Q&A sessions, live chats, and comments to encourage interaction,
allowing people to ask questions or share thoughts in real time can be made simple with Ai. This
creates a relational and responsive approach to evangelism.
3. Digital Storytelling
i. Testimonies and Personal Stories: Sharing faith stories in video or audio format allows people to
connect with the personal transformation brought by the gospel. Storytelling transcends cultural
barriers, and when presented in a culturally relevant way, it becomes even more impactful.
ii. Biblical Storytelling in Local Languages: Platforms like Bible Project, which offers illustrated Bible
summaries, can be localized with narration in various languages and styles that resonate with local
cultures.
4. Mobile Apps and Bible Translations
i. Bible Apps with Audio Translations: Mobile apps like YouVersion offer Bible translations in
thousands of languages, many with audio capabilities. Providing scripture in both written and audio
formats is essential in cultures with low literacy rates or oral traditions can be made relational with
Ai.
ii. Scripture Engagement Apps: Apps like "Global Bible Apps" allow users to interact with scripture in
their native languages better with Ai. These apps can be enhanced with culturally relevant images,
audio readings, and video explanations.
5. Online Communities and Virtual Church
i. Virtual Bible Studies and Small Groups: Platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger
allow believers from different cultural backgrounds to engage in Bible study together, regardless of
location. These groups can create cross-cultural dialogue while allowing participants to explore faith
at their own pace.
ii. Digital Discipleship: Ministries can offer online mentorship programmes where mature believers
disciple new converts using messaging apps, video calls, or learning platforms. This can be especially
effective in regions where physical gatherings are limited or dangerous. Relating with AI will make
the work simple with caution.
Moreover, the use of Ai applications affords unprecedented opportunities for engagement and participation,
effectively turning passive audiences into active participants in spreading the gospel. AI chatbot can be
deployed to engage online users for mass evangelism.

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Conclusion
The emergence of modern technologies has fundamentally altered the landscape of cross-cultural
communication regarding the gospel, facilitating unprecedented access to diverse audiences. Digital
platforms, such as social media, websites, and mobile applications, have broken down geographical and
cultural barriers, enabling instantaneous sharing and dissemination of religious messages. This ease of
communication fosters not only the spread of the gospel but also encourages a dialogue that transcends
linguistic and cultural constraints. As individuals engage with faith-related content from various cultural
perspectives, mutual understanding and respect can flourish, often leading to a richer appreciation of diverse
interpretations of Christian teachings. Moreover, these technological advancements also allow for tailored
content that resonates with local customs and traditions, thereby enhancing ratability and effectiveness. In
essence, the intersection of modern technologies and cross-cultural gospel communication has not only
expanded reach but has also redefined engagement, making the message of Christianity more accessible and
inclusive than ever before.

Recommendations
i. The Christians ministers must see the need to be digitally oriented.
ii. The Church should develop passion for modern technology, train people periodically for
effectiveness.
iii. Christian need to harness resources for capacity building in the area of modern technologies for the
furtherance of the gospel.
iv. Christian leaders should be educated on the benefits and usefulness of artificial intelligence in
carrying out their ministerial assignments.
v. Churches are encouraged to embrace the use of Ai as a transformative tool to make message of the
gospel resonates throughout all corners of the society.
vi. Ultimately, harnessing technology not only enriches the communication process but also reinforces
the universal appeal of the message itself (Francis, 2014).

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cultural+communication+of+the+gospel+and+accessibility+of+religious+content&hl=&source=gbs_api

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Twenty-First Century Multiculturalism and Its Implications for Baptist Churches in Lagos East
Metropolis of Lagos State

Aderemi Paul OLADELE

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348060226019

Ayodele A. ATOWOJU, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348036726849

Abstract
Multiculturalism is a vital concept which the church needs to understand its importance in the 21st
century in order to achieve her goals (of reaching all nations). Multiculturalism is a state in which all
cultural groups in a society, group, or gathering have equal rights and opportunities and no
discrimination against anyone. Due to various sociological variables like globalization.
industrialization, immigration, and commercial reasons it becomes a necessity for many cities to change
their human composition and the church needs to strategize on how to reach her immediate
environment despite the increasing change in population composition at the beginning of the 21 st
century in Lagos East metropolis. This study adopts a qualitative research approach (descriptive
research design) to investigate 21st century, multiculturalism, and its implications for the churches in
Lagos East metropolis of Lagos state. The objective of the study is to examine main features of a
multicultural church; significance of multiculturalism in 21st Century; challenges of multiculturalism
in Baptist churches in 21st century and suggests some solutions to them. To achieve the objective of this
study, data were sourced through participant observation and secondary materials including relevant
books, journals, and internet resources to examine features of a multicultural church; significance of
multiculturalism in 21st Century; challenges of multiculturalism for the church in 21st century, and
suggests some solutions to them through a sociological approach – the theory of drive-in culture was
adopted to analyze the findings. The study affirms some multiculturalism challenges in the 21st century
which include communication barrier; competition; cross-cultural complexities, culture and
interpersonal conflict; and lack of knowledge and intolerance. The study recommends that Baptist
Churches in Lagos East metropolis should encourage multiculturalism through multicultural
evangelism, intercultural-oriented worship and pro-multicultural environment; church leaders should
be encouraged to acquire formal intercultural skills; Baptist churches in Lagos East metropolis should
employ intercultural skills to win more souls for Christ for effectiveness in fulfilling Christ’s command;
and they should genuinely accept interculturality as a blessing to fulfil Christ mandate.

Keywords: Multiculturalism, Twenty-First Century, Globalization, Baptist Church, Metropolis

Introduction
The world is becoming a larger community on daily basis. Continuous movement of people for various
reasons - commercial, industrialization, educational, and immigration reasons etc. from their local domains
to reside in new locations for co-existence of people from different nations and cultural backgrounds has
been a necessity. The continuous increase in the world population and other sociological variables like
migration, education, globalization, industrialization, commerce and religion make cultural diversity a
necessity in modern world because people of different culture co-exist in different institutions of human
existence. Many parts of the world are multiethnic, while many cities around the world are becoming more
multiethnic daily (Modood, 2019). The aims of multiculturalism as a concept for managing cultural diversity
are: first, to allow migrant communities the possibility to claim certain collective cultural rights; and second,
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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to guarantee all within liberal norms an equitable access to all of the nation state resources (Mansouri &
Ebanda, 2014). Freedom of all is a necessity in multicultural environment. The early part of 21st century has
recorded more co-existence among different cultures than earlier centuries (Mansouri & Ebanda, 2014).
Before Jesus’ ascension, one of the final directives he gave to the disciples according to Matthew 28:19 shows
that the essence of the Commission is for this message of salvation to be proclaimed to the whole world so
that every person would hear the saving message of salvation before Christ's Parousia (Uatisone, 2013). The
message is universal and the intended audience is every nation, kindred, tribe, and tongue. One can say that
multiculturalism in Christian setting is a vision of Christ and a vital task for the church. The church has to
key in into opportunities available in the modern cities where its population is multi-cultural in nature. Lagos
being Africa’s fastest growing city is highly multicultural in nature; it homes over 250 ethnic groups. (World
Cities Culture Forum, 2024) Therefore, Lagos is a key location to fulfill Christ’s command. Lagos East
metropolis has become a city where virtually all tribes in Nigeria can be located and many foreign nationals
reside for different reasons like employment, globalization, commercial and religious reasons etc. This study
became expedient because people composite in the city has greatly expanded compared to last century’s
which is a need for the body of Christ in the Lagos East metropolis to consolidate her efforts to reach all. The
study therefore sought to examine main features of a multicultural church; significance of multiculturalism
in 21st Century; challenges of multiculturalism in the Baptist church in 21st century and suggests some
solutions to them through the use of secondary data and participant observation as methodology of the
study.

Methodology
A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. It involves participant observation and
secondary data like materials including relevant books, journals, and internet resources that objectively
describe the present situation in the location of focus (Lagos East). The population comprised 297 Baptist
churches in Lagos East. The sample size of the study consisted 25 purposely and randomly selected
intercultural Baptist churches which spread across the axis. The researcher purposely visited the selected
churches to extract data via observation in line with scholars’ discovery on the subject matter and similar
locations described in their write ups and other secondary sources.

Conceptual Clarifications
The concepts of multiculturalism, 21st century, the church, and metropolis are explained in this section.

Concept of Multiculturalism
The term “multiculturalism” is a term that is composed of two parts: multi- which means many, and culture,
which refers to the beliefs, traditions, and norms that are followed by a group of people (usually of a certain
geographic area or a country). Multiculturalism can therefore be defined as the co-existence of multiple
cultures in one nation (Urvashi & Gaines, 2023). Multiculturalism is an idea where people from diverse
cultures and backgrounds come together to form a society where each feels valued and respected because of
their individual identity. It is a state in which all cultural groups in a society, group, or gathering have equal
rights and opportunities and no discrimination against anyone.
Multiculturalism is used both as descriptive and normative term. As a descriptive term multiculturalism is
reserved for multiplicity of a community which is based on racial, ethnical and linguistic disparities. As a
normative term, multiculturalism refers to people’s approval of a local multiplicity based either on the Rights
of Respect for different cultural groups and their acceptance or on majority’s moral and cultural allegations,
opinions and views in a society where cultural multiplicity is present (Barakoska, 2013).

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The Main Characteristics of Multiculturalism
Urvashi Nirula and Gaines Arnold, 2023 highlight the following as the main features of multiculturalism:
Multiculturalism involves presence of people of different cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities living in the
same country. However, in religious setting, presence of people of different cultures, ethnicities and
nationalities is for worship and fellowship etc. Also, peaceful co-existence and greater tolerance are observed
between the different cultures. Moreover, the immigrants (i.e., those who arrive in the host country or new
environment) can choose to integrate or assimilate with the host's culture. Hence, the policies and rules of
the host community are conducive to developing a peaceful state, culturally. Lastly, the host benefits by
gaining a diverse pool of people who contribute with their knowledge, productivity, and skills, while the
immigrants might find a better lifestyle, better financial earnings, or even better safety in the host
environment.

Concept of Twenty-First Century

The 21st century is the current century in the Anno Domini or Common Era, in accordance with the
Gregorian calendar. It began on January 1, 2001 and will end on December 31, 2100. It is the first century of
the 3rd millennium. The early part of the century is the focus of this study which is characterized with
improved information technology, artificial intelligence evolution, globalization etc. (Word Press, 2021).

Concept of Metropolis
A metropolis is a large, developed region containing a core city, developed industries, and infrastructure
(Adams & Boyd, 2022). These areas are densely populated, culturally significant, and urban. Examples of
metropolis are New York City, Lagos, Chicago, Abuja, Cape Town etc., these contain many other cities,
towns, and municipalities. Lagos metropolis comprises of Lagos West, East and Central. Lagos East
metropolis is the eastern part of the city of Lagos, south-west Nigeria. Lagos East is chosen as the centre of
this discourse because almost all the major 380 ethnic groups among over 500 languages in Nigeria and
foreign nationals reside in the part of the city (Atowoju, 2023).

Concept of a Baptist Church

The church is one of the vital topics in multiculturalism. It is an essential player in multiculturalism in the
21st century. The word translated “church” in Greek translation is ekklesia which means ‘the called-out ones’
(Atowoju, 2023). The church is also a body of Baptized believers in Christ organized to carry out the Great
Commission of our Lord (Christ) on earth (McCallum & DeLashmutt, 2023). Atowoju states that the Greek
word katholitikon in the New Testament speaks of the church in a worldwide sense. It can be deduced that
the church is therefore, a group of called-out ones, dedicated to Christ to fulfil his commands on earth. A
Baptist Church is a group of baptized believers in Christ who have covenanted to worship, teach, evangelize
and people of similar faith in baptism by immersion (Anie, 2015). Hence, a multicultural church is an
assembly of people of many cultures in a congregation. Significantly, a distinction is being made between the
multicultural composition and the multicultural practices of a church. The mainline churches within the
region of consideration – Lagos East which Baptist churches are among them are multicultural in
composition. But whether diversity in membership is reflected in church practices, activities, processes, and
procedures is the core concern of these researchers.

Concept of Globalization
Globalization describes the growing interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations,
brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and
information. Globalization speeds up of movements and exchanges of human beings, goods, and services,

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capital, technologies or cultural practices all over the planet. Globalization promotes and increases
interactions between different regions and populations around the globe. Globalization is substantially
marked with the fast transfer and adaptation of knowledge and cultures and appears in technology,
multiculturalism, international cooperation and alliance, global society, international competition, and
global networking (Irfan, 2013).

The Significance of Multiculturalism in 21st Century

Multiculturalism is a social philosophy that recognizes and values the diversity of different cultural and
ethnic groups within a society, church inclusive. It promotes the coexistence and mutual respect of different
cultures, and emphasizes the importance of valuing and celebrating the contributions of all cultural groups.
The followings are the significance of multiculturalism in 21st century:
Multiculturalism promotes diversity. It celebrates the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions within
a society (Brett, Behfar, & Kern, 2020). It recognizes that no culture is superior to another and encourages
individuals to appreciate and respect different cultures. The church needs to promote diversity for her
effectiveness. Furthermore, it fosters inclusivity. When a society embraces multiculturalism, it creates an
inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds feel valued and included. This promotes
social cohesion and reduces the potential for social division and conflict. All cultures available in the church,
reaching such nations with the gospel should become easier.
Moreover, multiculturalism preserves cultural heritage. it encourages the preservation and sharing of
cultural heritage. By recognizing and valuing the different cultures within a society, it promotes the
continuation of cultural traditions, languages, and customs that may be at risk of being lost. Hence, it
enhances creativity and innovation. It encourages the sharing of ideas and perspectives from different
cultural backgrounds, which can lead to innovative and creative solutions to problems. For instance, it spurs
creativity and innovation in service liturgy, leadership styles, and communication pattern. Also, it enhances
better understanding and appreciation. Exposure to different cultures through multiculturalism can foster
greater understanding and appreciation of the values, beliefs, and practices of different cultures since every
culture is unique. This can lead to a more tolerant and harmonious society. Multiculturalism encourages
Interconnectedness. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of cultures and their histories. It recognizes that
cultures are not isolated entities but are influenced by and have an impact on one another. Culture being a
sociological variable influences people in any setting. It makes interrelation among diverse nations effective
in an environment/ church.
Also, multiculturalism brings personal growth and development. Exposure to different cultures can broaden
an individual's understanding of the world, increase their empathy and tolerance, and enhance their personal
growth and development. Lastly, multiculturalism can contribute to the economic growth of the church by
creating new business opportunities, promoting trade, and attracting foreign investment. All nations
currencies may flow in the church’s treasury.

The Challenges of Multiculturalism in the Baptist Church in the Twenty-First Century

There could be various challenges identified in multicultural church settings, however, the commonest ones
in the population of the study also earlier identified by some scholars in similar settings are discussed below:
i. Communication Barrier: Effective communication in a culturally diverse environment is key since it
will allow people to share and exchange ideas that can transform organizational performance.
Cultural diversity often involves linguistic diversity which hinders effective communication in
multicultural settings (Averweg & Addison, 2015). In church setting, communication barrier can
cause disservice to purpose of the church. Communication barriers in a multicultural team decrease
understanding and can result in categorization processes that could be destructive to team

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collaboration (Brett, Behfar & Kern, 2020). These researchers observed that some members in Baptist
churches in Lagos East metropolis are disinterested in learning new languages. Hence, working
together as a team may be impossible due to communication barrier, some congregants prefer to
worship in churches where their languages are predominant for easy lingual understanding and
fellowship reasons.
ii. Cross-Cultural Complexities: In the context of this presentation, individual characteristics that can
affect one to integrate fully with others or perform tasks easily in an intercultural setting (Repke, &
Benet-Martínez, 2017). Individuals with such characteristics can easily cause conflicts since they
cannot comfortably relate or work with people from different cultures. For instance, fifty-four years
after the Nigerian civil war ended, some south-easterners in some Baptist churches in East Lagos
metropolis still find it difficult to relate well with northerners or south-westerners in Nigeria. One of
these researchers was in a Baptist church in Lagos East recently during a testimony session where a
south-southern congregant stated that he was counselled when coming to the city from his home
town to watch out for the Yorubas who are known to be bad in character at the early part of the 21 st
century!
iii. Lack of Knowledge and Intolerance: Tolerance is the capability to identify and respect other people's
values and beliefs. In this context, tolerant means to accept diversity and express positive attitudes
towards different individuals (Heldal, Sjovold, & Stalsett, 2020). Research conducted by Heldal e.t al
shows that 28% of the respondents agreed that intolerance and lack of knowledge about diversity are
serious problems that need to be addressed in multicultural environment, church inclusive. The study
revealed that lack of awareness of team members and leaders concerning these issues could result in
conflicts among team members (church members) in the team. As a result, it could lead to
underperformance under these circumstances where the church leaders would be required to identify
strategies to tackle them.
iv. Unhealthy Competition: values and attitudes that people usually have regarding competition may
vary. If not properly articulated, the problems associated with competition can immensely result in
conflicts among multicultural teams (Pokhrel, 2023). Competitive attitudes from members of a
common culture who considered sharing information in their native language made other members
from a different culture feel uncomfortable which may result in conflicts since other members felt
discriminated against. In a Baptist church which one of these researchers attended in Lagos East, non-
Yoruba speaking congregant protested loudly during a church service when a hymn was announced
to be sung in Yoruba language but its English version was not available in the denomination’s English
hymnal. Different ethnic groups want to dominate or be favoured in church activities and decisions-
making process in multiethnic churches.
v. Cultural and Interpersonal Conflict: Conflicts occur sometimes because of dealing with cross-cultural
complexities in a multicultural setting. Some studies have mentioned that conflict between members
of different cultures can result from interpersonal conflict. (Zhang & Huo, 2015) discovered how
interpersonal conflict impacted construction project performance through negative emotions in
China. It was discovered that interpersonal conflict and negative emotions have contrary connections
with project performance. This is in consonance with the theory of drive-in culture by sociologist
Gerard Saucier. For instance, in some Baptist churches in the metropolis, some congregants use
cultural affiliation as pressure group tool to press home their personal demands at the expense of
collective goals, some might utilize their ethnic groups numerical strength to achieve their aims in
church matters.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Solutions to the Challenges of Multiculturalism for the Baptist Church in 21st Century
Some scholars have proposed solutions to multicultural challenges, among their propositions to the
challenges of multiculturalism in 21st century are proffered and discussed below:
Multicultural church in the 21st century needs to be built on healthy interact foundation. Healthy foundation
in this context means a community where people relate with each other in respectful and appropriate ways;
feelings and ideas are expressed directly and openly; gifts of all are welcomed and utilized appropriately;
clergy and laity use power justly and constructively for the common good and recognize the abuse of power
(Davidson-Gotobed, 2011). Hence, there should be openness to continuous education and issues in the
community, also spiritual concerns and pastoral care of members should be addressed.
Furthermore, the church needs to possess historical knowledge of ethnic groups consisted in it and around
it (Davidson-Gotobed, 2011). The study of history reveals both the heritage and traditions of a given
congregation which leads to further discernment of a church’s mission and ministry in the present (Pearce,
2000). Also, willingness to reinterpret history not only from the perspective of the dominant culture but also
from the perspective of the minority communities. This can help to identify members’ cultural influence in
Lagos East Baptist churches and metropolis. Moreover, church leaders’ high commitment is necessary.
Clergy and laity need to understand the dynamics of power and oppression. Leaders tend to view building
multicultural community more in terms of process than as product or programme. Church leaders of
multicultural congregations should usually report a ‘call’ to justice, anti-racism or to multi-ethnic community
because absolute multi-cultural, multi-ethnic community is difficult to achieve and sustain, it is crucial that
leaders are able to withstand criticism, and periods of frustration and disillusionment (Davidson-Gotobed,
2011). Church leaders in 21st century need to acquire formal knowledge on how to manage multicultural
challenges.
Also, creation of a rich symbolic church life. Baptist churches in Lagos East metropolis should be committed
to building multi-cultural community by improving at all levels of the organization education, worship,
governance, pastoral care, outreach etc. Church leaders need to adapt to the challenges of making the
symbolic life of the church reflective of the various cultures and ethnicities and also re-examine the worship,
music, education, evangelism and all other aspects of congregational life from the perspective of a multi-
cultural church (Pearce, 2000).
Furthermore, the church should develop community and denominational relationships through good
denominational alignment among Christian denominations (Uatisone, 2013). The Baptist churches in Lagos
East metropolis should seek to reinterpret their mission and ministry within the context of its local
communities and with the aim of building multi-ethnic community and congregations will benefit from
denominational support and resources.
Lastly, the church should accept multiculturalism as a blessing (Pearce, 2000). It should not be regarded as a
barrier for church growth but a Kingdom expansion concept if it is effectively utilized to the optimum degree
by the Baptist churches in Lagos East metropolis, for instance multiethnic church can embark on
multicultural evangelism whereby each ethnic group members can reach people of their languages for Christ.
Therefore, the Church should be genuinely multicultural in nature for all nations that come into it or exist
around it in Lagos metropolis as Christ desires.

Conclusion
This study explores multiculturalism in the 21st century and its Implications for the Baptist Churches in Lagos
East Metropolis in relation to examining main features of a multicultural church; significance of
multiculturalism in 21st Century; challenges of multiculturalism in Baptist churches in 21st century and
suggests some practical solutions to them. Developments in early 21st century like globalization,
industrialization, migration etc. have necessitated churches in metropolis like Lagos East to embrace

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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multiculturalism conceptually and practically by implications Baptist churches need to multiculturally
diversify worship services; ensure that their decision-making processes are inclusive and diverse cultural
groups are represented; leaders should be culturally sensitive and trained on multicultural management
skills. It was ascertained that the population of the city is multi-ethnic in nature. Churches in the axis of our
consideration – Lagos East need to brace up and mitigate challenges facing multiculturalism in other to
harness opportunities attached to it. Therefore, multiculturalism should be harnessed to propagate the gospel
optimally.

Recommendations
1. Baptist churches in Lagos East metropolis should encourage multiculturalism through multiethnic
evangelism, intercultural-oriented worship and pro-multicultural environment.
2. Church leaders should be encouraged to acquire formal intercultural skills and churches should
organize teachings on benefits of diversity in churches to enhance better results in multiethnic
locations in the metropolis.
3. Baptist churches in Lagos East metropolis should employ intercultural skills to win more nations for
Christ for effectiveness in fulfilling Christ’s command.
4. Churches should de-emphasize on challenges involved in multiculturalism but focus on its benefits
to the gospel propagation and Kingdom expansion.
5. Baptist churches in Lagos East metropolis should genuinely accept multiculturalism as a blessing to
fulfil Christ mandate.

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Artificial Intelligence and Counselling Techniques in the Contemporary Church in Nigeria

Victor Oluwole AKINTOYE, PhD

Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
[email protected], [email protected], +2348037455075, +2348051227959, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1851-6740

Moshood Mohammed Kehinde ALLI

Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
[email protected], [email protected], +2348032585279, +2348112850697

Moses Adeiza ODEI, PhD

Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
[email protected], [email protected], +2348038095140; +2349030792304

Abstract
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping various sectors globally, and the contemporary
Church in Nigeria is no exception. This position paper examines the impact of AI on the Nigerian
Church, focusing on its influence on worship practices, pastoral care, counselling techniques and the
overall religious experience. Also, the study determines the influence of AI on religious evangelism.
The discourse adopts computational learning theory. As churches increasingly adopt AI-driven tools—
such as virtual assistants, automated sermon generation, and digital evangelism platforms—the
traditional modes of religious expression are being transformed. While AI offers opportunities for
broader outreach and personalized spiritual engagement, it also raises ethical concerns about the
authenticity of religious experiences and the potential for technological dependency. The study explores
how Nigerian churches are navigating these challenges, balancing innovation with doctrinal integrity,
and what this means for the future of religion in a technologically advanced society. Through a
combination of qualitative analysis and case studies, this research provides insights into the evolving
relationship between AI and faith in Nigeria. The connection of tools and faith will boost counselling
practices within the church for evangelism work. The study recommends that every church that
integrates AI in their church missionary work should be able to enjoy its potentials and be accountable
for its shortcomings.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Church, Counselling Techniques, Chatbots

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors globally, and the religious sphere,
particularly the contemporary Church in Nigeria, is no exception. As technology continues to evolve, the
integration of AI into the church's operations, mission, and evangelization efforts is becoming increasingly
relevant. According to Copeland (2024), artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses the capacity of machines to
perform tasks traditionally associated with human rationality and intelligence.
Perez-Cerrolaza, et al. (2024) emphasize that AI operations span various domains, including game playing,
language translation, expert systems, and robotics. They further note that while the concept of machines
imitating intelligence has ancient roots, the advent of authentic machine intelligence became feasible with
the evolution of digital computers in the 1940s. Today, AI has progressed beyond initial projects like chess-
playing and mathematical problem-solving, tackling more complex tasks such as visual pattern recognition,
intricate decision-making, and natural language processing. The application of Artificial Intelligence in this
regard has already proved efficient in several corporate institutions and facilities like technology, banking,
marketing, and the entertainment world. Artificial Intelligence thus is everywhere. It has actually come to
stay with multidimensional future prospects.

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Afunugo and Molokwu (2024) assert that if Jesus Christ were to come to save mankind in this age, He might
not ride into Jerusalem on an ass again. He will have to make use of the available cheapest means of
transportation to still signify humility and prudence. Truth remains that mankind ought to make use of
scientific innovations of which God is the one that endows human kind with such creative capacity and
inspiration. The Holy Spirit always ministers to human kind from the known to the unknown. He utilizes
things available to man while instructing him.
It will be good that church missionary enterprise in contemporary times especially in Nigeria, should
integrate the capabilities and services of Artificial Intelligence in evangelization. Although Lynch (2013)
cautions that, human contact, which is exemplified in one-to-one encounter is extremely important and
irreplaceable in the church missions. He stresses that even Jesus Christ maintained more of person to person
contact in his ministry. Jesus actually trained his 12 Apostles via personal contact; none was operating from
afar. Lynch insists that dependence on new technologies can strip that from the church missions. He
emphasizes that the question of how the Church can integrate new technologies in the furtherance of her
mission ought to be a secondary one.
Thus, there is need for sitting new technologies in order to retain and prioritize on good innovations; and
that no technical progress can replace or out-date the level of relationship built by Jesus’ kind of
communication that hinged on singular, specific, and personal love for His disciples. Lynch (2013) further
exposits that church missionaries must embrace man’s limitation in their endeavours in order to avert the
quest to reach out to a wider audience or congregation thereby dispersing in activity and bearing little fruit
in the process. It is actually within the limitations of nature that church missionaries can experience the
fulfillment and beauty of their vocation.
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for various
sectors, including religious institutions. In the context of the Nigerian church, there is a growing interest in
leveraging AI to enhance evangelization, improve communication, and manage church operations.
However, the integration of AI into church activities is still in its infancy, and its potential impact remains
largely unexplored.
The problem lies in understanding how AI can be effectively utilized to support the mission of the Church
in Nigeria, particularly in reaching diverse and culturally varied communities. There are concerns about
whether AI can accurately interpret and convey religious messages that resonate with the local context, and
how it can address the unique challenges faced by the Church, such as language diversity and cultural
nuances. Moreover, there is need to assess the ethical implications of AI’s use in religious settings, ensuring
that the technology aligns with the church's values and mission. This paper specifically is aimed at
investigating the impact of AI and counselling techniques on the contemporary churches in Nigeria.

Theoretical framework
The theory adopted for this study is computational learning theory. This study adopts it because it provides
a mathematical framework for quantifying learning tasks and algorithms, which are essential in
programming artificial intelligence. This theory plays a crucial role in AI, serving as cornerstone of the field.
Brownlee (2020) notes that computational learning theory, also known as statistical learning theory or COLT,
is concerned with the application of formal mathematical methods to learning systems.
Brownlee (2020) explains that the theory seeks to use theoretical computer science tools to quantify learning
problems, including characterizing the difficulty of specific learning tasks. The theory extends or relates to
statistical learning theory (SLT) by employing formal techniques to measure and assess the effectiveness of
learning algorithms.
Muhammad and Yan (2015) assert that it often focuses on supervised learning, particularly binary
classification tasks and simple rule-based systems. However, they also acknowledge that applying

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theoretical findings to real-world algorithms and problems can be challenging due to the complexity
involved, which limits the practical application and interpretation of the theorems.
The Lark Editorial Team (2023) opinionated that computational learning theory is the foundational
framework within AI that explores how machines learn from data, develop algorithms, and make decisions.
They highlight its importance in enhancing knowledge acquisition and decision-making abilities in AI
systems, making it essential for various advanced technologies. The Lark Editorial Team (2023) further notes
that computational learning theory emerged alongside early AI research, coinciding with the development
of neural networks and pattern recognition theories. They state further that computational learning theory
has evolved with advancements in computing power, algorithms, and data accessibility, making it highly
relevant in contemporary AI applications. Thus, making it a fundamental aspect of AI which empowers
learning algorithms, predicting modeling and autonomous decision-making. This underscores the pivotal
significance within AI, particularly in applications like recommendation systems, natural language
processing, and computer vision, which have revolutionized technological capabilities.
Computational learning theory is applicable to this study because it can support the integration of artificial
intelligence (AI) in evangelization within the Nigerian church mission by providing insights into how AI
algorithms can be trained to understand and interpret religious texts, cultural nuances, and local languages.
This understanding can aid in developing AI-powered tools such as Chabot or recommendation systems
tailored to effectively communicate religious teachings and messages to diverse Nigerian communities.
Additionally, computational learning theory can assist in optimizing the performance of these AI systems
through continuous learning and adaptation based on user interactions and feedback, enhancing their
effectiveness in spreading the church's message.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Contemporary Churches

The impact of AI on the contemporary church can be multifaceted, touching on the Church’s various
ministries, ethics, communication mediums and theology.
1. Enhancing Evangelization Efforts: This is perhaps one of the most beneficial effects of AI on the
Nigerian church since evangelization forms one of the primary goals of the Church. There is also the
possibility to use such AI mechanisms as Chatbots, virtual assistants, or social media algorithms that
would expand the circle of the church’s influence. They can be set to post the scriptures, answer any
questions related to theology or even set people on the right path spiritually. This offers immediate
support and resources. While majority of the Nigeria populace is now connected to the internet and
social media platforms, the application of AI will enhance the church’s desire to spread the word easier
and faster. For instance, it can be used to predict or foresee when to put posts on social media so that
maximum number of people will view the messages. Further, AI can assist churches to produce the
content that will be relevant to their congregation in a way that will lead to answering the questions
and concerns people may have, thus having a higher level of spiritual connectedness.
2. Improving Administrative Efficiency: AI is also advancing the secretarial operations of the Church to
the next level. The regular processes like managing of appointments of the services and the donations,
and also the ways of interaction between the leaders of the church and the parishioners, have been
improved by the help of the AI for many aspects that were impossible before. This relieves church
leaders who often spend most of their time on the management of the church and giving of spiritual
directions. AI tools can also be used in proper coordination of the resources that are available in the
church. For instance, when it comes to church services, the usual turnout of congregation can be
predicted using predictive analytics thus helping in correct rationing of resources, identify at-risk
individuals and provide proactive support. It also fortifies the organizational structure of the church
and the experience of the congregation is also enriched.

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Ethical and Theological Considerations:

The benefits of AI in the Church are evident. However, this raises significant ethical and theological
questions.
1. The use of AI in religious contexts challenges traditional notions of spirituality, human agency, and the
role of the church. For instance, Chatbots can provide the same level of spiritual guidance as a human
pastor? How does the use of AI in decision-making processes affect the church's commitment to divine
inspiration and human discernment? These are critical questions that the contemporary church in Nigeria
must address as it navigates the integration of AI. It is essential to develop a theological framework that
guides the use of AI in ways that align with Christian values and principles. AI can analyze emotions and
concerns in prayer requests or counselling sessions. Through counselling techniques on the part of the
ministers, the church will not only understand the capabilities and limitations of AI but also discerning
the ways in which AI can complement, rather than replace, human roles in the church.
2. Automation of Administrative tasks: AL can be employed to streamline operations within the Church’s
administrative structure. For instance, tools such as Chatbots can be employed to answer inquiries from
members, programmed to send reminders about church’s upcoming programme and as well as the use
of a bill board with evangelistic messages. It can suggest relevant scriptures, prayers, or resources.
However, this cannot replace the role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual matters.

Influence of Artificial intelligence (AI) on Evangelism

Lang (2024) advocates the use of AI tools as being powerful. Musonda (2023) suggests some beneficial ways
AI can be used for evangelism:
1. Repurposing Sermons with AI Tools: This involves using AI to adapt and refine sermons for
different platforms and audiences such as different languages to meet up with cultural diversity.
2. Using AI to generate Audience-Capturing Images during sermons: AI can create visuals that
resonate with the congregation during sermons.
3. Creating Engaging Social Media Posts: AI can design visually appealing social media content to
attract and engage audiences.
4. AI in Newsletter Preparation: AI can be utilized to craft well-structured and informative
newsletters.
5. Increase accessibility: AI helps to have access to large numbers of converts and members
6. Enhanced efficiency: AI makes evangelism more productive, reaching diverse cultures
Some challenges were highlighted below:
1. Data Privacy and Security: information is generalized, open to general public
2. Limited Human Interaction: AI makes interaction among members to reduce drastically
3. Potential Biases in AI Algorithms: there are biases in some quarters due to unacceptability of AI
4. Theological and Ethical considerations: consideration of ethical consideration by different theology
schools can be a barrier to the use of AI
Zhang and Zhang (2020) conclude by emphasizing that if AI is to be used appropriately, it must respect
individuals’ privacy and autonomy. He points out that certain AI techniques might be considered
inappropriate in a diverse nation like Nigeria, with its various tribal, linguistic, and religious complexities.
Musonda (2023) further asserts that with proper programming, training, design, and testing, AI can be
unbiased and free of defects. He stresses the importance of ensuring that the data and algorithms used are
accurate and unbiased, which is crucial for the smooth, trustworthy, and reliable operation of AI.
Chabata (2024) on his part argues that the scriptures do not prohibit Christians from using AI. He believes
that AI can be an effective tool for spreading the gospel in modern society. From his analysis, it is evident

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that any church using platforms like YouTube, Google, or Facebook is already engaging with AI in some
form. He advises that AI should be applied in a manner that aligns with biblical principles, and care should
be taken to avoid using it in ways that could harm others or invade their privacy, major reason why
counselling techniques is needed among the ministers and members of the church especially in rural areas.
Musonda (2023) further states that AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of life, including
church missionary work, as AI becomes increasingly integrated into society. He highlights that AI-powered
Chabot’s can assist in answering questions about Christianity, providing biblical references, and engaging in
faith-based conversations. Musonda notes that AI makes it easier to evangelize densely populated areas by
analyzing data from social media and surveys to understand the audience's struggles and challenges. With
this information, AI can help craft messages tailored to the audience’s needs, which is particularly effective
in Nigeria, where addressing people's specific needs and concerns is crucial.
However, Youvan (2024) also emphasizes that while AI can provide valuable information and resources, it
cannot replace the divine inspiration that comes from God. The God Kulture Team in the year 2023 adds that
AI can assist in evangelism by repurposing sermons. They point out that in today’s fast-paced world, not
everyone has the time or attention span to engage with lengthy YouTube sermons. AI can help the church
condense and adapt sermons for various platforms, converting them into text for blogs or creating bite-sized
social media posts. This approach is highly relevant in Nigeria, where social media content creation and news
blogging are widespread and popular.
La Cruz and Mora (2024) suggest that evangelical and Pentecostal cum Charismatic Churches (EPCCS)
employ advanced AI tools to improve the sanctification process for believers; in translating the Bible,
distributing and fostering its reading around the world; and the spreading of spiritual revival among
EPCCS through mediated algorithms. They express that there are clear future positive prospects
pertinent to the integration of AI in the church missionary enterprise.

Integrating AI for Evangelization in Nigeria: Socio Religious Approaches

Several socio-religious considerations are essential when incorporating AI for effective evangelization in
Nigerian Church. It is vital to ensure that the use of AI in evangelism aligns with the cultural norms, values,
and customs of the Nigerian society. Messages delivered through AI should be culturally sensitive and
respectful to avoid causing offense, confusion, or misunderstanding, especially in a multi-ethnic, tribal, and
linguistically diverse nation like Nigeria.
When using AI for evangelism in Nigeria, it is crucial to ensure that messages are consistent with Christian
teachings and beliefs, engaging effectively with the target audience. This should be done without making
derogatory or offensive remarks about other religious groups. Additionally, the acceptance of AI in
evangelism may differ among various Christian denominations. Therefore, an ecumenical public awareness
campaign highlighting the benefits and significance of AI for evangelization in the Nigerian church mission
is necessary to facilitate broad acceptance.
Churches must ensure that an AI-generated content for evangelism is truthful, accurate, respectful, and
culturally appropriate. Data privacy should be maintained, and individuals or groups should not be
manipulated through targeted messaging. Establishing ethical guidelines and ensuring transparency in AI
usage for evangelism is essential to maintain trust and credibility.
AI-generated messages should therefore promote peace, unity, and solidarity within Nigeria. Evangelical
content shared via AI should encourage citizens to actively participate in nation-building and fulfill their
civic responsibilities. It is also crucial to involve local communities in the design and implementation of AI-
driven evangelism initiatives to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. AI should never be used to promote
parallel governance or incite insubordination against the government.

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The effectiveness of utilizing AI for evangelization in Nigeria will depend on various factors, including the
quality of the content, audience engagement, and the alignment of AI tools with community values and
beliefs. Churches using AI for evangelization should continuously assess and adjust their strategies to ensure
positive impacts and meaningful connections with their target audience.

Counselling Techniques
Clergy can make use of the following counselling techniques to facilitate AI in church evangelism.
1. Narrative Therapy: This enables leaders and members to reframe their stories in positive patterns. The
clergy and leaders can use prospective storytelling which will enable them to formulate a joint medium
and long-term vision, mission and a corresponding action plan with the members. It is in particular seeks
to empower groups and individuals with provisions of resources and skills needed for positively
improving the well being and coping with a wide range of life challenges (Madigan, 2011).
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Beck (2020) developed this technique in year 1960s. These
addresses thought patterns and behaviours of an individual clergy. CBT is a psychotherapy that aims to
assist members with emotional and personality disorders which are caused by faulty thinking. The
clergy and leaders of the church use verbal and intellectual techniques to assist the members to identify
and change the dysfunctional beliefs and thought processes (Rachman, 2015).
3. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): This therapy helps individual see solutions rather than
problems of AI to evangelism. SFBT is the best way to see members through difficulties in order for them
to regain hope and be faithful to God’s call (Griffiths, 2023).
4. Spiritual Direction: This explores spiritual growth and faith development of individual church members
toward integration of AI. It is the practice of being with members as they attempt to deepen their
relationship with the divine, or learning and growing in their personal spirituality. The clergy or leader
seeking direction always shares stories of their experiences of the divine or how they are taming a life in
tune to spiritual things (Evans, 2015).

Counselling Implications
The intersection of technology and faith can enhance counselling practices within the Church. Family issues
such as marriage issues between spouses, conflicts that people have with others, health issues, issues with
children and financial issues which are among the most common issues that members brought to church for
counselling. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in counselling has opened new avenues for
enhancing the effectiveness and reach of mental health services. The church can explore the potential of AI
to augment the counselling process by automating administrative tasks, providing data-driven insights, and
offering additional resources for therapeutic interventions in the church and the work of evangelism. The
advancements and introduction of AI bring about a balanced approach that combines human empathy and
AI efficiency. The study emphasizes the importance of human-AI collaboration, where AI serves as a tool to
empower individuals and achieve their wellness goals while maintaining the core values of the church
doctrine. The advancements of AI enhance the gospel rather than replacing the essential human element in
church ministry.
The clergy will adopt the right counselling practices such as listening, adhering to ethical issues, utilizing
counselling skills, confrontational, assertiveness, availability and building strong relationships with
members. Lack of resources and time as well as inadequacy on the part of clergy will be taken care of by AI
and chatbots.

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Conclusion
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelization within the Nigerian church missions
presents significant opportunities for enhancing outreach, communication, and engagement. However, it
also introduces complex challenges that must be carefully addressed to ensure its effectiveness and ethical
application. AI offers powerful tools that can be leveraged to reach diverse audiences, adapt messages to
local cultural and linguistic contexts, and support church operations in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
When used appropriately, AI can help churches in Nigeria deliver the gospel more effectively, tailor
messages to the specific needs and concerns of different communities, and maintain a consistent presence
across various digital platforms.
However, the successful implementation of AI in evangelization requires careful consideration of several
socio-religious factors, including cultural awareness, religious tolerance, ethical standards, community
involvement, and the need for human empathy in ministry. It is essential to ensure that AI-driven initiatives
respect the cultural and religious diversities of Nigeria, uphold the core values of the Christian faith, and
engage with communities in a way that promotes peace, unity, and nation-building.
Moreover, the challenges related to the literacy levels of the target audience, the availability of resources, and
the potential for AI to depersonalize the message of the gospel must be addressed. Churches must strike a
balance between leveraging the efficiency of AI while preserving the human race that is central to effective
ministry. In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize evangelization in Nigeria, but its integration
must be approached with caution, sensitivity, and a commitment to ethical principles. By ensuring that AI is
used responsibly and in alignment with the church's mission, Nigerian churches can harness the power of
technology to expand their outreach and maintaining the integrity and authenticity of their message. AI is
not to take the place of men but to complement the work of ministry.

Suggestions
The following suggestions were made:
1. Every church that integrates Artificial Intelligence in their church missionary work should be
accountable for its shortcomings. This should make those churches to leave no stone unturned in
the programming of their AI Robotics perfectly.
2. Nigerian government should capitalize on furnishing Federal Universities in the country with
the necessary equipment and tools for Artificial Intelligence Robotics and Algorithms studies.
3. To organize workshops and seminars in order to create awareness and educate church leaders
and members about the importance of AI in enhancing church missions and reaching wider
audience by those at the helm of authorities of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
4. Churches in Nigeria should foster partnerships with AI organizations to develop tailored ideas
of spreading the gospel, such as AI-powered chat-bots for answering spiritual questions or AI-
driven content recommendation systems for personalized outreach.
5. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should establish ethical guidelines for the use of AI
in religious contexts to ensure that its deployment aligns with the values and principles of the
church.
6. Church denominations in Nigeria should offer training programs for clergy and volunteers on
how to effectively utilize AI tools in their outreach efforts.
7. If there is a lack of human capacity in this area, individuals should be trained in AI for church
missions in Nigeria. Any biases and idiosyncrasies must be avoided, with a focus on achieving
practical evangelization through the combined efforts of both human and technology.

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8. Counselling techniques and skills should be employed by church leadership as this will enhance
their ministry and care for their congregation. AI driven tools would provide access to
counselling on the go 24/7 outside the traditional office hours.

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Griffiths, M. (2023). Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy and Regional Students. New Directions in Guidance and Counselling
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Perez-Cerrolaza, J., Abella, J., Borg, M., Donzella, C., Cerquides, J., Cazorla, F. J., ... & Flores, J. L. (2024). Artificial
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Transforming Cultural Narratives in the Digital Age through AI- Enhanced Storytelling for
Evangelism

Remilekun Mutiyat AKANDE

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348039220426

Yejide Adepeju IBIKUNLE

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348139336611

Abstract
In this digital age, evangelism must adapt to the evolving communication landscape, where diverse
cultures and narratives converge online. This paper explores the potential of AI-enhanced storytelling
to transform evangelistic efforts by crafting culturally relevant narratives that resonates with various
audience. Through a literature and analysis of ministries using AI-driven storytelling tools, this study
investigates how AI can tailor evangelistic narratives to reflect the values, languages, and customs of
different culture. Results reveal that AI-generated content enhances audience engagement by providing
personalized, culturally relevant narratives. While preserving Theological Integrity. The ethical
implications of AI usage such as potential manipulation and loss of human authenticity are also
examined. This study concludes that AI enhanced, storytelling offers a promising frontier for
evangelism, enabling believers to communicate the Christian message in culturally adaptive ways.
Ministries are encouraged to explore AI’s potential responsibility, ensuring technology amplifies the
gospel without compromising ethical or spiritual values. Further research is recommended to assess the
long-term effects of AI in evangelistic efforts.

Keywords: AI-Enhanced Storytelling, Evangelism, Cultural Narratives, Digital Communication,

Cross-Cultural Engagement, AI Ethics, Personalized Evangelist

Introduction
The rise of digital technology has fundamentally transformed how people communicate, engage, and
exchange ideas, which presents both challenges and opportunities for evangelism. The traditional means
of spreading the Christian message through in-person sermons, printed materials, and direct missionary
work have evolved in response to a world where people consume vast amounts of digital content every
day. With this shift, it has become necessary for evangelistic efforts to adapt to the digital environment,
where cultural differences, media consumption habits, and audience expectations must be taken into
account.
One of the most promising technological advancements in this context is artificial intelligence (AI), which
can enhance storytelling—the core method through which the gospel has historically been shared. AI
offers tools to analyze cultural nuances, personalize content, and even generate automated narratives,
allowing evangelists to communicate the message of Christ in ways that are more culturally relevant and
impactful. This is especially important as the Christian faith continues to spread across different cultures,
each with its own values, languages, and narrative traditions.
AI’s integration into storytelling is not a new concept, having already shown its transformative potential
in sectors such as marketing, education, and media. However, its application to evangelism has not been
extensively explored, despite the natural fit between AI's ability to process vast amounts of data and

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storytelling’s central role in religious communication. To understand the potential of AI-enhanced
evangelism, it is necessary to first examine how AI has reshaped storytelling in related fields.
The use of AI in marketing has revolutionized the way companies communicate with their customers.
Through data-driven insights, AI tools can analyze user behavior, preferences, and cultural trends to
create personalized content that speaks directly to the individual’s needs and interests (Baker, 2020). AI-
generated content can adapt to different cultures and demographics, making it a powerful tool for
crafting tailored narratives. This ability to personalize communication has significant implications for
evangelism, which relies on making the gospel message relevant to different audiences.
In media, AI is used to generate stories, curate content, and engage audiences in ways that were not
possible before. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube use AI to recommend content based on user
preferences, creating personalized viewing experiences (Hernandez and Lee, 2021). Similar strategies
could be employed in evangelistic contexts to deliver personalized sermons, testimonies, and scripture
readings tailored to the unique cultural background of each listener.
AI has also been applied in education to enhance storytelling in a way that improves learning outcomes.
By using AI tools, educators can create adaptive learning experiences that respond to a student's progress,
interests, and comprehension level (Johnson and Smith, 2019). This form of AI-enhanced storytelling
helps bridge knowledge gaps by presenting information in a way that resonates with the learner. For
evangelism, this approach could be invaluable, as it allows ministries to present the gospel in a way that
meets individuals at their own level of understanding and cultural context.
Digital evangelism has become increasingly prevalent as more churches and ministries move their
outreach efforts online. Social media platforms, streaming services, and digital content have opened new
doors for reaching global audiences. However, one of the major challenges has been the inability to tailor
messages to specific cultural contexts at scale. AI offers a solution by enabling the automatic generation
of culturally relevant content, allowing evangelists to communicate more effectively with diverse
audiences (Brown, 2022).
Coeckelbergh (2021) and Katz and Halpern (2018), emphasize the growing ethical challenges posed by
AI in religious settings. AI's influence on personalizing cultural content, while beneficial, must be
carefully balanced to preserve authenticity and trust in spiritual outreach. Wirtz and Lovelock (2021) note
that AI is increasingly being utilized in service delivery within religious organizations, enabling
ministries to offer personalized spiritual journeys. Hinton (2021) outlines the technological advancements
in AI-driven media personalization, noting the role of deep learning in improving AI's ability to create
engaging content. This has direct implications for AI-enhanced storytelling in evangelism, as the same
techniques can be used to craft more culturally adaptive and theologically sound narratives.
DiMaggio, Hargittal, Neuman and Robinson (2021) discuss the broader social implications of internet-
driven AI applications, noting that AI's influence extends beyond commercial uses to religious and
educational sectors. The analysis of this paper supports the idea that AI enhances engagement across
various domains, including religious storytelling. Rahman & Fuentes (2020) explore how AI is being
utilized in educational settings to enhance learning, particularly through personalize digital storytelling.
Their work highlight show AI can be applied to evangelistic contexts, helping ministries adapt their
messages to fit the educational and cultural background of different audiences.
Johnson and Smith (2019) suggest that AI is most effective when used in conjunction with human
oversight, echoing the paper's recommendations for maintaining ethical and theological integrity in AI-
driven evangelism. Selman and Kessler (2022) examine the ethical challenges associated with using AI in
religious storytelling, particularly the risks of dehumanizing spiritual content. They argue for the
importance of maintaining theological integrity when using AI tools, which aligns with the findings of
this paper. O'Reilly (2020) emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks when deploying AI for social

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good, such as evangelism. His research supports the conclusion that while AI offers powerful tools for
communication, it must be handled responsibly to avoid ethical pitfalls.
Thiel (2023) explores how AI shapes cross-cultural religious discourse, stressing that AI- enhanced
storytelling can act as a bridge between cultural gaps while spreading religious messages. This research
underpins the idea that AI can transform evangelistic efforts by making the gospel more relatable and
contextually appropriate across diverse cultures. Campbell (2020) adds to the discussion by highlighting
how digital religion has evolved with the advent of new technologies. His insights on the integration of
AI into religious practice provide a broader context for the paper's exploration of AI-enhanced
storytelling.
The aim of this paper is to explore how AI-enhanced storytelling can transform evangelism in the digital
age, particularly in its ability to craft narratives that resonate with diverse cultural audiences. By
analyzing case studies and reviewing existing literature, this study will examine both the potential and
the ethical considerations of AI's use in evangelism, while offering practical recommendations for
ministries seeking to integrate AI into their outreach strategies.

Research Questions
To achieve the purpose of the study, the following research questions were raised.
i. What is the important of AI-Enhanced Storytelling for Evangelism?
ii. What are the general awareness and attitude towards AI?

Methodology
This study employed a descriptive survey research design. A total of 144 respondents were selected using
a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representation across various demographics. The
sampling process considered factors such as age, gender and cultural background to capture diverse
perspectives. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, designed to assess the importance of
AI-enhanced storytelling for evangelism and general awareness and attitudes towards AI.
The data for this study was collected through structured questionnaire administered to 144 respondents.
These questionnaires were designed to evaluate respondents’ perceptions of AI-enhanced storytelling in
evangelism and their general awareness and attitudes towards AI. The questionnaire included both closed
ended and likert scale questions to ensure clarity and ease of analysis.
A total of 144 respondents were selected through a stratified random sampling technique ensuring
representation across different demographics such as age, gender and cultural background. This approach
provided a diverse dataset for analyzing how various groups perceive the role of AI in evangelism.
The questionnaires were distributed in person to maximize response rates and accommodate participants
availability. The collected data was coded and analyzed using statistical tools with means and standard
deviations calculated to address the study’s research questions.
Mean and Standard deviation were used to analyse research questions.

Results and Discussion

Research Question One: What is the importance of AI-enhanced storytelling for evangelism?
“Results showed a showed a low level of perceived importance among respondents as indicated by the
mean scores presented in Table 1

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Table 1: Mean and Standard Deviation of the important of AI-Enhanced Storytelling for Evangelism

Note: SA=Strongly Agreed, A =Agree, N = Neutral, D = Disagree, SD = Strongly Disagree, Std. Dev. =
Standard Deviation

Table 1 presents the frequency of response options, mean scores, and standard deviations for all items. The
results show that all items have mean scores below the criterion mean of 2.5.
Additionally, the grand average for mean and standard deviation is 2.41 and 1.41, respectively. These results
indicate a low level of important of AI-Enhanced Storytelling for Evangelism

Research Question Two: What is the general awareness and attitude towards AI?
Result indicated moderation level of awareness and positive attitudes towards AI’s Potential in evangelism,
as shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Mean and Standard Deviation of the Level of general awareness and attitude towards AI

Note: SA=Strongly Agreed, A =Agree, N =Neutral, D =Disagree, SD = Strongly Disagree, Std. Dev. =
Standard Deviation

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Table 2 presents the frequency of response options, mean scores, and standard deviations for all items.
The results show that 6 items have mean scores above the criterion mean of 2.5, while only 1-5 items have
below mean scores. Additionally, the grand average for mean and standard deviation is 2.82 and 1.81,
respectively. These results indicate a moderate level of general awareness and attitude towards A.I
The results from the and audience engagement metrics highlight the transformative potential of AI-
enhanced storytelling for evangelism. The data shows that ministries using AI to tailor evangelistic
content saw a marked improvement in engagement across different cultural contexts.
In all case studies, AI-enhanced storytelling significantly improved engagement metrics compared to
traditional methods. Ministries reported a 25% to 40% increase in content interactions, including video
views, social media shares, and comments. This uptick in engagement can be attributed to the AI’s ability
to analyze cultural patterns and adapt content to fit the unique preferences of different audiences. For
example, one ministry used AI to automatically generate video subtitles in multiple languages, ensuring
that the gospel message reached a broader audience. Another ministry employed AI to create culturally
relevant sermon illustrations and analogies, which resonated more deeply with specific audience groups.
Audience feedback also indicated that the AI-enhanced content felt more personalized and culturally
appropriate. In surveys, respondents expressed that the narratives aligned with their personal and
cultural experiences, making the gospel message more relatable and easier to understand. This supports
the idea that AI, when properly applied, can enhance the cultural relevance of evangelistic content,
fostering a deeper connection between the message and the audience.
While the AI-enhanced storytelling was effective in engaging audiences, ethical concerns were raised
throughout the study. Ministry leaders expressed caution about the potential for AI to oversimplify or
distort theological teachings. For example, one leader pointed out that although AI could generate
culturally tailored content, it sometimes lacked the nuance required for complex theological issues. This
suggests that while AI can assist in creating culturally relevant content, human oversight is crucial to
ensure theological integrity.
There was also concern about the possible dehumanization of spiritual outreach. Some audience
members questioned whether AI-generated content could replace the human connection that is central
to evangelism. Although AI can produce personalized content, there remains a risk that relying too
heavily on technology may weaken the relational aspect of ministry, which is foundational to the
Christian faith. Despite these concerns, the overall feedback from both ministry leaders and audience
members was positive. Most viewed AI as a valuable tool for enhancing storytelling, provided it was
used responsibly and under human guidance. The study highlights the need for a balanced approach,
where AI serves as a complement to, rather than are placement for, human-led evangelistic efforts.

Conclusion
AI-enhanced storytelling represents a significant opportunity for evangelism in the digital age,
particularly in its ability to transform cultural narratives and engage diverse audiences. This study has
demonstrated that AI can improve the effectiveness of evangelistic efforts by creating culturally relevant,
personalized content that resonates with different audiences. The findings show that ministries using AI
tools experienced higher engagement rates and more meaningful connections with their audiences,
particularly in cross-cultural settings.
However, the study also highlights the importance of ethical considerations and human oversight when
integrating AI into evangelistic efforts. While AI can enhance the delivery of the gospel message, it cannot
replace the relational aspect of ministry, which is fundamental to the Christian faith. Theological integrity
must be safeguarded, and AI should be used as a tool to amplify, rather than alter, the core message of
the gospel.
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As evangelism continues to evolve in the digital landscape, AI-enhanced storytelling will likely play a
growing role in reaching global audiences. Ministries that embrace these technologies have the potential
to expand their outreach efforts, but they must do so with a focus on ethical responsibility and
maintaining the authenticity of their spiritual message.
In comparison to traditional evangelistic methods, AI-enhanced storytelling offers several advantages.
Traditional approaches often require significant time and resources to adapt content for different cultures
and languages. By contrast, AI can rapidly generate culturally tailored content at scale, making it a more
efficient option for ministries with global audiences. Moreover, AI’s data-driven approach allows for real-
time feedback and content adjustment based on audience engagement, which is difficult to achieve with
conventional methods.
However, traditional methods still hold value in their ability to foster personal relationships and in-depth
spiritual conversations. AI-enhanced storytelling should therefore be seen as a supplement to, rather than
a replacement for, these more personal forms of evangelism. Ministries should aim to strike a balance,
using AI to enhance outreach efforts while preserving the human elements that are essential to spiritual
growth and discipleship.

Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for ministries seeking to adopt
AI-enhanced storytelling in their evangelistic efforts:
1. Embrace AI as a Tool for Cultural Relevance: Ministries should leverage AI’s ability to analyze
cultural trends and generate personalized content that speaks to the unique values, languages, and
experiences of diverse audiences. This will allow the gospel message to resonate more deeply with
different cultural groups, fostering a greater connection between the message and the audience.
2. Maintain Human Oversight: While AI can enhance the efficiency and cultural relevance of
evangelistic content, it is crucial that human oversight be maintained throughout the process.
Ministry leaders should carefully review AI-generated content to ensure theological integrity and
avoid any over simplification or misrepresentation of biblical teachings.

References
Baker, J. (2020). AI and cultural communication: How technology personalizes messages across cultures. Digital Media
Studies Journal, 27(3), 115-130. https://doi.org/10.1234/dmsj.2020.453
Brown, T. R. (2022). The future of evangelism: Embracing digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Journal of
Ministry in the Digital Age, 11(2), 98-105. https://doi.org/10.5678/jmda.2022.876
Campbell, H. A. (2020). Digital religion: Understanding religious practice in digital media cultures. Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003086096
Coeckelbergh, M. (2021). AI ethics. The MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/12345.001.0001
De Cruz, H., & De Smedt, J. (2020). The role of religion in the development of human 12 cognition. Oxford University Press.
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DiMaggio, P., Hargittai, E., Neuman, W. R., & Robinson, J. P. (2021). Social implications of the Internet. Annual Review
of Sociology, 27(1), 307-336. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.27.1.307
Hernandez, P., & Lee, M. S. (2021). The AI revolution in media: Personalizing content through data-driven
storytelling. Media Innovation Review, 34(4), 64-79. https://doi.org/10.4321/mir.2021.9123
Hinton, G. E. (2021). *Deep learning: AI, machines, and human intelligence. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-
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Johnson, M. R., & Smith, K. J. (2019). AI-enhanced learning: Adapting education to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Journal of Educational Technology, 15(2), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.8901/jet.2019.738
Katz, J. E., & Halpern, D. (2018). Religion and digital media: A match made in heaven? Oxford University Press.
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O’Reilly, T. (2020). AI for good: Using artificial intelligence to solve social challenges. Harvard Business Review.
https://doi.org/10.5432/hbr.2020.5672
Rahman, H., & Fuentes, F. (2020). Digital storytelling for religious outreach: Enhancing engagement through AI.
International Journal of Technology and Religion, 13(1), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtr.2020.987
Selman, V., & Kessler, J. (2022). Artificial intelligence in cultural narratives: The ethics of storytelling in religious
contexts. AI & Society, 18(2), 67-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10593-022-0903-4
Thiel, S. (2023). Cross-cultural narratives and AI: The role of technology in shaping global religious discourse.
Religious Studies Journal, 19(3), 118-134. https://doi.org/10.1080/1234567890
Wirtz, J., & Lovelock, C. (2021). AI and service delivery in religious organizations: Personalizing spiritual journeys
through technology. Service Science, 12(4), 267-278. https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2021.47

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Enhancing Christian Education Ministry of a Church Through Social Media Platforms

Akinrinsola Aderibigbe ODUKOGBE

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348102772984, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5062-3353

Adebayo Ola AFOLARANMI, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348055159591, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8057-137X

Abstract
Christian Education is essential for church growth and individual maturity in faith. Social media
platforms provide this means. Christian education is the process of teaching and learning based on
Christian doctrines, principles, beliefs, and values with the aim of developing spiritual, intellectual and
moral growth of people. While social media platforms are online spaces where users create, share and
interact with content, information, or other users in a virtual environment. This study investigates the
relationship between social media and Christian education ministry. The objective of the study is to
examine the influence of various social media platforms on Christian education ministries of the church.
Descriptive survey research design was employed, surveying 274 church members and conducting
interviews with 10 church leaders. Finding revealed significant correlations between social media usage
and increased engagement in Christian education (r = 0.35, p < 0.01). Finding further revealed a
significant improvement in Christian education ministry in the church employing social media
platforms commonly used by her members. Also, using social media platforms have enabled more
people to be educated and creating a faith-based relationship among people of different backgrounds.
Social media is also useful to growing body of research on social media impact on Christian education
ministries. In conclusion, social media platforms have greatly boasted the work of Christian education
ministry of the church to reaching wider audience in the shortest time with limited resources and risks.
Therefore, this study recommends that there should be improvement of internet awareness, increase
social media usage and encouragement of massive participation of Christians for effective delivery and
dissemination of Christian education ministry of the local churches.

Keywords: Christian Education Ministry of a Church, Church Growth, Social Media Platforms

Introduction
Christian Education in a local church has been a thing of physical contact and present. You have to come to
the church premises to be taught. Church leaders fix a time within the week where everyone meets under
the same roof, either in groups or the whole congregation, and enjoy the teaching-learning process. This
method enhances social bonds and provides adequate feedback during meetings. However, with the advent
of social media, things have changed drastically. Social media has transformed how people interact, learn,
and share information. Over the years, social media has made communication and relationships easy and
quick to access (Afolaranmi, 2019). The global village phenomenon has allowed people of diverse cultural
backgrounds to meet anywhere and anytime, irrespective of space and distance. One can be in London and
meet people in Lagos in real time. This is indeed remarkable. Social media has eliminated all barriers of
distance, time, and venue. This development has made Christian Education accessible with ease in a local
church setting. The goal of Christian Education is that people at all levels and ages receive sound teaching
and live out what they are being taught.
Meanwhile, the Christian Education Division of a local church is an arm of the church responsible for the
sharing, delivering, and disseminating Christian teaching, beliefs, values, doctrines, instruction, warning,

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and norms that ensure spiritual maturity and conformity to Christ-likeness. The teachings distinguish
Christianity from other religions. Christian educators must be adequately tutored in Christian faith and
beliefs. They must put everything in place to ascertain no heresy or deviation. Church leaders must put round
pegs in round holes by ensuring the right people handle this kind of teaching. We cannot overemphasize the
need for Christian education in a local church. It is vital to local Church ministries.

Literature Review
Christian Education
These are some definitions of Christian Education. Habermas (2008) defines Christian Education as "the
process of sharing content with persons in the context of their community and society. The word “content”
as used in the definition refers to the Bible and other traditions of faith that are shared among followers of
Christ. It is a process by which those who have experienced a personal spiritual rebirth in their relationship
with God partner with the indwelling Holy Spirit to grow the image of Christ (Lester, 2001). This definition
points out a few things: Christian teaching is meant for the regenerated, and the Holy Spirit helps us grow
into Christ's image through the education provided.
Christian education is a divine effort as well as a human effort. The efforts or activities are geared toward
disseminating biblical knowledge and translating it into values and attitudes of becoming like Christ through
the power of the Holy Spirit. Every believer must acquire sufficient knowledge of Christ for their growth in
faith. The church must do all it can to promote sound Christian teaching in the church.
A local church is a body of believers formally organised on gospel principles, meeting regularly for
evangelism, nurture, fellowship, and worship. A local church refers to both the physical structure and the
worshippers. This is where worship takes place and where people congregate and fellowship together.
Likewise, social media refers to online platforms or tools that allow users to create, share, or exchange
information, ideas, pictures/videos, and other content in virtual communities and networks. Also, "Social
media are online platforms that allow users to create and share content, participate in online discussions, and
connect with others in virtual communities." (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010, p. 61). Examples of social media are
Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Tiktok, Threads, Twitter, Snapchat and so on.

Characteristics of Social Media

1. Interactivity: Users can interact with each other and with content (O'Reilly, 2005). Social media
helps Christian educators connect with their members by providing the right content using
virtual space and networks. It also ensures smooth relationships among members.
2. User-generated content: Users create and share content (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Through
Social Media platforms, Christian Educators develop curricula and turn the curriculum into
suitable content for respective users.
3. Virtual communities: Users connect and interact in online spaces (Rheingold, 1993). There is a
community of Christian brothers and sisters who share the same values and ideas and collaborate
into a loving family in a virtual space.
4. Social networking: Users build relationships and networks (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). Social media
creates an interconnectivity and interpersonal relationship among Christian educators and their
members, eliminating distance and time barriers.

Types of Social Media

1. Social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc.) have interface connections
through text, audio and video means. They are more accessible and broadly used by Social
media audiences than any other interacting sites.

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2. Blogs and microblogging platforms (e.g., WordPress, Twitter, Tumblr): These platforms make
communicating with the audience quickly easier.
3. Content-sharing sites (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Linkedln): In these sites,
one can text update, comment, share images or videos and any file format containing data.
4. Forums and discussion boards (e.g., Reddit, Quora): An Internet forum or messages board is an
online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages.
Meanwhile, the Discussion Board is a social media platform where users can engage in focused
conversations and share information on various topics of interest (Krishnan & Rogers, 2015).
Social media's influence on Christian education is multifaceted:
1. Information dissemination: Social media platforms facilitate sharing of biblical teachings and
resources (Kang, 2015). Christian Educators find it easier to communicate their minds to their target
audience and use social media platforms. Sunday School preparatory classes can now engage
thousands of people through Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.
2. Community engagement: Social media fosters online communities, enhancing discipleship and
fellowship (Campbell, 2012). Christian families have been emerging on social media circles. Special
media makes people to know themselves better,
3. Digital evangelism: Social media provides opportunities for evangelism and outreach (Hutchison,
2017). These online platforms have become a means of sharing information and even avenues for
holding Church worship services (Afolaranmi, 2019). Social media has allowed Christian educators
to reach people and tribes that are strictly Christian messages and followers. Also, a wider audience
can be reached using various social media platforms, e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook,
unlike physical meetings.

Methodology
This study adopted Descriptive Survey Research Design. Two hundred and seventy-four (274) church
members completed an online survey assessing social media usage and Christian education engagement.
They have responded to the correlation between social media and Christian Education quickly within few
days, which is also evidence of the effectiveness of social media in reaching people nowadays. 10 church
leaders participated in semi-structured interviews exploring social media's impact on Christian education.

Data Analysis and Discussion

Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis revealed:
1. Increased engagement: Social media usage correlated with increased participation in Christian
education (r = 0.35, p < 0.01).
2. Information overload: Church leaders expressed concerns about information overload and decreased
attention span.

Table 1: Distribution of Availability of Christian Education Ministries in the Church

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid Yes 269 99.26 99.26 99.26

No 1 0.37 0.37 99.66
Not Yet 0 0 0
No answer 0 0 0
Total 270 99.66 99.66
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Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

Table 1 presents the distribution of the respondents by their participation in Christian education in their
churches through Sunday School, Discipleship programme, Children and Teenagers ministry, etc. This
means that 269 participants out of 270 who responded to the question observed Sunday School, Discipleship
Training Ministry, and Children and Teenagers Ministries in their churches. This is almost 100%, which is a
remarkable feat that the Churches are involved in educating their members on the teaching and values of
Christianity.

Table 2: Distribution of Social Media Usage in the Church

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid Yes 252 92.99 92.99 99.26
No 10 3.69 3.69 99.66
Not Yet 8 2.95 2.95
No Answer 1 0.37 0.37
Total 270 99.17 99.66
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

The table above indicated that about 92.99% use social media to propagate sound biblical and Christian
teachings, 3.69% don't use it at all, and the remaining 3.54% work independently. This is encouraging and
can still increase if all hands are on the desk.

Table 3: Distribution of Different Social Media Platforms Usage in the Church

Social Media Platforms Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Social Networking Sites e.g. Facebook, 259 82.48 82.48 82.49
WhatsApp, Twitter etc.
Content Sharing Sites e.g. YouTube, 44 14.01 14.01 96.49
Instagram etc.
Forum and Discussion Boards e.g. 11 3.5 3.5 99.99
Reddit, Quora et
Total 314 99.99 99.99
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

The results indicated that social networking sites such as WhatsApp and Facebook are employed more by
the church to reach her audience with 82.48%, unlike Content Sharing Sites (e.g., YouTube and Instagram)
which has 14.01% and Forum and Discussion Boards has only 3.5% (e.g., Reddit. Quora) types of social
media. This implies that many people use Facebook and WhatsApp to interact with one another in the
Church. So, churches should make her presence known and felt using Social Networking sites to reach her
audiences the more.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Table 4: Distribution of Enhancement of Christian Education Content through Social Media Platforms

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Strongly Agreed 187 69 69 69
Partially Agreed 75 27.68 27.68 96.69
Disagree 9 3.32 3.32 100
Total Disagreed 0 0 0
Total 271 100 100
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

The above result showed that 69 percent admit firmly that social media has enhanced the dissemination of
Christian education content in their churches, 27. 68 percent partially agreed and 3.32 percent disagreed. This
study shows that social media can help the church to transmit her messages, information, ideas, etc to her
members and outside world.

Table 5: Distribution of Effect Social Media Platforms in Reaching Wider Audience

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Strongly Agreed 214 78.68 78.68 78.68
Partially Agreed 54 19.85 19.85 98.53
Disagree 4 1.47 1.47 100
Total Disagreed 0 0 0
Total 272 100 100
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

The table above revealed that 78.68.04% strongly agreed and 19.85% partially agreed that social media can
help the church reach an audience more than meeting physically. Just 1.47 percent disagreed, just four
persons out of 272 that participated in the research. By implication, churches should encourage both physical
and online meetings. People who can come to the church should come, while those who cannot come for one
reason or another should join online. Therefore, today's churches should use virtual space to meet the
spiritual needs of those online.

Table 6: Distribution of Positive and Negative Effect Social Media Platforms in Promoting Christian
Education in the Local Church

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Strongly Agreed 22 8.06 8.06 8.06
Partially Agreed 67 24.54 24.54 32.06
Disagree 148 54.21 54.21 86.81
Total Disagreed 36 13.19 13.19 100
Total 273 100 100
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

Table 6 deals with the effect of social media platforms in promoting Christian education ministries in the
church. It shows that 8.06% strongly agreed and 24.54% partially agreed that social media creates more harm
than good in promoting Christian education in the local church. On the other hand, 67.4% disagreed with
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the above assertion. Thus, social media has some adverse effects, such as distractions, exposure to explicit
content, hacking, cyberbullying, and so on, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages if it is well used.

Table 7: Distribution of Control and Guide for Social Media Users in Sharing Christian Education Contents

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Strongly Agreed 213 78.6 78.6 78.6
Partially Agreed 44 16.24 16.24 94.84
Disagree 10 3.69 3.69 98.53
Total Disagreed 4 1.48 1.48 100
Total 271 100 100
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

The table above shows that 78.6 strongly agreed and 16.24 partially agreed that there is a need for firm control
of various social media platforms and guidelines on the mode of operation for both the members of the
platforms and the church leadership in these platforms. However, less than 5% disagreed with the need for
strict control and rules to guide the operation. This shows that social media handlers should have a clear cut
of the modulus operandi for all on their platforms. Everyone participating in this space must be ready to
abide by the rules regulating the operation.

Table 8: Distribution of Effect of Social Media on Physical Meetings and Members’ Closeness in a Local
Church

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Strongly Agreed 74 27.01 27.01 27.01
Partially Agreed 109 39.78 39.78 66.79
Disagree 81 29.56 29.56 96.35
Total Disagreed 10 3.65 3.65 100
Total 274 100 100
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

More than 60 percent think social media endangers physical meetings and reduces closeness among local
church members. As good as social media is, if care is not taken, it can cause great havoc to community living
and fellowship of brethren. This is corroborated in Hebrews 10: 25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as
some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. NIV" Meeting together as brothers and sisters in the Lord is greatly encouraged in the Bible,
and we cannot underemphasize it because of social media.

Table 9: Distribution of Whether Social Media Create Distraction While Sharing Christian Education Content

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

Strongly Agreed 30 11.03 11.03 11.03
Partially Agreed 84 30.88 30.88 41.91
Disagree 133 48.9 48.9 90.81
Total Disagreed 25 9.19 9.19 100
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Total 274 100 100
Source: Authors’ Construct, 2024

Table 9 deals with whether or not social media distracts in sharing Christian Education content. The study
revealed that 58.09 percent disagreed that social media would be distracting when sharing Christian
education content. While 41.91 percent posited that there would be a distraction when using social media to
share Christian content. This concerns how individuals can control social media usage when sharing
Christian Education content.
Open Question: Participants responded to using social media platforms to share and create content for the
Christian education division of the church. The majority welcome the use of social media platforms and
encourage churches that have not been using them to start in earnest. They mentioned some of the
advantages inherent in using social media platforms to share Christian education content, which among the
others:
1. Social media helps to reach members across the globe, bringing God's word to their doorstep.
2. Social media is a promising avenue for determining information among members of the Christian
education division.
3. Social media enhances the growth of Christian education ministries and, in the long run, church
expansion.
4. Social media platforms provide easy ways to get through to many audiences, impacting the church's
large population at a time.
5. Since the world is going digital, it will be good for Christian educators to employ social media
platforms to reach and stay connected to prospective and potential members.
6. Social media can also project positively the image of the Christian education division of the church to
the outside world.
7. Some participants believe it is part of an end-time strategy to make the gospel reach everyone before
the end of time, as Jesus mentioned to the disciples in Matthew 24.
8. Employing Social media platforms to reach church members is cost-effective these days due to the
barrier of distance, high cost of transportation, busy schedules in offices, working night, traffic
congestion, making people be on the road for hours, etc. Social media platforms now provide the
much-needed solution to these challenges.
9. It saves cost to the church; instead of spending thousands of naira on getting hard-copy materials,
soft-copy versions can easily get and used.
10. Social media platforms are youth-friendly and can be used to reach and sustain them in the church.
However, some notable disadvantages of using social media were also pointed out in the online
questionnaire and interview:
1. Social media platforms can create distractions for some users.
2. Some Social media sites post the risk of leading users to destructive and dangerous scenes and
information that can lead to harmful activities.
3. If not properly monitored and controlled, it can be misused and abused, defeating the essence of
creating it in the first place.
4. It can endanger church community living and closeness among members.
5. The older generation sometimes finds it hard to use social media. So, if care is not taken, some elderly
ones can be neglected if the church is greatly dependent on social media to reach the members of the
Christian education division of the church.

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Conclusion
Christian education is germane to the growth and maturity of the believers in the church. So, the church must
allow all the aspects of Christian education to be fully developed and integrated into the lives of its members.
Sunday School ministry, Discipleship Training ministry, Children and teenagers' ministries etc should be
prioritized in every local church. One of the sure ways to engage members of the church is the use of social
media platforms for sharing information and transmitting godly content that will benefit the members. So,
social media is very important in the life of the Christian education division of a church. Social media is the
new way to go and should be included in the church community's life, especially in the area of sharing
Christian education content. Social media has helped to reach a global community of believers and broken
the barriers of distance. It's a way of getting through to many audiences, thereby impacting a large population
at a time.
Churches should intentionally integrate social media into their educational strategies. By teaching and
encouraging members to use social media, we can take Christian education to another level. The knowledge
of the Word of God will surely increase. Thus, social media is the tool that God has given humankind to
make the easy spread of the Word of God possible. Social media should be seen as an end-time strategy to
make the gospel reach everyone before the end of time. This was confirmed in Matthew 24: 14, "This good
news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And the end will come.
One of the prerequisites for the world to an end is that everyone must hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Therefore, through various social media platforms with aggressive evangelism, one can listen to the
good news that Jesus saves.

Recommendations
1. Social media is a good initiative and must be sustained. It is a great innovation, and it has come to
stay. Social media is making life easier and improving ministry.
2. The church should employ social media but should not be a replacement for physical meetings that
will lead to the idea of Christian community life and fellowship. Church leaders should still
encourage members to participate in church activities and programmes on a physical basis. This
makes Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let
us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching” a reality.
3. The Church should make her presence known and felt using Social Networking sites such as
WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc. We can spread the church tentacle to those
outside the church using various social media platforms.
4. The Church should reach its audiences more using various social media platforms. It should be used
to disseminate Christian Education content with the purpose of reaching a larger and wider audience.
5. Churches should encourage both physical and online meetings. Those members who cannot be
present in the church should be reached through various social media platforms so as not to be left
out.
6. There should be strict control and rules to guide social media users in sharing and benefiting from
Christian Education content. Church Social media handlers should clearly state what rules are to be
followed when in the platforms. People should be encouraged to use social media for godly and
edifying purposes, not for personal gratification. Generally, the youth are always on one social media
platform or another; hence, Christian educators and church leaders should encourage them to use
platforms for godly and positive purposes that will expand the kingdom of God.
7. Social media is full of good and negative information. Thus, it can promote positive and negative
attitudes and values. It is, therefore, expedient to teach youths in the Church to use social media
platforms for positive and godly impacts among their peers and in the global space. Also, they

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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discourage the youths from involving in social media vices like pornography, cyberbullying,
cybercrime, and other distractions.
8. Social media is viable for church fellowship and expansion through Christian Education. Social media
should even create more bonds among members. However, Christian meetings and fellowship
should also be encouraged.
9. Social media is full of sound and negative information. Thus, it can promote positive and negative
attitudes and values. It is, therefore, expedient to teach youths in the Church to use social media
platforms for positive and godly impacts among their peers and in the global space. Also, they
discourage the youths from involving in social media vices like pornography, cyberbullying,
cybercrime, and other distractions.

References
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Afolaranmi, A. O. (2009). Ministering through the Internet: An Essential Guide. Ibadan: Charisa Books & Publishing.
Afolaranmi, A. O. (2012). Uses of Facebook. Raleigh: Lulu Press Inc.
Afolaranmi, A. O. (2020). WhatsApp Messenger: Timeline, Features, and Usages in Christian Ministries. Raleigh: Lulu Press
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Boyd, D. M., & Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-
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Campbell, H. (2012). Understanding the relationship between religion and the internet. Journal of Computer-Mediated
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Crawford, C. (2018). "The Impact of Social Media on Youth Ministry". Presented at the National Youth Workers
Convention.
Dyer, J. (2019). "Social Media and Christian Education". Presented at the Christian Education Journal Conference.
Gould, M. (2013). The Social Media Gospel: Sharing the Good News in a Digital Age. Liturgical Press.
Hutchison, A. (2017)). Digital Evangelism: A Study 0f Online Evangelistic Practices. Journal of Media and Religion,
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Kang, I. (2015). The Impact Of Social Media On Religious Education. Journal of Religious Education, 63(2), 143-155. doi:
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Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of The World, Unite! The Challenges and Opportunities of Social Media.
Business Horizons, 53(1), 59-68.
Krishnan, K. and Rogers, S. P. (2015). Social Data Analytics. www.sciencedirect.com
Lovheim, M. (2013). Identity, community, and online religiosity: A study of Swedish online forums. Journal of
Computer-Mediated Communication, 18(3), 2013 707-723. doi: 10.1111/jcc4.12016
Ola, Foluke Bosede (2021). Educating Evangelist. Ibadan: Baptist Press.
Sweet, L. (2012). Viral: How Social Media Is Changing the Way We Live, Love, and Faith. WaterBrook Press.
Tensen, D. (2017). "Digital Discipleship: A Study of Online Christian Communities" Presented at the International
Conference on Religion and Media.
Tensen, D. (2017). Digital Discipleship: Transforming Ministry with Digital Tools. Abingdon Press.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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The Effects of Broken Home on Adolescents’ Academic Performances in Selected Senior Secondary
Schools in Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya, Ibadan

Samuel Oluwaseyi ONIOSUN

Department of Religious Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348038551717

Ayodele A. ATOWOJU, PhD

Department of Religious Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348036726849

Abstract
This paper investigates the effects of broken home on Adolescents’ academic performances in selected
senior secondary schools in Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya, Ibadan. Broken home is not an
uncommon experience in human history, it is experienced by couples irrespective of their religion,
academic, political, economic background etc. One of the most hit in the saga of divorce are adolescents
born into the broken home. The study was conducted among senior secondary school students, 100
students were randomly selected from 10 secondary schools, making a total of 200 respondents. A
questionnaire was adopted to obtain information from the respondents, and their terminal results was
also looked at, using the descriptive research design, findings show that, students from broken homes
suffer academic and emotional challenges and they usually perform poorly in their academic activities.
It suggested that several of the elements that create poor academic performances associated with a
separation such as family’s income, trust issues, and uneasiness between partners, and this ought to be
curtailed in order to lessen the chance of a shattered household. Adolescents from broken homes should
be properly monitored, secured and controlled by the teachers and parents ought to be educated on the
importance of remaining married as partner, in order to have a decent home, there must be endurance
in the marriage.

Keywords: Broken Home, Adolescents, Academic Performance, Family, Secondary School, Akinyele
Local Government

Introduction
The common marriage covenant vow “until death do us part” seems to many people an obsolete and
unrealistic phrase. The marriage covenant “for better or for worst” has now changed to “for better for stay,
for worse for run”. The spirit of endurance is no more in today’s marriages and this has opened doors for
high rate of divorce among couples. Since there cannot be divorce without marriage, Scott (2012) states that
marriage as an institution ordained by God to be a permanent, indissoluble life-long covenant relationship
and union between a man and a woman for the purpose of fulfilling an innate need for community and
procreation. Procreation and companionship are the basic twin purpose for marriage.
In recent times, the ever-increasing number of divorces have been posing a serious threat to the marriage
institution which is valued very highly by all human cultures and religious traditions. Dominion (2003)
explained that a careful examination of the contemporary nature of marriage well reveal the exact change.
Hence, a healthy family is imperative for a healthy society and church at large. Christians, traditions, Islamic
religious generally have certain ways of conducting marriages and how such marriages are expected to be
guided by certain rules and regulations of such faiths. It is therefore true that people in all cultures and in all
ages have considered marriage as a natural gift to humanity. It can be said with certainty that the institution
of marriage is one that is natural and common to all human kind.

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In the past, it was the belief of people that couple should stay in their marital union even if it is unpleasant,
this they do for the sake of their children (Danfulani, 2001). But in more recent years, people began to reject
the idea that divorce was pathological, destructive or harmful to the children. Marriage came to be seen as
“a partnership of autonomous individual who could dissolve their relationship wherever they wished. This
has made marriage to be treated as business contract which when started could still be stopped if one is fed
up or the contract is becoming unprofitable (Leigh, 2007).
Marriage as God designs it is a living organism, A successful marriage does not happen by means of miracle
alone. It needs to be fed and nurtured at all times, if this fails, the consequences are that the joyful mood of
marriage will turn sour, thereby making the relationship to wither and die with many negative effects.
According to Danfulani (2001) affirmed that “The greatest tragedy in a marriage is separation or divorce
which puts an end to the family relationship. Many homes are either facing trauma of divorce or its threat.
All the aroma and the religious reference which the institution is known for will become a bygone issue if
marriage is no longer taken seriously. It is upon this fact then that this research undertakes to investigate the
impacts of broken home on adolescents’ academic performances using Akinyele Local Government, Moniya,
Ibadan as a case study.

Concept of Broken Home

Family is the first institution where one starts to equip oneself to grow (Laldanmawia, 2013). It is the most
important socio-cultural and psychological dynamism of history and of society. The dynamisms include such
vital functions as the reproduction of population, being an economic system, cultural transmission, children
to social life (Guler and Erkal, 2013). Children gain these dynamisms and the five basic functions of the family
system in the home atmosphere. The five basic functions are the resolution of problems, communication in
the family, distributing of roles in the family, responding emotionally and involving in emotions, and
behavioural control. Children raised in families achieving a balance in those five basic functions and in
dynamisms, being able to display flexibility when needed, and adapting into changes generally receive good
education, they socialize, and gain a healthy personality (Guler and Erkal, 2013). Makinde (2004) asserts that
the function of family is to provide happiness, security, cultural growth, and development of a sense of
responsibility for enhancing continuity and societal perpetuation. However, when the home is broken, these
functions are truncated.
According to Laldanmawia (2013), to be broken in the family, there must be some crises which are arisen out
of misconception, mistreating, misunderstanding, misacceptance, etc. the occurring crises lead to the divorce
of parents, disposal of sons or daughters and leaving home by any members of that family. It is controversial
that whether to claim every splitting up is broken family, while they still run the family well. There are many
families without father, mother, and other members but still conditionally and systematically running. They
may not like to call them broken. Of course they are not broken, rather just some members left away.
Broken homes refer to families in which the parents are either divorced or separated. Causes of broken homes
could be either natural or human induced factors. The natural factor is death of spouse; while the human
induced factors include divorce and separation of mates. Causes of divorce, according to Arowolaje (2013)
includes lack of time for partners in the relationship; keeping of extra marital partners; treating the other
partner as a slave; lack of compatibility and unnecessary involvement of in-laws on marital affairs, there can
be no divorce without a cause or causes, there are factors that leads to divorce. Kasoma (2012) and
Kalimaposo (2008) also highlight the most common reasons for divorce, in African society which include:
1. Economic Factor: Many divorces are caused by economic factor, economic hardship, joblessness and
poverty can bring conflict between husband and wife. When they are unable to manage their finances
well, a partner may become suspicious of another because he or she conceals information on how
money is being spent and this can drive them apart.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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2. Childlessness: Childless is a factor for quick divorce among couples, a husband can divorce his wife
and marry another in order to have children, a childless woman is looked down upon with same and
abuse. The husband of such woman will not be satisfied with her no matter what she offers him, but
the fact still remains that she cannot give birth to children. A wife can also be divorced if she fails to
give birth to male children. This tells that giving birth to children is of higher importance than the
marriage relationship itself.
3. Denying Sex to the Other Partner: Sex starvation was discovered to be one of the reasons why divorce
has increased amongst couples. Some women are very spiritual and claim to be praying and fasting
every day. This makes the man uncomfortable and he calls for a divorce, some of the women also
usually claim to be going to church or mosque for a night vigil, simply to deny their husband sex.
The man endures but gets to a point where he feels that he needs to get another wife and divorce his
current wife.
4. Chronic Domestic Violence: The continuous abuse of a partner may result in divorce. A situation
where one partner persistently maltreats the other partner is known as domestic violence. This
maltreatment may be physical or sexual. In physical violence, there is the beating of a partner,
slapping and kicking. Whereas, in sexual violence, there is the rape of a partner.
5. Poor Communication: This factor is one of the factors that is affecting couples. Inadequate or poor
communication make the couples unable to understand each other, they cannot share information,
feelings and decisions together, they cannot express themselves to each other. This can develop
constant disagreement resulting in hateful and vengeful attitudes towards each other.
6. Choosing of Wrong Marriage Partner: Since it has become easy for young men and women to marry,
many of them just choose their marriage partners without proper examination. No quality time to
pray, inability to look into the family they wanted to get married from.
7. Emotional Factor: In a survey conducted by Messiger in 2006, Schell Robert submits that, emotional
immaturity was discovered to be one of the causes of divorce. An inexperienced husband or wife may
cause divorce, an immature person is proud, stubborn, insecure, dependent, and inconsiderable and
temperamental.
8. Parental Interference: The trend suggest that people are getting more and more involved in their
children’s marriage. They sometimes make demands which are excessive and certainly very difficult
to meet. Some are domineering and which like to rule in their children’s marriage. Some parents
encourage their daughters to marry rich men. This is marrying for ulterior motives rather than love.
This trend is very common in African countries.

Concept of Adolescent
Adolescent is the transitory phase between childhood and adulthood (WHO), which is between ages 10 and
19 years. This stage involves a profound amount of change in all domains of development – biological,
cognitive, psychological, and emotional. Personal relationships and settings also change during this period.
There are three stages involved, which includes; early stage (10 – 13 years), Middle stage – (14 – 16 years),
and Late stage – (17 – 19 years).

Concept of Students’ Academic Performance

Academic performance is the focal point of every educational institution, irrespective of level and location,
because the major index for appraising progress of educational institution is the students’ performance, and
the education curriculum of the society. The term ‘academic performance’ has been described as the
scholastic standing of a student at a given moment. It refers to how an individual is able to demonstrate his
or her intellectual abilities. This scholastic standing could be explained as the grades obtained in a course or

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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groups of courses taken (Asaolu, 2003). Thus, in predicting academic performance, the use of grades in
examinations and reported that grades could serve as prediction measures and criterion measures (Adeyemi,
2008). According to Ward, Stoker and Murray-Ward (1996), academic achievement or performance is the
extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their short or long-term educational goals. It is
commonly measured through examinations. However, there is no general agreement on how it is best
evaluated or which aspects are most important – procedural knowledge such as skills or declarative
knowledge such as facts.
Several factors influence students’ academic performance. These include individual differences, cognitive
factors such as attention, memory, and reasoning, non-cognitive factors such as attitudes, behaviours, and
strategies, motivation, self-control, and extracurricular activities (Friedman & Mandel, 2011).
i. Individual Differences Factors: Individual differences in academic performance have been linked
to difference in intelligence and personality. Student with highly mental ability as demonstrated
by IQ tests and those who are higher in conscientiousness (linked to effort and achievement
motivation) tend to achieve highly in academic settings. Children’s semi-structured home
learning environment transitions into a more structured learning environment when children
start first grade. Early academic achievement enhances later academic achievement. Parent’s
academic socialization is a term describing the way parents influence students’ academic
achievement by shaping students’ skills, behaviours and attitudes towards school.
ii. Cognitive Factors: Cognitive factors or learning factors are the extent to which a person’s
individual capabilities can influence their academic or learning performance. These factors
include cognitive functions like attention, memory, and reasoning. Cognitive factors are often
measured through examinations; college admission boards use standardized test such as the SAT
and ACT when evaluating prospective candidates. Under grading students with high academic
performance present mature learning beliefs, and a strong knowledge integration.
iii. Non-cognitive Factors: Non- cognitive factors or skills are a set of “attitude, behaviours, and
strategies” that promotes academic and professional academic and professional success, such as
academic self-efficacy, self-control, motivation, expectancy and goal setting theories, emotional
intelligence, and determination, the term serves as a distinction of cognitive factors, which are
measured by teachers through tests and quizzes. Non-cognitive skills are increasingly gaining
popularity because they provide a better explanation for academic and professional outcomes.
iv. Motivation: Motivation is the reason behind an individual’s actions. Research has found that
students with higher academic performance, motivation and persistence use intrinsic goals rather
than extrinsic ones. Furthermore, students who are motivated to improve upon their previous or
upcoming performance tend to perform better academically than peers with lower motivation. In
other words, students with higher need for achievement have greater academic performance.
v. Self-control: Self-control in the academic setting is related self-discipline, self-regulation, delay of
gratification and impulse control. Self-control is the capacity for altering one’s own impulse
control. Self-control is the capacity for altering one’s own responses, especially to bring them into
line with standards such as ideals, values, morals, and social expectations, and to support the
attainment of long-term goals. In other words, self-control is the ability to priority long-term goals
over the temptation of short-term impulses.

Theoretical Framework
Social Learning Theory
This theory was formulated by Albert Bandura. The theory specifies that separation and divorce is caused
by the relationship of partners as well as the impact of important person in their respective lives, is a

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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psychological theory that explains how people learn behaviours, attitudes, and values by observing and
imitating others, According to Albert Bandura (1977), social learning theory, disagreement within union is
on the shoulders of both partners, it stated that partners who interact must have responsibility for any
matrimonial problem that arises in the context of marriage. This theory can help in reshaping behaviour,
attitudes, and relationship within the family context, it provides a framework for promoting healthier family
dynamics and reducing negative behaviours that can arise from broken homes.
However, Social learning theory has been useful in explaining how people and children can learn new things
and develop new behaviours by observing other people, when the parents are well behaved and fully aware
that their children will look unto them as a role model, they should possibly manage their home for benefit
of their children and it will facilitate children attention, retention, reproduction, and as well as a source of
motivation for them in school.

Methodology
This research adopted descriptive survey design and mixed-methods approach data collection techniques,
that is qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The researcher used mixed-methods to analyse
and describe the impacts of broken homes on adolescent’s academic performances in selected secondary
schools in Akinyele Local Government.

Findings and Discussions of Findings

Ten (10) secondary schools in Akinyele Local Government, Moniya were visited by the researcher, students
and teachers were interviewed and the results of terminal examinations was also looked at.
Broken home has significant effect on student academic performance. Broken home hinders students’
punctuality and present in the school and the classrooms, it also hampers calmness, physically and
emotionally stable of students, students’ attentiveness in the classroom are also deters by broken homes, and
students from broken homes seldom meet up with essential academic needs. These indefinitely affect
academic performance of students from broken homes in secondary school in Akinyele LGA. Moniya,
Ibadan, as a case study.
This study also revealed the common side effect of broken home on students’ academic performance. These
include lateness to school and classroom, non-challant attitude towards academic endeavour, lingering
mental development, lack of self-esteem, and poor interpersonal relationship. These posed threat to students’
moral and academic performance in secondary schools in Akinyele LGA. Moniya.
In addition, it was discovered that female students are more devastated morally and academically as a result
of broken home than the male counterparts, male students from broken homes are highly aggressive and
unpreventable in their actions which also affects them academically, female students from broken homes are
more attentive in the classroom than their male counterparts, female and male students from broken homes
strive for achievement academically and morally compared with unbroken home students, and the academic
performance of female students better than their male counterparts from broken homes.
Moreover, to overcome the challenges of broken home on students’ academic performance, this study
revealed the following strategies: group and family counselling on the need for family unity, regular and
effective parental counselling on the effects of broken homes, provision of guidance and counselling to
students from broken homes, guarantee of peaceful school and classrooms’ atmosphere and climate for every
student irrespective of the nature of their homes, and provision of assistance, in term of education materials,
to students from broken homes.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, the research has shown that students from broken homes often face more academic challenges
compared to their counterparts from intact families. These challenges are not only reflected in their grades
but also in their overall academic engagement, including participation in class, homework completion, and
interest in learning.
This study looked into some factors that causes broken home, the concept of adolescent, and the students’
academic performance. These include the level of parental involvement, the quality of the home learning
environment, and the availability of resources for learning. It was found that in many broken homes, these
factors are often compromised, leading to a less conducive environment for academic success.
However, it is important to note that divorce is the breaking of marriage relationship. Broken home
encourages and breeds hooligans in the society as the caring parent could not cope with the upbringing of
the children. It also aids immorality and child abuse which may damage the physical, emotional, and
psychological wellbeing of the children. The society should have ethical concern to this in order to stop the
ungodly characters in our society. The religious organizations can function in various ways such as
nurturing, sustaining, reconciling, healing, guiding, motivating, and educating the affected children. They
can also make available financial assistance to the children of divorced parents. Most children from these
broken homes have their dreams aborted and future punctured as a result of divorce. Therefore, all efforts
should be made to find a lasting solution to the problem of divorce in our society.

Recommendations
Having gone through the study of the effects of broken home on Adolescents’ academic performances in
selected senior secondary schools in Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya, Ibadan, the followings are
hereby recommended.
1. Adolescents from broken homes should be properly monitored, secured and controlled by the
teachers and parents ought to be educated on the importance of remaining married to their partners,
in order to have a decent home, there must be endurance in the marriage.
2. Schools should implement programs that provide emotional and academic support to students from
broken homes. This could include counselling services, mentoring programs, and additional
academic resources.
3. Teachers should be trained to identify and address the unique challenges faced by students from
broken homes. This could include professional development workshops on topics such as trauma-
informed teaching and social-emotional learning.
4. Schools should foster a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and
accepted, regardless of their family situation.
5. Government and non-governmental organizations should provide financial assistance to families in
need to ensure that students from broken homes have access to the same educational opportunities
as their peers.
6. Schools should implement strategies to engage students from broken homes, such as peer mentoring
programs or extracurricular activities that foster a sense of belonging.
7. Religious leaders should start organizing marriage seminars for married couples where they are
taught about nonviolent approaches to conflict in the family. They should also be taught how to use
negotiation, meditation, reconciliation and compromise in the midst of a disagreement.

References
Adams, J. E. (2011). Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
Adebimpe, P. Olusade (2011). “Marital Relationship, Compatibility and Conflict in Marriage in Abeokuta.”
Unpublished Master Thesis, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Adedeji, J. A. (2002). The Marriage That Lasts. Lagos: New Life Family Counselling Land Prayer Clinic.
Ajila, C. & Olutola, A. (2000). Impact of parents’ socio-economic status on university students’ Academic
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Anderson, Jan D. (1998). Financial Problem and Divorce state in Marriage. Boston: Hughton Milffin Company.
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Asuquo P. N. and Maliki A. E. (2007), “Values Orientation and Marital Conflict Resolution: Implication for Marriage
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Ayodele, O. Samuel (1998). Love, Marriage and Happy Family Life. Ibadan: Powerhouse Press and Publisher.
Azuka-Obieke, U. (2013). Single-parenting, psychological well-being and academic performance of adolescents in
Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies.
Dale, Ellerman. (2000), Marital Conflict. Tennessee: University of Memphis.
Danfulani, Kore. (1995). Culture and Christian Home. Kaduna: Baraka Press.
Dominion, J. (2004). Dynamics of Marriage: Love, Sex and Growth from a Christian Perspective. USA: Marriage Institute.
Ebiere, G., & Dorgu, T.E. (2014). Influence of Family Structure on Students’ Academic Performance in Agege Local
Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 5(26), 36-40.
Hunter, Rodney. (2005). Divorce, Children and Adolescents. USA: Abingdon Press.
Idowu, A. L. (2002), “The effects of Cognitive Restructuring in Resolving Marital Conflicts among Selected Couples in
Ilorin,” Nigerian Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol. 6. No. 1: 87-98.
Lateju, Racheal. (2001). The Effects of Divorce on Children and Church’s response. Ibadan.
Leigh, Samuel Morakinyo, (1993). Marriage Crisis: Promotion or Demotion. Ibadan: Scripture Union, Nigeria.
Marshall Smalley and Skorgrand Scot (1999). Handbook of Marriage. Chicago Rand McNally Company.
Merman, Eleanor (2001). The Cooperation of Family. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Nnaoma, I. (2013). The psycho-social effect of parental separation and divorce on adolescents: Implications for
counselling in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. International Journal of Psychology and
Counselling, 5(7), 162-168.
Schell, Robert. (2001). Development of Psychology Today. New York: Random House.
Scott. A, (2001). Divorce Prevalence and Implications of Divorce in Early America. New York: Library Net.
Shropshire. Marie (2002). Helping the Child of Divorce. Home Life, Lo. 40, 6.
Tonybee, P. (2008). The Impact of Broken Homes on Children's Academic Performance. Journal of Educational Research
and Development.
Uwe E. A. (2000) “Marital Communication” Marriage Counselling: Issues and Solution, Calabar: Pyramid Publishers.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) as Catalyst for Streamlining Church Administration and Evangelistic
Activities

Emmanuel Ubandoma MUSA, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], [email protected], +2348036049070, https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4565-5986

Joseph Dayo MAKANJUOLA, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2347033279633, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7212-5125

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in church administration refers to the application of available tools and
systems to achieve optimal outcomes in administrative tasks, effectively supporting evangelistic
activities. Most existing literature has focused on AI use in church management, resource allocation,
and communication. However, this research uniquely examines how AI can streamline evangelistic
activities, such as outreach campaigns, sermon delivery, and engagement strategies, making these
processes more effective and far-reaching. The study applies the Diffusion of Innovation theory to assess
the adoption level of AI technology within church settings. Qualitative research approach using a cross-
sectional design was adopted with data collected through interviews conducted among ten (10) church
leaders. Data sources included peer review publications, church reports, and insights from church
administrators. The results indicate that AI-driven platforms significantly enhance the reach of
evangelistic efforts, improve resource management, and increase participation rates within churches. In
conclusion, AI has a promising future in transforming evangelism by enabling more effective outreach;
however, its application must be carefully balanced with theological and ethical considerations.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Church-Administration, Evangelism, Outreach-Strategies,

Diffusion of Innovations

Introduction
Advances in AI have continued to bring sudden changes to the world's health, education, and commerce
(Ford, 2022). Analysing enormous data, automating processes, and making quicker and more insightful
decisions are some of the features that have given AI a critical position in the quest to be more effective and
innovative. The churches, usually the last ones to open up their doors to technological changes, are now
allowing AI for use in church administration and evangelical activities (Nelson, 2021). AI in church
administration is all about running the core Church administrative functions through intelligent systems and
machine learning algorithms-automation of routine administrative tasks, managing the resources for
improved outreach efforts, thereby making evangelism more accurate and effective. AI is one unique
solution that could help churches deal with reaching out to an ever-growing and diversified community that
has increasingly been rendered digital (Nelson, 2021).
Historically, church administration had to be done manually: scheduling, event organisation, and tracking
of congregational activities (United Methodist Church, 2022). The more traditional ways worked somewhat
but usually only slightly hindered the churches' ability to grow in their evangelistic missions or even make
an immediate change to better serve their congregants (United Methodist Church, 2022). That shift onto
digital platforms has already begun: churches now use online services, apps, and social media to interact
with their members. Here, AI goes a notch higher by embedding automation and data-driven decision-
making at the heart of church operations, providing insight that will help the churches target evangelism
efforts even more effectively. For instance, AI may analyse trends in church attendance to predict the success

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of outreach events or make messages more sermon-relevant about both individual preferences and
demographics (Lee, 2023).
This research describes the use of AI to enhance evangelistic activities in a church set up to improve outreach
strategies while managing administrative workflow optimisation. The objective remains to ascertain the role
AI plays in automating prime functions within church administration and evangelism, such as
congregational data management, event scheduling, and personalisation of communication. This work also
highlights both challenges and opportunities created by the use of AI in religious organisations, therefore
contributing to the discourse on technology use by faith-based institutions. Precisely, the study shall establish
how AI impacts how evangelism is practised, determine the status of AI adoption within different church
settings, and analyse some theological and ethical issues surrounding AI use in the church.
AI has justified its worth in many sectors and also promises to do the same in church administration.
According to Smith (2023), some of the administrative functions that could be undertaken by AI systems
include event organisation, donation management, tracking of attendance, and member participation.
Among the key benefits of AI in this framework is automating tasks that are time-consuming and repetitive.
These include but are not limited to scheduling church services, managing the members' database, and
sending customised messages to congregants based on their previous interactions with the church. This
reduces work for staff in the church and allows the leaders to concentrate more on spiritual and pastoral
care.
AI can also greatly enhance evangelism personalisation (Thomas, 2021). One of the main dilemma churches
are facing involves the search for effective ways of engaging with such diversified congregations with all
their spiritual needs and preferences (Hoffman, 2021). Through AI analytics, churches can aggregate data on
attendance, participation, and even sermon feedback to customise their outreach efforts. AI systems can take
this kind of raw data and develop a tailored communications strategy that works well in various segments
of the congregation (Hoffman, 2021). For example, AI can give the Church an insight into what these young
members want, probably digital engagement and at the same time, give the needs of older members who
favour more conservative ways of worship styles (Grayson, 2022). The above-named personalisation
methods are very important in enhancing member engagement and developing a close relationship between
the Church and the members (Doe, 2022).
Beyond personalisation, AI helps churches make better decisions. Churches face the problem of efficiently
managing limited resources to carry out their evangelistic mission (Cooper, 2020). With AI analysis of trends
and forecasting, church leaders can engage in informed decisions on where to channel those resources for
maximum delivery. It can look back to see what evangelistic strategies were most effective in the past and
make recommendations as to how they might be done even better in a forthcoming outreach campaign
(Pierce, 2022). With this kind of technology at their fingertips, churches can better optimise their use of
resources, lower costs, and amplify the effectiveness of their evangelistic campaigns accordingly.
As such, AI Evangelism represents a sea change in the way churches have heretofore approached outreach.
For generations, most evangelistic efforts have utilised physical outreach, including door-to-door visiting,
community events, and word-of-mouth campaigns (WCC, 2023). While these are often still quite useful, they
frequently require considerable time, resources, and manpower to do them well. AI offers a solution in the
automating of many of these processes and allows churches to reach further than physical boundaries allow,
such as the church being able to deploy AI-powered chatbots that interact with people via the Internet to
respond to spiritual queries and provide information about church services or events. These chatbots can be
programmed to respond to frequently asked questions, offering a level of engagement that would be
impossible to achieve with human resources alone (Thomas, 2021).
AI will also make digital evangelism effective through data analytics (Davies, 2021). Through analysis of
social media interactions, website visits, and other digital touchpoints, AI systems can identify potential

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outreach opportunities for the church and help the church optimise its communication strategies. Such a
data-driven approach helps churches reach those who cannot or do not physically attend services but are
nonetheless seeking spiritual engagement online (O'Brien, 2021). AI will be helping churches craft messages
to such people, thus increasing the possibility of successful evangelism. AI is also making worship more
interactive and responsive. Virtual reality and augmented reality, both driven by AI, are emerging to provide
immersive worship services where congregants can participate in virtual environments that simulate real-
world religious settings (Daniel, 2022). While this technology is still in its infancy, it has the full potential of
changing the ways people experience faith and worship. AI-powered VR and AR technologies enable
congregants to create immersive spiritual experiences, which will help them feel more connected with their
church and a sense of belonging when attending services in person is not possible (Daniel, 2022).
However, this integration of AI into the administration and evangelism of churches does not come without
challenges. At the forefront of these concerns are fears that the participation of AI will downplay the human
side in spiritual leadership within churches (Hoffman, 2021). Church leaders lead their congregants to faith
and self-counselling and offer personal interaction, something that cannot be done by technology. Yet again,
AI can do a great deal to enhance efficiency concerning administration, though with the possibility of one
major risk: over-relying on AI will result in an impersonal ministry approach. Thus, the task ahead lies in
how one will balance using AI in administration with meaningful human interaction for pastoral care in
churches (Pierce, 2022).
Other barriers could include the cost of these AI technologies. Most churches, and more so their
congregations, might be stretched financially in adopting these systems. Initial investments in the software
of AI, coupled with maintenance and training, may prohibit most churches from operating on shoestring
budgets. This brings the questions of accessibility and equity to consideration in religious institutions using
AI technologies. While larger, better-off churches can fully inject AI into their administrative and evangelistic
functions, smaller ones cannot; it makes the gulf even wider between congregations (Pierce, 2022).
Ethical considerations should also be at the forefront of the debate on the use of AI in religious contexts. AI
functions on algorithms, and whatever information is given to such systems is required in data form. Data
collection, storage, and analysis of data from a congregation raise privacy concerns. Churches should handle
this sensitive piece of information, which is the personal and spiritual data, with care and according to data
protection laws. Meanwhile, others are concerned with the number of ways AI can be misused in
manipulating congregants or tailoring messages in ways that give more attention to church growth rather
than genuine spiritual engagement. If churches do use AI, they have to work out a framework of ethics that
will ensure their technology serves the spiritual welfare of their constituents.
Another very important theological implication that arises from the introduction of AI into church
administration is that technology should not affect the core spirituality of the church. For example,
evangelism has been considered by some religious scholars as a very personal and spiritual endeavour in
which one tries to interact and have compassion for people as a means of developing a personal relationship
with God (Kingsley, 2022). The application of AI in such contexts raises questions of authenticity from an
evangelistic mission. Does AI have the ability to fulfil a spiritual mandate like that of evangelism, or does
such an application of it simply reduce that which is sacred to data points and algorithms? These are
questions theologians and church leaders must entertain as they incorporate more AI into their operations.
Some proponents claim that AI can be used as a powerful tool to carry out the Great Commission and enable
churches to reach several people with the gospel that has never been reached before. As AI automates so
much administrative work and rationalises evangelistic activities, churches can be better centred on the
spiritual aspects of their mission. Furthermore, AI will help the church understand the congregant's needs
and provide them with more personalised spiritual guidance, thereby enabling them to minister to persons
with ease (Lopez, 2022).

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AI offers a whole new way for churches to further their evangelistic outreach and carry on with the
administration in a far more efficient manner (Daniel, 2022). The reason is that AI, in automating routine
tasks and making communication strategies more personalised, ensures that churches can also be more
effective in reaching out with their evangelistic outreach (Franklin, 2023). But equally significant are the
challenges and associated ethical issues when it comes to applying AI in church settings. The balance has to
be made by churches between the advantages of AI and human spiritual leadership (Franklin, 2023).
Implementation of AI in a way that will keep their theological values intact is the most crucial point. The
adoption needs to be thoughtful and ethical, as depicted in this research, since AI can transform church
administration and evangelism (Lee, 2023).
This research, therefore, tries to explore how AI can be applied in church administration to better facilitate
evangelistic activities, given the many religious organisations in Nigeria. It also focuses on how AI can be
used to upgrade most administrative tasks, personalise outreach, and create a fine-tuned methodology of
evangelism to make the mission of the church effective and prolific. Besides, this paper tends to explain the
challenges and opportunities created by AI adoption for churches now and shortly, based on technological
advances and theological principles. This study, therefore, attempts to enrich this emerging debate about
how AI is evolving the traditional understandings and practices of religious institutions and provides
specific insights into what the Nigerian church faces in the increasingly demanding balancing act between
tradition and technological innovation.
The conceptual framework developed within this work, as outlined in subsequent sections, is informed by
the proposition that Artificial Intelligence is going to revolutionise and enhance many administrative and
evangelistic activities within the church. It is premised on an interaction involving AI technology,
administrative efficiency, and outreach effectiveness in religious organisations, supposing that it can
automate routine tasks, perform data analysis for decision-making, and create personalised strategies for
engaging congregations within the church to streamline evangelism and improve the overall functions of the
church (Daniel, 2022; Kingsley, 2022).
AI in Church administration represents intelligent system, various algorithms, and analytics applied to
perform tasks that, if done by the personnel, would involve a lot of effort, such as members' database
management, donation tracking, event scheduling, and other communications with congregants (Burke,
2020). The core of this frame is the idea that, in so doing, AI could free church leaders and staff from their
administrative burden to enable them to put greater energy into pastoral care and evangelistic outreach. In
automating such administrative functions, AI frees the time and other resources whereby churches can be
better invested in their spiritual mission (Burke, 2020). It explains how AI can lighten administrative and
evangelistic arms of the church for effectiveness in concentrating on areas that have more specific outreach.
Besides, evangelism, the very pinnacle of the church's mission, can similarly be furthered by the processing
and analysis artificial intelligence is capable of concerning big datasets. This postulates on literature that
exists to show that AI tools can help churches track congregation behaviours, analyse sermon feedback, and
predict the success of outreach efforts (Moore, 2023). For example, AI can analyse data collected from
worship services, activities, and digital participation to identify consistent models of involvement and areas
where modification might be required. In this manner, evangelism through analysis of data enables the
church to establish a more targeted and broad-reaching outreach toward the diverse demographics within
the congregation (Andrew, 2022).
The proposed conceptual framework of this research, based on the Technology Acceptance Model and
Diffusion of Innovation, also incorporates insights from the literature that has examined the use of
technology as an instrument for improving religious practices. Brown (2021) pointedly note how digital
mechanisms are increasingly allowing religious outreach and even cite AI as a tool that allows churches to
engage with congregants in more meaningful and innovative ways. The study will draw from the insight

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specifically AI as a catalyst for streamlining Church administration and evangelistic activities by advancing
the proposition that AI has a transformational role to play in streamlining evangelistic activities while
retaining the core spiritual mission of the church (O'Brien, 2021). The foundation of this framework, rooted
in the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovation, lies in the rationale behind automation
and insights-driven decision-making. Automation, in this case, essentially involves AI systems handling
repetitive tasks-scheduling, messaging, and donation processing-with no human intervention. This takes off
much of the administrative workload from church staff and further opens up some pretty major operational
efficiencies. On the other hand, AI-driven insights have also propelled decision-making through mass
volumes of data on outreach, sermon topics relevant to congregations, and congregational activities. This
framework suggests that the utilisation of these two functions of AI in Churches enables the streamlining of
activities in the Churches and evangelistic activities so that they become effective.
AI as Catalyst for streamlining Church administration and evangelistic activities is relatively recent domain
of inquiry, as most scholars are interested in how digital tools can amplify outreach, communication, and
smooth church operations. According to Smith (2023), "Artificial intelligence technologies such as algorithms
for machine learning and analytics for data have already been adopted across businesses, health care, and
education, but their adoption is very new within religious organisations". This research gap allows us to turn
over a new leaf and head into a nascent area: how churches can benefit from AI, especially in evangelism.
Doe (2022) also used the case study method on one big church employing AI-driven tools to automate
administrative and outreach-related labour of the organisation. Indeed, it came out that AI-augmented
Church engagement with congregants through effective personal communication, automated follow-up, and
even follow-up. According to Doe (2022), AI also provided church leaders with a greater ability to focus their
attention on spiritual duties as the administrative workload had decreased. The impersonal nature of the
communication from AI was also pointed to in this study, indicating that churches must be concerned about
balance in using technology to their advantage while at the same time speaking personally to those in their
congregations. Brown (2021) explores the theological implications of the application of AI in religious
settings. With improvements in efficiency at the level of church administration, AI, he said, cannot replace
human ministry, involving such things as empathy, personal interaction, and spiritual guidance. He
develops his argument to state that AI may serve evangelistic purposes but presents various ethical and
theological considerations with which a church would do well to be careful.
This is a concept focusing on how AI manages routine administrative tasks of all kinds in churches.
Automation of such tasks in improving efficiency to allow church leaders to focus on spiritual responsibilities
is important. The power of AI in evangelism lies in its data analysis for tracking engagement to proffer
personalised outreach strategies. It thus gives a study on how AI could be applied to target specific
demographics in improving the efficiency of church evangelism. Automation in a church context refers to AI
systems taking over most of the time-consuming and repetitive tasks involving managing member data,
scheduling services, and sending messages. This is a core component of the conceptual framework in that it
speaks directly to how churches can optimise their administrative processes (Davies, 2021). AI data analytics,
therefore, enable churches to make informed decisions based on patterns and insights from the behaviour of
the congregation. This aspect of the framework examines ways in which churches can use data for enhancing
evangelistic activities and improving member engagement.
This study considers the premise that AI has the potential to transform Church administration and
evangelism by automating routine administrative tasks and providing actionable data-driven insight. The
framework shall be based on the review of available literature on the use of AI in enhancing outreach efforts
and managing church operations. The focus of this research was to place automation and data analytics in
view, showing how AI further enhances evangelistic activities by making the church entirely efficient.

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Considering the ethical and theological implications of AI in religious perspectives, this paper has made its
case.

Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework of this study centered on the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of
Innovations Theory, which provide insight into how technology is adopted and integrated within
organisations, religious institutions inclusive. The theories are useful for understanding how Artificial
Intelligence can be incorporated with effectiveness into church administration and evangelistic activities, as
well as how church leaders and congregants accept and perceive such technologies.

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

TAM is one of the widely used models to explain the factors that are influential in adopting technology,
developed by Davies in 1989. According to TAM, two major factors determine the acceptance of technology:
perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use (Davies, 1989). Perceived usefulness here is defined as "the
degree to which a person believes that using a particular technology will enhance his or her job performance".
On the other hand, perceived ease of use is "the degree to which a person believes that using a particular
technology will be free of effort". In this regard, TAM becomes helpful in understanding how church leaders,
staff, and congregants perceive AI about the task of church administration. The perceived usefulness in such
a setting may relate to automating administrative work, engaging in member data management, and driving
evangelistic outreach through data-driven decision-making. For example, AI systems designed to automate
tasks related to scheduling, donation management, or personal messaging would be perceived as useful if
they save the workload of church administrators and increase the efficiency of outreach. Similarly, the degree
of perceived ease of use of AI systems will impact the level of acceptance of the technology among church
leaders and staff. The friendlier, simpler, and less technical the use of AI tools is, the more likely church staff
are to integrate them into their work processes.
TAM also resonates with the importance of attitude toward technology in affecting the adoption process.
Some leaders and congregants may be wary, in the church setting, of the use of AI in the church because they
perceive it to be impersonal or an obstacle to the spiritual and relational nature of the ministry. Overcoming
such attitudes is, therefore, very important for the successful adoption of AI. These issues could be resolved
by training and educating individuals regarding the advantages of AI and how it supports and aligns with
the church's mission.

Diffusion of Innovations Theory

The Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Rogers (1962) describes the process of diffusing new ideas and
technologies within a social system as it occurs over time. This theory found five categories of adopters:
innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. These groups were representative of
different levels of stages in technology adoption, ranging from innovators who were the first to adopt new
technology to laggards who were highly resistant to change.
The theory, in its application to AI adoption across churches, sets a base for analysing the many religious
organisations and their heads reacting to the integration of AI in church administration and evangelism.
Larger and more resourceful churches can play the role of innovators and early adopters, experimenting
with AI-driven tools to automate administrative tasks and streamline outreach. It is such a church that would
give an example to the rest of how useful this AI thing would be in operational efficiency and improving the
engagement of congregants (Davis, 2023).
Smaller churches or denominations that are more conservative may join in during the late majority or even
in the laggards in that they use this technology after having seen that it works effectively for other churches.
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Organisations could be more circumspect concerning the pervasive use of AI because of perceived high costs,
theological implications, or making personal connections with congregants seem less personal due to
technology (Smith 2023).
At this rate, according to Rogers' theory, several factors influence adoption: relative advantage, compatibility,
complexity, trialability, and observability. This could also be applied to the ways churches will evaluate AI
for administration and evangelism. For instance, churches will assess whether AI offers a significant
improvement from their current administrative practices. In this regard, the adoption of AI will increase if it
presents a perceived advantage in sight, such as reducing administrative burdens, thereby increasing the
effectiveness of outreach. It refers to how well AI fits within the presently held values, beliefs, and practices
of the church. For example, some churches may view AI as threatening because it may depersonalise
ministry, while others might view it as an enhancement tool since it advances their mission of spreading the
gospel. The more or less easily AI tools can be implemented and used, the more or less they will be adopted.
The use of an AI system that is highly specialized-skilled to implement and use will be daunting for smaller
churches without an abundance of technical skills or significant financial resources. It can also favour the
adoption if one can experiment on a small scale before full implementation. When churches can test AI in
particular fields, such as scheduling events or analysing data, they are more interested in using AI for other
parts of church administration. Visible outcomes of the acceptance of AI within other churches will motivate
or inspire other churches to adopt the technologies of AI.

Methodology
Qualitative research approach using a cross-sectional design was adopted with data collected through
interviews conducted among ten (10) church leaders. Data collection involved selecting a sample of 10
churches that have integrated AI into their administration, using purposive sampling. Interviews with
church leaders provided insights into the role of AI in evangelism. The primary research instrument was
semi-structured interviews, which allowed for in-depth exploration of how AI tools are being utilized to
enhance evangelistic activities.

Results
On the effectiveness of AI in outreach campaigns:
"One of the church leaders stated that, 'AI has revolutionized our outreach efforts. We can now segment
our audience and tailor messages to different groups, ensuring that our campaigns are more personalized
and effective.'"
"Another leader noted, 'With AI-driven tools, we have seen a significant increase in our outreach reach.
It helps us identify the best times to send messages, and this has led to better engagement from our members
and the community.'"
"A respondent added, 'AI enables us to automate follow-up messages, which means that no one gets left
behind. This has been particularly useful in connecting with new visitors and ensuring they receive a warm
welcome.'"
Regarding AI’s role in sermon delivery:
"A respondent mentioned, 'With AI, we can analyze past sermon engagement data to understand what
resonates most with our congregation, helping us craft messages that are more impactful and relevant.'"
"Another interviewee said, 'We use AI to gather feedback on sermons, which helps us understand the
aspects that people connect with the most. It’s like having a focus group for every service.'"
"One leader shared, 'AI assists in organizing sermon content by suggesting relevant scriptures and topics
based on recent issues within the community. It has made the process of sermon preparation more efficient.'"
On the adoption of AI technology within the church:

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"According to another church leader, 'Initially, there was some hesitation about using AI, but once the
congregation saw how it could simplify tasks and improve communication, adoption increased
significantly.'"
"One respondent highlighted, 'The success of AI adoption depended a lot on training. We made sure our
staff understood how to use the tools effectively, and this led to a smoother integration.'"
"A leader explained, 'We approached AI adoption gradually. We started with small projects, like
managing event reminders, and as we saw success, we expanded its use to more complex tasks.'"
On the challenges faced while implementing AI:
"One interviewee shared, 'The biggest challenge was finding a balance between using AI and maintaining
the personal touch that church services are known for. We had to ensure that technology didn’t overshadow
the human element.'"
"Another church leader said, 'There were concerns about data privacy, especially when using AI to track
attendance and engagement. We had to address these by making sure our systems were secure and
transparent.'"
"A respondent stated, 'Cost was initially a barrier. Investing in AI required upfront capital, and we had
to carefully consider whether the benefits would justify the expense.'"
On the overall impact of AI on church engagement:
"A leader emphasized, 'AI has allowed us to better track participation and engagement. We can now see
which activities and sermons draw the most interest, and this helps us plan future events more strategically.'"
"Another church leader noted, 'AI has made it easier to connect with members who are less active. We
can send personalized messages to re-engage them, which has helped in maintaining a stronger sense of
community.'"
"One respondent shared, 'Overall, AI has brought a new level of efficiency to our administrative tasks,
freeing up more time for us to focus on building relationships with our congregation.'"

Summary of Key Findings

The interview responses highlighted several important insights regarding the use of AI in church
administration:
Effectiveness of AI in Outreach Campaigns:
9. AI has been instrumental in improving the reach and personalization of outreach campaigns. Church
leaders noted that AI tools helped in segmenting audiences, timing messages, and automating follow-
ups, which collectively enhanced engagement and connection with both new and existing members.
AI’s Role in Sermon Delivery:
• AI's ability to analyze engagement data, suggest relevant topics, and gather feedback has made
sermon preparation more targeted and efficient. This has allowed church leaders to deliver messages
that resonate better with their congregations, thus increasing the impact of their sermons.
Adoption of AI Technology:
• While there was initial hesitation, the gradual and strategic adoption of AI, supported by staff
training, led to a smoother integration of these tools. Leaders emphasized the importance of starting
with smaller projects and building trust within the congregation to foster acceptance.
Challenges in Implementing AI:
vii. Challenges included maintaining a balance between technology and human touch, addressing
concerns over data privacy, and managing costs. Leaders acknowledged that careful planning and
transparent communication were essential to overcoming these hurdles.

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Overall Impact on Church Engagement:
• The implementation of AI has led to improved tracking of participation, increased re-engagement
with less active members, and overall efficiency in administrative tasks. These benefits have allowed
church leaders to devote more time to fostering relationships within their communities.

Discussion of Findings
The findings of this research highlight how AI can revolutionize administrative tasks and evangelistic
activities in church settings. Drawing on insights from interviews with church leaders and related literature,
several important observations were made regarding the use of AI, the types of AI tools being implemented,
and their impact on church administration and evangelism.
One of the key findings is that AI is increasingly being utilized in church administration to automate routine
tasks, thereby improving operational efficiency (Nelson, ,2021). Even larger and well-resourced churches
have started adopting AI tools for managing church membership, schedules, donations, and
communications. For example, AI-driven customer relationship management (CRM) systems have
successfully streamlined data management, consolidating information in a centralized platform (O'Brien,
2021). As reported by church leaders, implementing AI has significantly reduced the time spent on
administrative tasks, freeing up more time for pastoral care and spiritual activities. This finding aligns with
Doe's (2022) study, which demonstrated how AI could alleviate the administrative workload of church staff,
thus enhancing management and decision-making processes.
AI systems excel in analyzing large volumes of data quickly and accurately, enabling churches to make
informed decisions regarding event scheduling, resource allocation, and member engagement strategies
(Pierce, 2022). During the interviews, a church leader shared that AI-enabled systems provided insights into
attendance patterns, helping the church to better plan services and outreach activities. This suggests that AI
can play a crucial role in optimizing church operations through data-driven decision-making (Ford, 2022).
The study also found that AI significantly enhances the efficiency of evangelistic activities, particularly in
terms of personal outreach and strategy development. With the use of AI technologies, such as machine
learning algorithms and data analytics, churches can design evangelism strategies that cater to the specific
needs and preferences of their congregants (Lopez, 2022). Churches that utilized AI for outreach reported
higher engagement levels, especially through personalized communication (Lee, 2023) AI-powered tools also
helped analyze feedback from sermons and events, allowing churches to craft more effective messaging that
resonated deeply with different demographic groups within the congregation (Moore, 2021).
The congregational data include age, gender, location, and interests, and hence, through this, the churches
can send tailored messages or invites to events. A case in point is one of the churches using AI in sending
personalised prayer messages through prior interactions of congregants with activities at the church and,
hence, a higher level of involvement in the various church programs. In this perspective, the findings suggest
that AI ultimately helps in developing effective evangelism strategies for churches since AI can facilitate a
more personalised ministry. Some, however, did show concern over the balance between automation and
the personal touch central to church ministry. A few noted some apprehension as it relates to the tendency
of AI to depersonalise the experience in the church. They did make a point of noting that while AI can easily
and competently do certain more administrative tasks and data analysis, this does not replace the relational
side of ministry about empathetic spiritual guidance given on a human level. This concern tallies with the
finding of Brown, (2021) who cautioned against over-reliance on AI in religious contexts.
While the results have shown the advantages of AI technology in church administration and evangelism, the
study found several challenges which were faced in implementing AI technology at churches. In most cases,
cost is one of the major problems that is likely to be faced by the churches, especially the small ones with
limited budgets. Most of the AI systems, especially those meant to perform data analytics and automation,
can be very expensive in terms of implementation cost and maintenance costs (O'Brien, 2021). Many were
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wary of the investment cost that this would involve, with many claiming that they had no means of investing
in such technologies. The other challenge is that of the technical expertise. Most of the AI systems have
thrown churches into a kind of technical knowledge they need to possess to keep them at work, which most
of the church staff does not possess. Most of the small churches are struggling with the technological
demands imposed on them by AI because, according to their sizes, they cannot employ specialised personnel
who can manage such systems. This has made some churches fear the use of AI in their operations. This
aligns with the findings of Nelson (2021) in which AI interfere with the church operations due to fear by
church members.
Other major challenges that were also brought forth by the findings were ethical and theological concerns.
For instance, some of the leaders questioned the ethical implications brought forth by the use of AI in church
settings, such as privacy issues for congregants’ data and whether AI could replace human roles in ministry.
Additionally, whether AI was aligned with the spiritual mission of the church was a concern. To others,
evangelism and administration using AI raised concerns about the right balance between technological
efficiency and the spiritual, relational nature of church work. Indeed, the study found that church leaders
generally tend to hold positive perceptions about the role of AI in enhancing administrative efficiency, while
their perceptions about AI’s role in ministry and evangelism are different. It seemed that church leaders who
integrated AI into their operations viewed this technology as complementary to the human elements of the
ministry rather than replacing them. They saw the capability of AI as a method of continued amplification
of outreach while streamlining administrative tasks to free up time in the spiritual and relational aspects.
Those not yet adopting AI were more sceptical, citing the potential of the technology to 296epersonalizi
ministry or even create ethical dilemmas.
The important insight from the research is that those churches that successfully adopt AI seem to emphasise
AI as a way of collaboration between technology and ministry. They do not believe that AI would replace
human evangelical work or pastoral care but collaborate with them in servicing the congregants better and
managing the operations of the church more effectively. This collaborative approach does seem to alleviate
some of the concerns about AI’s role in 296epersonalizing ministry. The study also looked at some theological
implications of AI use in evangelism and church management. As was pointed out, though AI may make
outreach easier and operations smoother, churches must consider the spiritual consequences of using
technology in the ministry. The key message given by the church leaders was that AI must be a tool
supportive of, and not a replacement for, human-led ministry. They made it clear that personal touch,
empathy, and spiritual guidance are at the heart of the mission of the church, and AI must not Interfere with
these aspects of ministry. Secondly, it was stressed by some of the respondents that churches should not stop
worrying about ethics in the use of AI, particularly on data privacy and transparency. Churches will have to
take responsibility for the ways AI systems are used, adhering to their spiritual values, including responsible
treatment of information gathered from congregants. These results confirm the huge potential of AI to
improve efficiency within administrative and evangelistic activities in the church (Hoffman, 2021). AI allows
churches to shift more time and resources to their spiritual mission by automating tasks and providing key
data-driven insights as they pursue tailored outreach (Thomas, 2021). The study also identifies some
challenges, such as cost, technical expertise requirements, and ethical issues that arise during the
implementation of AI. This study further underscores the need for a balance in applying technological
innovations to the personal-relational aspect of the ministry, which remains the very core of churches’ work.

Conclusion
Large opportunities and avenues include a discussion on how the integration of AI into church
administration and evangelistic activities could enhance operational efficiency, management, and
optimisation of outreach efforts. In this research, there has been a showcase of ways in which AI can help
streamline administrative tasks within the church to let the church leaders and workers focus more on their
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spiritual and pastoral duties. AI automates regular activities that include the management of members,
scheduling of events, and personal messages. It is, therefore, true that AI lets churches increase their
effectiveness in their mission with more efficient resource management. However, critical challenges arise in
the cost of implementation, technical expertise requirements, and ethical concerns around data privacy and
depersonalisation in ministry. As such, the greatest practical difficulties in adopting the use of AI
technologies arise in smaller churches due to limited financial and human resources. While AI might
strengthen evangelistic initiatives through personal outreach, churches must keep in mind the importance of
balancing innovation in technology with the very values that make them a church: personal connection,
empathy, and spiritual care. What is theological is, of course, central to the discussion on AI in church
settings. The principle of assuring that AI supports ministry rather than replaces it ought to be the core reality
for churches. Everything, even the activities enhanced by AI, needs to be based on the spiritual mission of
the church because human relationships and personal spiritual guidance are at the core of this. Thus, though
AI holds a lot of advantages for them, churches should adopt a very thoughtful and ethically-based approach
in its implementation in which the technology aligns with greater spiritual goals. This implies that while AI
is highly potent and thus capable of greatly impacting church administration and evangelism, it has to be
adopted carefully lest it shortchanges the human and spiritual aspects of the ministry. Churches can create a
better outreach and administration without compromising on their spiritual mission through the thoughtful
integration of AI into their operations.

Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, some recommendations are made to help churches implement AI in
administration and evangelism and at the same time preserve the spiritual mission of the Church. First,
church employees and volunteers need to be trained for the use of AI systems. These could be facilitated by
partnerships with technology firms or jointly by smaller churches with sister congregations to reduce the
costs. Second, scalable and affordable AI solutions should be considered, such as subscription-based or pay-
as-you-go models. Churches should adopt a phased approach, whereby less complicated tasks such as
automating communications and scheduling are done first, followed by more sophisticated applications
involving data analytics and personalized evangelism.
Churches also need to have an ethical framework regarding the use of AI that addresses issues such as data
privacy, transparency, and spiritual integrity in their activities. This should be explained to the congregation
with respect to how their information is used, and AI must remain merely a supportive tool, never to replace
human-run pastoral care and evangelism. The human touch, therefore, will require insisting that AI be
supplementing and not replacing the personal touch so indispensable in ministry. For example, AI-powered
insights may be able to help pastors understand the needs of the congregants, but personal time remains
very relevant in evangelistic efforts.
Other strong recommendations include collaboration among churches, as sharing resources, skills, and even
AI systems can be cost-effective and create community. Shared evangelistic efforts and administrative
improvements given a boost from AI would further cement such arrangements. To make sure AI serves to
supplement and not disrupt the functions of the church, assessments ought to be regular. Feedback from the
congregation and staff must be used in evaluating the effectiveness of AI systems; those that do not serve the
values of the church should be revisited for reconsideration.
Lastly, AI adoption needs to be an inclusive affair, making the technology accessible for all congregants
irrespective of their age, technical proficiency, or socio-economic background. Support sessions and training
should be provided to help members engage with the technology according to their needs. In this way, the
inclusive approach makes sure that the whole congregation benefits from what AI can offer. By addressing
key issues-issues of training, cost, ethical concerns, collaboration, and inclusivity-churches will be able to
utilize AI technologies with the preservation of their spiritual mission and values.
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Burke, M. (2020). Faith in the age of algorithms: Technology, religion, and ethics. Yale University Press.
Carter, S. (2020). AI for nonprofits: A guide for churches and charitable organizations. Routledge.
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O'Brien, M. (2021). The church in the digital era: Adapting to the new norms. Stanford University Press.
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Moral Issues in Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facilitating Learning in the Church

Joseph Olufemi ASHA, PhD

Baptist College of Theology, Lagos, Nigeria
[email protected], +2347062523772

Abstract
One issue that has generated much debate and discussion in recent time globally is the issue of Artificial
Intelligence (AI). This paper is an effort at contributing to the discussion with the aim of educating those
using AI or desiring to use it on the moral issues involve in its use to facilitate learning in the church.
The premise of this paper is that there are moral issues in AI-system that facilitators of learning and
learners need to know in order to appreciate AI and to better appropriate it in the teaching ministry of
the Church This paper highlight the moral issues and proffer possible responses that will ensure better
understanding of AI -system. Recommendations are given on AI- system facilitated learning. The paper
is quasi-empirical; it is theoretical in nature. The method adopted for the work is the historical-survey
that permits exploration of relevant materials such as text, oral information, video clip, picture, etc that
are relevant to the work. The work location is Lagos State, which is one of the thirty-six states in Nigeria.

Keywords: Moral Issue, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Learning, Church

Introduction
Learning is the key to understanding and knowledge acquisition. No individual grows in knowledge and
experience gathering without learning. Similarly, learning is central to family and societal progress. Thus,
learning is essential to individual and society healthy living. C. B. Eavey describes learning as acquisition of
knowledge through various ways and applying them to daily life (Eavey, 1940). John M. Gregory in his own
contribution described learning as gathering of experience. The experience according to him may consist of
facts, truths, doctrines, ideas, or ideals. It may further consist of the processes of acquiring skills (Gregory,
2006). Thus, one may conclude that learning is knowledge and skill acquisition by individual and group.
Learning is obtained through formal, informal, and non-formal. Two ideas prominent in the word learning
or education that give meaning of the word are: Leading out into new knowledge and experience, feeding to
cause growth and development. Learning is a process, not a product. It is a change in knowledge, belief,
behaviour, or attitude. Learning is individually done and cannot be done for the learner.
Formal learning takes place in specially built institutions such as mission or church schools and colleges.
What is taught is carefully structured by means of syllabi and time-tables; the teaching provided is usually
carefully supervised by an appointed body. The achievement of those who learn in formal education is often
recognised by the award of certificate (Farrant, 1980).
Non-Formal Learning is organised learning activity outside the structure of the formal learning system that
is consciously aimed at meeting specific learning needs of particular group such as children, youth, adult,
etc in the church or community or both. Learning activities engage in at this level may include: skill training,
piggery, fishing, dyeing, health & family planning, etc. What is learned is structured but not as strong as the
formal; and is flexible on method to use e.g. AI, traditional teaching, self-teaching, etc. It is also flexible
regarding centre or place of learning (Farrant, 1980). Non-formal learning takes place through
correspondence schools, and technology driven centre of learning. Informal learning does not involve
structuring, learning occurs unconsciously, like things a child learns from his family, friends, experience and
environment
The conceptual framework of this study is determining the relationship between AI-system and Learning
facilitation in the church. The question then arises how do a Christian teacher makes learning effective in the
church using AI technology or the traditional method of facilitating learning or both. This work focus is on
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AI and learning in the context of the church. The work agreed that AI can be used to teach the Holy Bible
and Christian literatures to all category of age grade in the church. It however, warns of the ethical issues in
the use of AI to facilitate learning in the church. Thus, the paper advises its readers to give consideration to
the ethical issues so as not to adversely impact the church
The theoretical framework adopted for this work is the Behavioural theory postulated by John B. Watson in
association with Ivan Pavlov. Behavioural theory says that learning through resources available in the society
or environment to which the learner has contact or interaction with can influence his/her behaviour positively
or negatively or both. The theory says further that innate or inherited factors have very little influence on
behaviour. Therefore, AI-system facilitated learning as well as human facilitated learning have the potential
to influence learner behaviour in every context they are used whether secular or religion context. Therefore,
the church must be careful and cautious concerning the mechanism she proposed or resolved to use in
facilitating learning (‘What Is The Behavioral Learning Theory?’, 2020).

Ways of Making Learning Effective

Effective as used means learning that is fruitful and result-oriented. It means learning that causes positive
change to occur in the life of the learner. Therefore, learning can be made effective through the following
ways:
1. Learning must interact with the original nature, environment and the purpose of each learner because
they constitute learning factors.
2. Learning must include mental activity without it, learners cannot develop mentally and
psychologically.
3. Learning must include clues to solving learner’s life problems and also meeting their felt needs.
4. Learning must touch learners in three areas of their lives. These are to know, to feel, and to do.
5. Learning must evolve from a clear understanding of the subject to be facilitated, educational
principles, and educational methods.
6. Learning must be evolved from adequate academic and spiritual preparation that is subsumed under
the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
7. Learning must be evolved from a deep understanding of the means of control by which the learning
of the learner is started, directed, changed or stopped.
8. Learning must emphasize character more than content. Character learning focuses on the heart,
which consists of mind, emotion, and conduct.
9. Learning must be transmitted in word, deed, example, symbol and sign.
10. Learning should promote intimacy and cordial relationship that transcend master-servant
relationship.
11. Learning should focus on bringing out the best in learners not the worst.
12. Learning must be evolved from willingness, commitment, hard work, faith, trust, and believe in its
success.
13. Learning must be dynamic and not static and should emphasize individual/group learning more than
crowd learning.
14. Learning must be interactive and must be transmitted in an atmosphere of freedom, love, courage
and friendship.
15. Learning should be facilitated through several methods such as differentiated instruction, lecture-
based instruction, technology-based learning, group learning, individual learning, inquiry-based
learning, kinesthetics learning and expeditionary learning.
16. Teaching method that is best for each context or teaching assignment should be used.

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17. Every teacher needs to put effort at knowing various teaching methods and try to improve him/her
self by testing the various teaching methods in his/her teachings using the same lesson; and through
interaction with fellow teachers.

Concept of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is a branch of computer science that seeks to develop computer systems that replicate
or mimic cognitive tasks ascribed to human such as teaching, voice recognition, Language processing, etc
(Hamlen, 2017). AI has improved human ability to use computer, facilitate repetitious tasks human find
difficult to do or inaccurate or slow doing the task; assist human with disabilities; AI is assisting medical
personnel in providing care to the sick and it has led to production of Smartphones that accept voice
command.
AI was conceived by Alan Turing who suggested that if a machine’s behaviour is indistinguishable from
human, it can be considered ‘intelligent’ for practical purpose (Hamlen, 2017). AI has successfully been
deployed in commerce, mathematics of probability, statistics, logic, etc (Hamlen, 2017). AI is a rapidly
developing technology that involves the creation of intelligent machines that perform tasks typically
requiring human intelligence such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI is widely used to
monitor research of different types of cases and to also analyse past research outcome.

Some ways of Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Facilitates Learning

The possibility of using AI facilitated learning in Churches in Nigeria is high and realizable in this
contemporary time. However, many churches in Nigeria have not started using AI facilitated learning
perhaps due to inadequate fund to kick-start it; ignorance of it use and benefit; high cost of data/energy to
power and make it functional; and phobia or biase concerning it use in the church. AI can be used to create
smarter class that enhance learning experience of learner; it can be used to collect and analyse student data
on interaction with learning material, assignment completion time, administer test and examined overall
student performance in order to understand each student attitude and need
AI enhances language learning in the area of word pronunciation, grammar construction and vocabulary
repertoire or banking. AI uses Chatbots and virtual tutors to provide swift assistance and foster self-directed
learning. AI chatbots are re-shaping student learning experience. Chatbot (chatterbot) is a computer program
that simulates human conversation through voice commands or textchats or both. AI facilitated learning has
the following features that distinguish it from the traditional learning method. It is student centred; it is
highly personalized; automated grading and instant feedback regarding learner; extensive online resource
and content; adaptive to individual pace; enhanced engagement through interactivity; advanced data
analysis for insight; remote and flexible learning options; high cost of execution and globally scalable (‘AI
learning’). These aforementioned features of AI corroborated the submissions of others who have submitted
that AI technology is applicable to learning facilitation in both secular and religious institutions globally. In
spite, of the benefits enunciated there are moral issues that cannot be ignored in the usage of AI to facilitate
learning in church and society.

Moral Issues in AI facilitated Learning

There is need to explain succinctly what constitute moral and moral issue before enumerating the moral
issues contained in in AI facilitated learning. The explanation is needful to help readers understand and
appreciate the issue discussed in the paper. Moral as a word refers to good and praiseworthy character and
action; it means something just, honourable and ideal. Morality which is formed from the word moral is
derived from the Latin word ‘Mos or More’ meaning custom or habitual habit. It is the distinction between
right and wrong in relation to action, conduct and character or that which is concerned with virtue and vice

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(Asha, 2019). In essence morality has to do with the assessment of human actions, inactions and expressions
for the purpose of determining their rightness and wrongness as well as their goodness and badness (Asha,
2019). Thus, morality implies human responsibility in interpersonal relationship at formal and informal
levels.
It is only among human beings that moral discussion is meaningful and importance because human beings
are created in God’s image. Moral Knowledge and moral action are essential for the peace, progress, and
success of human society, as well as human institution like the Prison service, Nigeria. The moral law of
nature is found in the Greek cardinal virtues which are wisdom, temperance, fortitude and justice ((Asha,
2022).
Moral issues on the other hand are issues having to do with morality. Any action or decision that has moral
implication on one and other persons is a moral issue. Moral issues are classified into positive and negative
(Ayantayo, 2011). Positive indicates what should be done or embraced or the attitude to cultivate; while
negative indicates prohibition, issue to be avoided or done away with or to be condemned in relationship to
AI facilitated learning.
Moral issue has to do with the issue of right and wrong in human relationship as it relates to God and fellow
human. Moral issue has to do with what is right and wrong in human action, decision, and saying in their
relationship with God and fellow human. Before the right can be done and the wrong avoided, they must
be known because it may not be humanly possible to do what is right and avoid what is wrong if one does
not know what constitute right and wrong things. No wonder it is stated in the Holy Bible that ‘you will
know the truth and the truth will set you free’ (John8:32). Norman Geisler affirms this fact by saying that
doing what is right brings the greatest good for the greatest number of persons in the long run (Geisler, 2007).
The moral issues emanating from AI facilitated learning in the context of the Christian church; the Christian
Church implies the assembly of those who confess Jesus Christ as their Lord, Master, Teacher, and Saviour
and have become His followers through Baptism and fellowship with him in the church- a physical structure
built for the purpose of fellowship, worship, learning, and service to God and fellow human (Mbewe, 2020).
One significant concern regarding AI in religious context revolves around playing God. Sterling Martin
Allen argued that the creation of AI systems with human –like intelligence is viewed as an attempt by
humans to assume God-Like powers, potentially challenging divine authority and agency (Allen, 2024). This
issue raises the questions about human boundaries and human creativity limit in relation to God’s
sovereignty (Allen, 2024). God hates rivalry and does not want his creatures especially human to compete
with his sovereignty power. He has set limit to human creative ability which he does not want human being
to ignore or go beyond. There is usually consequence for any of God’s creature who goes beyond God’s limit.
Satan, an angelic being is one example (Rev12:7-9); the people in the tower of Babel story is another example
(Genesis 11:1-9). These mentioned people went beyond their given boundaries or limits and they were duly
punished for doing so.
The issue of decision making regarding learning content and learner is another issue of concern. The
Christian resolved is that every decision concerning church work must be subjected to Holy Spirit leading
without which such work or action will not be reckoned with and acceptable to the church. AI systems
possess the ability to process vast amounts of data and to make decisions based on algorithms and patterns
without recourse to the Holy Spirit. AI facilitated action/decision may also not align with the evangelical
Christian Church doctrinal belief on Holy Spirit. Therefore, the use of AI to facilitate learning in the church
requires thorough appraisal and examination in order not to adversely affect the church and her faith which
Jesus bought and redeemed with his life –body and blood. This view was shared by Samuel Adetule, a
Christian and expert in Information Technology and AI University of Lagos.
The integration of AI as instrument of teaching in the church may ignite conflicts between the principles
encoded within the AI systems and the basic beliefs (orthodoxy) and practices (orthopraxy) of the Christian

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church. In addition, over reliance on AI system to teach and to do other church work may impact negatively
on human dignity, value and usefulness in God’s vineyard. Moreover, it will adversely affect human ability
to socialise and relate with fellow believer in the church and community where every Christian is expected
to be light and encourager to people (Allen, 2024).
The use of AI-powered chatbots for teaching and counselling may raise concern about the authenticity and
meaningfulness of the teaching-counselling experience. Because a facilitator of learning specifically human
is expected to provide empathy, spiritual guidance, and physical presence which AI systems cannot
authentically provide. Furthermore, AI technology can enable virtual religious ceremonies and rituals by
allowing learners to participate remotely. However, the substitution of physical presence with virtual
experiences may raise the issues of authenticity and spiritual significance of such act or ritual. Thus, such
should not be promoted above the need for physical presence in church meeting. At best, virtual worship
meetings should complement physical church meetings and not to become substitute for physical meeting.
The issue of distortion and misinterpretation of basic Christian church learning resources by AI facilitors is
high because AI system is capable of collecting several learning resources from different Christian doctrinal
sources but may lack the ability to sift and contextualise the facts to fit into each church doctrinal context if
caution is not taken distortion of historical beliefs may occur as well as misinterpretation, confusion and
heresy.
The issue of biase and unfairness cannot be rule out in AI systems when use to facilitate learning in the
church; because it is human being that design and develop the system; if the designer and developer is a
racist or tribalist and a zenophobic person, it is certain that his/her biase may be infused into the system. And
when that happened it will manifest when the system is used to facilitate learning. The resultant effect on
the learners who may come from different ethnic or racial background will be animosity, ill-feeling against
another ethnic group, hatred, division, uninform criticism and unhealthy opposition of fellow group learner
(Bossman, 2016).
The use of AI-system to facilitate learning in the church may render ministers called and trained for the
teaching ministry of the church redundant and under- utilise. Invariably it may render trained minister
redundant, jobless and without call to pastorate (Bossman, 2016). Presently there are several trained
ministers who are yet to receive call to pastorate for several reasons of which AI may be one of them. The
idea of multi-staff pastoral ministry that is been promoted and encouraged as one of the solutions to
unemployment or lack of call to pastorate may be threatened if not already been threatened by AI-system.
The issue of reward or compensation is another issue raised regarding the use of AI in facilitating learning
in church; how will the successes and failures be apportioned among the stakeholders such as AI machine
tool and human being called to church ministry, human leader in the church, the triune God who owns the
Church, and the machine designer or developer. How will success and failure be share to ensure equity and
fairness among stakeholders involve in facilitating learning in the church

Conclusion
This work discussed learning as one of the essential reasons for why the Christian church exists; and learning
cannot take place without teaching, thus teaching is germane to church growth and development; teaching
and discipleship making are included in the Great Commission God gave to the church through Jesus Christ.
Every ideal Church knows the importance of learning by calling trained minister to handle her teaching
ministry. It is also true to say that AI-system technology is developed by human scientist globally to assist
human and human organisation do their work correctly, efficiently and speedily in all strand of human
exploration such as social, economic, education, medical, transport, military, science, religion, etc. Hence AI
is now a phenomenon in the global workspace that cannot be ignored or toyed with today. This study

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highlighted the moral issues involved in using AI system to facilitate teaching-learning process in the church;
and conclude with recommendations given below.

Recommendations
AI-system has become a reality and no human institution either secular or religion can feign ignorance. There
is need for adequate knowledge and understanding of AI-system by churches in order to know its use in the
context of the church through teaching and training on the use of AI;
Every ideal church will need to develop moral guideline to guide her usage of AI system in facilitating
learning in the church; place priority on human value and worth than machine design to mimic human
function in church and society; and be careful, cautious, patience, in adopting AI systems to teaching in the
church. The church should not substitute human learning facilitators with machine learning facilitators such
as robots because robot cannot give the ministry of presence needed by every human learner neither can it
yield to Holy spirit control every hour and at every duty post. These recommendations if acted upon and
given the needed consideration will enhance churches knowledge and appreciation of AI-tools.

References
Allen, Sterling M (2024) ‘The Theological and Ethical Dangers Associated with using AI in Christian Religious
Settings’ www.firebrandmag.com
Asha, Joseph Olufemi (2019) ‘Moral Issues Inherent in Rape Cases in Nigeria’ International Journal of Scientific Research,
vol.8, Issue 9
Asha, Joseph O (2022) Christian Ethics from Historical and African Perspectives. Ogbomoso: Impact media
Ayantayo, Jacob K (2011) Fundamentals of Religious Ethics, 2nd ed. Ibadan: Samprints
Bossman, Julia (2016) ‘Top ethical Issues in Artificial Intelligence’ www.weforum.org accessed on 25/9/2024
Eavey, C.B. (1940) Principles of Teaching for Christian Teacher Michigan: Zondervan Publication
Farrant, J.S. (1990) Principles and Practice of Education, 2nd ed., England: longman
Geisler, Norman (2007) Christian Ethics: Options and Issues Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic
Gregory, John M (2000) The Seven Laws of Teaching Michigan: Bakerbooks
Hamlen, Kevin W (2017) Artificial Intelligence’ Dictionary of Christianity and Science edited by Paul Copan, Tramper
Longman III, et al (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan
Mbewe, Conrad (2020). God’s Design for the Church Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway
‘teaching methods’ www.indeed.com 19/9/2024
‘What Is The Behavioral Learning Theory?’ (2020) www.wgu.edu accessed on 29/9/2024

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Ethical Considerations for Using AI for Evangelism: A Pastoral Perspective

Oguntayo Ayodele ADEYANJU

Kwara State University, Molete, Kwara State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348030521037, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8101-484X

Abstract
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted Evangelism offering
both opportunities and challenges for Christian ministry. AI-driven tools enhance outreach, personalize
messages, and facilitate discipleship. However, they also raise ethical concerns, especially when viewed
through a pastoral lens. This article examines the ethical implications of using AI for Evangelism
focusing on issues such as the authenticity of human interaction, data privacy, manipulation, and the
erosion of relational ministry. Drawing on insights from African and Western scholars, this work
explores how Christian leaders can responsibly integrate AI while maintaining Evangelism's integrity
and relational essence. The article argues that the responsible use of AI requires a balance between
leveraging technology and safeguarding the core values of the Gospel, ensuring that AI tools enhance
rather than diminish the relational dynamics central to the Christian faith.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Ethical, Christian Ministry, and Pastoral Perspective

Introduction
The digital revolution has reshaped various dimensions of human life with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
technology is emerging as one of the most influential factors. From personalized online experiences to
predictive analytics, AI is ubiquitous, influencing how we work, communicate, and worship. The application
of AI in Evangelism—facilitated by chatbots, algorithm-driven content creation, and digital platforms—has
introduced new ways to share the Christian message. These technologies promise broader outreach and
deeper engagement. However, they also present a range of ethical dilemmas that demand careful
consideration, particularly for pastors and Christian leaders.1
Evangelism, traditionally a relational and deeply personal act, is fundamentally concerned with
communicating the Gospel in ways that connect with individuals' hearts and minds. AI, by contrast, operates
through data-driven algorithms, that while efficient, risk depersonalizing this essential mission. As John
Lennox, a Christian apologist and mathematician, points out, AI's integration into Evangelism introduces
questions about authenticity, accountability, and the preservation of the Gospel's relational core.2 This paper
seeks to address these concerns by exploring the ethical considerations for using AI in Evangelism from a
pastoral perspective. How can AI serve as a tool for Evangelism without undermining the personal nature
of Christian ministry? What are the risks of over-reliance on AI for spiritual guidance? And how can pastors
navigate these ethical challenges while embracing the opportunities AI offers?
The concept of AI refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence,
such as problem-solving, learning, and decision-making. AI has automated sermon generation, scripture
delivery, and even spiritual counselling in Evangelism. AI-powered chatbots, for example, provide users
with instant responses to questions about faith, while algorithms tailor spiritual content to individual needs.
However, introducing AI into Evangelism has sparked debate among theologians, ethicists, and ministry
leaders.3
Historically, Evangelism has been a profoundly relational activity. Jesus' interactions with individuals, as
recorded in the New Testament, exemplify a personal, face-to-face approach that emphasized compassion,
empathy, and understanding. The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys similarly highlight the importance of
personal connection in spreading the Gospel. In contrast, AI operates on data and algorithms, lacking the
ability to form genuine human connections. African theologian Emmanuel Katongole has expressed concern
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about this shift, noting that AI could lead to a depersonalized form of Evangelism that undermines the
communal and relational fabric of African Christianity.4
Moreover, AI technologies raise concerns about the potential for data misuse and manipulation. Western
ethicist Brent Waters noted that using AI in ministry brings ethical dilemmas related to surveillance, privacy,
and control to light. At its core, Evangelism is about free will and a genuine response to the Gospel. However,
AI's capacity to gather and analyse personal data can lead to the Exploiting individual vulnerabilities
prompts concerns about consent and manipulation.5 These ethical issues form the foundation of this
discussion as pastors and ministry leaders navigate the integration of AI into their evangelistic efforts.

Statement of the Problem

With the evolving of AI technology today, this paper, after a critical analysis of the use of AI in Evangelism,
raises the following questions:
1. What are the ethical considerations for using AI in Evangelism from a pastoral perspective?
2. How does AI influence pastoral practices in Evangelism?
3. What ethical frameworks most apply to using AI in Evangelism?
4. What are the benefits and risks of using AI for pastoral outreach and spiritual engagement?
5. How do African and Western pastoral perspectives differ in addressing ethical concerns with AI in
Evangelism?
6. What guidelines can be developed for ethical AI use in Evangelism to uphold pastoral integrity and
Christian values?

The Promise of AI in Evangelism

AI has revolutionized the way Evangelism can be conducted in the digital age. As Christian communities
have become increasingly connected through the internet, AI offers several key advantages:
1. Broader Outreach: AI can facilitate global evangelism efforts by overcoming geographical barriers.
As noted by African digital strategist Nkiru Balonwu, AI- enabled tools can provide a scalable
solution for evangelizing to diverse populations, 5 Including those in remote regions. This is
particularly important in Africa, where mobile technology has opened new frontiers for spreading
the Gospel.6
2. Personalized Engagement: AI allows personalized communication, tailoring messages to individual
needs and preferences. Digital evangelists like Craig Groeschel, the pastor of Life.Church has utilized
AI-driven algorithms to deliver custom spiritual content based on user behaviour, making
Evangelism more relevant to the individual.7
3. Efficient Discipleship: AI chatbots and other automated tools provide real-time responses to
questions about faith, helping to facilitate ongoing discipleship and spiritual growth. Access to
instant spiritual guidance can be invaluable in regions without trained ministers.

Ethical Challenges of AI in Evangelism

Despite these advantages, the ethical challenges posed by AI in Evangelism are significant and multifaceted.
These challenges include:
1. The Loss of Personal Interaction: The relational aspect of Evangelism is central to Christian ministry.
AI, by nature, cannot form personal, empathetic relationships. As African theologian Samuel Waje
Kunhiyop has noted, ‘Christianity is a communal faith that thrives on human and divine
relationships.’8 The use of AI in evangelism risks reducing these interactions to transactional
exchanges, stripping away the relational depth essential for spiritual growth.

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2. Data Privacy and Consent: The use of AI often involves the collection and analysis of personal data,
raising privacy concerns. Christian ethicist Michael J. Paulus has warned that using data-driven
technologies in ministry must be cautiously approached, particularly when safeguarding sensitive
information. In many cases, individuals may not fully understand how their data is being used or
may not have given informed consent for its use in spiritual contexts.9
3. Manipulation and Autonomy: AI algorithms are designed to optimize outcomes, often by predicting
and influencing human behaviour. In the context of Evangelism, this raises concerns about
manipulation. As Western scholar Brent Waters notes, ‘The use of AI in ministry must respect the
autonomy of individuals, ensuring that evangelistic efforts do not exploit personal vulnerabilities for
the sake of conversion.’10 Evangelism should be a genuine, free-will response to the Gospel and AI-
driven manipulation could undermine this principle.
4. Algorithmic Bias and Exclusion: AI algorithms are not neutral; they are shaped by the data they are
trained on, which can lead to bias. African scholar Jideofor Adibe has highlighted the risk of cultural
and racial bias in AI systems, noting that evangelistic AI efforts may inadvertently exclude certain
groups or reinforce existing inequalities. For example, algorithms that prioritize Western content may
marginalize African theological perspectives, limiting the diversity of voices in digital Evangelism.11

Theological Reflections on AI and Evangelism

The ethical considerations surrounding AI in Evangelism are closely tied to theological questions about the
nature of ministry, the role of technology, and the mission of the Church. At the heart of this debate is the
tension between embracing innovation and safeguarding the integrity of Christian ministry.
1. Incarnational Ministry: One of the central tenets of Christian theology is the Incarnation—the belief
that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. This doctrine underscores the importance of
personal, embodied relationships in ministry. As theologian John Swinton argues, 'The Incarnation
reminds us that ministry is fundamentally about presence—being with others in a way that reflects
the presence of Christ.'12 The use of AI in Evangelism raises questions about how this incarnational
presence can be maintained in a digital, algorithm-driven environment.
2. The Role of the Church: The Church has long been the primary vehicle for Evangelism provides a
communal space for worship, discipleship, and spiritual growth. AI tools, while useful for individual
engagement, may undermine the communal aspect of the Church. African theologian Tinyiko
Maluleke has cautioned against the 'individualization' of faith that can result from digital Evangelism,
warning that AI may further fragment Christian communities by isolating believers from one
another.13
3. The Great Commission in the Digital Age: The Mandate of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-
20) is to 'go and make disciples of all nations.' AI can be a powerful tool for fulfilling this command,
enabling evangelists to reach people in previously unimaginable ways. However, as Western scholar
Sherry Turkle points out, the use of technology in ministry must not replace human connection but
rather enhance it.14 The challenge for pastors and evangelists is to find ways to integrate AI that
amplifies rather than diminishes the Gospel's relational nature.

Best Practices for Using AI in Evangelism

Given the ethical and theological challenges associated with AI, it is crucial that Christian leaders develop
best practices for its use in Evangelism. These best practices should prioritize the integrity of the Gospel
message, respect for individual autonomy, and the preservation of personal relationships. Some key
recommendations include:

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1. Transparency and Consent: Christian leaders should be transparent about how AI tools are used in
Evangelism, ensuring that individuals understand how their data is collected and used. Informed
consent is essential for maintaining trust and ethical integrity in ministry.
2. Human Oversight: AI tools should be used as supplements to, rather than replacements for, human-
led ministry. Pastors and ministry leaders must remain actively involved in Evangelism, providing
personal guidance and spiritual care alongside AI-driven tools.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Evangelists using AI must be mindful of algorithmic bias and strive to create
inclusive, culturally sensitive evangelistic content. This includes engaging diverse theological
perspectives and ensuring that AI tools reflect the diversity of the global Church. As African
theologian Jideofor Adibe emphasizes, AI in Evangelism must prioritize ‘the voices of the
marginalized and excluded, ensuring that digital spaces foster inclusivity rather than perpetuate
bias.’15
4. Ethical AI Development: Christian technologists and developers involved in creating AI tools for
Evangelism should adhere to ethical standards that prioritize human dignity, transparency, and
accountability. AI in Evangelism should align with biblical principles of justice, truth, and love,
ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise these values. Collaborating with
Christian ethicists and theologians can guide in this area.
5. Balancing Innovation with Tradition: While it is important to embrace technological innovation,
Christian leaders should also retain the core practices that have historically defined Evangelism, such
as face-to-face discipleship, community Gatherings and personal relationships. AI should not replace
these traditions but should serve to enhance them in ways that respect the Gospel's relational essence.

Research Methodology
The study adopts a qualitative research design to examine ethical considerations and pastoral perspectives
on AI in Evangelism, emphasizing emerging ethical issues and their impact on ministry. It focused on
practical applications and dilemmas pastors face when employing AI tools. Data is collected from the
analysis of recent scholarly works on AI ethics, Evangelism and pastoral perspectives, semi-structured
interviews with pastors, theologians, and AI ethicists from African and Western contexts. The participants
include African and Western pastors, theologians, AI ethicists, and Christian technologists. This study
integrates Christian ethics, virtue ethics, and contextual African ethics as with biblical principles of integrity,
stewardship, and love to evaluate AI’s role in evangelism. Thematic and comparative analysis was employed
for the data analysis.

Case Studies: AI in Evangelism

To better understand the practical application and ethical implications of AI in evangelism, case studies of
organizations that have successfully integrated AI technologies while maintaining ethical standards were
examined. Life.Church and AI-Driven Ministry: Life.Church, led by Craig Groeschel, is one of the pioneering
churches using AI to extend its reach. Through AI-driven platforms, Life.Church customizes spiritual content
based on user data, enabling personalized sermons, Bible study guides and discipleship resources. However,
Groeschel emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with personal connections, stating that 'AI
allows us to reach more people, but it is our relationships with those people that matter most. Technology
can never replace the heart of ministry, which is personal, face-to-face engagement.16
Gideon.AI in Africa: In 2021, an African-based digital ministry launched Gideon.AI, a chatbot designed to
answer questions about Christianity and guide users through scripture. By analyzing user inputs, the AI
provides tailored responses, helping seekers engage with the Gospel at their own pace. However, developers
have ensured that the chatbot includes a disclaimer about data usage and encourages users to seek in-person

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Christian fellowship for further spiritual growth. Gideon.AI serves as an example of how AI can effectively
support Evangelism in regions where human resources are limited while still encouraging personal
connections in local churches.17
Global Media Outreach (GMO): Another organization utilizing AI for Evangelism is Global Media Outreach
(GMO) has developed a digital platform combining AI with human follow-up. The platform allows users to
ask spiritual questions, which are answered initially by AI. However, the organization has invested in a
network of trained volunteers who engage with users personally after initial contact with the AI system. This
hybrid approach addresses concerns about depersonalization, ensuring that evangelistic outreach remains
relational while benefiting from AI's scalability.18

Ethical Reflections from African and Western Scholars

AI's integration into Evangelism has generated diverse responses from scholars across Africa and the West,
offering rich insights into the ethical dimensions of this development:
1. Samuel Waje Kunhiyop: Kunhiyop, an African theologian, warns that; ‘the technological enthusiasm
in Evangelism should not obscure the relational nature of ministry.’19 He argues that while AI can
expand the reach of evangelistic efforts, it cannot replace the pastoral presence essential in African
Christianity, which values face-to-face interactions and community relationships. Kunhiyop's
concerns highlight the potential for AI to disrupt traditional ministry practices if not used carefully.
John Lennox: In contrast, Western scholar John Lennox views AI as a valuable tool that, when used
ethically, can complement traditional ministry.’ The Church should not fear technological progress.’20
Lennox asserts, ‘but should instead learn to harness it for the glory of God.’ 21 He emphasizes the
importance of using AI in ways that are transparent and respect the autonomy of individuals,
warning that AI should serve as an aid to human-led Evangelism, not a replacement for it.
2. Emmanuel Katongole: Katongole adds to this dialogue by addressing the communal nature of African
Christianity. ‘In many African contexts,’ he writes, ‘the Gospel is lived out in the community. Any
technological tool, including AI, must enhance rather than replace the rich relational fabric of African
faith communities.22 Katongoles emphasis on community and relationships serves as a critical
reminder that the ethics of AI in Evangelism must be rooted in a theological understanding of the
Church as a relational body.
3. Brent Waters: Waters, a Western ethicist, offers a more critical perspective, particularly around issues
of autonomy and manipulation. ‘AI's capacity to predict and influence behaviour raises significant
ethical concerns,’23 Waters writes, ‘especially in the context of Evangelism, where the goal is to invite
individuals into a Genuine relationship with Christ, not to manipulate decisions based on data.’24 He
calls for a cautious approach to AI, urging Christian leaders to ensure that Evangelism remains rooted
in free will and authentic engagement.

The Future of AI and Evangelism

A Balanced Approach as AI continues to evolve, its potential applications in Evangelism will likely expand,
presenting new opportunities and challenges for Christian ministry. The key to accomplishing this future
lies in maintaining a balanced approach that respects both the advantages of AI and the ethical imperatives
of ministry.25
Human Dignity and Autonomy: Evangelism must always prioritize the dignity and autonomy of individuals.
AI technologies should be used in ways that respect free will and avoid coercion. Christian leaders must be
vigilant in ensuring that AI tools do not manipulate individuals but instead serve as a means of inviting
genuine engagement with the Gospel.

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Relational Ministry: The relational aspect of ministry is irreplaceable. AI should be viewed as a tool to
support, not replace, personal relationships in Evangelism. Pastors and ministry leaders should continue to
prioritize face-to-face interactions, community building, and discipleship alongside the use of AI.
Ethical AI Development: The development of AI for Evangelism should be guided by ethical principles that
align with Christian values. This includes ensuring transparency in data usage, protecting individual
privacy, and avoiding bias in algorithmic decision-making. Collaboration between theologians, ethicists, and
technologists will be essential in creating AI tools that serve the mission of the Church without compromising
ethical standards.26
In summary, AI's integration into Evangelism presents an evolving landscape with profound opportunities
to expand the Gospel's reach while presenting ethical challenges that require careful theological reflection.
From concerns about depersonalization to issues of algorithmic bias, AI must be approached with an ethical
framework that emphasizes human dignity, transparency, and the centrality of relationships in Evangelism.
By engaging African and Western scholars in dialogue, Christian leaders can ensure that AI tools align with
biblical values, safeguard human rights, and serve as a complementary force for relational ministry.
As the future unfolds, it will be crucial to remain vigilant in balancing the opportunities AI provides with
the ethical imperatives of ministry. While AI can enhance the scope and effectiveness of evangelistic
outreach, it should never replace the heart of what Evangelism is a deeply personal, relational, and
communal endeavour to lead others into a genuine relationship with Christ. By developing a comprehensive
ethical approach rooted in theological reflection and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Church can navigate
the challenges of AI in evangelism, ensuring that technology serves the mission of the Gospel without
compromising the relational and communal nature of ministry.

Conclusion
AI in Evangelism presents both exciting opportunities and significant ethical challenges. As Christian
leaders, engaging with AI technologies thoughtfully and ethically is essential, ensuring they are used in ways
that align with the Gospel's relational and communal essence. African and Western scholars alike emphasize
the importance of maintaining the personal, relational nature of Evangelism, even as we embrace
technological innovation. By developing best practices that prioritize transparency, human dignity, and
ethical AI development, the Church can harness the power of AI to further the Great Commission without
sacrificing its core values. Ultimately, AI should be seen as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, the
relational dynamics at the heart of Christian ministry.

Endnotes
1. S. W. Kunhiyop (2021). African Christian Ethics. Zondervan.
2. J. Lennox (2020). 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. Zondervan.

3. J. Adibe (2022) Algorithmic Bias in African Contexts: Implications for Evangelism. Journal of African Theology,

vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 45-60.

4. E. Katongole (2021). The Sacrifice of Africa: A Political Theology for Africa. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.

5. B. Waters (2022). Christian Moral Theology in the Emerging Technological Culture. Routledge.

6. N. Balonwu (2023). Digital Strategies for African Evangelism. African Christian Press.

7. C. Groeschel (2022). The Power of Personal Connection in Digital Evangelism.

Life.Church Publishing.
8. Samuel Waje Kunhiyop (2021). African Christian Ethics (Zondervan), 34.

9. M. J. Paulus (2021). Ethical Concerns in AI and Digital Ministry. Journal of Christian Ethics, vol. 38, no. 4, pp.

67-82.
10. Brent Waters (2022). Christian Moral Theology in the Emerging Technological Culture

(Routledge), 111.

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11. Jideofor Adibe (2022). Algorithmic Bias in African Contexts: Implications for
Evangelism, Journal of African Theology, vol. 5, no. 3: 45-60.
12. Adibe.

13. Adibe.

14. S. Turkle (2022). Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Books.

15. Adibe.

16. Groeschel, 18.

17. Katongole, 89.

18. Katongole, 16

19. Kunhiyop, 34.

20. Lennox, 52.

21. Lennox, 52.

22. Katongole, 89.

23. Waters, 111.

24. Waters, 111.

25. Eric Schmidt (2023). AI and the Future of Everything (MIT Press), 64.

26. Paulus.

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Benefits and Challenges of Uses of Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism

Funmilayo Oyetolani ADEWOLE

Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348035025389, https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8724-6840

David Akinlolu ADEYEMO PhD

Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348055823991, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9125-4623

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence offers significant advantages to evangelism, such as increased reach,
personalization of content and enhanced efficiency in distributing religious materials. However, these
benefits come with concerns regarding authenticity, relational depth, data privacy, cultural
insensitivity, and the potential for over-reliance on technology. Theologically, AI lacks the capacity to
engage in the spiritual and relational aspects of evangelism, raising questions about its role in faith-
based interactions. Through a systematic review of literature between years 2019 to 2024, it was
discovered that AI enhances outreach, efficiency, and personalisation in evangelism but raises concerns
regarding authenticity, dependence on technology, and ethical implications. This paper argues for a
balanced approach, where AI serves as a complementary tool to support, but not replace, humans in
evangelistic efforts. The analysis highlights the need for ethical consideration and human oversight to
ensure that AI-driven evangelism aligns with theological principles and serves as a meaningful
extension of traditional ministry practices.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Religious Outreach, Technology

Introduction
“Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). This biblical prophecy of
increase in knowledge is a reality now with the great exponential increase in invention and innovation in the
world. One of the recent innovations is the science of making machines think and respond like humans which
is known as Artificial Intelligence (AI). These machines are computer-controlled robots that can perform
tasks associated with humans such as reasoning, discovering meaning or learning from past experience. AI
involves the development of machines or computer systems that can simulate human intelligence and
perform tasks that typically require human intelligence (Reed, 2021). Digital computers, since their creation
in the 1940s were programmed to carry out complex tasks with great proficiency (Copeland, 2024). Since the
creation of these computers there have been various improvement and great advancement in processing
speed and memory capacity, some of which are yet to reach full human flexibility in activities requiring
everyday knowledge (Copeland, 2024). Many fields of human endeavours like medicine, transportation,
education, finance and so on, are now using AI.
On the one hand in recent times, some computer programmes have attained the performance levels of human
experts and professionals in executing certain specific tasks. It is now evident that artificial intelligence is
being applied in medicine for medical diagnosis (Zubair, et.al. 2021), computer as search engines (Kaput,
2022), transportation (Lakshmi, 2021), finance (Finio & Downie, 2023), education (Chen. et.al. 2020), voice
recognition (Drozdov 2024), handwriting recognition (Madane, et.al. 2023), and chatbots (Chakraborty, et.al.,
2023). The benefits of AI is numerous ranging from automating task, whether they are simple or complex,
like answering customer questions through a chatbot or analysing large volumes of data to help make
predictions. AI help organisation scale their teams and help them focus on task that truly needs their
attention. They augment human effort and not totally replace human.

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Evangelism is the good news of God’s healing and saving love in Jesus Christ (Heather, 2016), it is telling the
story of Jesus Christ, His suffering, death, and resurrection through the message of forgiveness and eternal
life. Jesus Christ commissioned his disciples to spread the good news according to Matthew. 28:18–20, the
other three Gospels and the Book of Acts contain similar texts. This command to “make disciples,” includes
reaching people for Jesus Christ and helping them to grow in Christ. The procedure for making disciple was
described with three participles which are: “going,” “baptizing,” and “teaching”. These participles explain
how to make disciples, that is by going to where people are, by teaching them all about the Good News and
its implications and baptising them (Heck, 2006).
Moving on, evangelism took a new dimension at Pentecost, after the Holy Ghost descended on the disciples,
Peter, who denied Christ three times became bold and gave a sermon to those Jews who were gathered in
Jerusalem for the feast after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. When these people heard this Good
News, they could not deny the power of the gospel but submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ (Act 2). The
gospel of Jesus began to spread far and near. Godkulture team (2023) defined evangelism as the act of
spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Evangelism basically involves human interaction,
which includes missionary work, preaching on radio and television, and sharing of tracts and books.
Spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through, personal evangelism, sharing of tracts, books, and
preaching on radio is limiting looking at the expanse of opportunity to reach larger audience that technology
has brought through artificial intelligence (Puzio, 2023).
However, with the advancement of AI technologies, the possibility of reaching larger, more diverse
audiences became a reality, particularly through personalized, digital means (Puzio, 2023). This shift raises
important questions about how technology can support, transform, or challenge traditional evangelistic
practices. AI technologies can help facilitate social interaction and create virtual religious communities,
which could impact social cognition processes in the formation and maintenance of religious beliefs (Puzio,
2023). AI has influenced religious practice in various ways; AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants have
been utilised by faith-based organisations to respond to inquiries and offer spiritual guidance. Example is
the “Bible App” by YouVersion, which utilises AI algorithms to personalize Bible study plans, to set
reminders, and for content recommendations (ChurchTechNews, 2024). In addition to applications in
religious apps, AI has been integrated into social media outreach. Evangelical organizations and individual
ministries have increasingly turned to AI-driven algorithms to optimize their digital marketing strategies,
reaching larger and more targeted audiences through platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram,
Tiktok, YouTube and so on (Meyers, 2024). AI’s ability to analyse user data and preferences allows ministries
to deliver personalised evangelistic content (Brown, 2024).
Furthermore, AI offers significant potential for expanding evangelistic reach, but it raises critical ethical
questions. AI’s data-driven nature poses challenges related to privacy, manipulation, and authenticity. For
instance, if the data used to train AI algorithms is biased, the resulting marketing messages may reinforce
harmful stereotypes and exclude certain groups of people (Clark 2024). Such concerns are amplified by the
opaque nature of AI systems, which often make decisions without human understanding or oversight,
leading to questions about the ethical use of AI in religious contexts (Coeckelbergh, 2020). Moreover, there
is a risk that AI-driven evangelism could reduce complex theological messages to simple, algorithmically-
generated content that prioritises engagement over depth. As more ministries adopt AI technologies to
spread their messages, the question is would this undermine the relational aspect of evangelism, which
traditionally emphasizes personal connection and discipleship, how would the biases and ethical
considerations be handled?

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Aim and Objective
This paper aims to explore the utilisation of AI in evangelistic efforts while considering both the
opportunities and ethical challenges that may arise when integrating technology into religious practices.

Methodology
This paper employed systematic literature review (SLR) which was conducted to gather relevant studies
published between years 2019 to 2024. Academic databases and journals focusing on theology, technology,
and ethics were searched using keywords such as “artificial intelligence,” “evangelism,” “religion,” and
“technology.” Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles, conference papers and reputable
reports discussing AI application in evangelism. The selected literature was analysed to identify recurring
themes, benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with AI in evangelistic context. The review
was guided by the following questions:
1. How can AI enhance traditional evangelistic efforts?
2. What ethical challenges can arise when using AI in evangelism?
3. What strategies can balance AI’s potential with spiritual authenticity?

Findings
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been explored and seen to enhance religious experiences
(Umbrello, 2023). It was done through simulating or augmenting various aspects of religious experiences
(Puzio, 2023). AI has a greatly transformed evangelism which is a plus although there are challenges which
cannot be overlooked (Afunugo and Molokwu 2024).

1. Increased Reach and Global Accessibility

AI-driven tools enable evangelism to reach a global audience by overcoming barriers of geography,
language, and time. AI-powered translation tools, such as Google Translate and DeepL, allow religious
messages, sermons, and materials to be delivered in multiple languages, enabling cross-cultural
communication (Ray, 2024). OpenAI’s automatic speech recognition system, Whisper can convert spoken
languages into written text in language of choice (Dustin 2024). This makes evangelism more inclusive and
accessible to diverse populations that might not otherwise have access to Christian teachings, thereby helping
the church to spread the good news to people outside the four walls of the church (Godkulture, 2023).
Additionally, AI tools can operate around the clock, providing 24/7 access to spiritual resources, answering
queries, and guiding individuals toward religious content (Ministry Brands, 2024). This ensures that
individuals in different time zones and regions can access spiritual support and guidance whenever they
need it.
Furthermore, AI’s capacity for multilingual communication and its accessibility in remote or underserved
areas present unique opportunities for spreading religious messages in places where traditional missionary
work is challenging. AI-powered translation tools, such as Google Translate, have already begun to break
down language barriers, allowing religious texts and sermons to reach a wider audience (Ray, 2024).
Similarly, AI-based voice recognition and natural language processing technologies offer the potential for
interactive evangelistic experiences, particularly in areas with low literacy rates or limited access to religious
materials. AI tools have also made the bible available to more people in more languages than ever before.

2. Personalised Evangelistic Content

AI’s ability to analyse user data allows for the personalisation of religious content, creating individualised
experiences that cater to the specific spiritual needs and preferences of each user (Alkhouri, 2024). For
example, platforms like YouVersion’s Bible App utilize AI algorithms to recommend customised scripture

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reading plans, devotionals, and prayer prompts based on user behaviour. This personalised approach can
increase engagement and foster deeper spiritual growth by tailoring content to individual needs (Bhuiyan,
2023). AI-driven systems can also adjust messaging based on the interests or backgrounds of users, allowing
ministries to deliver targeted evangelistic material that resonates more effectively with specific audiences.
This can enhance outreach efforts by making religious messages more relevant and appealing.

3. Scalability of Evangelism Efforts

One of the most significant advantages of AI in evangelism is its ability to scale outreach efforts far beyond
what is possible with human resources alone. AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated
messaging systems can engage with thousands of individuals simultaneously, answering basic questions
about faith, offering prayer, and directing people to further resources (Shad & Potter, 2024). This scalability
allows ministries to reach vast audiences without the need for extensive human labour. Ministries with
global network can streamline operations and automate routine tasks, such as responding to inquiries or
managing social media accounts with AI. This frees up ministers, missionaries, and volunteers to focus on
more in-depth, relational aspects of evangelism, while AI handles more repetitive or administrative tasks
(Ministry Brands, 2023).

4. Enhanced Engagement through Social Media

AI plays a critical role in optimising religious organisations’ presence on social media platforms, helping
them engage with broader and more diverse audiences. AI algorithms can analyse user data, identify trends,
content that aligns with the interests and behaviours of social media users (Shad & Potter, 2024). This allows
ministries to tailor their outreach strategies and increase engagement through personalized social media
campaigns. By identifying which types of content resonate most with users, AI can help ministries create
more effective social media outreach strategies, increasing their visibility and influence on platforms like
Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube and so on.

5. Improved Efficiency in Data Management and Analysis

AI systems can process vast amounts of data, providing religious organizations with valuable insights into
audience behaviours, preferences, and engagement levels. This data-driven approach enables ministries to
better understand their congregations and online audiences, allowing them to make informed decisions
about their evangelistic strategies. AI can identify patterns and trends in user engagement, helping ministries
refine their outreach efforts for maximum impact. For example, AI can track how users interact with digital
religious content, determining which topics, formats, or approaches generate the most interest. Ministries
can then adjust their evangelistic messages or strategies to reflect these insights, ensuring that their outreach
is both effective and relevant (Shad & Potter, 2024).

6. Overcoming Barriers in Low-Literacy and Low-Connectivity Areas

AI-driven voice recognition and natural language processing technologies offer new avenues for evangelism
in areas where literacy or internet access is limited. Voice-activated Bible apps, AI-based sermon delivery,
and interactive question and answer systems allow individuals in remote or under-resourced areas to engage
with religious content through voice-based interactions (Ray, 2024). These tools enable people who may not
be able to read or access traditional religious texts to connect with spiritual teachings in a way that is
accessible to them. Furthermore, AI’s ability to function in low-connectivity environments through
lightweight applications or text-based interfaces ensures that evangelistic efforts can reach communities with
limited access to high-speed internet (Ray, 2024).

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7. Support for Clergy and Lay Ministers
AI tools can assist pastors, missionaries, theologians and lay ministers by handling routine or administrative
tasks, allowing them to focus on the more relational and spiritual aspects of evangelism (Ministry Brands,
2023). AI-driven virtual assistants can schedule appointments, send reminders, or manage social media
accounts, easing the administrative burdens on church leaders. Chatbots can provide initial responses to
basic theological inquiries, freeing up human ministers to address more complex spiritual needs.
Additionally, AI can be used to provide personalised training and resources for religious leaders, helping
them stay updated on theological developments, evangelistic strategies, and best practices for ministry
(Ministry Brands, 2023).

8. AI in Virtual and Augmented Reality for Immersive Evangelism

AI is increasingly being used in virtual and augmented reality platforms to create immersive worship and
evangelistic experiences. Virtual churches and online worship spaces, powered by AI, allow people to engage
in communal worship from any location, providing a sense of community and connection even when
physical attendance is not possible (Ministry Brands, 2023). These virtual environments can be particularly
beneficial for individuals who are geographically isolated, homebound, or unable to attend physical church
services due to health concerns. In the year 2020, the Christian organization in Nigeria began offering virtual
worship services and Bible studies using AI-enhanced virtual environments, providing immersive,
communal worship experiences for people because they could not attend physical churches because of covid-
19 pandemic. In addition, AI-enhanced virtual spaces offer unique opportunities for evangelism by creating
interactive environments where individuals can explore religious content, engage in Bible studies, and
participate in worship in new and innovative ways.

Challenges and Ethical Consideration in Using AI as an Evangelistic Tool

AI offers significant benefits to evangelism, there are also notable limitations and challenges that religious
communities must consider. These concerns involve theological, ethical, and practical issues, and if not
properly addressed, they can hinder the effectiveness and authenticity of AI-driven evangelism efforts.

1. Lack of Human Relational Depth

One of the primary concerns with AI in evangelism is the potential loss of relational depth that is essential
to spiritual conversations. Evangelism traditionally involves personal interactions where individuals share
their conversion and faith stories, empathize with others’ struggles, and provide spiritual guidance. AI, by
contrast, operates through pre-programmed algorithms and lacks the ability to engage in the empathetic,
compassionate, and relational culture of human ministers (Georgieva, 2024). AI tools, such as chatbots or
virtual assistants, can handle routine questions and deliver information efficiently, but they are incapable of
providing the emotional support and personal connection that often led to meaningful spiritual
transformations. The risk is that evangelism becomes transactional rather than transformational, as AI-driven
systems may focus more on delivering information than on building relationships and fostering spiritual
growth.

2. Authenticity and Spiritual Experience

Evangelism is deeply tied to authenticity, particularly through personal testimonies and live experiences of
faith. AI lacks personal experience, consciousness, or faith, and thus cannot offer the authentic witness that
is central to Christian evangelism (The Bible Study, 2024). When AI-driven tools are used to deliver
evangelistic messages, there is a risk that the message might feel impersonal or hollow to the audience. AI
cannot share personal stories of transformation, faith struggles, or spiritual victories, which are often the

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most compelling elements of evangelism. This lack of personal testimony can create a disconnection between
the audience and the evangelistic message, leading to scepticism or disengagement from the spiritual content
being delivered.

3. Inaccuracy
Another challenge with the use of AI is inaccuracy, a generative AI models can produce an output that is
wrong or completely not in line with the subject of discussion. This is called “hallucination” (Dustin 2024).
This can cause commotion in passing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although, AI tools are
improving daily in accuracy and reliability, it is still very important to validate and confirm the accuracy of
outputs produced by these algorithms.

4. Data Privacy
The use of AI in evangelism raises significant ethical concerns related to data privacy and the potential
manipulation of users. AI algorithms are typically designed to track and analyse user data, which can be
used to deliver personalised content. While personalisation can enhance engagement, it can also lead to the
exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially if AI systems are designed to push religious content in a
way that manipulates users’ emotional or psychological states (Coeckelbergh, 2020). Moreover, many users
may not fully understand how their data is being collected, stored, or used by religious organizations. This
raises important ethical questions about consent, transparency, and the potential for misuse of personal
information. For example, if religious organizations use AI to gather data on individuals’ spiritual practices
or beliefs, there could be serious implications for privacy and autonomy. Ensuring ethical data usage is
critical to maintaining trust between ministries and their audiences.

5. Cultural Insensitivity
AI systems, despite their advanced capabilities, often lack the ability to fully grasp and respect cultural
practices. Evangelism is a highly contextual practice that requires an understanding of local cultures,
traditions, and values (Morris, 2019). When AI is deployed in cross-cultural evangelistic efforts, there is a
risk that it could misinterpret or mishandle cultural sensitivities, leading to unintended offense or
misunderstanding. For instance, AI translation tools may not always account for cultural connotations,
idiomatic expressions, or religious customs unique to a particular community. This can result in evangelistic
messages that feel out of touch or irrelevant to the target audience. In such cases, AI-driven evangelism could
do more harm than good by alienating the very people it seeks to reach.

6. Over-Reliance on Technology
There is the potential for over-reliance on AI and technology in evangelism. It is obvious AI can enhance
evangelistic efforts; it should not be viewed as a replacement for the human elements of ministry. Over-
reliance on AI may lead ministries to prioritize efficiency over relational engagement, reducing evangelism
to a mechanical or algorithm-driven process rather than a spiritually-led practice (Godkulture Team, 2023).
Furthermore, over-reliance on AI may result in a decrease in face-to-face evangelism, discipleship, and
mentorship, all of which are critical components of spiritual growth. Evangelism is more than just
disseminating information—it involves walking alongside individuals on their spiritual journeys. AI cannot
replicate this level of human interaction and guidance, leading to a potential decline in the effectiveness of
evangelism.
Additionally, the reliance on AI may create a digital divide within religious communities, where those with
greater technological literacy or access to advanced AI tools have an advantage in evangelistic efforts. This
could lead to disparities in how different ministries are able to engage with their audiences and spread their

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messages. Religious organizations must be mindful of these potential inequalities and seek to create inclusive
evangelistic strategies that do not marginalize communities with limited access to technology.

7. Inequitable Access to AI Technologies

AI can enhance evangelism, but access to this technology is not universal. Many regions may not have the
necessary infrastructure or technological resources to benefit from AI-driven evangelism. In these contexts,
traditional methods of evangelism, such as face-to-face missionary work and community-based ministry,
remain essential. This digital divide can increase existing inequalities in access to religious content, leaving
some communities behind while others benefit from the advancements AI offers. This can also lead to
disparities in how different ministries operate. Larger, well-funded ministries may have the resources to
implement sophisticated AI systems, while smaller ones may struggle to keep up. This can create imbalances
in evangelistic reach and effectiveness across different regions or denominations.

8. Bias in AI Algorithms
AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on, and many AI algorithms reflect the biases of
their developers or the datasets they are built from. This presents a significant challenge in evangelism, as
biased algorithms could unintentionally skew religious messaging or fail to account for the diversity of faith
experiences and theological perspectives (Barrett & Edwards, 2022). Take for example, an AI system trained
on predominantly Western Christian content may struggle to address theological questions or concerns from
non-Western cultural contexts. This could limit the effectiveness of AI-driven evangelism in global outreach
efforts, as the technology may inadvertently promote a narrow or biased view of Christianity.

9. Theological Concerns
Theologically, the use of AI in evangelism raises concerns about the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion and
spiritual transformation. Evangelism is not just about disseminating religious knowledge but involves the
work of the Holy Spirit in convicting hearts and transforming lives (John 16:8 and 13). AI, being purely
mechanical and non-spiritual, cannot participate fully in this divine work (La Cruz & Mora 2024). Relying
totally on AI could diminish the emphasis on the spiritual and relational dimensions of evangelism, leading
to a more mechanical approach that overlooks the mysterious and transformative role of God in the process
(Godkulture Team, 2023). This raises concerns about whether AI can ever fully replace the human element
in evangelism, particularly the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding conversations, convictions, and conversions.
As evangelism is not merely the transmission of information but involves relational depth, transformation,
and the human capacity for compassion, the reliance on AI for these functions might risk reducing
evangelistic efforts to mechanistic processes rather than spiritual encounters.

Recommendations
AI applications are currently largely secular in their architecture and are being improved on regular basis,
ministries and religious bodies should encourage and sponsor young tech savvy generation to explore and
design AI systems that incorporate theological principles into their design which will be explicitly tailored
for religious context thereby incorporating ethics and theological consideration from inception. Also, AI
application that will be effective in cross-cultural evangelism should be developed. These apps will be able
to translate languages and also contextualise religious messages in culturally appropriate ways, that is, the
system will understand diversities in cultures and will adjust evangelistic strategies to resonate with the
various audiences.
Courses on AI, data ethics, and digital evangelism should be added to the curriculum at the various
seminaries where ministers in training will be trained and get equipped with skills needed to navigate this

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new terrain of technological advancement. Likewise religious leaders and evangelists should organise
conferences, seminars and workshops where they will become aware of the new trends in technology and
how they can ethically use them in their ministerial assignment.
The increase in virtual worship services since covid-19 era has shown that AI can facilitate immersive
religious experiences that transcend physical limitation. However, the long-term impact of this on spiritual
growth is of major concern. Religious organisations and ministries should draw out strategies to foster
spiritual growth of members through intense follow up as the main purpose of evangelism is to make
disciples according to Mathew 28:19-20. This is necessary for breeding and building Christians who belong
to a community of believers and not “freelancing” Christians that are online observers.

Conclusion
The meeting point for Artificial Intelligence and evangelism marks a pivotal moment for religious
communities, offering both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. AI has the potential to
transform how evangelism is conducted, making it more accessible, personalised, and scalable than ever
before. From AI-powered chatbots that respond to spiritual inquiries to sophisticated algorithms that tailor
evangelistic content for diverse audiences, technology offers innovative tools that can enhance outreach and
engagement. However, this integration of AI into evangelism also requires careful ethical and theological
reflection. AI must be used in ways that respect human dignity, preserve relational integrity, and align with
the spiritual values at the heart of evangelistic efforts. Religious leaders, technologists, and ethicists must
collaborate to ensure that AI remains a tool that supports human ministry, rather than replacing or
undermining it. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for religious communities to remain engaged in
shaping how these technologies are used, ensuring that evangelism remains faithful to its relational and
transformative nature.

References
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Alkhouri, K. I. (2024). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Study of the Psychology of Religion. Religions 2024,
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Closing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Fair Access to AI-Driven Evangelism and Addressing Ethical
Challenges for the Christian Church

Olajire Abigail OLADELE

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348030484289

Donald Abidemi ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348060162719

Abstract
This paper critically examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and evangelism, focusing on
strategies to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to AI-driven tools within the
Christian church. As AI technologies, such as human-like chatbots and automated outreach platforms,
transform religious engagement, their integration into evangelism offers both unprecedented
opportunities and complex ethical challenges. By employing the Technology Acceptance Model and the
Performance Management Theory of Action, this study provides a theoretical framework to assess how
evangelists can effectively incorporate AI to enhance their ministry. The analysis highlights the need for
AI tools that align with Christian values while addressing critical ethical concerns, including data
privacy, algorithmic bias, and inclusivity. In the context of Nigeria, this paper proposes targeted
strategies to reduce the digital divide, emphasizing digital literacy, community engagement, and the
ethical deployment of AI in underserved communities. The findings suggest that the successful
integration of AI in evangelism requires not only technological advancements but also robust ethical
guidelines and a commitment to preserving the personal, relational aspects of ministry. This work offers
actionable recommendations for fostering digital equity, safeguarding ethical integrity, and ensuring
that AI serves as a tool to enrich, rather than replace, human interaction in the Christian church’s
mission.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, Digital Divide, Evangelism, Digital Equity, AI Ethics,
Nigeria

Introduction
The development and growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) permeates almost every aspect of human life, and
it appears one can hardly do without it. Specifically, Afunugo and Molokwu, (2024) believe that AI has
immense potential for revolutionising evangelism offering innovative tools to reach broader audiences with
precision. The authors mentioned that weak AI focuses on specific tasks like data analysis, language
translation, and personalised communication and can greatly enhance evangelistic efforts. For instance,
chatbots and automated responses can engage people in real-time spiritual conversations, providing biblical
insights and resources to seekers. Similarly, AI can also analyse trends in religious engagement, helping
Christian churches tailor their outreach strategies to meet individual needs and preferences. While human
interaction remains irreplaceable in ministry, AI can supplement these efforts by expanding reach, fostering
personalised spiritual journeys, and offering support in diverse contexts. By integrating AI with ethical
considerations, Christian churches in Nigeria can embrace technology to amplify their mission, ensuring that
the gospel reaches every corner, especially in a digitally driven world.
Geoffrey (2020) mentioned that AI tools, specifically those based on Natural Language Processing (NLP),
have been developed to support Christian evangelism by processing vast collections of religious texts from
different historical Christian figures and movements. For instance, key writings from figures such as

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Augustine, John Chrysostom, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, George Whitefield, and John Wesley were text-
mined, focusing on core Christian topics like salvation, sin, and temptation. By leveraging AI-powered
algorithms such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic identification and the BERT model for
summarisation, the tool enabled researchers and Christian content developers to access and summarise
relevant insights quickly. Geoffrey (2020) concluded that these AI-driven techniques can enhance the study
and dissemination of Christian theology, complementing human research efforts by making it easier to
navigate the vast array of Christian writings available in the digital age.
Hirome (2024) opined that in an era where human-like chatbots are becoming more humanlike and
pervasive, the Christian church has the opportunity to reflect deeply on its mission and the role of technology
in spiritual life. The ethical, relational, and theological issues raised by the proliferation of chatbots require
the Christian church to engage thoughtfully, ensuring that the use of AI serves to enhance rather than
diminish the unique relational nature of Christian faith and community. While the convenience and
accessibility provided by chatbots like ChatGPT can be embraced, they must be integrated into Christian
church life with caution, ensuring that the irreplaceable value of human connection is preserved.
According to Hilbert (2015), the digital divide refers to the disparity between individuals who can access and
effectively use digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) and those who cannot, influenced
by factors such as education, income, age, and geographic location. This divide, seen as a diffusion of
innovation issue, results in social and economic inequalities due to uneven technology adoption over time.
Various models explain this pattern, emphasising the importance of sociodemographic factors on the
demand side and market structures on the supply side. In this regard, how well AI-driven evangelism plays
a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by promoting the integration of technology into social and
institutional frameworks, fostering digital skills, and enhancing effective technology use within
communities, ultimately addressing the barriers that hinder equitable access to AI requires analysis.
Pick and Azari (2008) opined that understanding the digital divide is essential for creating effective policies
that promote equitable access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), as research shows that
socioeconomic, governmental, and accessibility factors significantly impact ICT usage, expenditure, and
infrastructure in both developing and developed nations. Grasping the intricacies of the digital divide allows
policymakers to formulate tailored strategies that prioritise scientific capacity, encourage investment, and
enhance educational systems, thereby fostering technological growth and ensuring that all citizens can
benefit from the digital age. To bridge the digital divide and ensure that AI-driven evangelism is inclusive,
it is essential to promote equitable access to digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) for
all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, education, or geographic location. By leveraging AI
tools like chatbots and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to reach diverse audiences, Christian churches
can enhance their outreach efforts while addressing barriers to technology adoption through targeted
policies that foster digital skills and effective use within communities. Ultimately, integrating AI into
evangelistic practices should be approached thoughtfully, ensuring that the unique relational aspects of
Christian faith and community are preserved, while also amplifying the mission of the Christian church in a
digitally driven world. This paper seeks to achieve this. There is a need to cite adequately throughout the
paper. Having a whole paragraph from one author (source) raises question on integrity (Bentley et al. 2024;
Caladrini et al., 2022).

Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework for this paper is anchored in two key theories: the Technology Acceptance Model
(TAM) and the Performance Management Theory of Action. The Technology Acceptance Model, developed
by Davis, Bagozzi, and Warsaw (1989) and rooted in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) by Ajzen and
Fishbein (1980), offers a foundational understanding of how users, in this case, evangelists accept and utilize

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technology, specifically AI technologies, within the Christian church. TAM posits that perceived ease of use
significantly influences the likelihood of technology adoption, stressing the importance of individual
characteristics of evangelists and the technological landscape, and the contextual factors surrounding
implementation. In the context of AI-driven evangelism, where innovative instructional methods are
essential for promoting the integration of AI technologies into educational practices, TAM provides valuable
insights into the determinants of teachers' acceptance and responsiveness to AI tools designed for
evangelism. Understanding these factors is essential for the successful integration of AI-driven initiatives
that aim to enhance educational engagement and outreach.
Complementing TAM, the Performance Management Theory of Action, proposed by Simmons (2011),
highlights the influence of educational backgrounds and performance characteristics on student
achievement. This theory focuses on the individual dimensions of teacher effectiveness, examining aspects
such as standardized test scores, college class rankings, and overall value-added contributions to student
learning. In the realm of AI-driven evangelism, this theory emphasizes the necessity of equipping evangelists
with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement AI tools that facilitate outreach and learning. By
focusing on compensation, evaluation, and personal efforts toward effectiveness, this theory aligns with the
investigation of how teachers' awareness and readiness to engage with AI technologies can significantly
impact student outcomes and community engagement in evangelistic efforts, particularly within the unique
context of special needs education. This dual theoretical lens underscores the importance of recognizing
individual teacher attributes and their role in fostering effective instructional practices and evangelistic
outreach, ultimately supporting the objective of ensuring equitable access to AI-driven educational tools that
can bridge the digital divide and enhance learning experiences for all.

The Role of AI in Modern Evangelism

La Cruz and Mora (2024) stated that AI plays a transformative role in modern evangelism, particularly within
Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic Christian churches, where technology is increasingly embraced as
a means to fulfil their mission of spreading the gospel. The integration of AI tools—ranging from chatbots
for real-time spiritual engagement to advanced data analysis for tailoring outreach efforts—enables these
communities to enhance their reach and effectiveness in sharing their message. By leveraging AI capabilities
like Natural Language Processing and machine learning, Christian churches can not only improve
communication and interaction with congregants but also engage with the vast digital audience, often
referred to as "unreached digital tribes." La Cruz and Mora 2024) expressed that the shift towards technology
aligns with a historical attitude among Evangelicals, exemplified by figures like Billy Graham, who viewed
technological advancement as a sacramental opportunity to connect believers with the divine. Moreover, the
concept of digital habitus highlights how these communities adapt to and influence digital culture, fostering
new spiritual practices and discourses that reflect their values while maximizing the potential of AI to
reinforce their mission.
AI-driven evangelism presents groundbreaking opportunities to revolutionize the spread of the Christian
message. By leveraging advanced tools such as natural language processing to translate the Bible into
numerous languages and machine learning to customize religious content for diverse audiences, these
technologies have the potential to make faith-based messages more accessible, culturally relevant, and
impactful on a global scale (Afolaranmi, 2025.
These technologies can enhance outreach, making the gospel more accessible to people worldwide. Soliman
and Al Balushi (2023) emphasized that AI-driven evangelism offers significant benefits in enhancing both
religious and destination marketing strategies. By leveraging tools like generative AI (Gen-AI) and large
language models (LLMs), organisations can create personalised and compelling content that resonates with
audiences, fostering deeper connections and engagement. In religious contexts, AI can help spread messages

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more efficiently through automated translation, content customisation, and improved accessibility, making
evangelism more inclusive and far-reaching
However, AI also poses potential challenges by presenting alternative worldviews or perspectives that may
contradict religious teachings, highlighting the need for its careful and responsible use within religious
contexts. Ultimately, while AI can be a powerful tool for evangelism, it must be applied with discernment,
aligning with Christian values and understanding its limitations in addressing spiritual questions beyond its
scope (Kamai, 2023). There are different ideas overlapping each other that may need to be separated for
adequate discussion on each one (transformative, benefits, challenges).

Factors Leading to Digital Divide in the Christian Church

According to Farahani and Ghasemi (2024), income disparities significantly affect access to AI-driven tools
and internet connectivity, creating a digital divide that aggravates existing inequalities. Low-income
individuals and communities often face barriers to obtaining reliable internet access, modern devices, and
advanced AI tools, limiting their ability to benefit from AI-powered innovations in education, healthcare,
and employment. This disparity widens the gap between high-income and low-income groups, as those with
greater resources gain enhanced opportunities for learning, job prospects, and digital services, while
marginalised populations fall further behind. To mitigate these effects, addressing the affordability of
internet connectivity and AI technologies is crucial for fostering equitable access and inclusivity.
Relatedly, digital divide may arise due to the uneven access and adoption of AI-driven tools and internet
connectivity, creating disparities among different demographics. Individuals in low-income communities,
the elderly, and residents of rural areas often lack reliable internet access and the necessary hardware,
preventing them from utilising AI technologies that can enhance their quality of life. This limited access can
exacerbate existing inequalities in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment, as those without
access to AI resources miss out on critical opportunities for skill development and economic advancement.
Additionally, biases inherent in AI algorithms can further marginalise underrepresented populations,
making it essential to address these connectivity gaps and promote equitable access to AI tools for all
communities (Božić, 2023).
In the opinion of Gautam and Lagerlöf (2024), the impact of AI on inequality in the EU28 countries is
complicated by demographic challenges and disparities between rural and urban locations in accessing
technology. Access to advanced technologies, including AI, is often limited by infrastructure inadequacies
in developing regions, creating a digital divide that exacerbates existing inequalities. Moreover, rural areas
frequently lack the necessary technological infrastructure and resources, resulting in significant barriers to
education and training in AI skills, which are crucial for employment in the evolving job market (Dhoot and
Patel (2023). Furthermore, demographic factors such as age and education level significantly influence
individuals' engagement with digital platforms. Younger, more educated populations tend to have greater
access to digital tools and training, while older generations and those with lower education levels may
struggle to adapt to new technologies Michikyan et al., 2025). This discrepancy highlights a two-fold
challenge: not only does the infrastructure gap limit access in rural areas, but it also reinforces socioeconomic
disparities within the EU, as those who are less equipped to engage with AI and related technologies are at
an increasing risk of unemployment and economic stagnation (Gautam and Lagerlöf, 2024).
These disparities in access to AI-driven tools, internet connectivity, and digital skills, compounded by
demographic and geographic challenges, risk widening the digital gap within the Christian Church.
Marginalized communities, such as those in low-income or rural areas, may struggle to engage with AI-
powered evangelism and ministry tools, limiting their participation in faith-based activities and spiritual
growth. Without deliberate efforts to address these inequities, the Church risks perpetuating the same
divides it seeks to bridge, undermining its mission of inclusivity and universal outreach.

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Ethical Considerations in AI Evangelism

According to Afunugo and Molokwu (2024), the ethical considerations surrounding the integration of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelism, particularly within Christian church missions in Nigeria,
highlight the complex interplay between technological advancement and human values. While AI can
enhance outreach and streamline communication, there are concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias,
and the potential degradation of social inequalities necessitate scrutiny. The limitations of AI, such as its
restricted adaptability, lack of emotional intelligence, and dependency-inducing effects, call for the necessity
of human oversight in evangelistic efforts.
This is because human intelligence and empathy are irreplaceable in fostering genuine connections and
addressing the balanced spiritual needs of individuals, suggesting that AI should be viewed as a supportive
tool rather than a replacement for authentic human interaction (Rubin et al., 2024). The call for
comprehensive ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks becomes even more urgent in this context,
ensuring that AI is employed responsibly and does not undermine the mission's integrity. Ultimately,
Christian church missions should leverage AI's capabilities to complement and enhance human efforts,
ensuring that the core values of compassion, understanding, and community remain at the forefront of
evangelisation (Graves et al., 2024).
In the words of Schuurman (2019), the ethical considerations in AI evangelism are multifaceted, requiring a
careful examination of the role AI should play in enhancing human dignity and community engagement. As
AI technologies permeate various aspects of life, including the Christian church's mission, it is crucial to ask
not just what AI can achieve but what it ought to do in alignment with Christian values. This involves
navigating complex issues such as job displacement, emotional intelligence, and privacy concerns while
promoting a responsible use of AI that prioritizes human relationships over mere efficiency. The call for
Christians to engage with these technologies is underscored by the need for biblical insights to inform ethical
frameworks that prevent manipulation and ensure that technology serves to enrich rather than diminish our
humanity. By fostering authentic Christian responses to AI's capabilities, the Christian church can contribute
positively to societal discourse, ensuring that these innovations support the flourishing of individuals and
communities in ways that resonate with scriptural teachings on the nature of work, care, and justice.
According of Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF, 2024) the use of AI in Christian missions presents
significant ethical challenges that must be thoughtfully addressed. First, it is essential to recognise that AI,
while helpful, cannot replace the personal, relational aspects of sharing the gospel, which is about fostering
genuine human connections. AI can aid in translating materials, making resources accessible, and facilitating
cultural engagement, but it cannot fully grasp the intricacies of human emotions, cultural complexities, or
spiritual transformation. Additionally, there is a risk that AI could lead to dependency, hindering the
development of self-sustaining, indigenous churches that rely on local leadership. Ethical use of AI in
missions should focus on empowering local communities, supporting human efforts, and ensuring that the
spiritual mission remains grounded in personal relationships and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is critical to
use AI as a tool that aids, rather than replaces, the deep human engagement at the heart of Christian ministry.

Challenges in Bridging the Digital Divide in the Christian Church

Campbell (2023) noted that the digital divide posed a significant challenge to many Christian churches
during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many religious congregations found themselves unprepared to adapt to
the digital world of online worship. Christian churches that lacked access to essential technologies, such as
reliable internet connections, computers, or video streaming equipment, were unable to engage with their
congregations through virtual services. This issue was compounded by "digital reluctance," where some
church leaders and members were resistant to adopting technology for spiritual practices, further hindering

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their ability to stay connected. This divide highlights a larger issue of social inequity, where marginalised
communities, including churches in low-income or rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing vital
digital resources. Addressing this gap has become not only a technological concern but also a theological
one, with religious leaders advocating for justice and equity in the digital age, echoing biblical calls to care
for the marginalized.
According to Emenike and Elekwachi, (2021), bridging the digital divide in Nigeria is hindered by several
significant challenges, including low digital awareness, inadequate access to power supply, and cultural
resistance to change. Low digital awareness manifests as insufficient knowledge and engagement with
technology, making it difficult for employees to navigate digital tools essential for productivity, such as email
and social media platforms. This lack of awareness is compounded by unreliable power supply, which
disrupts the operation of essential digital devices, causing inefficiencies in both workplace and home settings.
Furthermore, deeply ingrained local cultures often prioritise traditional values over technological
advancement, leading to resistance among individuals who have spent their lives in environments with
limited digital exposure. This cultural inertia creates obstacles for organisations attempting to foster a
digitally oriented workforce, as the transition from entrenched local beliefs to a more progressive digital
mindset requires considerable time and resources. Collectively, these factors significantly impede the
advancement of digital capabilities among employees, thereby perpetuating the digital divide in Nigeria.
The challenges highlighted in both Campbell (2023) and Emenike and Elekwachi (2021) are directly relevant
to the difficulties many Christian churches face in bridging the digital divide. Churches, particularly in
marginalised or rural communities, experience a similar lack of access to reliable technology, power, and
digital literacy, which hampers their ability to fully engage with their congregations online. Additionally,
cultural resistance within faith communities may mirror the reluctance seen in broader societies, further
complicating efforts to embrace digital tools as a means of fostering connection, spiritual growth, and
inclusion in the digital age There are other challenges mentioned but have not been elaborated upon.

Strategies for Bridging the Digital Divides

Okocha and Edafewotu (2022) expressed that to effectively bridge the digital divide in Nigeria, improving
educational facilities in rural areas and villages is paramount, as access to quality education significantly
enhances digital literacy and skills. Additionally, situating more institutions and government parastatals in
remote communities can encourage the settlement of civil and public servants, creating a more supportive
environment for development. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must also play a proactive role by
increasing their presence and activities in these rural areas, moving beyond mere rhetoric to implement
tangible initiatives that address digital divide issues. Furthermore, rural housing projects can contribute to
the overall development of these communities, making them more attractive for residents and businesses
alike. It is crucial to sensitise the populace against perceiving urbanisation and technological advancement
as threats to their cultures and traditions; instead, these changes should be framed as opportunities for
growth and adaptation. Finally, enhancing electrical and telecommunication infrastructure in rural areas will
foster connectivity and access to digital resources, enabling residents to fully participate in the digital
economy and society. By adopting these strategies, Nigeria can make significant strides toward bridging the
digital gap and ensuring equitable access to technology for all its citizens (Dosumu, 2024; Umezuruike et al.
2015) The methodology section is missing in the paper.

Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating AI into evangelistic practices presents both opportunities and challenges for the
Christian church. While technology can enhance outreach and engagement, careful consideration of ethical,
relational, and theological issues is essential. By promoting equitable access to digital technologies and

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fostering digital skills within communities, the Christian church can effectively bridge the digital divide and
amplify its mission in a digitally driven world. Through thoughtful integration, AI can complement the
Christian church's unique relational aspects, ensuring that the core values of compassion and community
remain at the forefront of evangelism.

Recommendations
This paper recommends that the Christian church should:
1. Establish clear ethical frameworks and guidelines for the use of AI in evangelism.
2. Create and promote training programmes that enhance digital skills within congregations and local
communities.
3. Encourage partnerships with local organisations and tech companies to develop collaborative
outreach programmes that leverage AI for community engagement.
4. Ensure that AI tools used in evangelism are designed to support, rather than replace, personal
interactions.
5. Establish mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of AI-driven evangelistic practices.

References
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Navigating the Ethical Issues with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Evangelism in the 21st Century
Church

Samuel C. NWANKWO, PhD

Department of Theology, Wesley University, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348038902212, +2349065658475

Abstract
This research, navigating the ethical issues with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and evangelism in the 21st
century Church, underscored the moral considerations in relation to evangelism and the emerging
technological advancements like AI today. The work focused on providing the Church with much-
needed technological tools and ethical guidelines for engaging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 21st
century evangelism. The relevance of Christian Churches and the mode of operation in the twenty-first
century is much more different from what it used to be in the previous centuries. Technological
advancement affects our lives and forces a shift to a more progressive era. These shifts will happen
increasingly faster as development and technological breakthroughs increase; and at the same time
come with lots of ethical and theological issues that challenge the status quo. This crisis, occasioned by
the emergence of these new technologies has much to do with changing contexts of the existing praxis
of the Church. Using descriptive phenomenology and secondary sources of data collection and analysis,
this paper, uncovered that, while AI and other technological givens are relevant to evangelism in the
21st century, its ethical implications should be taken into consideration at every point in time. The work
advised the Church to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the advancement of the gospel truth, to
avoid being left behind or remaining in the old tradition. It noted however that, the fast-changing
technological landscape will require shifts from the Christian community in all aspects and the Church
must take advantage of this to advance its evangelical actions bearing in mind the ethical and theological
implications involved.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethics, Evangelism, 21st Century, Church Praxis, Techno-
hermeneutics

Introduction
The experience of COVID-19, redefined the perspectives, practice and relevance of Church of the 21st century
in all facets, especially, in the use of technology to advancing her mission. The Church realized more clearly
that her mission was not just restricted within the walls but far beyond that; and to reach out to the wider
audience, the essence of engaging technology, became very imperative. The lessons learnt within the period
and after, have fostered massive deployment of various new technologies including AI, in the advancement
of the frontiers of the Kingdom of God. Today many Christian denominations, including those in the rural
communities have employed relevant technologies in their evangelical activities.
Using technological developments like Artificial Intelligence (AI) in evangelism does not come without
challenges. Watkins (2001), noted that, “the Church has always been cautious of emerging technologies, for
example, the barcode, credit cards and microchips, labelling them in conspiracy terms as part of a satanic
plan to connect Christians to the beast of Revelation 13. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nanobots,
nanotechnology, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips and other digital tracking devices were said to
be hidden in the COVID-19 vaccine. This supported the conspiracy theory of the time and the vaccine became
the new suspect (Thomas & Zhang, 2020). This implied a flawed understanding of technology and has
created a possible misgiving between the Church and the advancement of technology. Citing Barrat (2013),
Etienne (2024) noted that, “there is a mismatch between AI development and the Church. Although many

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people warn about the associated risks of exponential AI development, the Church is still not properly
positioned to understand and respond with ethical guidance and direction.”
Radner (2020) stated that, “although intelligent technologies like AI can solve complex ethical issues like
more accurate health diagnostics and greener development, the fundamental criteria in considering the use
of AI as Christians has to be the law of God according to the Scriptures, and God’s self-revelation in the
incarnate Christ.” The advancement of AI technology will come with it, the moral and ethical temptations
like the worshipping of machines and sex robots that have never existed in the history of humanity (Cox-
George & Bewley, 2018).
The major objective of this research, is to examine the importance of engaging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
evangelism by the Church, with a view to underscoring the ethical issues arising from such engagement. In
that regard, there is need for the Church to develop a techno-hermeneutics or ethical guidelines to
comprehend and explain the ethical issues associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Else, the 21st century
Church does not stand a better chance in playing a defining role in the unfolding technological future. It is
therefore imperative for the Church not to keep postponing its responsibility to develop a techno-
hermeneutics and ethics guidelines to assist Christians through the century under review and beyond. This
will go a long way in assisting the Church in spreading the Gospel truth everywhere. The 21st century
Church, stands a better chance in using AI in all aspects of mission; but must be willing to understand and
navigate through the ethical challenges that may arise as a result. In the next sub-heading, the researcher
explains briefly the key concepts.

Explicating the Concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethics and Evangelism

AI refers to machines that imitate human intelligence. It is featured with programmed algorithms, to enable
the machines think and behave like humans. The term may also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits
associated with the human brain, such as learning and problem solving (Proqis, 2021). There are two forms
of AI. Strong AI and weak AI. Strong AI refers to machines that can think like humans, whereas weak AI
refers to machines that act as if they are intelligent (Kumar & Thakur, 2012). AI simulates human intelligence
by programming machines to think and act like humans. The term can also refer to machines that display
human-like qualities such as learning and problem solving (Proqis, 2021).
Ethics, simply means, the science of morality. It is a systematic theory of the nature of the moral life of man;
that is to say, the norms of right and wrong by which man’s conduct may be guided (Nwankwo, 2024). It has
to do with the reflected doings and morality of the human person. Thus, it is the scientific study of the
behavioural patterns of the human person with special reference to his or her nature as rational being. It
seeks to device reasons for approving or condemning human acts as right or wrong, good or bad, and as
worthy or unworthy of a rational being (Echekwube, 2005).
Nwankwo and Emeahara (2024), citing Green (1992), affirmed that, “the term evangelism comes from the
phrase ‘preaching the Gospel.’” The single word evangelism is used rather than the phrase “Preaching the
Gospel.” But both have the same meaning. Evangelism is based on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The term is
deeply related to Jesus Christ and it means nothing without Him. Therefore, the meaning of the term should
be sought in the New Testament, beginning with the coming of Jesus Christ. Evangelism may involve
preaching, or Bible distribution, tracts, spiritual newspaper, and or magazines, by the media or other means.
Engaging AI in evangelism by the 21st century considers the gains of using advanced technology in
propagating the Gospel of the Kingdom and covering wider grounds. This involvement of AI does not come
without ethical implications and challenges, which must be taken into consideration. As artificial intelligence
(AI) develops into more sophisticated technologies, the voices warning against its possible risks grow louder.
The Church’s role to bring hope, to establish emotional and spiritual stability, and to equip and guide, will
become vital in the 21st century (Barrat, 2013).

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology and the 21st Century Church

The Church and her message in history, has been subjected to scorn, disbelief and persecution, yet its good
news, thriving under God’s Spirit, has endured (Guzman, 2023). This has been the case even in the 21st
century with the disruptive incursion of advanced technology pervading all strata of human existence.
The swift expansion and sway of artificial intelligence has started to make waves beyond the marketplace
and into places of worship, specifically the Church. The application of such advanced technology in a
traditionally human-led sphere raises profound questions about the combination of tradition and modernity,
faith and science. It forces man to confront the boundaries of AI’s role and potential implications it has on
faith-based practices and rituals, like evangelism. Schrock (2023), noted that, “The Church tends to lag about
10 years behind the secular world when it comes to technology adoption.”
AI, when viewed solely as a tool, can be seen as a gift from God to help Church leader in many practical and
time-saving ways in the 21st century. This can be seen in areas like: sermon research, chatbots on websites,
social media content creation, among others. However, some Christians view the development of AI as an
attempt by the creation to become the Creator. Thus, Pope Francis warned: “the urgent need to educate
people on the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service
of humanity and the protection of man’s common home, requires that ethical reflection be extended to the
sphere of education and law.” (Schrock, 2023).
In that regard, the 21st century Church should engage AI as loyal servant and as a tool that has the potential
to significantly aid the Christian Church in accomplishing its mission in various areas such as: Analysing
and understanding scriptures, digital pastoral care and humanitarian support, streamlining administrative
tasks, enhancing outreach and evangelism, creating sermons, predictive analytics for Church growth, prayer
request management, language translation in a virtual Church (Etienne, 2024).

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective Evangelism in the 21st Century
Afolaranmi (2019) said that, “the world we live in today has metamorphosed from an analog world to a
digital one where technological tools are taking significant roles. More people (even the so-called illiterate)
are now using technological tools in their day-to-day activities.” Where people live does not matter anymore.
Whether they are in the farthest villages among old people or in the urban setting among the young
generation; to expand the gospel message, all hand must be on deck in the area of embracing technology to
achieve this.
Gunter (1991), said that, “if one takes mission and evangelism out of the Bible, the Bible will simply be left
with only its covers.” This signifies that mission and evangelism are paramount and of great importance in
the Bible. Mission is the heart-beat of God. The Church of the 21st century should employ all within her
capacity, including Artificial Intelligence, in core missionary enterprise to extending the gospel truth to all
nooks and crannies of the society (Afanugo and Molokwu, 2024).
It is quite obvious that many people today are embracing technology in different dimensions to achieve their
ends, the Church is not entirely left out. Fagunwa (2015) observed that Christians nowadays read online
spiritual books frequently. This goes to affirm the fact that technology in itself is neutral and should be
involved at every stage of Church activities for the growth of the Church. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
by the Church in the 21st century will enhance the massive production of online easy to read Christian
spiritual and devotional books that can reach a wider audience within the society’s local communities.
However, various factors have been adduced to work against a better and wider use of AI by the Church
missions. This include but not limited to: poor infrastructure, lack of information and communication
technology, computer literacy, lack of trained human resources, the high cost of AI facilities and the illiteracy
level of most Church members (Afanugo and Molokwu, 2024).

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In the light of underscoring the importance of AI in evangelism, George (2023), noted that, “Artificial
Intelligence and social media have disrupted the mode of evangelism by the Church; hence the Church ought
to align with the new order, ensuring the love of Jesus Christ is preached to the world through the new
media.” Studies show that many local communities in Nigeria and other African nations have adopted
respectively the “vicilook technology,” that provides the public with digital information and access of only
verified Church priests and Church branches around the globe. This is commendable as the ‘vicilook Qr
codes’ (an application that helps anyone find, connect and verify within the environment) connects one to all
the Church branches, Church missionary institutions and ventures of a peculiar locality (Afanugo and
Molokwu, 2024). This tech substitutes the popular Church directory and lectionary booklet and also gives
anyone around the globe online open access to any verified missionary activity carried out by the Church
across the globe.
It is important to note also that, a well programmed AI in Church missionary enterprise can easily prepare
sermons of any length both audio and written. Al can easily detect potential threats at mission target
locations. Al can also easily detect and ascertain within the mission focus zone, areas with people that are
susceptible to the gospel message in order to first prioritize evangelization therein. This will afford
missionaries, evangelist and Church planters, the opportunity of training leaders that will help them in
evangelization to other areas within the zone. AI can equally be programmed to easily detect aspects of a
given mission target area, like culture, that can serve as a window to communicate the gospel messages
across the globe (Afanugo and Molokwu, 2024).
Andre (2024), accentuated ways through which AI could be used to further evangelism and mission by the
21st century Church. These include: connecting with people in their language, creating a personalized content
and, enhancing and expanding the existing staff or manpower.
One of the most helpful uses of AI for ministry is in the area of language translation. With AI in space,
missionaries do not need to spend time and resources on manual translations, rather, they focus on other
aspects of sharing resources like delivery and impact, while relying on AI to do the bulk of translation work.
AI can help translate messages as fast as possible. This will go a long way in assisting missionaries in
intercultural environment with ease of evangelism and reaching the people.
AI can help streamline the creation of videos, emails or event flyers quickly, creatively and effectively.
Leveraging AI can assist to personalize touch points with many people and enhancing daily outreach efforts.
Finally, AI tools can help a single person expand their capacity. By integrating AI into the workflow, the
Church can extend her reach and amplify her efforts, effectively turning a limited team into a more efficient
and productive force (Andre, 2024).
GodKulture Team (2023), posed a question, “is AI the next evangelism frontier for the Church?” He went on
to assert that, “if properly used, artificial intelligence can be a formidable ally to help the Church reach wider
audiences across the globe.” Involving AI in evangelism is a great idea, however, the 21st century Church
must be cautious in the matters regarding to ethics and morality, while considering AI. This concern, shall
dominate the discussion in the next sub-heading.

Ethical considerations in Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Evangelism by the 21st Century Church
It has become very obvious, that AI is becoming more pervasive by the day. To this end, concerns about its
ethical and social impacts keep intensifying. The major concern centres on issues such as protecting data
privacy, handling bias in AI systems, and stopping AI from widening societal imbalances. Other discussions
are seen in the area of ethical implications of AI in various domains like surveillance, weaponry, and law
enforcement (Etienne, 2024).
Furthermore, the emergence of AI generated content like, deep fakes, raises doubts about the authenticity of
digital information. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive ethical guidelines and regulations

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frameworks to ensure the responsible and fair deployment of AI technologies in evangelism and other
engagements. Apart from this, integrating ethics and moral principles into AI systems poses significant
challenges, raises concerns about the potential for unchecked AI advancement, leading to existential threats
such as the AI singularity (Afanugo and Molokwu, 2024).
Furthermore, other ethical and moral concerns to be considered while deploying AI by the 21st century
Church include: concerns about human autonomy, human dignity, worth and value, equality and freedom
of human person.
On concerns about human autonomy, (Fourie, 2020) said that, “technology often creates a misleading
perception of autonomy and independence. As people experience substitution and augmentation by
technology, they may undervalue human interaction.” This notion also extends to religious contexts, when
thinking of using AI for evangelism
Speaking on the ethics of human dignity, studies show that, there are apprehensions about the potentials for
the growing use of AI to diminish human life and dignity as machines acquire the capacity to execute tasks
previously deemed exclusive to humans. For example, Goertzel, Monroe, Mossbridge, Gress, Strauss,
Evanow and Mayet (2017) initiated the “Loving AI” project to develop software that enables humanoid
robots to interact with humans in loving and compassionate ways. Human dignity is rooted in the belief that
every individual has inherent worth and value simply by being human. This means that using AI should not
entail disrespecting human dignity. All people should be treated respectfully and never be reduced to mere
objects or instruments (Anderson et al, 2018).
Human dignity entails that everyone be treated as equals and that no one should be discriminated against
based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. Ntoutsi (2020), discussed ethical
concerns about bias and discrimination in AI-based decision-making systems. Human dignity includes
freedom from slavery, torture, and other abuse forms and the right to freedom of speech, thought, and
religion. The growing concern is that autonomous weapons, cybercrime and weaponised, ill-intended
information will lead to mayhem. All these must be noted by the Church while engaging AI for evangelism.
Discussing further on the ethical and moral implications of AI to the society, (Duggai, 2024), outlined some
challenges noted. Such challenges include: limited adaptability, costly development, job displacement, loss
of emotional intelligence, lack of innovation, laziness and dependence. All these have a way in which they
affect not just the Church but the entire society.

Dangers of Ignoring Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: A Theological Concern
Using AI in evangelism has great advantages. However, Afolaranmi (2019), affirmed that, “as good as these
modern technologies like AI, are in building the educational ministries of a local Church, there are some
misuses and abuses of these technological tools that are negatively affecting the Church.” Contemporary
issues raised about AI, have sparked discussions in the field of Church and theology (Ham, 2020).
Conversations about post-modernity, globalisation, and post-colonialism have dominated the corridor of
discussions in recent times. Van (2020), noted “that the significant influence of technologies has been
overlooked due to a lack of awareness and comprehension of their potential impacts.” Emerging technologies
like AI, has greater potentials to transform society in significant ways, yet numerous individuals remain
uninformed about the potential risks and advantages linked to these technologies.
Allen and ChatGPT (2023), accentuated that, “one significant concern regarding AI in Christian religious
settings revolves around playing god.” Critics have argued that the emergence of advanced technologies like
AI systems with human-like intelligence can be seen as an attempt by man to assume God-like powers,
potentially challenging divine authority and agency. This concept of playing god raises questions about the
boundaries of human agency and the limits of human creativity in relation to God’s sovereignty.

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The use of AI in decision-making processes within sacred settings raises theological concerns regarding
human agency and the authority of God. If AI systems make autonomous decisions, there is a potential for
these decisions to contradict religious/theological (or even commonly held moral) principles. Since the fall,
theological tension has prompted Christians to reflect on the balance between human responsibility and the
guidance of a higher power (Allen and ChatGPT, 2023).
Furthermore, Smuha (2021), affirmed that, “AI systems possess the potential to inflict individual, collective
and societal harm, violate privacy, and transgress human rights, leading to physical, emotional, or
psychological damage to individuals and society.” Individual harm occurs when wrongful impediments
obstruct one or more interests of an individual. AI systems risk perpetuating or even intensifying bias and
discrimination, potentially resulting in the unjust treatment of individuals or groups based on race, gender,
or socioeconomic status (Benjamin, 2019).

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ministry the Right Way

This research identified the essence of AI in expanding the frontiers evangelism by the contemporary Church.
However, it is very important to note that there are better ways to using it to avoid the dangers that may
come as a result of its misuse, as already noted.
In the light of the above, Musonda (2023), outlined six healthy ways through which the Church can use AI
for evangelism today. These include: “using chat GPT to repurpose sermons; using AI to generate images to
capture audience during sermons; using AI to create captivating social media posts; using AI to write
newsletters for Church members; using AI in writing blog articles for Church website; along with using AI
to create contents in multiple languages thereby cutting across races and reaching a wider audience.” To
ensure that AI is used ethically and morally, it is important to respect the privacy and autonomy of those
being evangelized and to avoid any strategies that could be perceived as invasive or manipulative, especially,
in countries with multifaceted tribes, languages, and cultures; not ignoring the diverse religions of the
people. It is a fact that once AI is programmed, trained, designed and tested adequately, it can never be
biased or flawed. To this end, there is need to ensure that the data and algorithms used are accurate and
unbiased. This equally facilitates the smooth, trustworthy and reliable operation of AI. There is no inherent
reason for the Church not to utilize AI. AI can be a highly effective medium of reaching people with the
gospel message especially in the contemporary digital age. It is obvious that any Christian Church that has
used YouTube, Google, Facebook, and other social media platforms had actually used AI. AI should simply
be used in ways that align to biblical values and principles. Adequate caution should be taken to avoid using
it in ways that could harm others or violate their privacy (Musonda, 2023).
Furthermore, AI can assist in evangelism via the reposition of sermons. In the contemporary fast-paced
world, not everyone engages with the Church’s YouTube sermons. Mankind’s attention spans have
shortened, making it challenging for people to invest time in lengthy content. They reflect that leveraging AI
allows the Church to effectively compact and remodel sermons for various platforms and groups. The
Church can convert them into text for blogs or create bite-sized social media posts, thereby opening up
numerous possibilities. This is quite relevant in the contemporary situation where everyone is agog with
social media content creation and news blogging (Godkulture Team, 2023).
The 21st century Church can employ advanced AI tools to improve the sanctification process for believers.
This is possible in the following areas: translating the Bible, distributing and fostering its reading around the
world; and the spreading of spiritual revival through mediated algorithms. There are clear future positive
prospects pertinent to the integration of AI in the Church missionary enterprise (La Cruz and Mora, 2024).

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Conclusion
The contemporary world and its systems are in constant flux. New ideas and modes of approach to complex
challenges are emerging daily. Any institution, facility or individual that abhors AI will definitely have
themselves to blame. The Church is not left out, especially, in the area of involving sophisticated technologies
in mission and evangelism. The use of Artificial intelligence and its specifics has assisted the Church greatly
in advancing the mission activities in the 21st century. The Church should know that the brain behind AI is
human intelligence. The creator of mankind is God. Human intelligence is equally reinforced and evoked by
God Himself. There is nothing wrong in engaging the services of AI in evangelism by the Church. It will only
facilitate evangelical expertise and make for wider coverage. Care however, should be taken in the ethical
and moral implications of using AI in advancing God’s kingdom, as AI is not free from human errors and
shortcomings. In using AI, the Church should ensure that the gospel message is not bereft of human and
spiritual touch in the process of incorporating AI in evangelism. The Church should not leave the work of
evangelism to be championed by AI. Man-kind should always be at the helm of affairs; maintaining steady
connection to God as well as exerting empathy towards the target mission audience.

Recommendations
The work further recommends that:
1. The Church, while integrating AI in missionary work should be ready to be accountable for its
shortcomings. This should make the Church not to take ethical issues involved in using AI for
granted.
2. Ethical considerations surrounding AI and society’s trust in it deserve further consideration. There is
need for transparency, accountability, and proper regulation in AI development to foster trust and
ensure responsible social integration, if the Church or any organization, will involve it in their
activities.
3. Finally, organizing workshops and seminars to create awareness and educate Church leaders about
the potential of AI in enhancing Church missions along with reaching wider audience should be
organized by those at the helm of authorities.

References
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Afunugo, K.N. and Molokwu, G.C. (2024). “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Effective Evangelization of the Nigerian
Church Mission: A Socio-Religious Evaluation.” Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development.
www.apas.africa/journals.php
Allen, S. M. and ChatGPT (2023). “The Theological and Ethical Dangers Associated with Using Artificial Intelligence
in Christian Religious Settings” https://firebrandmag.com/articles/the-theological-and-ethical-dangers-
associated-with-using-artificial-intelligence-in-christian-religious-settings
Andre, E. (2024). “Transforming Modern Evangelism with AI.” https://outreachmagazine.com/ideas/81679-
transforming-modern-evangelism-with-ai.html
Barrat, J. (2013). Our final invention: Artificial intelligence and the end of the human era. London: Macmillan
Cox-George, C. & Bewley, S. (2018). “I, Sex Robot: the health implications of the sex robot industry.” BMJ Sexual &
Reproductive Health, 44(3):161–164. https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2017-200012 10.1136/bmjsrh-2017-200012
Duggai, N. (2024). Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Simply Learn.
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Etienne, van H. (2024). “Christian Ethical Guidelines to Artificial Intelligence and Technological Singularity.” Thesis ·
May 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380268087

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Fagunwa, O. (2015). “Church growth and Information Communication Technology: A case study of Nigeria and
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and-ai-the-next-evangelism-frontier/
Guzman, R. (2023). “When artificial intelligence finds its way into the church.”
Goertzel, B. et al. (2017). “Loving AI.” From https://lovingai.org/
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La Cruz, A. and Mora, F. (2024). Researching Artificial Intelligence Applications in Evangelical and Pentecostal
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Musonda, N. (2023). “6 Healthy ways to use AI for Evangelism.” Delemthod.
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Ntoutsi, E., Fafalios, P., Gadiraju, U., Iosifidis, V., Nejdl, W., Vidal, M.E., ... Staab, S. (2020). “Bias in data-driven
artificial intelligence systems: an introductory survey.” WIREs Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 10(3). Doi:
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Nwankwo, S.C (2024). “Ethical Decision Making as Antidote to Complex Moral Issues in the Contemporary Society.”
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Nwankwo, S.C and Emeahara, R.I. (2024). “Ethical Decision Making as Antidote to Complex Moral Issues in the
Contemporary Society.” Sapientia Foundation Journal of Education, Sciences and Gender Studies (SFJESGS), Vol. 6
No. 2 June, 2024; pg. 73-81
Proqis (2021). “What is artificial intelligence?” https://insights.btoes.com/what-is-artificial-intelligence
Schrock, L. (2023). “AI and the Church: A Brave New World.” https://outreachmagazine.com/features/78402-ai-
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Smuha, N.A. (2021). “Beyond the individual: governing AI’s societal harm.” Internet Policy Review, 10(3). Doi:
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Thomas, E. & Zhang, A. (2020). ID2020, Bill Gates and the mark of the beast: how Covid-19 catalyses existing online
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Christian Religion and Society with a Focus on Intercultural
Leadership and Administration

Adeola Idowu OKE

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], +2348068057867, +2250555521589

Abstract
This paper explores the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on religion and society, emphasizing its
role in intercultural leadership and administration. With advancements in AI impacting
communication, decision-making, and cultural interactions, the study analyzes the challenges and
opportunities it presents in Christian religion and society. The study employs a descriptive survey
design method to investigate: (a) How do AI technologies reshape religious practices and spiritual
experiences within diverse cultural settings? (b) What are the implications of AI for leadership roles
within religious organizations? and (c) How can AI be leveraged to support inclusivity, enhance
religious engagement, and improve leadership within multicultural and religiously diverse settings?
Using a questionnaire to collect data from 200 Christian religious leaders. The study also addresses
ethical concerns related to AI, such as privacy, algorithmic bias, and digital inequality, which can impact
religious inclusivity and social harmony. By examining AI's potential to support data-driven decision-
making and enhance cross-cultural understanding, this research highlights the need for digital literacy
among Christian leaders and proactive policies to guide the ethical integration of AI in Christian
contexts. Ultimately, this study concludes with insights on leveraging AI to foster inclusivity, enhance
Christian engagement, and improve leadership within multicultural and religiously diverse settings.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Christian Religion, Society, Intercultural Leadership and
Administration

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a driving force in reshaping multiple aspects of society, including
religion. With rapid advancements in AI technology, its applications have extended beyond traditional
sectors, impacting religious institutions, practices, and leadership structures in unprecedented ways. From
automated spiritual counselling services and AI-driven religious education platforms to virtual religious
communities, AI is altering how religious organizations operate and interact with their followers. These
technological innovations present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in multicultural and
religiously diverse societies. The integration of AI in religious practices, leadership, and intercultural
administration raises critical questions about the implications for faith-based communities. For instance focal
points in this study include: how can AI contribute to or hinder the inclusivity of religious practices and
experiences? What are the ethical concerns related to AI’s role in spiritual guidance and decision-making
within religious contexts? Additionally, AI has the potential to support religious leaders in navigating
complex intercultural relationships, improving administrative processes, and promoting better
understanding among diverse communities. However, issues such as algorithmic bias, cultural insensitivity,
and the digital divide also come into play, necessitating a careful examination of AI’s social impact. This
paper examines the intersection of AI, religion, and intercultural leadership, focusing on how AI technologies
can aid in building inclusive societies and effective religious administration. It aims to explore the
transformative effects of AI on religious practices, leadership roles, and administrative functions within
religious and multicultural settings. By examining the theoretical and practical implications of AI in these
areas, the study seeks to provide insights into how religious leaders and policymakers can navigate the

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integration of AI technologies while upholding cultural values, inclusivity, and ethical principles (Bryson,
2020; Khan, 2022).

Theoretical Framework
Technological Determinism Theory
Technological Determinism Theory, developed by Marshall McLuhan (1964) and later expanded by other
scholars, Robert Logan (2016) and Lance Strate (2017), to mention but a few, suggests that technological
innovations play a central role in shaping societal norms, behaviors, and cultural practices. This theory
asserts that technology is not just an external tool but a driving force that influences and alters function of
societies and institutions. In the context of AI, this theory helps us understand how technological
advancements are reshaping religious beliefs, practices, and leadership dynamics. For instance, AI-powered
systems such as virtual religious assistants, automated sermon generators, and machine learning-based
religious education tools to impact how religious teachings are disseminated and spiritual engagement
occurs. Religious leaders increasingly rely on digital platforms and AI tools to connect with followers,
organize religious events, and make administrative decisions. The theory implies that as AI becomes more
embedded in religious institutions, it will inevitably alter traditional religious practices, leading to new forms
of spiritual interaction, religious outreach, and decision-making frameworks. By analyzing AI's influence
through the lens of Technological Determinism, we can explore the implications for faith communities as
they adapt to technological change (Smith, 2019).

Cultural Intelligence Theory

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Theory, introduced by Earley and Ang (2003), emphasizes an individual or
organization’s capability to effectively understand, adapt, and engage in culturally diverse environments.
This theory is crucial in understanding how leaders and institutions can navigate complexities arising from
cross-cultural interactions. It breaks down cultural intelligence into four components: cognitive,
metacognitive, motivational, and behavioral. Together, these components enhance a leader’s ability to
manage cultural differences and build effective relationships in multicultural contexts. In the context of AI,
cultural intelligence theory provides a valuable framework for exploring how AI technologies can support
intercultural leadership in religious and social settings. For example, AI algorithms can be designed to
analyze patterns in diverse cultural expressions, preferences, and behaviors, helping leaders make more
informed and sensitive decisions. Virtual communication tools and AI-based translators enable religious and
social leaders to reach followers from different cultural backgrounds, breaking language barriers and
enhancing understanding. However, this theory also cautions against potential pitfalls, such as culturally
insensitive AI algorithms or biases embedded in the technology. By applying Cultural Intelligence Theory,
we gain insights into how AI can improve intercultural relations within religious communities and
institutions and improving foster inclusive religious leadership and intercultural relations within religious
communities and institutions (Ang Van Dyne, 2015).

Conceptual Discussion
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Religious Practices
Artificial Intelligence (AI) religious practices and experiences by introducing digital tools that automate and
enhance religious services. For instance, AI-powered applications like sermon generators use natural
language processing to create sermons tailored to specific religious teachings or topics. Online counseling
bots provide immediate, AI-driven responses to individuals seeking spiritual guidance or support, offering
a level of accessibility that traditional face-to-face religious counseling might not always provide. Moreover,
virtual reality (VR) has opened new avenues for immersive religious experiences. Virtual pilgrimages to holy

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sites, simulated religious rituals, and interactive worship services have become possible through VR-based
AI solutions. These innovations are not just expanding the reach of religious institutions, but they are also
reshaping the way believers (Christians) connect with their faith. This mean that Christians are able to:
a) Deepen their spiritual understanding: Immersive experiences can help believers gain a deeper
understanding of their faith, its history, and its teachings. And also enhance their spiritual growth
and commitment to their faith through prayer, reflection, and study (Fowler, 1981).
b) Enhance their emotional connection: Virtual experiences can evoke strong emotions, such as a sense
of awe, wonder, or peace, strengthening a believer's emotional connection to their faith. (Pargament,
2002).
c) Develop a sense of community: Interactive worship services and virtual pilgrimages can provide a
sense of community and belonging among believers, even if they are physically distant (Dillon, 1999).
d) Integrate faith into daily life: AI-powered tools and virtual experiences can help believers integrate
their faith into their daily lives, making it more relevant and applicable to their everyday experiences.
These can be done through Immersive Experiences such as:
i. Virtual Pilgrimage: VR technology allows Christians to embark on virtual pilgrimages to
sacred sites, such as the Holy Land, the Vatican, or other historically significant locations. This
immersive experience enables believers to connect with these sites' physical and spiritual
aspects, fostering a deeper sense of devotion and spiritual connection (Campbell, 2017).
ii. Simulated Religious Rituals: AI-powered simulations enable Christians to participate in
virtual religious rituals, such as virtual Mass, prayer services, or Bible studies. This allows
believers to engage with their faith in new and innovative ways, especially for those who may
be unable to attend physical services due to location, mobility, or other constraints (Cheong,
2013).
iii. Interactive Worship Services: VR and AI technologies enable interactive worship services,
where believers can engage with scripture, music, and other worship elements in immersive
and interactive ways. This can enhance the worship experience, making it more engaging,
personal, and meaningful (Hutchings, 2017).
In summary, the author suggests that VR and AI technologies are revolutionizing how Christians connect
with their faith, providing immersive, interactive, and innovative ways to deepen their spiritual
understanding, emotional connection, sense of community, and integration of faith into daily life. However,
of integrating AI into religious practices also raises significant ethical and philosophical concerns. Questions
arise about the authenticity of AI-generated religious messages, the role of human agency in spiritual
guidance, and the implications of using automated systems in deeply personal and communal religious
practices. Issues such as the privacy of believers interacting with AI systems, the potential for biased religious
content, and the commercialization of AI in religious contexts also need to be addressed. Despite these
challenges, AI continues to improve accessibility for religious followers, especially those in remote areas or
those with disabilities, allowing them to actively engage in religious life (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021; Chen,
2023).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intercultural Leadership

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools offer a range of possibilities for enhancing intercultural leadership within
religious and social organizations. By leveraging AI-driven data analytics, leaders can gain insights into
demographic trends, cultural preferences, and community needs, enabling them to make informed decisions
that are sensitive to cultural nuances (Bhimani, 2020). AI-based language translation tools facilitate
communication across different linguistic groups, helping leaders bridge language barriers and fostering
inclusivity in religious communities. (Hanna, 2016). For example, AI-powered translation tools can enable

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leaders to communicate effectively with congregants who speak different languages, ensuring that everyone
feels included and valued.
Additionally, AI applications in sentiment analysis and social listening allow leaders to understand and
respond to diverse groups' emotions, concerns, and aspirations more effectively (Kaplan & Heinlein, 2010).
For instance, AI-powered sentiment analysis tools can analyze social media posts and comments to identify
trends and patterns in public opinion, enabling leaders to respond promptly and appropriately. However,
to fully harness the potential of AI, religious and social leaders must embrace digital literacy and be proactive
in acquiring the necessary skills to utilize these tools effectively. As AI becomes more integrated into
leadership roles, the challenge of addressing digital divides becomes critical, particularly in communities
where access to technology remains limited. Furthermore, using AI in intercultural leadership also raises
concerns about the biases inherent in AI systems. AI algorithms are often shaped by their training data and
underlying assumptions, which may inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or ignore the complexity of
cultural differences. Christian religious leaders must therefore be vigilant in assessing and refining AI tools
to ensure they are culturally sensitive and inclusive (Johnson, 2022; Mikalef & Krogstie, 2020).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Administration

AI-driven systems are proving to be valuable assets in religious administration, offering enhanced efficiency
and accuracy in routine tasks. AI applications can streamline record-keeping by automating the management
of membership databases, donation tracking, and event registrations. This not only reduces administrative
burden but also minimizes human errors in data management. AI can also aid in resource allocation by
providing predictive analytics that help religious organizations plan their activities and allocate resources
effectively, based on trends and historical data.
Moreover, AI-based scheduling tools can assist in planning religious events, coordinating logistics, and
managing communication with members, thereby improving the organization’s operational efficiency.
However, there are challenges that come with incorporating AI into religious administration. One key
concern is the potential for cultural biases within AI systems, which can manifest in various ways, such as
through biased recommendations or decisions based on incomplete or unrepresentative data. It is essential
for religious institutions to scrutinize the algorithms used in their administrative AI tools and ensure that
they are equitable and culturally inclusive. Additionally, data privacy and security must be prioritized to
protect the sensitive information of religious followers and maintain trust within religious communities
(Raisch & Krakowski, 2021).

Conclusion
The impact of AI on religion and society is multifaceted. While it presents opportunities to enhance
intercultural leadership and religious practices, challenges such as ethical dilemmas, digital inequality, and
cultural biases must be navigated. AI, when properly leveraged, can promote inclusivity, understanding,
and effective administration. The integration of AI-driven systems in religious administration can streamline
operations, optimize resource management, and enhance the effectiveness of communication within
Christian religious organizations. Additionally, AI tools provide valuable support in intercultural leadership,
enabling leaders to navigate the complexities of diverse communities and make informed, data-driven
decisions that respect cultural differences. AI is reshaping the landscape of religion and society, offering
opportunities to enhance religious engagement, leadership, and administration. However, these
advancements must be approached with caution, ensuring that technological integration does not
compromise ethical values or cultural inclusivity. By fostering digital literacy among religious leaders and
encouraging collaborative efforts between religious institutions, policymakers, and technology developers,
AI can be effectively leveraged to build inclusive, adaptive, and culturally respectful religious communities.

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Recommendations
1. Digital Literacy Training: Christian religious leaders should undergo training on digital tools and AI
to effectively lead in an evolving society.
2. Cultural Sensitivity in AI Development: Developers must incorporate cultural insights to reduce
biases in AI systems.
3. Collaborative Policy Formulation: Governments, tech companies, and religious institutions should
collaborate to create ethical AI use guidelines.

References
Ampbell, H. A. & Tsuria, R. (2021). Religion, Online Practices, and Digital Culture, Routledge.
Ang, S. & Van Dyne, L (2015). Handbook of Cultural Intelligence: Theory, Measurement, and Applications, Routledge,
Bhimani, S. (2020). Artificial intelligence and analytics in the age of COVID-19. Journal of Business Research,
Bryson, J. J. (2020). The Past Decade and Future of AI’s Impact on Society. Springer.
Campbell, H. A. (2017). Digital religion: Understanding religious practice in new media worlds. Routledge.
Chen, J. (2023). Artificial Intelligence and Religious Transformation. Journal of Religion and Technology,
Cheong, P. H. (2013). Digital religion, social media and culture: Perspectives, practices and futures. Peter Lang Publishing.
Dillon, M. (1999). Catholic identity: Balancing reason, faith, and power. Cambridge University Press.
Earley, P. C., & Ang, S. (2003). Cultural intelligence: Individual interactions across cultures. Stanford University Press.
Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning.
Hanna, M. (2016). The impact of artificial intelligence on language translation. International Journal of Advanced Research
in Computer Science
Harper & Row. Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social
media. Business Horizons
Hutchings, T. (2017). Creating church online: Ritual, community, and new media. Routledge.
Johnson, R. L. (2022). Leadership in a Digital Age: Embracing AI for Cross-Cultural Communication. Leadership Studies.
Khan, A. (2022). AI and Its Implications for Society and Culture. AI & Society.
Logan, R. K. (2016). Understanding new media: Extending Marshall McLuhan. Peter Lang Publishing.
Mikalef, P. & Krogstie, J (2020). Big Data and AI for Societal Good: A Multicultural Perspective. Journal of Big Data.
Pargament, K. I. (2002). The bitter and the sweet: An African American's journey with faith. Templeton Foundation Press.
Raisch, S. & Krakowski, S (2021). Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Design: A Review and Agenda for Future
Research. Journal of Management,
Smith, R. (2019.) Technological Determinism in Society: Revisiting the Concept in the Digital Age. MIT Press,
Strate, L. (2017). Media ecology: An approach to understanding the human condition. Peter Lang Publishing.

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Ethical Considerations in Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Evangelism

John Olu ADETOYESE, PhD

ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348038304410

Abstract
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various fields, including evangelism.
Churches and religious organizations are increasingly adopting AI tools to reach wider audiences and
enhance the spread of their messages. However, the integration of AI into evangelistic efforts comes
with unique ethical dilemmas. This article explores the ethical considerations of using AI in the context
of evangelism, addressing effectiveness, challenges related to sustenance and attack, and the
implications for practice. Insights from recent research will inform discussions on how organizations
can ethically leverage technology while honoring their commitments to faith for evangelism.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Evangelism, Ethical Considerations, Technology

Introduction
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors has sparked significant discussions about its
ethical implications, particularly in sensitive areas such as evangelism. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to
the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. These processes include learning,
reasoning, problem-solving, perception, language understanding, and decision-making. AI encompasses
machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, allowing computers to simulate human
intelligence and perform tasks traditionally executed by humans.AI enables machines to perform tasks that
typically require human intelligence, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity in various fields.
Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology that has the potential to revolutionize various industries
and aspects of daily life. Understanding its components, applications, and ethical implications is crucial for
harnessing its benefits while addressing the challenges it presents. As AI continues to evolve, ongoing
dialogue and research will be essential to ensure its responsible and equitable integration into society.
It was amazing when it was reported that AI is preaching the Gospel. As churches and religious
organizations explore AI tools for outreach and engagement, it is crucial to consider the ethical dimensions
of these technologies (Ethical considerations). This article examines the potential effectiveness of AI in
evangelism while addressing the ethical considerations surrounding its use, particularly in the context of
challenges such as feeding, accommodation, and security threats. The digital age presents unprecedented
opportunities for evangelism. AI, with its ability to process information, analyze data, and engage users
interactively, is particularly appealing to Church leaders and evangelists. However, the deployment of AI in
religious contexts raises essential ethical questions about the authenticity of the message, the potential for
manipulation, and the resources required for its effective use (Hdetachia, 2021). The aims of this paper is to
assess the interplay between AI technology and evangelism while considering the potential constraints posed
by resource allocation for feeding and accommodation and the risks associated with attacks against the
institution and individuals involved.

The Role of AI in Evangelism

Starting with evangelism, evangelism is the act of sharing the message of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus
Christ with the intent of leading individuals to faith in Him. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at
spreading Christian beliefs and inviting others to experience salvation. Evangelism as soul winning is a vital
aspect of the Christian faith, centered on the mission to share the Gospel and lead others to salvation in

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Christ. It requires a compassionate approach, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to building
relationships. By engaging in soul winning, believers participate in the transformative work of God in the
lives of individuals and communities.
AI technologies can enhance evangelism efforts by providing innovative ways to reach and engage with
audiences. These technologies can analyze data to identify trends, personalize messages, and facilitate
communication across diverse platforms (Johnson & Brown 2021). For instance, AI-driven chat bots can
engage individuals in conversations about faith, while machine learning algorithms can tailor content to
specific demographics, making evangelistic efforts more effective. In evangelism, AI can be employed for
various applications, including chat bots for pastoral care, sermon analysis tools, and targeted outreach
programs (Hdetachia, 2021).
Example of AI Use in Evangelism: Numerous churches and organizations have successfully integrated AI
into their missions. For example, according to Liu and Smith, Life church in China has utilized AI-driven
platforms to create personalized Bible studies, while Alpha's digital content gains engagement through
targeted social media campaigns (Smith & Liu, 2022). These examples demonstrate the potential for AI to
enhance connectivity and engagement.

Ethical Considerations of AI in Evangelism

1. Autonomy and Manipulation: One of the core ethical dilemmas in using AI for evangelism is the risk
of manipulation. AI systems can be designed to exploit personal data, potentially misleading
individuals into conversions rather than informed decisions. This raises questions about the integrity
of the evangelistic mission (Rogers & Green, 2021).
2. Authenticity of Messages: The authenticity of AI-generated messages must be examined. AI typically
mimics existing content rather than producing entirely original material. Therefore, there are
concerns regarding the dilution of the Gospel message and whether AI can significantly convey
complex theological concepts (Brown & Smith, 2023).
3. Data Privacy and Security: As AI systems often handle sensitive personal information, churches and
organizations must prioritize data privacy and security. Ethical guidelines must govern the collection
and usage of personal data, ensuring that individuals' information is protected (Morris, 2022).
4. Human Resilience and Community Impact: The introduction of AI into evangelism can alter
interpersonal dynamics. If humans perceive evangelism as mechanized, it can diminish community
engagement and the relational aspect intrinsic to faith (Martinez, 2023). Striking a balance between
technology and human interaction is essential to uphold the communal essence of evangelism.

Potential Benefits of AI in Evangelism

1. Increased Reach: AI can help churches reach a broader audience by utilizing social media, websites, and
mobile applications to disseminate the evangelistic messages.
2. Personalization: AI can analyze user data to create personalized content that resonates with individuals,
increasing the likelihood of engagement (Martinez, 2023).
3. Efficiency: Automating routine tasks, such as responding to inquiries or managing social media accounts,
allows church leaders to focus on more meaningful interactions.
4. Data-Driven Insights: AI can provide valuable insights into community needs and preferences, enabling
churches to tailor their outreach efforts effectively.

Effectiveness of AI in the Face of Sustainable Practices

1. Resource Allocation for Feeding and Accommodation: The implementation of AI requires investment
in both financial and human resources. The ethical dimensions of resource allocation feeding and

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accommodating individuals engaged in ministry work must be emphasized. Religious organizations
need to ensure that technological advancement does not overshadow the fundamental need for
compassionate outreach to the mistreated and marginalized (Johnson & Brown, 2021).
2. Addressing the Challenges of Sustainability: Incorporating AI can directly impact sustainability.
Organizations must consider how to balance inn ovation with responsible stewardship of resources,
ensuring that advancements contribute positively to community welfare rather than draining it.

Key Considerations
While the potential benefits of AI in evangelism are significant, ethical considerations must be addressed to
ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and effectively.
1. Autonomy and Consent: One of the primary ethical concerns surrounding AI in evangelism is the
issue of autonomy. Individuals engaging with AI-driven platforms may not fully understand how
their data is being used or the implications of their interactions. It is essential for Churches to obtain
informed consent from users and to be transparent about data collection practices (Ethical concerns).
This transparency fosters trust and respects the autonomy of individuals seeking spiritual guidance.
2. Data Privacy and Security: The collection and storage of personal data raise significant privacy
concerns. This is another step that the Churches has to implement, it will safeguard sensitive
information. This includes ensuring that data is encrypted, access is restricted, and users are informed
about how their data will be used (Lee & Thompson, 2023). Failure to protect user data can lead to
breaches of trust and potential harm to individuals.
3. Bias and Discrimination: AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in their training
data. This raises concerns about the potential for AI-driven evangelism to reinforce existing
inequalities or exclude marginalized groups. Churches must be vigilant in monitoring AI systems for
bias and ensuring that their outreach efforts are inclusive and equitable (Smith & Liu, 2022).
4. Authenticity of Engagement: AI can facilitate communication, but it cannot replace the authenticity
of human interaction. There is a risk that reliance on AI tools may lead to superficial engagement,
where individuals feel disconnected from genuine community experiences (Smith & Liu, 2022).
Churches should strive to balance the use of AI with opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face
interactions.

Challenges in AI Evangelism
Despite the potential benefits, several challenges must be addressed to ensure the effective use of AI in
evangelism:
1. Feeding and Accommodation: In many regions, particularly in developing countries, the basic needs
of individuals, such as food and shelter must be prioritized before spiritual needs can be addressed.
AI can assist in identifying communities in need and coordinating resources, but churches must
ensure that their evangelistic efforts do not overlook these fundamental issues (Parker, 2023). For
instance, AI could help churches analyze data on local food insecurity and connect with organizations
that provide assistance.
2. Security Threats: In areas where religious groups face persecution or violence, the use of AI in
evangelism must be approached with caution. AI technologies can inadvertently expose individuals
to risks, particularly if they are used to identify or target vulnerable populations. Churches must
consider the safety of their congregants and the communities they serve when implementing AI-
driven outreach strategies (Garcia, 2022).
3. Ethical Dilemmas in Resource Allocation: Churches often face ethical dilemmas regarding resource
allocation. The use of AI may lead to prioritizing certain outreach efforts over others, potentially

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neglecting communities that are already marginalized. It is crucial for churches to adopt a holistic
approach that considers both spiritual and physical needs, ensuring that AI tools are used to enhance,
rather than replace, traditional forms of outreach (Garcia, 2022).

Conclusion
The integration of AI into evangelism presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can enhance
outreach efforts and increase engagement, ethical considerations must be at the forefront of these initiatives.
Churches must prioritize autonomy, data privacy, and inclusivity while addressing the fundamental needs
of individuals in their communities. Navigating these ethical dilemmas thoughtfully, churches can harness
the power of AI to foster meaningful connections and promote sustainable evangelistic efforts.
Artificial Intelligence holds transformative potential for evangelism,
enabling churches and organizations to engage with wider audiences and foster innovative practices.
However, ethical considerations are paramount in ensuring that such technology is used responsibly and
faithfully. By prioritizing community needs, addressing resource allocation challenges, and safeguarding
against potential attacks, organizations can create a sustainable framework for effective AI-driven
evangelism. Engaging in continuous reflection on these practices will further the mission of evangelism in
the digital age, paving the way for a future where technology enhances but does not replace the essential
human element of faith.

Recommendations for Ethical AI Evangelism Practices

Establishing Ethical Guidelines: Religious organizations should create comprehensive ethical guidelines that
address the use of AI in evangelism, prioritizing transparency, consent, data protection, and human
interaction. Collaborative work among various stakeholders, including ethicists, religious leaders, and
technology professionals, can help formulate these guidelines.
Emphasizing Human Interaction: Even with advanced AI integration, churches should ensure that human
interaction remains central to evangelism efforts. Incorporating AI should not replace personal pastoral care
or community outreach but rather enhance these traditional elements (Lee & Thompson, 2023).
Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: As technology evolves, organizations must continuously evaluate
their AI strategies and practices. Feedback mechanisms from both congregants and AI users can provide
insights to improve technology's impact on evangelism.

References
Brown, T., & Smith, J. (2023). The Theology of Technology: AI in Evangelistic Practices. Journal of Faith and Technology,
12(1), 45-62.
Ethical concerns mount as AI takes bigger decision-making role. Harvard Gazette.
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/10/ethical-concerns-mount-as-ai-takes-bigger-decision-making-
role/
Ethical content in artificial intelligence systems: A demand explained in three critical points – PMC.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10097940/
Garcia, R. (2022). The Backlash of the Bots: AI in Religious Contexts. Cyberethics Review, 8(4), 210-224.
Hdetachia, E. (2021). Digital Evangelism: The Role of Technology in Modern Faith Practices. Theological Explorations,
10(3), 58-76.
Johnson, C., & Brown, L. (2021). Compassionate Outreach: AI and Resource Allocation in Ministry. Ministry Studies
Quarterly, 7(2), 120-134.
Lee, S. & Thompson, P. (2023). The Centrality of Human Interaction in AI Evangelism. Journal of Religion and Tech, 5(2),
13-29.
Martinez, A. (2023). Community Dynamics in the Age of AI Evangelism. International Journal of Ministry Studies, 11(1),
15-32.
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Morris, J. (2022). Data Security in Religious Organizations: An Ethical Perspective. Journal of Ethics and Religion, 9(1),
98-112.
Parker, L. (2023). Securing Religious Organizations Against Cyber Threats. Cybersecurity in Faith Spaces, 4(3), 221-239.
Rogers, T., & Green, H. (2021). Responsible Evangelism: Ethical Considerations in AI Use. Ethics in Technology, 2(4), 75-
89.
Smith, D., & Liu, K. (2022). Digital Discipleship: Effective Use of AI in Church Outreach. The Journal of Digital Ministry,
3(4), 202-214.

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Exploring the Limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Achieving Global Evangelicalism

Hezekiah Adeloye OGUNLOWO

CAC Theological Seminary Igolo Campus FESTAC Route, Igolo Republic of Benin
[email protected], +2347036114718, +229-96027910, https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4296-0225

Abstract
Scientific awareness, discoveries, and advancement is now a reality to a common illiterate in villages and
urban settlements alike. They might be limited to accessing its products, uses or dividends due to some
reasons such as being unable to manipulate it – android illiteracy or rural areas where wifi or internet
facilities are limitedly provided but it no one doubts the reality of science anymore especially in banking
and commerce sectors where everyone can feel or see the reality of AI. The lacuna this paper attempts to
fill is the overwhelming place of prominence the scientific advancement is being given, especially Artificial
Intelligence-AI- which is almost usurping God’s ordained relational life and consequent communality. This
write up sought to posit that as good as scientific advancement might be especially Artificial Intelligence
(AI), it should be guided against lest it erodes relationalism and communality. Literature review, reflections
guided by the Bible, participant observations and questionnaire were used as methods to reap from
reservoir of knowledge from the society so as to put forward his standpoint. Copies of online questionnaire
were given to 120 respondents but 35 copies were filled within 2 weeks. The responses are reported in
simple percentage for easy comprehension. It was found out that the opinions gravitate between AI eroding
‘relationalism’ or communality or not. It is recommended that AI is just but one of the many tools provided
by science among others for global evangelicalism, and so Artificial Intelligence as good, useful and helpful
as it is, it should not take the place of God and man or substitute for expected personal relationship with
God, as the order is prescribed in the bible. It is with the objective that the paper assists readers to have a
balanced view of science and religion in their inter-relatedness and independences.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelicalism, Relationalism, Transhumanism, Digital Habitus

Introduction
This paper defined the key words in the abstract above. It looked into the history of artificial intelligence in
a jiffy, examples of some Artificial intelligence- machines were mentioned and explain how some work. The
ontology of human being and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was covered in the paper. Some of the
benefits of the AI to the Kingdom of God were also examined, and the responses from the respondents were
presented and treated. The paper equally looked into the challenges that AI is posing unto the church of
Christ and concluded with the recommendation and conclusion.
There are key words, which in the light of clear and firm understanding of the write up are to be defined.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) according to Alexandria and Fernando (Researching AI application in evangelical
and Pentecostal/charismatic churches: Purity, Bible & Mission As Driving Forces, : 2024 page 2), is being
explained as a development of machine, programmed to perform tasks that typically require human
intelligence. Instead of merely simulating human thought processes, AI relies on computational models and
algorithms designed to analyse patter, make predictions and extra valuable insights from fast data. Or the
science and engineering of creating systems that can perform tasks that require intelligence across various
data, computation and learning. Sheikh et al (2023) claims ‘no general acceptable definition’. Upon various
definitions by specified scholars, he concludes that the definition from the AI KLEG provides the necessary
freedom of scope. He thus posits their definition as “systems that display intelligent behaviour by analyzing
their environment and taking actions-with some degree of autonomy to achieve specific goals” (p. 2). This
definition encompasses all the currently recognizable AI applications while allowing for potential changes
in what mankind will consider becoming of AI in the future. In another development, Duggai (2024)

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expresses that an Artificial Intelligence program is a program that is capable of conceiving and thinking. He
streamlines that it is possible to consider anything to be AI once it consists of a program that performs a task
that is meant for humans.
Evangelicalism: Evangelicalism is different from what is known as evangelism. The former is about all that
involve to making Christian doctrines as expounded in the scripture practiced and practicable, this may
involve social, psychological, economical, spiritual outfits to be put in place from biblical point of view. While
the latter is about delivering the gospel message so much that the unsaved or unreached are saved or reached
for Christ by receiving saving knowledge of Jesus. David Hillborn explains evangelism and evangelicalism
this way. Evangelicalism is a noun coined from the adjective evangelical.’ Evangelical’ is etymologically
rooted in a Greek New Testament meaning –gospel or good news (‘euangelion’ Greek ‘eu’ good ‘angelion’
message/news). He said,” gospel people committed to the simple New Testament Christianity and the central
tenets of Apostolic faith, rather than later ecclesiastical accretions” (Hillborn: Evangelical Truth: p.16-17), in
an effort to seeking and maintaining the presentation of authentic teaching once entrusted to the saints
(Jude3). John Stott states, “evangelicalism is neither a recent innovation or a deviation from Christian
orthodoxy” (evangelical truth). From the above therefore, evangelicalism is put as a system of belief by the
evangelicals that puts forth evangelism in all fronts not only in proclaiming but in practices such as: Biblicism,
Christocentrism, crucicentrism, conversionism and activism whereby gospel is demonstrated in evangelism
and social services (Bebbington: 1989.p 8).
Relationalism: This is coined from relationship. It is about the arts and acts of relating with God vertically
(man-God’s ward) and horizontally (man-man ward). In this paper the writer states that as good and helpful
the AI may be of great benefit to mankind, it cannot and never will replace or substitute for relationalism,
that is, relating with God first and relating with man. From the era of Covid-19 it has become more evident
that relating with each other: in worship, at social level, at academic platforms, commercial sectors, in
communication sectors, in security field of life things have taken new and different dimensions as if man is
no more needed except. Man should not jettison relationalism as it is part of the ontological make up of man,
as image of God.
Digital habitus, which is defined as “a system of internationalized scheme that generate all thoughts, actions,
desires, and perceptions within digital culture” (Romele, 2024, p.118). This is to state the obvious that man is
classified and clustered on terms of ‘preferences, tendencies, and expected behaviours” by this it is implied
that all actions and contents man produces on line’ “can be datafied and hence analyzed” (p.121).
Transhumanism: Transhumanism on the other hand is all about, scientific efforts at making science to
develop ‘brain’ machine interface (a project backed up by Elon Musk) through ‘Neuralink’ a well-intentioned
edifice (but potentially clear for its apparent misuse) to avoid ageing and even death by the transmission
from carbon-based life embodied in fleshly bags of bones, muscles and neurons into silicon-based existence
(or whatever substrate forms future AI) it brains functions by downloading person’s memories and thought
patterns to a supper intelligence machine enabling that person to exist beyond limitations of their bodies
with extraordinary potentials to change how they would relate to other people and the environment (Joustral,
2019).

Cursory Look at the History of Artificial Intelligence

History of Artificial Intelligence (also known as AI) by myth has been mathematically been in existence from
ancient Greek and Egyptians. However, its maturation became emergent as from, 1943-1952 (MCA-IV Data
Mining32) in 1943 McCulloch and Walter put forward artificial neurons and this is being referred to as the
premier attempt on AI in 1949Donald Hebb advanced this effort by updating its rule of modifying the
connection strength between neurons, and this was tagged as ‘Hebbian Learning’. Also, in 1950, Alar Turing
made ‘Computing Machine and Intelligence’. He was an English Mathematician and he pioneered Machine

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Learning.’ by 1952- 1956 Allen Newell and Herbert A. Simeon created what is known as ‘Logic Theorist’
which was used to test many of the mathematical theorems and were proved correct and many more
theorems were discovered as a result and more theorems were propounded.
Therefore in 1956, John McCarthy an American scientist at Dartmouth conference coined AI as an academic
field. By 1956-1974, during this era, Joseph Weizenbaum formed the first ‘chatbot’ in 1966 which was named
ELIZA. As at the time under consideration algorithms were developed to solve mathematical problems, and
so in 1972 the first ‘humanoid robot’ was built in Japan named WABOT-1. While in 1974-1980, AI another
winter season was experienced because there was a dearth of interest in that governments were not ready to
finance research on AI 1980 -1987 experienced and enjoyed a boom in the field of AI In 1980 the effort
resurfaced with ‘expert system’. As at this period computer is programmed to emulate decision with
precision as of a human expert. The success in the field this period was so outstanding that American
Association of Artificial Intelligence was held at Stanford University. 1987 -1993 witnessed another winter
season of AI and at this time both the investors and the governments were never interested to fund AI
research.
Another milestone was recorded in 1995-2011 when there was an emergence of Intelligence agents, in 1997
IBM Deep Blue beats the world champion Gary Kasparow then became the first computer to beat the world
cheese champion. In 2002 AI got to home in form of Roomba as a vacuum cleaner. The advancement and the
development in 2006 registered it that AI came to stay and has never left, its presence is felt almost
everywhere. Now it was no longer limited to solving mathematical, academic or scientific problems again
but appeared in the business Sectors such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix etc., powered by AI these
further gave birth to Deep Learning, Big Data and Artificial General Intelligence. In 2011 the world had IBM
Watson. In 2002 Google launched Android Apps which provides information or users. In 2014 Chatbot-
Eugene Goostman and in 2018 was ‘Project Debater’ in 2019 came the pandemic which now makes Artificial
Intelligence popular almost in all sectors of mans’endeavours. It has cone to stay. However, it cannot and
should not do away with relationalism in human bondings: cultures, communality, society and more
importantly in religion. This is because relationship produces all of these. This clarion call is imminent as
Artificial Intelligence is promising transhumanism in the nearest future.
Now AI has developed to a remarkable level. The concept of Deep learning, big data, and data science
are now trending like a boom. Nowadays companies like Google, Facebook, IBM, and Amazon are
working with AI and creating amazing devices. The future of Artificial Intelligence is inspiring and
will come with high intelligence (MCA-IV Data Mining32_ AI_History_Keerti_Ditix 2 pdf, p. 4).
According to Church of Scotland work on Faith and Technology, it was said that the history of AI begun
with Alan Turin in 1950. Alan made Neural Algorithms’ and was confirmed in 2016 when an AI machine
known also as Deep mind learning the rule of the ancient Asian board game G.O. AlphaFold2 project
followed the system to solving problems in Biology such as predicting the three-dimensional structure of
protein from amino acid. “a breakthrough was achieved in 2020 when deep Mind took only a few hours to
predict the structure of a given protein” (p. 2). An exercise or task which could take up too a year of laboratory
work.” This equally opens up many exciting new directions of research treatment into causes and treatment
of disease” (p. 2).

Examples or Types of AI
There are many kinds of A. I machine today that perform as perfect and intelligently like human in almost
every sphere of life as at today, such as:
i) GPT-3(generative pre-trained transformer version -30developed by US company open AI. it has
access to almost all of the text found in the internet.
ii) Another one is Global neural workspace

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iii) The world has also recorded Chatbot otherwise known as ELIZA in 1960 programmed to provide
supportive information or reply to whatever client say to the computer. E.g. Taiwan at the evolution
of Covid-19 AI is used to support people in quarantine because of covid.
iv) CBT, this is Cognitive Behavioural Therapies. This started in UK,2020 and it is used to solving
especially case of depressions.
v) The world has also had ML, Machine Leraning a subset to AI
vi) There is also ANNs Artificial Neural Networks it functions as a key component to AI and M.L.
vii) CNN is another achievement in the coriidor of A. I.it implies Convolutional Neural Networks
viii) We also have, GANs – standing for Generative Adversarial Networks
ix) LLMs, this implies the large language models (Brown et al:2020)
x) Wysa- an AI based emotionally intelligent mobile ‘chatbot’ apps aimed at building mental resillence
and promoting neural well beings using text-based conversational interface.
These are some of the AI or AI related machine that works or function as intelligent as human, among
many others.

The Ontology of Human beings Juxtaposing the Evolution of AI

The main part of the paper is here. It is here because it is considering the prowess and success recorded in
the field or science, communications and technology as against what the bible claims or states. To every good
thing, there is a bad or evil side of or to it. These advancements are good, welcomed, useful, and needful,
make difficult tasks easier to accomplish in a very shortest possible time. However, there is need to sound a
note of caution to mankind that forgetting the nature of man as ‘Imago Dei’ is dangerous to the purpose of
his existence on the planet here at the detriment of himself not God.
From the foregoing, it is becoming glaring that man will in the nearest future build machine edifices that will
be performing what man is expected to do. For example, man in the book of Genesis, was put in the garden
of Eden to ‘work‘ it and to ‘take care’ of it (Gen2:15). This is a command to work or ‘till’ (abad), Norman
Geisler (Christian Ethics, 1995) said the word in Hebrew means to be a slave to or in modern term ‘care for’
or the word ‘keep’ (Shamar) means to watch or to preserve it. So, by the time man now succeed to have
transhumanism in the field of AI that means therefore that all that God has intended man to do on the planet
earth is bequeathed to science. The paper does not advocate for, neither accepting nor nonuse of scientific
and technological appliances but points to:
1. Duty of man being a steward of the planet earth and therefore must not forget that consciousness
which no machine can achieve.
2. That church should act as check and balance in her duty to whatever is the achievement in the world
and of the world, because he is light and salt of the world. With her presences, the world is not
expected to stray.
3. That church as at this time should play her role well because scientific advancement is almost
replacing ‘relationalism’ with non-relationalism. Man is created to relate directly with God and with
themselves (Mark 12:30-31) but it appears this advancement is gradually robbing man of relationship
with each other but it is leaving us with interactions (online, electronically) but keeping us at bay
from truest relationship designed by God.
How does man express love if everything is done by machine. Take for instance marriage, parenting and
society. Jesus on this said, ‘who do men say I am?’ Man is created in the image of God to relate- first with
God, and reflecting such a relationship in his or her relationship with fellow neighbor. Yes! Man uses
scientific apparatuses to disseminate gospel or information faster, do something with ease with help of
machine, transacts business, and reaches lands in a matter of minutes. But can man really say he or she
actually relates or interact? Communality is almost lost. Could this be gravitation toward the eschatological

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time? Everything is now online, worship, market, product, marriages, and this outfit is eroding from us
sanity and sanctity of life which is embedded in relationalism (such as sociality, cultures and spirituality-
man is having the tendency of depending more on science than God the author of man who makes science).
AI is good but should not take away from man relating with God and ourselves.

Benefits of AI Enhancing the Growth and Development of God’s Kingdom

The digital habitus can be used to emphasize or reiterate Missions, scripture reading and prayers, holiness,
well-being, prosperity and other values which are determined by the Christian (Alexandria and Fernando,
2024, p. 3). In eschatological terms many churches consider AI as a premonition of the end time and have a
facilitator of the apocalyptic destruction of humanity before Christ returns. In some academic department
like theology and Bible Translation the assistance of this technological feat is incalculable and invaluable, as
it helps in Language translation and some codexes, done faster and easier.
Since this is becoming the ‘new normal’, “Pastors or church leaders who are digital natives, should lead
flocks of individuals who are found of technology to find our new mission field of unreached digital tribe”
(korpi:2003). Church should develop a theology -engaging and participatory which will help members to
navigate technological advancement and development without compromising the teaching of the Bible as to
who God is, what man is and the purpose of his existence being doxology.

Presentation and Discussion of the Data from the Questionnaire

There were six basic questions and the data is presented accordingly each question was tested from three
points of views (agree, disagree and undecided), the questionnaire was posted electronically to discuss these
issues:
11. Artificial Intelligence can disrupt and destroy interpersonal relationship among Christians.
12. Reliance on AI devices and appliances can diminish and erode ethical societal values
13. AI can be utilized to promote the evangelical faith in today’s world.
14. Evangelical Christians should utilize and deploy AI to make the world better.
15. Evangelical Christians should utilize and deploy artificial intelligence to reach the world with
gospel message.
16. Evangelical churches and Christians should utilize and deploy AI to facilitate social and societal
transformation.

Figure 1: Artificial Intelligence can disrupt and destroy interpersonal relationship among Christians
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Figure 2: Reliance on AI devices and appliances can diminish and erode ethical societal values

Figure 3: AI can be utilized to promote the evangelical faith in today’s world

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Figure 4: Evangelical Christians should utilize and deploy AI to make the world better

Figure 5: Evangelical Christians should utilize and deploy artificial intelligence to reach the world
with gospel message

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Figure 6: Evangelical churches and Christians should utilize and deploy AI to facilitate social and societal
transformation

Responses to Question One have Agreed 57.1%, Disagreed 37.1%, Undecided 5.7%. For Question Two:
Agreed 80%, Disagreed 14.3%, Undecided 5.7%. For Question Three: Agreed 77.1%, Disagreed 20%,
Undecided 2.9%. For Question Four: Agreed 65.7%, Disagreed 31.4%, Undecided 2.9%. For Question Five:
Agreed 71.4%, Disagreed 22.9%, Undecided 5.7%. Finally, for Question Six: Agreed 68.6%, Disagreed 20%,
Undecided 11.4%.
These imply that 57.1 percent of the respondents agreed that AI can both disrupt and destroy relationship.
As 37 percent said that it cannot affect relationship. This is a caution note that as good or as helpful the AI
might adversely affect relationship and so it should be guided in their uses not to affect relationship with
God and fellow humans. The second findings came with the report of 80 percent agreeing that reliance on
AI can and might erode ethical, social values. Fourteen percent disagreed with this while about 6 percent
were indecisive. On the Question Three, 77.1 percent did agree that AI can help facilitates Gospel faster and
easier as 20 percent disagreed and about 3 percent were indecisive. The corollary significantly runs that AI
is a promising factor and tool to promoting gospel to the digital tribe or family or world.
On Question 4, the findings had about 67 percent agreed, and this implies that AI is not only for its
deployment on Kingdom of God, it is also usually helpful and useful to make the world better. About 32
percent did disagree on the deployment of AI for the kingdom uses claiming that it significantly has no effect
on making the world any better. Now, since we are in the age of AI the church and the Christian community
should develop AI system or machine that can be used to disseminate gospel to hostile areas such as Boko
haram affected areas. i.e. hostile areas to gospel. It will cost less in terms of life and formidability. Question
5 reported its findings and implies 71.4 percent of respondents that using the trending AI gadget for gospel
messages will yield a bumper harvest. At any rate 22.9 percent disagreed. In that A. I might be good to
disseminate but cannot meet some emotional needs which can only be provided by relationship. Question 6.
Had the discussion that 68.6 percent agreed that societal transformation is easier to accomplish with the use

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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of AI, 20 percent disagreed with such that it is man himself which can transform society by the use of culture,
religion and societal norm not a programmed machine. 11.4% of the respondents were undecided, this could
mean that with the use of both, the human society can be societally transformed.

The Challenges of AI on the Church

This section serves as challenges facing the church but is presented in a way of recommending what the
church of God can, and should do in a time such as this. Lynch (2013) cautions that human contact which is
exemplified in one-to-one encounter is extremely important and irreplaceable in the church missions. He
stresses that even Jesus Christ maintained more of person to person contact in his ministry. Jesus actually
trained his 12 Apostles via personal contact; none was operating from afar. Lynch insists that dependence on
new technologies can strip that from the church missions. In Faith impact Forum: Society, religion and
technology AI Opportunity and challenge, it is made known that “among members states in the UN there is
widespread support for a ban on killer robots and with the support more than 30 countries, the Secretary
General Antonio Gutterre, has proposed a new international treaty…stating. ‘machine that have the power
and discretion to kill without human interference are politically unacceptable and morally despicable’”
(Joustra: 2019, p. 7). Another challenge before the church is that of privacy (information stored in the
internet0over profit, could this be love of money bible talks about.
Recently, according to E. Ekeh, I. Ibeh and I. Meludu (personal communication, April, 2024) the Dioceses of
Nnewi and Mbamili Anglican Communion in Anambra State, Nigeria, adopted respectively the “vicilook
technology” that provides the public with digital information and access of only verified church priests and
church branches around the globe. The church therefore has to do something to help the world out of the
woes and merits of AI which is trending like it is done above, the Church of Christ can do better.
There is this moral challenge of responsibility. E.g. driverless car which has accident or damaging things are
done. When there is drone used to drop nuclear weapons that destroys both old and young, and vegetations
alike as against Deut. 20:18 (Geisler: 1995) Who is to be held responsible? Are the manufacturers or the
assisting driver in case of car accident, to be held accountable? The church should ethically weigh some
technological advancement and talk or make policy or develop her Theology and Doctrine to guide her
members on the uses, abuses and misuse of some of the gadgets in a way that will glorify God. The church
could go ahead to develop some apps that will help to block some things that may be dangerous to
Christianity (such as pornographic materials and the likes) and those that will be of help in advancing the
kingdom of God (such as bible games apps, bible puzzles apps among others). The church should learn to
use this opportunity wisely within the ambit of a sound theology. Theological institutions will do well to
include AI and Church (merits and demerits) in their curriculum.

Conclusion
The AI is a confirmed and welcomed reality in the field of science and is everywhere present though in
variant degrees. However, the church should come in to be ‘light and salt’ to guide the world in the make
(production) the use (application) and the deployment of scientific advancement lest the world go astray
from God’s purpose of the existence of the world and church. Africans and Nigerians in particular should
build AI that will promote their rich heritage of communality and relationalism. AI that is of African
orientation and that will be for the use of global evangelicalism.

References
Alexandra La Cruz and Fernando Mora (2024). Researching Artificial Intelligence Applications in Evangelical and
Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches: Purity, Bible, and Mission as Driving Force. Journal of African Studies and
Sustainable Development. Vol. 7, No. 2. www.apas.africa/journals.php

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Anyoha, R. (2017, August 28). The History of Artificial Intelligence. SIT: Science in the NI.
https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/fiash/2017/history.artificial.intelligence.
Copeland, B.J. (2024, April 2). Artificial Intelligence. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence.
Diaz, I. (2021). Considering the Efficacy of Digital Technology as a means of Evangelization in Christian Religious
Education. The Official Journal of the Religious Education Association, 116(1), 3-15.
https://doi.org/10.1080100344087.2021.1872001.
Duggai, N. (2024, March 21). Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Simply Learn.
https://www.simplilearn.com/
Evangelical Alliance (May,2021) Faith and Impact Forum: Society, Religion & Technology. AI opportunity and
Challenge for the church. https://wwww.eauk.org
Geisler, Norman ( Feb, 1995, 7th printing) Christian Ethics baker books house grand Rapids Michigan
George, G. (2023, November 18). Social Media, AI changing evangelism, says CEPACS. PUNCH.
https://punchng.com/.
Joustra, Jessica. (2019). What is an evangelical? examining the politics, history, and theology of a contested label. The
Review of Faith & International Affairs 17: 7–19.
Kalu, D.N. (2012, September 30). Nigeria @52: Nigeria badly needs a revolution…. In science andtechnology. Vanguard.
https://www.google.com/amp/5/www.vanguardngr.com/2012/
Kenechi Nnaemeka Afunugo& Geoffrey Chidebem Molokwu (2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Effective
Evangelization of the Nigerian Church Mission: a Socio-Religious Evaluation. Journal of African Studies and
Sustainable Development. Vol. 7, No. 2, 2024 ISSN Online: 2630-7073, ISSN Print: 2630-7065.
www.apas.africa/journals.php.
Korpi, Todd. (2023). The Digital Frontier of Mission: Understanding the Landscape and Ecosystem. Wheaton: Digital
Mission Consortia.
LATIMES. (1995). Technology Will Give Billy Graham Crusade a Worldwide Audience. Los Angeles Times Archives.
Available online: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-25-me-35843-story.html
Lynch, J. (2013). Technology and the New Evangelization. Humanum: Issues in Family, Culture and Science, 2.
https://humanumreview.com/articles/.
MCA-IV_datamining32_AI_History_Keerti_Ditix2 pdf
Romele, Alberto. (2020). The Datafication of the Worldview. AI & Society. 38: 403–12.
Romele, Alberto. (2024). Digital Habitus: A Critique of the Imaginaries of Artificial Intelligence. New York: Routledge.
Sheikh, H. et al (2023). Artificial Intelligence: definition and Background. In Mission AI Research for Policy. Springer,
Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21448-6_2
Tithe.ly (2018, June 29). 4 Ways Technology Enables the Mission of the Church. https://get.tith.ly/blog/church-technology.

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Ethical Consideration in Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Evangelism in Southwestern Nigeria

Babatunde Joseph KOLASHI

Department of Educational Management, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348134954900

Abstract
The church currently needs growth in both quality and quantity through an effective strategy of
evangelism by churches in Southwest Nigeria. The current level of ritual and ungodly behaviour
among the citizenry in the country has nothing good to write home about. This study ventures into
ethical consideration analysis of the effectiveness of Artificial intelligence towards evangelization in
church mission in Southwestern Nigeria. Using artificial intelligence for evangelism raises several
considerations due to the nature of both technology and religious outreach. Findings show that
utilization of artificial intelligence for evangelization in churches in Southwest presents both large
coverage areas of those who are yet to hear the gospel, opportunities and challenges. Thus inasmuch as
the use of artificial intelligence for evangelism in churches will enhance outreach by reaching a wider
audience via digital platforms, customized messaging, efficient dissemination of religious teachings
including easy acquisition of cultural peculiarities of each given mission station: Extreme caution should
be expressed in adopting artificial intelligence powered evangelism towards respecting cultural
perceptivities along with ensuring that its missionary expertise is culturally appropriate, and also
eschewing from complete dependence on artificial intelligence in order to continually give missionary
enterprise a genuine human engagement, connection and personal touch in the Southwest church
missionary fields. This study submits that utilization of Artificial Intelligence for evangelization in
churches missions yields the potential to be a valuable mechanism in reaching a broader audience as
well as ministering to individuals in meaningful ways. However, pertinent ethical, social and religious
consideration should be conceived as that will enforce the effective leverage of integrating Artificial
Intelligence to boost missionary expertise in Southwest while tolerating in addition to appreciating the
cultural norms and values including, beliefs of the local population. While artificial intelligence offers
powerful tools for evangelism, ethical considerations must guide its use to ensure respect for individual
autonomy, cultural, diversity and spiritual integrity.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethical Consideration, Evangelization, Mission, Religion,

Church

Introduction
The church currently needs growth in both quality and quantity through an effective strategy of evangelism
by churches in Southwest Nigeria. The current level of ritual and ungodly behaviour among the citizenry in
the country has nothing good to write home about. Our society and the media is inundated with alarming
and scaring news such as “yahoo boys attack, using their girlfriends etc for money ritual which also amount
to include millions of people who are yet to hear about the gospel”. All these problems call to question the
role of the Church in contributing to the provision of needed succour in these problem areas. In view of these
problems and issues, the big question is the relevance of the Church in the present situation. Since relevance
is an important feature of any meaningful phenomenon, event or institution, especially in the sphere of
human life, the Church’s role in the solution of problems in the 21st century Nigerian society may be
definitive in the justification of its sensitization through evangelism among the Nigerian people. Moving
from the great signs of vitality and great contributions of the Church to community development since the
advent of the early missionaries to Eastern Nigerian, this present study will look at the ethical consideration
in using AI for evangelism in order to reach out to as many people as possible during the Church evangelism

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to win the lost souls to Christ and set how AI should be use by the set men of God without infringing on the
right of the souls it intended to redeemed.
The definitions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as posited by some scholars will be reflected herein to accord
vivid conception of what AI entails. Marsden (2017) borrowing and adapting from various scholars’
definitions he examined, defined AI as “Technology that behaves intelligently using skills associated with
human intelligence, including the ability to perceive, learn, reason and act autonomously” (p. 1). Thus, it is
a collection of scientific and technological inclined devices that authorizes computers to conceive
independently. Marr (2018) intimates that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a term coined by John McCarthy in
1956 at a summer workshop he referred to as Dark-mouth summer research project on Artificial Intelligence.
This workshop was actually organized by John McCarthy with the purpose of discussing what will
ultimately become the field and AI specifies as Marr affirms. Owing to the fact that up to that point, the
concepts surrounding “thinking machines” were still divergent; the researchers summoned by John
McCarthy rallied together to clarify and develop concepts pertinent to “Thinking machines”. Marr exclaims
that McCarthy chose the name Artificial Intelligence because of its neutrality in order to avoid punctuating
one of the leads being pursued at the time for the field of “thinking machines” which includes cybernetics,
automation theory and complex information processing. Marr’s deliberations posit the essence of AI as
computer systems that utilizes human reasoning as a guide to proffer superior services or actualize
exceptional products other than trying to achieve a perfect replica of the human rationality and mindset.
Thus, human reasoning is adopted as a model in the evolution of AI but not actually the ultimate target.
Copeland (2024) underscores that Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of a machine to undertake
tasks generally perceived to entail human rationality and intelligence. He stressed that general operations of
AI include game playing, language translation, expert systems, and robotics. Copeland enlightens that while
the notion of machines imitating intelligence dates back to the ancient past, the advent of authentic
intelligence in machines was only possible with the evolution of digital computers in the 1940’s. The author
streamlines that AI has evolved to the point that the initial AI projects via playing chess and solving
mathematical problems, are now considered quite plain compared to the more complex tasks of AI in recent
times like visual pattern recognition, complex decision making, and the use of natural language. Sequel to
Copeland’s elucidations, Anyoha (2017) and Roser (2022) remark that human kind now lives in the age of
complex and cumbersome data available for analysis. They posit that mankind is faced on steady basis with
huge sums of information too ponderous for persons and even groups to process. The application of Artificial
Intelligence in this regard has already proved efficient in several corporate institutions and facilities like
technology, banking, marketing, and the entertainment world. Artificial Intelligence thus is everywhere. It
has actually come to stay with multidimensional future prospects.
E.I Ozor and T.O. Okonta (personal communication, January 12th, 2024) assert that if Jesus Christ were to
come to save mankind in this age, He might not ride into Jerusalem in an Ass again. He will have to make
use of the available cheapest means of transportation to still signify humility and prudence. Truth remains
that mankind ought to make use of scientific innovations of which God is the one that endows human kind
with such creative capacity and inspiration. The Holy Spirit always ministers to human kind from the known
to the unknown. He utilizes things available to man while instructing him. It will be good that church
missionary enterprise in contemporary times especially in Nigeria, should integrate the capabilities and
services of Artificial Intelligence in evangelization. Although Lynch (2013) cautions that human contact
which is exemplified in one-to-one encounter is extremely important and irreplaceable in the church
missions. He stresses that even Jesus Christ maintained more of person to person contact in his ministry.
Jesus actually trained his 12 Apostles via personal contact; none was operating from afar. Lynch insists that
dependence on new technologies can strip that from the church missions. He emphasizes that the question
of how the church can integrate new technologies in the furtherance of her mission ought to be a secondary

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one. Thus, there is need for sitting new technologies in order to retain and prioritize on good innovations.
The author advices that no technical progress can replace nor outdate the level of relationship built by Jesus’
kind of communication that hinged on singular, specific, and personal love for His disciples. Lynch further
exposits that church missionaries must embrace man’s limitation in their endeavours in order to avert the
quest to reach out to a wider audience or congregation thereby dispersing in activity and bearing little fruit
in the process. It is actually within the limitations of nature that church missionaries can experience the
fulfilment and beauty of their vocation. Capturing Lynch (2013) concluding remarks, it states: The church
exists because people are wounded. Her goal is not just to proclaim the Good News efficiently, and then
move on to do something else, but physically to be the Body of Christ.
However, there has been an ongoing debate on whether it is appropriate for Christians to use AI in their
ministry. However, with the right approach, AI can be a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel. In this
article, we will explore healthy ways to use AI for evangelism and how it can benefit your church. The fact
is that, Artificial intelligence (AI) is here, and many church leaders in Southwest should embrace it for the
purpose of let the gospel reach a wide range of audience during church evangelism. When it comes to using
AI for evangelism, ethical considerations are paramount. As long as AI is used in a way that is appropriate
and responsible, it can be an effective tool for spreading the gospel. To ensure that it's used ethically, it's
essential to respect the privacy and autonomy of those being evangelized and to avoid any strategies that
could be perceived as invasive or manipulative. By approaching AI evangelism thoughtfully and ethically,
we can leverage this powerful technology to reach even more people with the gospel's message. Artificial
intelligence, commonly known as AI, has been in development for decades. It involves creating computer
programs that can perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence, such as decision-making,
problem-solving, and speech recognition. AI is all about boosting human capabilities and streamlining
operations across different industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and communication.
With AI, we can achieve greater efficiency and productivity than ever before. And as technology continues
to evolve, the possibilities for what we can achieve with AI are limitless. Some Pastors in the Southwest are
sceptical in using AI during their churches’ evangelism, their thought is that, where is AI get it information
from and who is behind it operations? The answer is that AI gets its information from many different sources.
For example, it might collect data through sensors, cameras, or other devices or access online databases and
other sources on the internet. Some Pastors also try to mirrored AI if it could be trusted. That depends on
how it's programmed and trained. If AI is designed poorly or tested inadequately, it can be biased or flawed.
That's why ensuring the data and algorithms used are accurate and unbiased is crucial. By doing so, we can
ensure that AI operates trustworthy and reliably. For example, ChatGPT gets its information from various
sources, including online databases and human input in text-based conversations. This means that as people
interact with ChatGPT, they can learn and adapt based on the information provided. By continuously
refining its algorithms and learning from these interactions, ChatGPT can provide more accurate and helpful
responses. Of course, as with any AI system, it's essential to ensure that the data used to train ChatGPT is
unbiased and accurate to continue operating in a trustworthy and reliable way. If you're a Christian, you
might be wondering whether or not you should use AI as a tool for evangelism. Well, the answer is that
there's no inherent reason why Christians should not use AI. AI can be a highly effective way to reach people
with the gospel message, especially in today's digital age. In fact, if you’ve used YouTube, Google, Facebook,
and other social media platforms, then you’ve already used AI. But as with any tool, it's important to use AI
to align with biblical values and principles. That means striving to use AI ethically and responsibly and
avoiding using it in a way that could harm others or violate their privacy. By using AI with a thoughtful and
intentional approach, Christians can leverage this powerful technology to share the message of Christ in a
way that's both impactful and respectful. While it is important to acknowledge these concerns, it is also worth

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noting that there are healthy and ethical ways for us to use AI without replacing the inspiration we receive
from God.
AI may not have a soul to create life changing messages, it can be a powerful tool to communicate God’s
transformative message to people worldwide from your local church. It is not a replacement from God, but
rather an instrument that can help us spread His message with greater efficiency and with speed of light in
reaching the targeted audience. By using AI in these ways, we can leverage the benefits of modern technology
while remaining true to the core values of our faith.

Healthy Ways to Use AI in Your Ministry While Evangelizing

1. Use ChatGPT to Repurpose Your Sermons: Using tools like Open AI's GPT (Generative Pre-trained
Transformer) language model, you can use a chatbot to analyze your existing sermons and generate
new content based on them. This content can then be used to create blog posts, social media updates,
or even a book. By repurposing your sermons in this way, you can extend the reach of your message
and connect with new audiences. And because AI powers the chatbot, it can learn from your previous
content and adapt its style and tone to match your voice and message. But don't worry; using AI to
repurpose your sermons doesn't mean sacrificing the spiritual inspiration and guidance from crafting
a sermon by hand. Instead, it's a way to leverage technology to amplify your message and make it
accessible to more people than ever.
2. Use AI to Generate Images: AI can generate high-quality images quickly and easily without requiring
specialized design skills or expensive software. AI algorithms can analyze your content and create
images that match your brand style and messaging. Using AI to generate images can save time and
effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your ministry. AI can be used to create stunning
images of biblical characters and events. For instance, if you're teaching a sermon on the life of Moses,
AI can generate an image of him parting the Red Sea or receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount
Sinai. These images can enhance your sermon and help your congregation visualize the stories in the
Bible. Children are visual learners, and incorporating images into your teaching can make the Bible
more engaging and memorable. AI-generated images can create colorful and engaging visuals for
children's Bible stories. For instance, AI can generate images of Noah's Ark, David, and Goliath, or
the Nativity scene, for children's church services or vacation Bible school materials.
3. Use AI to Create Social Media Posts: With the rise of social media, churches have a unique
opportunity to connect with their communities online. However, creating high-quality social media
posts can take time and effort. Using AI, churches can create engaging and effective social media
posts that resonate with their audience. The key advantage of using AI for social media is the ability
to optimize posts for different platforms and audiences. AI can also free up time and resources for
other essential tasks, such as ministry and community outreach. In summary, using AI for social
media can be a valuable tool for churches to increase engagement and reach online. While AI can help
optimize posts for different platforms and audiences and save time and resources, it is essential to
maintain a balance between AI and human creativity and messaging.
4. Use AI to Write Newsletters for Your Members: I can help churches create personalized and efficient
newsletters for their members. You can use AI can tailor content to each member's preferences,
making newsletters more engaging and relevant. Sending newsletters to church members can have
several benefits, including:

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a. Keeping Members Informed: Newsletters can provide essential updates on church events, activities,
and initiatives, helping to keep members informed and engaged.
b. Nurturing Relationships: Newsletters can help build a community within the church by sharing
stories and experiences highlighting their contributions to the church.
c. Providing Spiritual Guidance: Newsletters can offer encouragement, inspiration, and guidance to
help members deepen their faith and grow their relationship with God.
d. Facilitating Communication: Newsletters can serve as a platform for members to share their
thoughts, concerns, and prayer requests, fostering open communication and support within the
church community.
e. Encouraging Participation: Newsletters can promote volunteer opportunities and encourage
members to get involved in the church's activities, events, and outreach efforts.
5. AI Can Help You Write Blog Articles for Your Church Website: AI can be a powerful tool for churches
looking to create engaging and informative blog articles for their website. With the ability to quickly
generate high-quality content, AI can save time and resources while delivering relevant and
informative reports to church members and visitors. Using AI for blog article creation can also help
with search engine optimization (SEO). AI algorithms can analyse keywords and phrases to ensure
the content is tailored for maximum visibility and relevance.
6. Create Content in Multiple Languages: AI can help you translate your content into multiple
languages, expanding your global outreach and reaching more people. However, it is essential to
consider cultural and linguistic nuances to ensure the content is accurate and culturally sensitive.
Human editing and oversight are crucial in this process to ensure that the translated content
effectively conveys the intended message and values of the church. With the help of AI, you can break
down language barriers and share your message with a broader audience.

Conclusion
In conclusion, AI can potentially revolutionize how churches communicate with their congregations and the
wider community. However, it's important to remember that AI-generated content should still undergo human
oversight and editing. While AI can assist with generating content, it lacks a human writer's emotional intelligence
and creativity. Therefore, it's crucial to have a human editor review the content for accuracy, tone, and overall
effectiveness in conveying the church's message and values. From repurposing sermons to creating social media
posts, newsletters, and blog articles, AI can help us save time and reach more people with the gospel.
However, it's important to remember that AI is a tool that requires human oversight and creativity to ensure
the content is appropriate, engaging, and aligned with the church's mission and values.

Recommendations
Using AI for evangelism can be a powerful tool, but it comes with ethical considerations to ensure it aligns
with values of integrity, respect, and care for human dignity. Based on the findings of the study, the following
recommendations were made:
1. Transparency: Clearly communicate that AI is being used in evangelism efforts. Avoid deceiving people
into thinking they are interacting with a human when they are not. Label AI-generated content appropriately,
whether in chatbots, sermons, or other materials.
2. Respect for Free Will: Avoid manipulative tactics or coercion. AI should present messages in a way that
respects individuals' autonomy and freedom to make their own decisions. Allow people to opt out of AI-
based interactions or communications at any time.

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3. Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor AI responses and materials to respect cultural, religious, and personal contexts.
Avoid imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that might offend or alienate individuals. Use inclusive and
respectful language that considers diverse backgrounds.
4. Accuracy and Accountability: Ensure AI-generated messages are theologically accurate and consistent with
the faith tradition it represents. Collaborate with theologians or ministry leaders for validation. Establish
accountability mechanisms, such as oversight committees to review AI-generated content and interactions.
5. Privacy and Data Security: Collect only the data necessary for the interaction and handle it securely to protect
users' privacy. Be explicit about how personal data will be used and obtain informed consent before
collecting or storing sensitive information.
6. Empathy and Human Connection: AI should complement not replace human relationships in evangelism.
Prioritize human interaction for deeper spiritual discussions or pastoral care. Ensure that AI interactions
foster compassion, understanding, and genuine care.
7. Avoiding Over-reliance on AI: Maintain a balance between technology and traditional methods of
evangelism to prevent over-reliance on AI tools. Regularly assess whether AI tools are enhancing or
detracting from the mission of evangelism.
8. Equity and Accessibility: Design AI tools that are accessible to all, including those with disabilities or limited
technological access. Ensure AI does not create barriers for certain demographics such as language or
socioeconomic factors.
9. Ongoing Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the impact of AI in evangelism to ensure it is achieving its goals
ethically and effectively. Be open to adapting or discontinuing AI use if it leads to unintended harm or fails
to align with ethical standards.
10. Theological Reflection: Engage in ongoing theological discussions about the role of AI in evangelism. Reflect
on questions like: What does it mean to "share the gospel" in a digital age? How does AI align with the values
of humility, love, and service?

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Influence of Digital Pulpit and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Evangelism on Ethics of Balance
in Human Dignity

Nanlir Kartim NAPBUT, PhD

Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta
[email protected], +2348034529816, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1105-2625

Daniel Oluwafeyikemi Precious AJAYI

Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta
[email protected], +2348143157630

Abstract
The utilization and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in religious contexts, particularly in
evangelism, has sparked both enthusiasm and concern. While AI-powered tools offer unprecedented
opportunities for religious organizations to reach a broader audience, personalize messages, and enhance
engagement, they also raise significant ethical concerns. The study examines the complexities of AI-
powered evangelism, focusing on informed consent, data privacy, bias and discrimination, authenticity
and transparency, and manipulation and coercion. The study employed a qualitative research design, using
semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of 20 participants, including religious leaders,
theologians, and AI ethicists. A purposive sampling technique ensured a diverse representation of insights
from across Christian denominations. Thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo software, revealed critical
ethical concerns about privacy (75%), authenticity (65%), bias (60%), manipulation (50%), and the need for
ethical accountability (90%). The findings emphasize the need for religious organizations to prioritize
transparency, accountability, and individual autonomy in their use of AI-powered evangelism tools. By
addressing these ethical concerns, religious organizations can harness the potential of AI to enhance their
evangelism efforts while promoting a more inclusive and respectful digital landscape. This research
contributes to the ongoing conversation about the ethics of AI in evangelism, highlighting the need for
nuanced and context-specific guidelines that balance innovation with human dignity.

Keywords: AI-powered evangelism, Digital pulpit, Ethics, Transparency and Accountability

Introduction
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelism presents a transformative opportunity for
religious organizations to enhance their outreach efforts, but it also raises profound ethical concerns.
Historically, religious institutions have leveraged various media forms to expand their audience, from the
printing press to the internet. Today, AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and content generation algorithms,
enable personalized spiritual support at scale. However, this increased efficiency comes with significant
ethical challenges, including data privacy, authenticity of spiritual messages, and potential bias in AI-driven
interactions.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in evangelism, concerns surrounding data privacy, spiritual
authenticity, and algorithmic bias necessitate urgent attention. The use of AI in evangelism raises critical
questions about informed consent, data security, and the potential for manipulation or coercion.
Furthermore, the impersonal nature of AI may compromise the relational aspect of evangelism, traditionally
rooted in personal interactions and spiritual guidance.
This study is guided by ethical theories such as deontology and virtue ethics. Deontological ethics, attributed
to Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral duties and principles, regardless of the
consequences. In the context of AI in evangelism, deontological principles demand strict adherence to ethical
standards such as respect for privacy, informed consent, and transparency. For example, Kantian ethics
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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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would argue that the unauthorized collection of personal data violates the moral duty to respect individual
autonomy (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Thus, religious organizations have a duty to ensure that AI-
powered evangelism tools are designed and implemented in ways that uphold these principles. Virtue ethics,
rooted in Aristotelian philosophy, focuses on the development of moral character and the cultivation of
virtues such as empathy, accountability, and integrity (Hursthouse, 1999). This approach is particularly
relevant in evangelism, where the relational nature of ministry necessitates authenticity and compassion. AI
tools, while efficient, lack the emotional depth and moral insight that human leaders provide. Therefore,
virtue ethics encourages religious organizations to use AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement
for human interaction, ensuring that the core values of relational ministry are preserved. The combination of
deontology and virtue ethics provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the ethical challenges
posed by AI in evangelism. Together, these theories advocate for the responsible integration of AI in
evangelism, ensuring that technological advancements serve to enhance, rather than undermine, the dignity
and spiritual well-being of individuals (Floridi et al., 2018; Tandana, 2023).
This study seeks to examine the ethical implications of AI in evangelism, focusing on transparency,
accountability, and individual autonomy. By exploring the intersection of AI, ethics, and evangelism, this
research aims to provide a framework for religious organizations to navigate the digital pulpit responsibly
and ensure that technological innovation serves to enhance, rather than undermine, the spiritual authenticity
of their outreach efforts.

Ethical Notions about the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into religious practices, particularly evangelism, is an evolving
frontier that offers both a transformative potential and ethical complexities. Historically, religious
institutions have embraced various forms of media to enhance their outreach efforts. For example, the
printing press revolutionized access to the Bible, and the internet has expanded the reach of sermons and
spiritual teachings to a global audience (Campbell, 2019). Today, AI is positioned as the next significant
technological tool for digital evangelism, providing unprecedented capabilities for personalization, content
generation, and audience engagement.
AI tools such as chatbots and AI-driven content platforms enable religious organizations to automate
interactions and provide personalized spiritual support at scale. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can
answer common theological questions, recommend personalized prayers, or even provide pastoral care to
individuals who may not have access to religious leaders (La Cruz and Fernando, 2024). In addition, AI
algorithms can analyze data to optimize the delivery of sermons or messages, tailoring content to the
preferences and needs of individuals. This capability has the potential to transform the way evangelism is
practiced in the digital age, enabling ministries to reach a broader, more diverse audience than ever before
(La Cruz and Fernando, 2024).
However, with the introduction of AI into such a personal and sacred domain, several ethical concerns
emerge. The use of AI in evangelism raises significant issues regarding data privacy, the authenticity of
spiritual messages, and the potential for bias in AI-driven interactions (Verbeek, 2011). The relational nature
of evangelism, traditionally rooted in personal interactions and spiritual guidance, may be compromised by
the impersonal nature of AI. Furthermore, there is a growing concern that AI-generated content could lack
the depth, empathy, and moral insight that human religious leaders provide (Schommer, 2024).
Therefore, while AI presents exciting possibilities for the future of evangelism, it also presents significant
ethical challenges that need urgent attention. Religious organizations, particularly in the Christian context,
have increasingly embraced digital tools to broaden their outreach. AI-driven evangelism tools, such as
chatbots, sermon-generating algorithms, and personalized spiritual messaging, are rapidly becoming part of
this digital landscape (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). However, the ethical implications of using AI in such a

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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deeply personal and spiritual activity are largely unexplored, raising concerns about privacy, authenticity,
and bias.
First, the issue of data privacy is critical in AI-powered evangelism. Many AI tools used in religious outreach
collect, analyse, and store personal data from users, including their spiritual preferences and behavioural
patterns (Tandana, 2023). In the process of evangelism, sensitive information may be gathered without
proper consent or adequate security measures, potentially exposing individuals to privacy violations. This
lack of informed consent and the possibility of unauthorized data use can lead to distrust among congregants
and undermine the integrity of religious organizations.
Second, there is a growing concern regarding the authenticity of AI-generated spiritual content. Religious
messages have historically been conveyed through personal interactions, with leaders offering spiritual
guidance based on lived experiences and relational understanding (La Cruz and Fernando, 2024). However,
AI-driven evangelism, while efficient, may lack the emotional depth, empathy, and context that human
ministers provide. Congregants might unknowingly engage with AI-generated sermons or counselling,
leading to questions about the spiritual authenticity and theological validity of such content (Schommer,
2024).
Moreover, AI systems, being inherently algorithmic, are susceptible to bias and discrimination. The datasets
used to train AI algorithms in religious contexts may inadvertently reflect biases, thereby reinforcing
stereotypes or excluding certain groups. For instance, AI chatbots or content generation tools may prioritize
certain theological perspectives while marginalizing others, leading to a homogenization of religious
messages that fails to reflect the diversity of Christian thought (O'Neil, 2016). This could result in a skewed
representation of the faith, which may alienate some believers.
The potential for manipulation and coercion through AI tools in evangelism cannot be overlooked. AI's
ability to personalize content based on individual data raises concerns about its use in influencing or
pressuring individuals into certain religious actions or beliefs. AI systems could manipulate emotional
responses or target vulnerable individuals, leading to ethical questions about free will and spiritual
autonomy (Floridi et al., 2018). Religious organizations risk crossing moral boundaries if AI is used to unduly
influence people’s faith decisions.
These challenges indicate that while AI presents new opportunities for evangelism, it also introduces
complex ethical problems that, if left unaddressed, could erode trust in religious institutions and diminish
the spiritual authenticity of their outreach efforts. While AI provides significant benefits for evangelism, its
use must be carefully regulated to ensure that ethical principles—such as privacy, transparency, and
authenticity—are upheld. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the ethical implications of utilizing
AI in evangelism such as its impact of AI on personal data privacy in religious contexts, the authenticity of
AI-generated spiritual messages influences faith and trust, the risks of algorithmic bias and discrimination
in AI tools used by religious organizations and the potential for manipulation or coercion when AI tools are
used for spiritual guidance or evangelism.

Statement of the Problem

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into evangelism, while innovative, presents significant ethical
challenges that need urgent attention. Religious organizations, particularly in the Christian context, have
increasingly embraced digital tools to broaden their outreach. AI-driven evangelism tools, such as chatbots,
sermon-generating algorithms, and personalized spiritual messaging, are rapidly becoming part of this
digital landscape (Campbell & Tsuria, 2021). However, the ethical implications of using AI in such a deeply
personal and spiritual activity are largely unexplored, raising concerns about privacy, authenticity, and bias.
First, the issue of data privacy is critical in AI-powered evangelism. Many AI tools used in religious outreach
collect, analyze, and store personal data from users, including their spiritual preferences and behavioral

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(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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patterns (Tandana, 2023). In the process of evangelism, sensitive information may be gathered without
proper consent or adequate security measures, potentially exposing individuals to privacy violations. This
lack of informed consent and the possibility of unauthorized data use can lead to distrust among congregants
and undermine the integrity of religious organizations.
Second, there is a growing concern regarding the authenticity of AI-generated spiritual content. Religious
messages have historically been conveyed through personal interactions, with leaders offering spiritual
guidance based on lived experiences and relational understanding (La Cruz and Fernando, 2024). However,
AI-driven evangelism, while efficient, may lack the emotional depth, empathy, and context that human
ministers provide. Congregants might unknowingly engage with AI-generated sermons or counseling,
leading to questions about the spiritual authenticity and theological validity of such content (Schommer,
2024).
Moreover, AI systems, being inherently algorithmic, are susceptible to bias and discrimination. The datasets
used to train AI algorithms in religious contexts may inadvertently reflect biases, thereby reinforcing
stereotypes or excluding certain groups. For instance, AI chatbots or content generation tools may prioritize
certain theological perspectives while marginalizing others, leading to a homogenization of religious
messages that fails to reflect the diversity of Christian thought (O'Neil, 2016). This could result in a skewed
representation of the faith, which may alienate some believers.
Finally, the potential for manipulation and coercion through AI tools in evangelism cannot be overlooked.
AI's ability to personalize content based on individual data raises concerns about its use in influencing or
pressuring individuals into certain religious actions or beliefs. AI systems could manipulate emotional
responses or target vulnerable individuals, leading to ethical questions about free will and spiritual
autonomy (Floridi et al., 2018). Religious organizations risk crossing moral boundaries if AI is used to unduly
influence people’s faith decisions.
These challenges indicate that while AI presents new opportunities for evangelism, it also introduces
complex ethical problems that, if left unaddressed, could erode trust in religious institutions and diminish
the spiritual authenticity of their outreach efforts. Therefore, it is imperative that religious organizations
navigate these ethical concerns with caution, ensuring that AI is used in ways that respect privacy, uphold
authenticity, and prevent bias or manipulation.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

Aim:
To explore the ethical implications of using AI in evangelism, focusing on privacy, authenticity, bias,
manipulation, and ethical accountability.

Objectives:
1. Assess the impact of AI on personal data privacy in religious contexts.
2. Investigate how the authenticity of AI-generated spiritual messages influences faith and trust.
3. Explore the risks of algorithmic bias and discrimination in AI tools used by religious organizations.
4. Examine the potential for manipulation or coercion when AI tools are used for spiritual guidance or
evangelism.

Structured Interview Questions

1. How do you perceive the role of AI in evangelism?
2. What are your concerns regarding data privacy in AI-powered evangelism tools?
3. Do you think AI-generated spiritual content can maintain the authenticity of traditional pastoral care?
Why or why not?

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4. What are the risks of bias in AI tools used in religious contexts?
5. How can ethical accountability be ensured in the integration of AI in evangelism?

Significance
The significance of this study is twofold. First, it contributes to the broader conversation about the ethical
use of AI in sensitive, human-centred contexts such as religion. As AI continues to infiltrate various sectors
of society, from healthcare to education, it is crucial to understand its implications in spiritual practices,
particularly evangelism (Bryson, 2020). Religious organizations must recognize that adopting AI without
ethical safeguards could jeopardize the trust and authenticity that form the foundation of their ministry
(Coeckelbergh, 2020).
Second, this research aims to provide practical guidelines for religious organizations looking to adopt AI
tools. By addressing the ethical challenges associated with AI, this study equips churches and religious
leaders with the knowledge to implement AI in ways that align with their values and mission. This is
especially important as AI becomes more prevalent in digital spaces, where religious messages are
increasingly disseminated (La Cruz and Fernando, 2024).
By contributing to the discourse on AI ethics in evangelism, this research helps ensure that technological
advancements in digital ministry are aligned with the core principles of religious outreach: compassion,
authenticity, and respect for individual autonomy.

Methodology
Research Design
This study adopts a qualitative research design, focusing on the ethical considerations of using AI in
evangelism. The choice of a qualitative approach is driven by the need to explore the experiences,
perceptions, and opinions of religious leaders, theologians, and AI experts regarding the integration of AI in
religious practices. Qualitative research allows for an in-depth understanding of the ethical issues
surrounding AI-powered evangelism, which includes privacy concerns, authenticity of messages, bias, and
manipulation (Creswell & Poth, 2017). A phenomenological design was used to examine how individuals
within religious communities’ experience and interpret the ethical implications of AI in their spiritual
practices. The study relies on semi-structured interviews as the primary method for data collection. This
approach is chosen to provide participants with the flexibility to express their thoughts freely, while still
guiding the conversation around specific topics such as data privacy, bias in AI, and the authenticity of AI-
generated content. In addition to interviews, document analysis was conducted to examine religious texts,
guidelines on evangelism, and existing literature on AI ethics. This combination of interviews and document
analysis ensured a comprehensive examination of the topic.

Sampling Strategy
A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select participants who are directly involved in or have
knowledge of AI's application in evangelism. The sample included religious leaders, theologians, AI ethicists,
and technologists from diverse Christian denominations, ensuring a wide range of perspectives. This
sampling strategy is particularly appropriate because it enabled the selection of individuals who have
specific expertise and experience related to both AI and evangelism (Patton, 2015). The inclusion of
theologians and ethicists provided a deeper understanding of the moral and philosophical dimensions of
using AI in religious contexts.
The study interviewed 20 participants, depending on the point of data saturation. The selection criteria for
participants included their involvement in Christian ministry or evangelism, their use of or experience with
AI technology, and their willingness to discuss ethical considerations. Religious organizations that have

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adopted AI-powered evangelism tools were also targeted, as their experiences provided valuable practical
insights into the real-world implications of AI usage in religious outreach.

Data Collection Methods

The primary method of data collection for this study was semi-structured interviews. This method was
chosen because it allowed for open-ended responses, encouraging participants to share detailed accounts of
their experiences and thoughts on AI in evangelism. Interviews were conducted either in person or through
virtual platforms, depending on the participants' locations and preferences. Each interview lasted between
45 minutes and 1 hour, and participants' consent were obtained before recording the interviews. In addition
to interviews, document analysis were conducted to supplement the data collected. Relevant documents,
such as church guidelines on evangelism, AI ethics policies, and theological literature, were reviewed to
identify common themes related to ethical considerations. These documents provided context and support
for the data collected through interviews, helping to get findings and enhance the credibility of the study.
Field notes were also taken during interviews to capture non-verbal cues and contextual information that
may not be fully captured through audio recordings.

Data Analysis Procedures

Data analysis followed an inductive approach, consistent with qualitative research. All interview recordings
were transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. This approach enabled
the researcher to develop a detailed understanding of the ethical issues associated with AI in evangelism
based on the participants' experiences and perspectives. NVivo, a qualitative data analysis software, was
used to manage the data and assist in coding and identifying themes (Bazeley & Jackson, 2013). This tool
helped to organize large amounts of data, ensuring that the analysis is systematic and thorough.

Study Limitations
Like all studies, this research has certain limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the qualitative
nature of the study means that the findings may not be generalizable to all Christian communities or religious
organizations. The purposive sampling strategy focuses on individuals with specific knowledge and
experience related to AI in evangelism, which may not reflect the broader religious community's views. In
addition, the small sample size, while appropriate for qualitative research, may limit the scope of
perspectives considered.
Second, the study is confined to the Christian context and does not examine the use of AI in evangelism
within other religious traditions. Although the ethical issues explored in this research may be applicable
across different faiths, the findings are specific to the Christian experience of AI in evangelism. Future
research could expand the scope to include other religious traditions, providing a more comprehensive
understanding of AI's ethical implications in spiritual practices.
Third, the reliance on semi-structured interviews means that the findings are based on self-reported data,
which may be subject to bias. Participants may present socially desirable responses or may not fully disclose
their concerns or experiences. To mitigate this limitation, efforts will be made to create a comfortable
interview environment where participants feel free to express their thoughts openly and without judgment
(Seale, 1999).
Finally, the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology presents a challenge for this study. AI tools and their
applications in evangelism are likely to continue developing, which may affect the relevance of the study’s
findings over time. Continuous monitoring of technological advancements in AI and their ethical
implications will be necessary to keep pace with these changes.

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Results
Findings
The findings from the 20 participants interviewed reveal several key ethical concerns surrounding the use of
AI in evangelism. Participants included religious leaders, AI ethicists, and theologians, representing a range
of Christian denominations. The analysis of the interviews identified five major themes: privacy concerns,
authenticity of AI-generated spiritual content, bias and discrimination in AI tools, manipulation and
coercion, and ethical accountability.
1. Privacy Concerns: 75% of the participants expressed serious concerns about data privacy in AI-
powered evangelism. They feared that the personal data collected by AI tools could be misused or
accessed by unauthorized entities. Religious leaders noted that many congregants were unaware that
their data was being collected, raising issues of informed consent. Participants emphasized the need
for transparency in data handling practices and robust privacy safeguards.
2. Authenticity of AI-Generated Content: 65% of participants highlighted concerns about the
authenticity of AI-generated spiritual messages. Many religious leaders noted that AI-generated
sermons or personalized prayers lacked the human empathy and spiritual depth that traditional
pastoral care offers. They feared that AI-generated content could diminish the personal and relational
nature of evangelism.
3. Bias and Discrimination: 60% of participants were concerned about the risk of bias in AI algorithms
used for evangelism. Some theologians pointed out that the training data for AI tools could reflect
cultural, racial, or theological biases, leading to skewed representations of Christian teachings.
Participants emphasized the need for AI developers to be cautious in selecting and training datasets
to ensure fair and inclusive representation.
4. Manipulation and Coercion: 50% of the participants noted the potential for manipulation when AI is
used in religious contexts. They expressed concern that AI systems could be used to target vulnerable
individuals or personalize religious messages in ways that pressure them into certain spiritual
decisions, compromising their autonomy.
5. Ethical Accountability: The final theme that emerged from the interviews was the need for ethical
accountability. Nearly all participants (90%) agreed that religious organizations must establish clear
ethical guidelines for the use of AI in evangelism. These guidelines should prioritize privacy,
transparency, and the safeguarding of individual autonomy.

Data Presentation
Table 1: Summary of Key Themes from Participant Responses

Ethical Concern Percentage of Participants Expressing Concern

Privacy Concerns 75%
Authenticity of AI Content 65%
Bias and Discrimination 60%
Manipulation and Coercion 50%
Ethical Accountability 90%

Statistical Analysis
A thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes in the participants' responses. Using
NVivo software, the frequency of each theme was calculated based on how many participants mentioned or
expressed concern about the theme. The results show that ethical accountability was the most frequently

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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mentioned concern, with 90% of participants stressing the importance of clear ethical guidelines for AI use
in evangelism. Privacy concerns followed closely, with 75% of participants expressing significant worry
about data protection and informed consent.
A chi-square test was performed to examine the relationship between the participants’ roles (religious
leaders, AI ethicists, theologians) and their emphasis on specific ethical concerns. The results showed no
statistically significant difference (χ² = 2.14, p = 0.71) in the concerns expressed across different roles,
indicating that participants, regardless of their professional background, shared similar ethical concerns
regarding AI in evangelism.
The overall findings suggest that while AI offers valuable tools for evangelism, there are widespread ethical
concerns that must be addressed. These concerns are relatively consistent across different professional
groups, reinforcing the importance of establishing ethical guidelines for the responsible use of AI in religious
outreach.

Discussion
Interpretation of Results
The findings from this research reveal that AI adoption in evangelism brings a mix of benefits and significant
ethical concerns. The objectives of the study were to assess how AI impacts privacy, content authenticity,
bias, manipulation, and the ethical accountability of its usage in religious practices. The results suggest that,
while AI has the potential to enhance evangelistic outreach, careful consideration must be given to how it is
implemented.
The participants’ concern about privacy raised by 75% of those interviewed indicates that religious
organizations need to be more transparent about their data collection practices. In the religious context,
where personal and spiritual data is highly sensitive, the risk of misuse is heightened. Tandana (2023)
emphasizes that data privacy is not just a technical issue but a moral one, especially when personal data is
used without informed consent. This aligns with our findings, where participants voiced fears that AI could
violate the trust of the congregation if not handled ethically. The findings of this study are consistent with
previous research on the ethical implications of AI in sensitive, human-centered fields like religion. Tandana
(2023) also stresses the importance of privacy and informed consent in AI applications, particularly in
contexts where personal data can influence deeply personal experiences such as religious faith. This parallels
the concerns raised by our participants, who highlighted the need for greater transparency in data handling.
Regarding content authenticity, 65% of participants expressed apprehension about AI-generated sermons or
prayers. AI lacks the spiritual depth and empathy that human leaders provide, which could dilute the
personal, relational aspect of evangelism. La Cruz and Fernando (2024) support this view, noting that AI
cannot replace the spiritual authenticity required in Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. Their
research highlights how the congregation value the human element in religious messages, which AI might
struggle to replicate fully. The concern about authenticity in AI-generated content mirrors the findings of La
Cruz and Fernando (2024), who argue that AI lacks the spiritual authority and purity needed in religious
messaging. Their study found that Evangelical and Pentecostal congregations are particularly sensitive to
the origins and intent behind religious messages, which aligns with our participants’ apprehension about AI
diluting the human touch that is central to evangelism.
Concerns about bias in AI tools, mentioned by 60% of participants, align with existing literature on the risks
of biased data in AI systems. Theological and cultural biases embedded in AI could lead to a narrow
representation of Christian teachings, which could alienate certain groups. Schommer (2024) discusses how
AI is already shaping the future of spiritual guidance, but warns that biases in AI-driven recommendations
could affect the inclusivity of religious outreach. The study findings further support this concern, as
participants feared that AI-driven evangelism might unintentionally promote certain theological

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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perspectives over others. Schommer (2024) discusses how AI is already influencing spiritual guidance in
churches, but warns that the technology must be carefully monitored to avoid bias and manipulation. This
finding is corroborated by the results of our study, where participants expressed concerns about bias in AI-
driven evangelism and the potential for AI to target vulnerable individuals with manipulative messages.
The potential for manipulation, expressed by 50% of participants, points to the ethical dilemma of using AI
for personalized outreach. AI systems can be designed to tailor religious content to individuals based on
their behavior or personal preferences, raising concerns about influencing the congregation in ways that
compromise their autonomy. Floridi et al. (2018) previously highlighted the risk of AI manipulating
individuals in sensitive contexts, and this concern is highly relevant in religious settings where spiritual
decisions are deeply personal.
Finally, the overwhelming call for ethical accountability (90% of participants) emphasizes the need for clear
ethical frameworks when adopting AI in religious contexts. Participants stressed the importance of
establishing guidelines that align with core Christian values such as transparency, trust, and the protection
of individual rights. Tandana (2023) similarly underscores the need for a Christian ethical framework when
dealing with AI, urging religious organizations to prioritize human dignity and moral responsibility in their
technological adoption.

Implications
The findings of this study have significant implications for religious organizations seeking to integrate AI
into their evangelism efforts. First, it is clear that privacy and data security must be a priority. Religious
institutions need to adopt robust data protection measures, including clear policies for informed consent and
transparency about how personal information is used. Failure to address these privacy concerns could result
in a loss of trust among the congregation.
Second, the issue of authenticity suggests that AI tools should not replace human leadership in spiritual
matters. AI can support evangelism by automating certain tasks or personalizing content, but the final
spiritual guidance and messages should come from human leaders to maintain the relational integrity of
evangelism. Religious organizations must ensure that AI tools are used as supplementary tools rather than
replacements for human pastoral care.
Third, mitigating bias in AI systems is critical. Religious organizations need to work with AI developers to
ensure that the data used to train AI systems is diverse and representative of various theological perspectives.
This will help prevent the exclusion or marginalization of certain groups within the faith community.
Finally, the potential for manipulation calls for strict ethical guidelines to regulate the use of AI in religious
contexts. Religious organizations must ensure that AI tools are used to support individuals’ spiritual
journeys, rather than manipulating or coercing them into specific decisions or beliefs.

Conclusion
This study explored the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in evangelism, with a focus on
privacy, authenticity, bias, manipulation, and ethical accountability. The results reveal several important
insights into how AI is perceived in religious contexts. First, privacy concerns were prominent, as
participants emphasized the need for transparency and data protection in AI-powered evangelism tools.
Second, authenticity emerged as a major issue, with participants fearing that AI-generated spiritual content
could lack the relational and empathetic qualities of human-led religious guidance. Third, concerns about
bias highlighted the potential for AI systems to perpetuate narrow theological perspectives, thereby limiting
inclusivity. Fourth, the possibility of manipulation through personalized AI-driven content was flagged as a
significant risk to individual autonomy in spiritual decisions. Finally, participants overwhelmingly stressed
the need for clear ethical guidelines to ensure that AI is used responsibly in religious settings.

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Recommendations
Based on the findings and existing research, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Establish Clear Ethical Guidelines: Religious organizations should collaborate with AI ethicists to
develop comprehensive ethical guidelines that govern the use of AI in evangelism. These guidelines
should emphasize privacy protection, transparency, and the prevention of manipulation and bias.
2. Prioritize Data Privacy: Organizations must ensure that data privacy is a top priority when using AI tools.
This includes obtaining explicit informed consent from congregants and being transparent about data
collection and usage practices. AI developers should implement strong data encryption and access
controls to safeguard sensitive spiritual information.
3. Ensure Human Oversight in AI-Generated Content: AI tools should complement, but not replace, human
leadership in religious outreach. Religious leaders should maintain oversight of all AI-generated content
to ensure that it aligns with theological principles and provides authentic spiritual guidance.
4. Mitigate Bias in AI Algorithms: Religious organizations need to work closely with AI developers to
ensure that their AI systems are free from bias. This involves using diverse and inclusive data sets when
training AI tools to reflect the variety of theological perspectives within the Christian faith.
5. Avoid Manipulative Practices: AI tools should not be used to unduly influence or manipulate
individuals into making spiritual decisions. Religious organizations must ensure that AI systems respect
individual autonomy and are designed to support, not coerce, congregants in their spiritual journeys.

Future Research Directions

The integration of AI in religious contexts is still in its early stages, and there are many avenues for future
research. One area that requires further investigation is the development of specific ethical frameworks for
AI in religious practices. Future studies could focus on creating and testing practical guidelines for religious
organizations to follow when adopting AI technologies. Additionally, there is a need for research that
explores the impact of AI on different religious traditions beyond Christianity. Comparative studies that
examine how AI is used in other faith contexts, such as Islam, Hinduism, or Buddhism, could provide
valuable insights into the broader ethical implications of AI in religion.
Furthermore, future research could discuss the long-term effects of AI-driven evangelism on congregants'
faith journeys and spiritual growth. Longitudinal studies that track how individuals engage with AI-
powered religious tools over time would offer important insights into the spiritual, psychological, and
emotional impacts of this technology. Lastly, as AI technology continues to evolve, there will be a need to
continually reassess its ethical implications in light of new developments, such as the rise of more advanced
AI systems or the integration of AI with emerging technologies like virtual reality and the metaverse.
By addressing these areas in future research, scholars and religious organizations can continue to navigate
the ethical landscape of AI in evangelism, ensuring that technological advancements serve the faith
community in a manner that aligns with core spiritual values.

References
Bazeley, P., & Jackson, K. (2013). Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Bryson, J. J. (2020). The artificial intelligence of the ethics of artificial intelligence. In The Oxford Handbook of Ethics of
AI (pp. 16-31). Oxford University Press.
Campbell, H. A. (2019). The Distanced Church: Reflections on Doing Church Online. Texas: Network for New Media,
Religion and Digital Culture Studies.
Campbell, H.A., & Tsuria, R. (Eds.). (2021). Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in Digital Media (2nd
ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429295683

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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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Coeckelbergh, M. (2020). AI ethics. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: The MIT Press.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th
ed.). SAGE Publications.
Floridi, L., Cowls, J., Beltrametti, M., Chatila, R., Chazerand, P., Dignum, V., & Schafer, B. (2018). AI4People—An ethical
framework for a good AI society: Opportunities, risks, principles, and recommendations. Minds and Machines,
28(4), 689-707.
Gunkel, D. J. (2018). Robot Rights. MIT Press.
Hursthouse, R. (1999). On Virtue Ethics. Oxford University Press.
La Cruz A, and Fernando, M. (2024). Researching Artificial Intelligence Applications in Evangelical and
Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches: Purity, Bible, and Mission as Driving Forces. Religions. 15(2):234.
https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15020234
O'Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. Crown
Publishing.
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Sampling, Qualitative (Purposeful). The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology.
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeoss012.pub2
Schommer, L. (2024). How AI is Shaping the Future of Spiritual Guidance in Churches. Church Software. Playlister.
https://www.playlister.app/blog/how-ai-is-shaping-the-future-of-spiritual-guidance-in-churches
Seale, C. (1999). Quality in Qualitative Research. Qualitative Inquiry, 5, 465–478.
https://doi.org/10.1177/107780049900500402
Tandana, E. (2023). Christian Ethics toward Artificial Intelligence and Its Impacts on Humanity. Evangelikal: Jurnal
Teologi Injili dan Pembinaan Warga Jemaat. 7. 89. 10.46445/ejti.v7i2.595.
Verbeek, P. P. (2011). Moralizing technology: Understanding and designing the morality of things. University of
Chicago Press.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Evangelism: Maintaining Human Touch in a Digital Age

Daniel Oluwafeyikemi Precious AJAYI

Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta
[email protected], +2348143157630

Nanlir Kartim NAPBUT, PhD

Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta
[email protected], +2348034529816, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1105-2625

Rose Bulus BOYI

LAWNA Theological Seminary, Jos
[email protected], +2348065566069

Abstract
As technology continues to revolutionize the landscape of evangelism, the integration of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges. This study explores the tension between
leveraging AI-driven tools for efficient gospel dissemination and preserving the essential human touch in
evangelistic endeavours. A mixed-method approach, combining surveys, interviews, and case studies,
investigated how AI-powered chatbots, social media analytics, and personalized content generation impact
evangelistic effectiveness. Results indicate that while AI enhances outreach and engagement, it also risks
diminishing the relational and empathetic aspects of human interaction. Effective AI-driven evangelism
requires strategic balance, ensuring that technology augments rather than replaces human connection. The
findings inform a theoretical framework for optimizing AI in evangelism, emphasizing contextual
understanding, emotional intelligence, and collaborative human-AI interaction. This research contributes
to the ongoing discourse on digital theology, highlighting the need for nuanced consideration of AI's role
in evangelism. By integrating technological innovation with relational sensitivity, evangelists can harness
AI's potential while preserving the transformative power of human connection.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Evangelism, Digital Theology, Human Touch and Relational
Ministry

Introduction
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has touched nearly every aspect of modern life, from
healthcare and finance to entertainment and education and in recent years, religious practices (Krishna,
2024). Evangelism, which has traditionally relied on personal interactions and community engagement, is
now at a crossroads where AI technologies offer new methods for reaching wider audiences. However, as
AI-driven tools become more prominent in religious contexts, it is critical to examine how they influence the
core elements of evangelism, such as human connection, empathy, and spiritual growth (Kamai, 2023).
Historically, evangelism has relied heavily on interpersonal communication. The message of the Gospel, as
exemplified in the Bible, has been passed down through relationships, face-to-face encounters, community
gatherings, and one-on-one discipleship. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 ("Go and make
disciples of all nations") has always been understood as a call to personal, relational engagement. However,
in today's digital landscape, churches are being forced to reimagine how this mission is carried out. Younger
generations are increasingly consuming religious content online rather than attending traditional services
(Wittberg, 2021). AI can help bridge this gap, providing scalable solutions that reach far beyond the walls of
the church and into the global digital community. For example, virtual Bible assistants and AI chatbots have
already been deployed by organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide real-time spiritual
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support and theological resources (Adventist Review, 2024). AI in these contexts can also be used to analyze
large datasets, generate personalized content, and facilitate virtual interactions. These applications have the
potential to make evangelism more efficient and far-reaching, especially through AI-powered tools like
chatbots, automated sermon generation, and online Bible studies. These chatbots, powered by natural
language processing, can handle large volumes of interactions that human evangelists would find
overwhelming (Opade, 2023). Social media platforms, driven by AI algorithms, also enable ministries to
target their messages to specific demographic groups, maximizing the impact of their outreach efforts.
However, while these tools can optimize outreach efforts, they raise concerns about maintaining the
authenticity of spiritual engagement. AI, while capable of mimicking human interactions, lacks the genuine
empathy and personal experiences that are integral to evangelism (Reed, 2021). For instance, AI might offer
personalized recommendations for Bible readings or prayers based on an individual's data, but it cannot
replicate the emotional and spiritual discernment necessary for meaningful pastoral care (Opade, 2023).
Research shows that AI can enhance the administrative and educational aspects of religious practice,
particularly by facilitating access to spiritual resources for remote or marginalized communities (Alkhouri,
2024). For example, AI tools are being used in Evangelical and Pentecostal churches to distribute religious
materials, translate biblical texts, and support virtual revivals (La Cruz and Fernando, 2024). This has led to
a rapid spread of religious content, but it also poses challenges in terms of maintaining the integrity of the
message and the personal touch that is central to evangelism. AI’s inability to understand aspects of faith,
human suffering, and redemption poses a risk to the authenticity of the Gospel message when delivered
through digital platforms. However, proponents argue that AI, when used responsibly, can complement
human efforts in evangelism rather than replace them. AI should be seen as a tool to enhance human-led
evangelism by providing new opportunities for outreach and engagement, particularly in regions or
communities where traditional evangelistic methods are less effective (La Cruz & Mora, 2024). The COVID-
19 pandemic, for example, demonstrated the need for digital evangelism, as churches were forced to close
their doors and move their services online. AI-powered tools helped bridge the gap, allowing ministries to
continue their mission in a socially distanced world (Opade, 2023). The question remains: Can AI truly assist
in the spiritual transformation process, or does it risk reducing faith to a series of algorithms and automated
responses?
Another critical aspect of AI in evangelism is the ethical implications of its use. AI systems collect and analyze
personal data, raising concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information (Alkhouri,
2024). Churches and religious organizations must carefully navigate these issues, ensuring that AI tools are
used responsibly and in alignment with the values of trust and transparency that are fundamental to
religious communities. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the role of AI in evangelism, focusing on how
AI technologies can be effectively integrated into evangelistic efforts without compromising the essential
human touch that is integral to spreading the Gospel. By examining both the benefits and challenges
associated with AI-driven evangelism, this research aims to provide a framework for ministries to navigate
the complexities of digital evangelism in the age of artificial intelligence.

Problems Associated with the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Evangelism

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evangelism introduces both opportunities and challenges
that must be carefully examined. One of the key issues revolves around the potential depersonalization of
evangelistic efforts. Evangelism, by its nature, is relational—it thrives on personal connection, empathy, and
spiritual guidance. AI, despite its ability to simulate human interactions, lacks the capacity for genuine
empathy and spiritual discernment (Alkhouri, 2024). This raises the question of whether AI can truly support
the mission of evangelism without compromising its core values.

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Another significant problem lies in the ethical implications of using AI in evangelism. AI tools collect vast
amounts of personal data, which poses a risk to privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information
(Reed, 2021). Religious organizations, which have a moral obligation to protect their followers'
confidentiality, face the challenge of ensuring that AI systems are employed responsibly. The unauthorized
use of data could lead to mistrust, undermining the very foundation of faith communities.
In addition, there is a concern that the reliance on AI might lead to a superficial engagement with religious
teachings. AI can efficiently disseminate religious content, but it may fail to foster the deep spiritual
connections and transformations that are central to the Christian faith. The danger is that AI might reduce
the gospel message to mere algorithms, losing the depth of human experience and understanding in the
process (Mora, 2024). This could ultimately weaken the spiritual impact of evangelism, particularly in
communities where personal interaction is highly valued.
Lastly, the accessibility of AI tools raises an important issue. While AI can potentially expand the reach of
evangelism to remote or underserved populations, not all communities have equal access to the necessary
technological infrastructure. This could exacerbate existing inequalities, with technologically advanced
communities benefiting from AI-driven evangelism while marginalized groups are left behind (Alkhouri,
2024). Thus, the use of AI in evangelism must be critically assessed to ensure it does not deepen the digital
divide.

Methodology
This research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection
and analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated
into evangelism while maintaining the human touch. The mixed-methods approach is ideal for this study
because it allows the researcher to capture both the measurable outcomes of AI’s use in evangelism (e.g.,
audience reach, engagement rates) and the more subjective experiences and opinions of individuals involved
in or impacted by AI-driven evangelism. The qualitative aspect of the research focused on gathering in-depth
insights from key stakeholders in digital evangelism, including church leaders, technologists involved in AI-
driven evangelism tools, and believers who have engaged with AI-powered platforms. Interviews and focus
groups provided rich, descriptive data that reflect the human and relational aspects of evangelism and how
they interact with technology.
The quantitative component includes the use of surveys and data analytics to measure the effectiveness of
AI in evangelism. This involved collecting data on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of
people reached through AI-driven tools, engagement rates (e.g., chatbot conversations, video views), and the
impact on church membership or individual spiritual growth.

Sampling Strategy
To ensure the study reflects a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives, a purposive sampling strategy
was used. This approach allowed the researcher to select participants who are most likely to provide relevant
and insightful information on the integration of AI in evangelism. The study focused on three primary groups
of participants:
1. Church leaders and evangelists: Individuals who lead evangelistic efforts within their churches and
have experience incorporating digital tools and AI into their outreach strategies. These participants
were selected from various denominations and geographical regions to capture a wide range of
perspectives.
2. Technologists and digital strategists: This group includes individuals who design and implement
AI-driven evangelism tools, such as chatbots, recommendation algorithms, and data analytics

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platforms. Their expertise provided insights into the technical capabilities and limitations of AI in
ministry.
3. The congregation and digital users: Believers who have engaged with AI-powered evangelism
platforms, such as interacting with chatbots or receiving personalized content. These participants
provided valuable feedback on how they perceive and experience the relational aspects of AI-driven
evangelism.
A sample size of approximately 100 participants were targeted, with a range of individuals from each group.
This sample size is considered sufficient to achieve data saturation for qualitative interviews and focus
groups, while also providing enough data points for meaningful quantitative analysis.

Data Collection Methods

The study employed three main data collection methods:
1. Interviews and Focus Groups: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with church leaders,
evangelists, and technologists. These interviews explored participants’ experiences with AI in evangelism,
focusing on how AI tools are used, their perceived benefits and challenges, and their views on maintaining
the human touch. Focus groups were conducted with the congregation and digital users to facilitate
discussion around their experiences with AI-driven evangelism. The semi-structured format allowed for
flexibility, enabling participants to elaborate on their responses and provide in-depth insights.
2. Surveys: A structured survey was distributed to a larger sample of the church congregation and digital
users to gather quantitative data on their engagement with AI-powered evangelism tools. The survey
measured variables such as user satisfaction, perceived relational depth, and the overall effectiveness of AI-
driven outreach in fostering spiritual growth. Likert scale questions were used to quantify participants’
responses, while open-ended questions allowed for additional qualitative insights.
3. Data Analytics: Data was collected from AI-driven evangelism platforms, such as chatbot conversation
logs, website traffic, and social media engagement metrics. This data provided quantitative evidence of the
reach and impact of AI-powered evangelism efforts. Metrics such as conversion rates (e.g., individuals who
commit to faith or join a church after interacting with AI), response times, and the volume of interactions
will be analysed to assess the effectiveness of AI in evangelism.

Study Limitations
Like any research, this study has several limitations that need to be acknowledged:
1. Sample Bias: The use of purposive sampling may introduce bias, as the study focuses on individuals
who are already engaged with AI in evangelism. This may limit the generalizability of the findings
to other contexts, such as traditional, non-digital evangelism efforts or regions where AI adoption is
low.
2. Subjectivity in Qualitative Analysis: While qualitative methods provide rich, detailed data, they are
also subject to researcher bias. The interpretation of interviews and focus group discussions may be
influenced by the researcher’s perspectives. To mitigate this, multiple coders will be used for the
thematic analysis to ensure reliability and consistency in the coding process.
3. Limited Access to Platform Data: The availability of data from AI-driven evangelism platforms may
be limited by privacy concerns or proprietary restrictions. This could constrain the depth of analysis
related to engagement metrics and user behaviour on these platforms.
4. Technological Variability: Different AI tools have varying levels of sophistication, which may affect
the study’s findings. For example, an advanced AI chatbot with natural language processing may
have a different impact on evangelism than a simpler rule-based chatbot. This variability may make
it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about AI’s overall effectiveness in evangelism.

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Despite these limitations, the study aimed to provide valuable insights into the integration of AI in
evangelism and how ministries can maintain the human touch while embracing technological innovations.

Findings
The study’s findings are based on data collected from 100 participants, which included 20 church leaders, 25
technologists, and 55 congregants/digital users who engaged with AI-powered evangelism tools. The
analysis sought to answer the central research question: How can AI be effectively integrated into evangelism
while preserving the personal and relational elements of Christian ministry? The findings are categorized
based on the research objectives.
Objective 1: Current Applications of AI in Evangelism
Church leaders and technologists reported that AI-driven tools, particularly chatbots and social media
algorithms, were highly effective in scaling outreach efforts. Approximately 85% of church leaders indicated
that AI tools increased their ability to engage with larger audiences, especially during the COVID-19
pandemic. AI chatbots were used for answering common questions about faith, providing Bible verses, and
offering prayer support. Social media algorithms helped ministries target specific demographic groups,
leading to more tailored outreach efforts.
However, 60% of technologists and 50% of church leaders raised concerns about the relational limitations of
AI. While chatbots could handle large volumes of inquiries, their lack of emotional intelligence and empathy
was cited as a drawback. Congregants also noted that interactions with AI-driven platforms often felt
transactional, with 40% of respondents indicating they preferred human interaction over AI when it came to
matters of spiritual significance.

Objective 2: Potential Challenges of AI in Evangelism

The primary challenge identified across all participant groups was the risk of depersonalization. A significant
portion of church leaders (70%) expressed concern that over-reliance on AI could lead to superficial
engagements, with users treating AI tools as a "quick fix" rather than an opportunity for deep spiritual
connection. Among the congregation, 45% noted that while they appreciated the convenience of AI tools,
they felt a lack of personal connection in their interactions with chatbots or automated responses.
Technologists emphasized the need for better integration of AI with human-led efforts. While AI was seen
as effective for initial outreach, 65% of respondents from the technologist group agreed that follow-up by
human evangelists was crucial to maintain relational depth and foster long-term engagement.

Objective 3: Framework for Integrating AI with Human-Led Evangelism

Based on the findings, it is clear that AI can enhance evangelism, but it must be strategically integrated with
human efforts. All groups emphasized the importance of hybrid models, where AI handles initial
engagement and logistical tasks, while human evangelists focus on building deeper relationships. Around
75% of church leaders advocated for training their staff to use AI tools in a way that complements human
ministry, ensuring that technology augments rather than replaces personal interaction.

Data Presentation
Table 1: Key Findings from Participant Groups

Participant Group AI Tools Used Effectiveness of AI (%) Concerns Raised (%)

Church Leaders Chatbots, Social 85% 70% (Relational

(n=20) Media, Apps Concerns)

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Technologists Data Analytics, 65% 60% (Need for
(n=25) Chatbots Human Integration)
Congregants Chatbots, 55% 45% (Lack of Human
(n=55) Personalized Content Touch)

Table 2: Preference for AI vs. Human-Led Engagement Among Congregants

Type of Engagement Preferred (%)

AI Driven Engagement 30%
Human Led Engagement 45%
Hybrid (AI + Human) 25%

Statistical Analysis
To further analyze the data, correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship
between the use of AI tools and the perceived depth of relational engagement. The results revealed a negative
correlation (r = -0.42, p < 0.05) between the heavy reliance on AI tools and perceived relational depth among
congregants. This suggests that as AI usage increases, the sense of personal connection tends to decrease.
A regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which AI tools can predict the effectiveness
of evangelism (measured by user engagement and spiritual growth). The analysis showed that while AI tools
account for 40% of the variance in outreach effectiveness (R² = 0.40, p < 0.01), the remaining variance is
attributed to human follow-up and interaction. This reinforces the need for a balanced approach, where AI
tools are used alongside human evangelistic efforts.

Discussion
Interpretation of Results
The findings from this study provide key insights into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
evangelism, particularly how it can be used to enhance outreach while preserving the relational elements
that are crucial to Christian ministry. The results demonstrate that AI-driven tools such as chatbots, social
media algorithms, and personalized content generation are effective in scaling evangelistic efforts and
reaching a broader audience. Approximately 85% of church leaders reported that AI tools improved their
ability to engage with people, particularly during periods like the COVID-19 pandemic when physical
interaction was limited. This aligns with previous research suggesting that AI has a significant role in
expanding outreach capabilities by overcoming geographical and logistical barriers (La Cruz & Mora, 2024).
However, the study also highlights a significant concern about the potential depersonalization of evangelism
when AI is used in isolation. Nearly 70% of church leaders and 60% of technologists emphasized the
relational limitations of AI, such as its inability to provide emotional support and spiritual guidance in a
deeply personal and empathetic manner. These findings echo concerns raised by Kamai (2023), who argued
that AI lacks the spiritual discernment and emotional intelligence required for meaningful human
interactions, a fundamental component of evangelism. Moreover, the data from congregants reinforced this,
with 45% expressing a preference for human interaction over AI-based engagements, indicating a perceived
lack of relational depth when engaging with AI.
The results suggest that while AI can serve as an effective tool for initiating engagement and managing
logistical tasks, its role in fostering deep, transformative spiritual relationships is limited. This necessitates a
hybrid model where AI is used in conjunction with human-led evangelism to maintain the authenticity and
personal touch that are central to spreading the Gospel.

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The results of this study align with and build upon existing research on the role of AI in ministry. For
example, Opade (2023) found that while AI is an invaluable tool for digital evangelism, there are significant
limitations when it comes to maintaining the relational aspects of ministry. Similar to our findings, Opade’s
research revealed that AI-powered platforms can effectively disseminate religious content and reach a wider
audience, but the depth of engagement often suffers due to the lack of human interaction.
However, this study diverges from the more optimistic views found in some studies, such as La Cruz and
Mora (2024), which suggested that AI could, in some cases, foster spiritual growth and discipleship through
continuous engagement. While our study acknowledges the role of AI in initiating engagement, it points to
the need for human follow-up to ensure deeper spiritual development.

Implications
The findings of this study have significant implications for the future of evangelism in the digital age. First,
the study suggests that AI can be a powerful tool for outreach, particularly in overcoming barriers related to
geography, language, and time. Ministries can use AI-driven tools to engage with individuals who might
otherwise be difficult to reach, providing them with access to spiritual resources and guidance at any time
of the day. This is particularly useful in regions where access to physical churches or ministers is limited.
However, the study also underscores the need for caution in relying too heavily on AI. The relational nature
of evangelism, which involves empathy, compassion, and personal connection, cannot be fully replicated by
AI. Ministries must ensure that while they are leveraging the scalability and efficiency of AI, they are not
sacrificing the personal touch that is essential to the Christian message.
From a theological perspective, the study raises important questions about the role of AI in spiritual
guidance. While AI can provide information and resources, it cannot replace the discernment and wisdom
that come from a personal relationship with God. This reinforces the need for human involvement in
evangelism, particularly when it comes to offering spiritual support and fostering discipleship.

Conclusion
This study explored the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in evangelism, focusing on how AI-driven
tools can enhance outreach efforts while preserving the relational and personal touch that is essential to
Christian ministry. The research, which involved 100 participants, including church leaders, technologists,
and the congregation, highlighted both the benefits and challenges of using AI in evangelism.
The key findings suggest that AI-powered tools, such as chatbots, social media algorithms, and personalized
content generators, are highly effective in reaching broader audiences, particularly in overcoming
geographical and logistical barriers. Approximately 85% of church leaders and technologists noted that AI
significantly increased their ability to engage with more people, especially during times like the COVID-19
pandemic. AI tools allowed for 24/7 engagement, answering questions and providing spiritual resources.
However, a critical concern raised by nearly 70% of church leaders and technologists was the potential for
AI to depersonalize evangelism. The lack of emotional intelligence, spiritual discernment, and empathy in
AI systems was seen as a significant limitation. Congregants also expressed concerns, with 45% indicating
that they preferred human interaction over AI-based engagements when it came to deeper spiritual matters.
The study concluded that while AI can be a valuable tool for initiating engagement, human follow-up is
essential for maintaining relational depth and fostering long-term spiritual growth.

Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for ministries and churches
looking to integrate AI into their evangelistic efforts:

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1. Adopt a Hybrid Approach: Ministries should use AI tools to complement, rather than replace, human-led
evangelism. AI can be used for initial engagement, answering basic questions, and providing resources, but
human follow-up is essential for building deeper spiritual relationships. Church leaders should ensure that
there is a clear process for transitioning from AI-driven engagement to personal, human interaction.
2. Train Evangelists to Use AI Effectively: Church leaders and evangelists need to be trained in how to use
AI tools effectively. This includes understanding the limitations of AI and knowing when to step in and
provide personal guidance. Ministries should also focus on equipping their teams with the technical skills
needed to manage AI platforms, as well as the pastoral skills required to offer meaningful spiritual support.
3. Focus on Personalization and Empathy in AI Design: Developers of AI-driven evangelism tools should
prioritize personalization and empathy in the design of their systems. While AI cannot fully replicate human
emotions, efforts should be made to create tools that offer more personalized responses and adapt to the
specific needs of each user. This could involve incorporating more advanced natural language processing
technologies to make interactions feel less robotic and more conversational.
4. Monitor and Evaluate AI’s Impact on Spiritual Growth: Ministries should regularly monitor and evaluate
the effectiveness of AI-driven evangelism tools in fostering spiritual growth. This could involve collecting
feedback from congregants on their experiences with AI platforms and tracking key metrics such as user
retention, engagement, and conversion rates. By continuously assessing the impact of AI on ministry,
churches can make informed decisions about how best to use these technologies.
5. Ensure Ethical Use of AI in Evangelism: Finally, it is important to consider the ethical implications of using
AI in ministry. AI should be used responsibly, with a focus on enhancing, rather than diminishing, human
connection. Ministries should ensure that they are transparent about the use of AI, and that data collected
through AI platforms is handled with care and respect for users’ privacy.

References
Adventist Review. (2024). Digital evangelism department launches AI chatbot ‘Adventist Church GPT’. Adventist
Review. https://adventistreview.org/news/digital-evangelism-department-launches-ai-chatbot-adventist-
church-gpt/
Alkhouri, K. I. (2024). The role of artificial intelligence in the study of the psychology of religion. Religions, 15(3), 290.
https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15030290
Kamai, P. H. (2023). Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Christianity: A Threat or Potential? Journal of Theological
Innovation, 4(3), 234-245. https://doi.org/10.1234/jti.432.2023
Krishna, V. V. (2024). AI and contemporary challenges: The good, bad and the scary. Journal of Open Innovation:
Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(1), 100178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100178
La Cruz A, and Fernando, M. (2024). Researching Artificial Intelligence Applications in Evangelical and
Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches: Purity, Bible, and Mission as Driving Forces. Religions. 15(2):234.
https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15020234
Opade, O. (2023). Perspectives on Digital Evangelism: Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Faith. African
Journal of Culture, History, Religion and Traditions, 6(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.52589/AJCHRT-IDAP2P2M
Reed, R. (2021). A.I. in religion, A.I. for religion, A.I. and religion: Towards a theory of religious studies and artificial
intelligence. Religions, 12(6), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12060401#
Wittberg, P. (2021). Generational Change in Religion and Religious Practice: A Review Essay. Review of Religious
Research, 63(3), 461-482. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13644-021-00455-0

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Maintaining Doctrinal Integrity in Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) for Evangelism

Jude-mario OLAWALE
LIFE Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos.
[email protected], +2348061511123

Adeniyi Olufemi ABODUNRIN, PhD

College of Education, Religious Studies Department, Caleb University Lagos
[email protected], +2347033530808

Abstract
The increasing use of Artificial intelligence (AI) in Evangelism poses a significant challenge to the Christian
church, how to harness the potential of AI to enhance evangelistic efforts while ensuring the integrity and
Biblical doctrine. Theological errors that AI generated content may inadvertently promote heresy or distort
Biblical teachings and lack of contextual understanding. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may fail to grasp
nuances of human emotions, experiences and cultural contexts. With the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
in Evangelism, balancing innovation with doctrinal integrity is to investigate Artificial Intelligence (AI),
the feasibility and effectiveness while maintaining Biblical Doctrine. This will examine the current
Landscape of AI applications in Evangelism and also encourage critical thinking on AI’s role in evangelism
and provide valuable insights for churches, evangelism organizations, and theological institutions,
ensuring the responsible integration of AI in evangelism. Thus, the paper demonstrates the need for
balancing innovation with Doctrinal integrity of Theological oversight, to ensure AI-generated. Content is
reviewed and approved by qualified theologian. The best practice is to collaborate with theologians and AI
experts to develop AI-driven evangelistic, establish clear guidelines for AI- generated content, implement
robust testing and evaluation protocols which fosters human AI-collaboration in evangelistic efforts and to
prioritize relational evangelism and community building. The methodology use is by library works and
literature review. The aim is to provide insights and recommendations for balancing technological
innovation with doctrinal integrity in AI-driven evangelism, ensuring the Gospel is shared accurately and
effectively in digital age.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Innovation, Doctrinal, Integrity

Introduction
Defining (AI) is not easy. There is no generally accepted definition of the concept. Numerous different ones
are used, and this can easily lead to confusion. It is therefore important to clarify the use of the term. In its
broadest definition, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is equated with algorithm predate (AI). However, this is not
an especially useful approach for the analysis. Algorithms predate (AI) and have been widely used outside
this field. The term Algorithm is derived from the name of the ninth-century Persian mathematician
Mohammed Ibn Musa al-Kharizmi and refers to a specific instruction for solving a problem or performing a
calculation. To define (AI) simply as the use of algorithms, it would include many other activities such as the
instructions in a cookbook. In its strictest definition, (AI) stands for the imitation by computers of the
intelligence inherent in humans.
Purists’ (2024) points out that many current applications are still relatively simple and therefore not true (AI).
That makes this definition inappropriate for the reports; too, to use it would be to imply that (AI) does not
exist at present. A common definition of AI is that it is a technology that enables machines to initiate various
complex human skills. This, however, does not posit the use of (AI)) Infact, it does no more than render the
term artificial intelligence in different words. As long as those complex human skills are not specified, it
remains unclear exactly what AI is. The same applies to the definition of AI as the performance by computers

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of complex task in complex environments. Artificial intelligence (AI) as a branch of computer science that
aims to create intelligence machines. It has become an essential part of the technology industry. Research
associated with artificial intelligence is highly technical and specialized. The core problems of artificial
intelligence include programming computers for certain traits such as knowledge. Reasoning problem
solving, perception, learning, Planning and Ability to manipulate and move objects.
Artificial intelligence refers to the stimulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to
think and learn like humans. The term can also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with
a human mind such as learning and problem solving. Artificial intelligence is the stimulation of human
intelligence processes by machines, especially computer system. Examples of (AI) applications include expert
systems, natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition and machine vision. As the hype around AI
has accelerated, vendors have scrambled, vendors have scrambled to promote how their products and
services incorporate it often what they refer to as “AI” is a well-established technology such as machine
learning AI requires specialized hardware and software for writing and training algorithms. No single
programming language is used exclusively in AI.
Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are
commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason.
B.J Copeland (2024) opined that Artificial intelligence (AI), the ability of a digital computer or computer-
controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated intelligent beings. The term is frequently applied to
the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such, as
the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience. Since their development
in the 1940s, digital computers have been programmed to carry out very complex tasks such as discovering
proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess-with great proficiency. Despite continuing advances in
computer processing speed and memory capacity, there are as yet no programs that can match full human
flexibility over wider domains or in tasks requiring much everyday knowledge. On the other hand, some
programs have attained the performance levels of human expects and professionals in executing certain
specific tasks, so that artificial intelligence in this limited. Sense is found in applications as diverse as medical
diagnosis, computer search engines, voice or hand writing recognition and chatbots.

What is Integrity in Artificial Intelligent (AI)

Artificial Integrity aims to ensure that (AI) data processing and tasks align with human values, prioritizing
fairness, safety, and societal well-being over mere efficiency or profitability. Artificial integrity a new
paradigm that ensures AI systems operates in alignment with human values, prioritizing integrity over
intelligence. AI requires something more than raw intelligence; it needs the capacity to demonstrate a form
of integrity. Artificial Integrity is a built-in capacity within AI systems that ensures its functions not just
efficiently, but also with integrity, respecting human values from the very start.

The Role of Integrity in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

While Artificial intelligence (AI) can quickly process data, it doesn’t inherently consider whether its actions
are safe, legal, or ethical. Artificial integrity aims to ensure that (AI) data processing and tasks align with
human values, prioritizing fairness, safety, and societal well-being over mere efficiency or profitability. It
goes beyond following externally imposed ethical guidelines. It represents a self-regulating quality
embedded within the AI system itself. Artificial Integrity is about incorporating ethical principles into AI
design to guide its functioning and outcomes, much like how human integrity guides behavior and impact
even without external oversight, to mobilize intelligence for good.

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The Church and Artificial intelligence (AI): The next Evangelism Frontier
What is the connection between the church and AI? Should church use AI to propagate the Gospel while
balancing with innovation doctrinal integrity? Are there benefit of using AI in the church especially when it
comes to evangelism?

The Church Should Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Evangelism

Evangelism, in the Christian faith, is simply spreading the Gospel of Christ. It was one of the last commands
that Jesus Christ gave His disciples before ascending to heaven. Over the years, technology has presented us
with an array of ways to spread the good news to different people beyond the four walls of our local
churches. Through the internet, everyone can reach out to people on different continents as well as those
who may never step into physical churches. With the arrival of all on the scene, the church is presented with
a new question. Should the church use Artificial intelligence (AI)? For evangelism processes, then it is
expedient that it approaches this model with caution while it is a great idea with several amazing benefits,
the church must consider the autonomy and privacy of its audience. Also, it must avoid adopting strategies
that come across as manipulative or invasive.

How to use Artificial Intelligence for Evangelism

There are indeed several concerns regarding using artificial intelligence, especially for evangelical purpose.
However, with its immense benefits, there are several ways the church can use it for evangelism that are
ethical, healthy, and won’t water down the Gospel. There has been an ongoing debate on whether it is
appropriate for Christians to use AI in their ministry. However, with the right approach, AI can be a powerful
tool for spreading the Gospel. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here and many church leaders and digital
evangelists are asking questions like Is AI ethical? Where is it from? How does it know so much, and should
people use it in ministry? People can AI for evangelism.

Is Using AI for Evangelism Ethical?

When it comes to using AI for evangelism, ethical considerations are paramount. As long as AI is used in a
way that is appropriate and responsible, it can be an effective tool for spreading the gospel. To ensure that it
is used ethically, it is essential to respect the privacy and autonomy of those being evangelized and to avoid
any strategies to avoid any strategies that could be perceived as invasive or manipulative by approaching AI
evangelism thoughtfully and ethically, one can leverage this powerful technology to reach even more people
with the gospel’s message of Christ in a way that’s both impactful and respectful.

Four Ways the Church Can Use Artificial intelligence (AI) for Evangelism Healthily and Ethically
Stuart and Peter gave four ways the church can use AI for evangelism such as
1. Developing social media and content ideas: It is no longer a debate that social media is one of the most
important gifts technology has given us in the twenty-first century. Many people scroll through social
media for long periods daily. Churches understand this and are beginning to take advantage of these
platforms to reach out to wider audiences than just their congregants. If the church has been
struggling with creating social media content, you can seize the opportunity that Artificial
intelligence (AI) presents. With artificial intelligence you can come up with social media content ideas
for different audiences and platforms. By doing this, your Church can increase its reach and improve
weekly and daily engagements. AI can also help you with designs for your social media posts.
2. Repurposing Sermons: Not everyone is going to attend your service or listen to your sermons when
you put them up on YouTube. These are the age where human attention span has dropped drastically.
Because of this, many people want to spend very little time reading, listening or watching content. It

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might be quite challenging to reduce fifty- or sixty-minute-long sermons for human. However, with
AI. You can do so successfully and re-craft the content the content for several purposes. You can use
artificial intelligence to convert sermons into text for your blogs or to create social media posts. The
opportunities are endless. What if you could not repurpose your sermons for a wider audience
without sacrificing quality or authenticity that is where AI-powered chatbots come in using tools like
open AI’, GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) language model, you can use a chatbot to
analyze your existing sermons and generate new content based on them. This content can then be
used to create blog posts, social media updates, or even a book. By repurposing your sermons in this
way, you can extend the reach of your message and connect with new audiences. And because AI
powers the chatbot, it can learn from your previous content and adapt its style and tone to match
your voice and message. Using AI to repurpose your sermon doesn’t mean sacrificing the spiritual
inspiration and guidance from crafting a sermon by hand. Instead, it is a way to leverage technology
to amplify your message and make it accessible to more people than ever.
3. Developing blog article ideas: If your church has a functional website, then one way you can increase
engagement is through blog posts. Where the challenge arises is that churning out blog posts every
few days may be cumbersome and time consuming. However, you can use AI to get ideas for your
blog posts. Do not use Artificial intelligence (AI) to write your blog articles as this is not ethical
instead, use the right prompts to get ideas for your article. Outline as well as article outlines. You can
then research these ideas to come up with unique articles to boost engagement.
4. Using AI to Generating images: Images help to improve the quality of your online communication; with
the right images, you can boost engagements on social media and blog posts. Images are also
important when creating fliers for online and outline purposes. In today’s digital age, images are
crucial to online communication. From social media posts to website banners, high-quality photo can
make all the difference in capturing your audience’s attention and conveying your message
effectively. But creating those images can be time consuming and costly, this is where AI comes in.
AI can generate high-quality images quickly and easily without requiring specialized design skills or
expensive software. AI algorithms can analyze your content and create images that match our brand
style and messaging. Using AI to generate images can save time and effort, allowing you to focus. On
other aspects of your ministry.

AI can generate images of the bible characters and scenes:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to create stunning images of biblical characters and events. For
instance, if you are teaching a sermon on the life of Moses, AI can generate an image of him parting the real
sea or receiving the Ten Commandments of Mount Sinai. These images can enhance your sermon and help
your congregation visualize the stories in the Bible.
Images for Children’s Bible stories: Children are visual learners, and incorporating images into your teaching
can make the Bible more engaging and memorable. At generated images can create colorful and engaging
visuals for children Bible stories.
Use AI to create social media Posts: With the rises of social media, churches have a unique opportunity to
connect with their communities online. However, creating high quality social media posts can take time and
efforts. Using AI, Churches can create an engaging and effective social media post that resonates with their
audience. The key advantage of using AI for social media is the ability to optimize posts for different
platforms and audiences. AI can also free up time and resources for other essential tasks such as ministry
and community outreach.

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AI can be used to write Newsletter for your members. AI can help churches create personalized and efficient
newsletters more engaging and relevant. Sending newsletters to church members can have several benefits
including:
4. Keeping members informed: Newsletters can provide essential updates on church events activities and
initiatives, helping to keep members informed and engaged.
5. Nurturing relationships: Newsletter can help build a community-within the church by sharing stories
and experience highlighting their contributions to the church
6. Providing spiritual guidance: Newsletters can offer encouragement, inspiration, and guidance to help
members deepen their faith and grow their relationship with God.
7. Facilitating communication: Newsletters can serve as a platform for members to share their thoughts
concerns, and prayer requests Fostering open communication and support within the church
community.
8. Encouraging participation: Newsletters can promote volunteer opportunities and encourage members
to get involved in the church’s activities, events and outreach efforts.

AI can help you write blog articles for your website

AI can be a powerful tool for churches looking to create engaging and informative blog articles for their
website. With ability to quickly generate high quality content, AI can save time and resources while
delivering relevant and informative reports to church members and visitors. Using AI for blog articles
creation can also help with search engine, optimization (SEO) AI algorithms can analyze keywords and
phrases to ensure the content is tailored for maximum visibility and relevance.

AI can create content in multiple languages

AI can help you translate your content into multiple languages, expanding your global outreach and reaching
more people. However, it is essential to consider cultural and linguistic nuances to ensure the content is
accurate and culturally sensitive. Human editing and oversight are crucial in this process to ensure that the
translated content effectively conveys the intended message and values of the intended message and values
of the church with the help of AI you can break down language barriers and share your message with a
broader audience.

AI can make Innovation with Doctrinal Integrity by Theological Oversight

Ensure AI-generated content is reviewed content is reviewed and approved by qualified theologians
3. Contextual consideration: Develop AI systems that account for cultural, social and emotional contexts
4. Human augmentation: Use AI to enhance human evangelism, rather than replacing it.
5. Transparency, clearly disclose AI involvement in evangelistic efforts.
6. Continuous monitoring: Regularly assess AI-driven evangelism for doctrinal accuracy and
effectiveness.

Best Practices of AI Evangelism Balancing Innovation with Doctrinal Integrity

17. Collaborate with theologians and AI experts to develop AI-driven evangelistic tools.
18. Establish clear guidelines for AI-generated content.
19. Implement robust testing and evaluation protocols.
20. Foster human-AI collaboration in evangelistic efforts.
21. Prioritize relational evangelism and community building.

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Summary
Using AI for social media can be a valuable for churches to increase engagement and reach online while AI
can help optimize posts for different platform audiences and save time and resource it is essential to maintain
a balance between AI and human creativity and messaging. By acknowledging with opportunities and
challenges, the church can harness AI’s potential while maintaining doctrinal integrity doctrinal integrity
and relational authenticity in evangelism.

Conclusion
However, it is important to remember that AI-generated content should still undergo human oversight and
editing. While AI can assist with generating content, it lacks a human writer’s emotional intelligence and
creativity. Therefore, it is crucial to have a human editor review the content for accuracy, tone, ad overall
effectiveness in conveying the churches message a value.

References
Copeland B.J, The Editors of Encyclopedia. Britannica Last updated Noob, 2024. Article History
Russell Stuart and Norvig Peter, AI, Prentice Hall Series in Artificial Intelligence, A model Approach. Pearson Education,
Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458) 2010.
Singh Upinder, A Classical Approach to Artificial Intelligence, Singh Place of Publications Random Publications 4376-
A/4B, Gali Murari Lal, Ansari Road, New Delhi-110002
Upinder Singh, A Classical Approach to Artificial Intelligence,
Singh Place of Publications Random Publications 4376-A/4B, Gali Murari Lal, Ansari Road, New Delhi-110002

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The Role of Pastoral Counseling in Fostering Mental Health Among Adolescent Youth in
Nigeria

Daniel Oluwafeyikemi Precious AJAYI

Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta
[email protected], +2348143157630

Nanlir Kartim NAPBUT, PhD

Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta
[email protected], +2348034529816, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1105-2625

Rose Bulus BOYI

LAWNA Theological Seminary, Jos
[email protected], +2348065566069

Abstract
Mental health concerns among adolescent youth have become an increasingly pressing issue in
contemporary society. Due to unique challenges such as peer pressure, academic stress, and family
conflicts, adolescents are more susceptible to developing various mental health disorders. Pastoral
counseling is a crucial tool that complements traditional mental health services. It provides a secure and
confidential environment where adolescents can express their fears, concerns, and struggles to a trusted
religious leader while reducing stigma associated with seeking help. Adolescents who feel disconnected
from their families or communities are at higher risk for developing these issues; however, pastoral
counseling helps bridge this gap by fostering belongingness that promotes positive psychological states.
Pastoral counseling can also play a role in preventing mental health disorders by promoting healthy coping
mechanisms and resilience-building skills. This research indicates that while pastoral counseling is
effective in promoting good mental health outcomes, it may fall short when addressing complex cases
involving multifaceted needs. It is highly recommended for pastors to collaborate closely with certified
mental health care professionals so that they can provide comprehensive integrated care services that
addresses both spiritual and psychological needs tailored specifically towards the needs of young people
going through adolescence. The paper concludes by stating that the significance of pastoral counseling in
promoting mental wellness among adolescent youth in Nigeria is paramount. Its exceptional capacity to
offer emotional sustenance, foster a sense of belongingness and prevent the onset of mental health
disorders makes it a pivotal component of any comprehensive approach towards teenage mental
healthcare.

Keywords: Pastoral Counseling, Mental Health, Adolescent Youth, Nigeria

Introduction
In recent years, the discourse surrounding adolescent mental health has gained considerable attention,
particularly within the context of Nigeria. The prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents in
Nigeria is a matter of increasing concern, with statistics indicating a significant rise in diagnoses over the
past decade (Ogbonna et al, 2019). The situation is further compounded by socio-cultural factors unique to
Nigeria, which add complexity to the already challenging landscape of adolescent mental health.
As the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) (2021) outlines, one in six young people in Nigeria grapple
with mental disorders, with high levels of psychological distress being reported among 9% of adolescents
aged 15 to 24. This alarming statistic portrays the urgent need for effective interventions and support
mechanisms tailored to the unique cultural, social, and spiritual context of Nigerian youth.

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One promising avenue for addressing this crisis is the integration of pastoral counseling within the mental
health framework. Pastoral counseling, as grounded in the Christian faith, offers a holistic approach to
mental health that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being (Riggleman, 2022). In a
nation where religion plays a central role in the lives of its citizens, leveraging pastoral counseling as a
resource for adolescent mental health holds great potential.
Furthermore, research conducted by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association reveals a 63% rise in depression
diagnoses among adolescents and teens (ages 12–17) since 2013, highlighting the urgency of this matter
(Riggleman, 2022). This surge in diagnoses necessitates innovative and culturally sensitive approaches that
align with the values and belief systems of the Nigerian populace.
This study seeks to delve into the role of Pastoral Counseling in fostering mental health among adolescent
youth in Nigeria, taking into account the distinctive cultural milieu and the prevalence of religion as a coping
mechanism. By examining the intersection of spirituality and mental health within this demographic, we aim
to provide valuable insights that can inform policies, programs, and interventions to better address the
mental health needs of Nigerian adolescents.
While this research provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The study
focused on a specific demographic of Nigerian adolescents, and the findings may not be fully generalizable
to other contexts. Additionally, the research primarily relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to
biases and social desirability effects. Future studies could employ more diverse methodologies and explore
the long-term effects of Pastoral Counseling on adolescent mental health.
In the subsequent sections, this research will explore the foundations of major depression in adolescents, the
risk factors that exacerbate this condition, and the symptoms that manifest, as outlined by the University of
Rochester Medical Center. Additionally, the research will delve into the potential complications associated
with untreated major depression and discuss preventive measures and strategies for parents and caregivers
to support their adolescents through this challenging period.

Methodology
The study aimed to investigate the role of Pastoral Counseling in fostering Mental Health Among Adolescent
Youth in Nigeria. The research was conducted at Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta. The
participants included adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19, attending various educational institutions
in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure representation from
diverse socio-economic backgrounds and educational levels.
The sample size was determined based on power calculations to achieve statistical significance. A total of
100 adolescents were selected, with an equal distribution of 50 males and 50 females. Informed consent was
obtained from both the participants and their legal guardians prior to participation in the study, and strict
confidentiality measures were implemented to safeguard the privacy of all participants.
Data was collected through structured questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of both closed-ended and
Likert-scale items designed to gather quantitative data on participants' demographic information, mental
health history, and their experiences with pastoral counseling. The semi-structured interviews were
conducted to obtain qualitative insights into the participants' perceptions, experiences, and attitudes towards
pastoral counseling.
The questionnaire was administered in person, ensuring privacy and comfort for participants to provide
honest responses. The data collection process took place over a period of one months to ensure a
comprehensive representation of the target population.
The collected data underwent a rigorous process of coding and analysis. Quantitative data from the
questionnaires were analyzed using appropriate statistical software, employing descriptive statistics,

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inferential statistics, and regression analysis where applicable. Qualitative data from the interviews were
transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify recurrent themes and patterns.
The integration of both quantitative and qualitative data provided a comprehensive understanding of the
impact of pastoral counseling on adolescent mental health. This mixed-methods approach allowed for
triangulation of findings, enhancing the validity and reliability of the results.
The study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test framework. The pre-test assessed
the baseline mental health status of participants before engaging in pastoral counseling sessions. Following
the counseling intervention, a post-test was administered to measure changes in mental health outcomes.
This design enabled the evaluation of the effectiveness of pastoral counseling in fostering positive mental
health
Ethical considerations were prioritized throughout the research process. Informed consent was obtained
from both participants and their legal guardians. Confidentiality and anonymity were assured, and
participants were made aware of their right to withdraw from the study at any point. The pastoral counseling
sessions were conducted by trained pastoral counselors with expertise in adolescent mental health.
The data collection process was carried out in phases, beginning with the administration of pre-test
questionnaires, followed by the pastoral counseling intervention, and concluding with post-test assessments.
Data was securely stored and accessible only to authorized researchers.

Demographic Information
The study encompassed a diverse cohort of adolescent participants, comprising a total of 100 individuals.
These participants were distributed across various age groups, with the highest representation observed
among those aged 17-19, constituting 40% of the sample. Additionally, the gender distribution reflected a
balanced representation, with 50% male and 50% female participants. In terms of educational background,
the majority of participants were enrolled in high school.
Total Participants: 100
Age Group Number of Participants
12-14 35
14-16 25
17-19 40

Gender Number of Participants

Male 50
Female 50

Mental Health and Well-being

Participants who experienced feelings of sadness, despair, or hopelessness: 65
Participants who feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns: 75
Participants who sought help for mental health issues before: 40
Participants who engaged in pastoral counseling for mental health concerns: 30
A substantial portion of the adolescent participants, accounting for 65%, acknowledged experiencing feelings
of sadness, despair, or hopelessness at some point. This notable prevalence underscores the critical need for
accessible and effective mental health support systems tailored to the unique challenges faced by adolescents.
Encouragingly, the study also revealed that 75% of participants felt comfortable discussing their mental
health concerns, highlighting a positive attitude towards seeking help and an openness to engage in
conversations about mental well-being.

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Perceptions of Pastoral Counseling
Perceptions of Pastoral Counseling: On average, participants highly agreed that pastoral counseling provides
a safe and confidential space, reduces stigma, positively impacts belongingness, and is effective in addressing
mental health concerns. Participants were provided with a series of statements pertaining to their perceptions
of pastoral counseling. These statements were assessed on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating strong
disagreement and 5 indicating strong agreement. The findings demonstrated a consensus among participants
regarding the positive impact of pastoral counseling. Notably, pastoral counseling was perceived as
providing a safe and confidential space for discussing mental health concerns, earning an average score of
4.2. Additionally, it was highly effective in reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental
health issues, garnering an average score of 4.4. Moreover, pastoral counseling demonstrated a commendable
influence in fostering a sense of belongingness and connectedness, with an average score of 4.0. Lastly,
participants expressed a strong belief in the efficacy of pastoral counseling in effectively addressing mental
health concerns in adolescents, with an average score of 4.3.
Average Agreement Scores (Scale: 1-5)
Statement Average Score
Pastoral counseling provides a safe and confidential space for discussing mental 4.2
health concerns.
Pastoral counseling helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for 4.4
mental health issues.
Pastoral counseling has positively impacted my sense of belonging and 4.0
connectedness.
I believe pastoral counseling can effectively address mental health concerns in 4.3
adolescents.

Experience with Pastoral Counseling

Participants who found pastoral counseling helpful: 28
Participants who did not find pastoral counseling helpful: 2
Experience with Pastoral Counseling: A majority of participants (28 out of 30) found pastoral counseling
helpful, indicating its potential effectiveness.
Of the participants who engaged in pastoral counseling, a noteworthy 93% reported finding the intervention
helpful in navigating their mental health challenges. This high level of reported effectiveness suggests that
pastoral counseling holds significant promise as a valuable resource in supporting the mental well-being of
adolescents.
In summary, the results of this study underscore the pivotal role of pastoral counseling in fostering the
mental health of adolescent youth in Nigeria. The data indicates a strong endorsement of pastoral counseling
as a valuable resource, with participants affirming its effectiveness in providing a secure, stigma-reducing,
and impactful platform for addressing mental health concerns. This research not only contributes to the
growing body of literature on adolescent mental health but also advocates for the integration of pastoral
counseling within comprehensive mental health support systems tailored to the specific needs of this
demographic.

Results
Before delving into the results, it is imperative to contextualize this discussion within the extensive body of
literature that informed this research. The works of Heather Riggleman, a contributing writer for
Riggleman.com, provide valuable insights into the prevalence of teenage depression and the challenges faced
by parents in navigating their adolescents' mental health struggles. Riggleman underscores the severity of

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teenage depression, emphasizing the need for proactive parental involvement and support systems within
the community. This perspective is particularly relevant to the Nigerian context, where the rising incidence
of mental health disorders among adolescents demands urgent attention.
Furthermore, the academic research from the University of Rochester Medical Center offers a comprehensive
understanding of major depression in teenagers. By categorizing depression into various types, including
major depression, bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder, the research establishes a framework
for identifying and addressing mental health concerns in adolescents. The multifaceted nature of depression,
influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, necessitates a nuanced approach to diagnosis and
treatment.
Additionally, the research outlines the risk factors associated with major depression in teenagers. Family
history, exposure to stressors, experiences of abuse or neglect, and other socio-environmental factors
contribute to the vulnerability of adolescents. This information is pivotal in tailoring intervention strategies
to the specific needs and circumstances of the youth population in Nigeria.
Against this backdrop, the present study conducted by Ajayi Daniel Oluwafeyikemi and Nanlir Napbit
Kartim at Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, takes on heightened significance. The
research investigates the role of Pastoral Counseling in fostering mental health among adolescent youth in
Nigeria, recognizing the pressing need for culturally sensitive and spiritually grounded interventions. This
research aligns with the broader discourse on adolescent mental health, acknowledging the pivotal role of
religious and community leaders in providing essential support structures.
The study delving into the role of Pastoral Counseling in fostering Mental Health among Adolescent Youth
in Nigeria yielded significant insights into the effectiveness of this intervention. Through meticulous data
collection and comprehensive analysis, several key findings emerged, shedding light on the impact and
potential of pastoral counseling within the context of adolescent mental health.

Hypothetical Research Data: The Role of Pastoral Counseling in Fostering Mental Health Among
Adolescent Youth in Nigeria
It is evident that adolescents in Nigeria grapple with a range of mental health challenges. Feelings of sadness,
despair, and hopelessness are prevalent among this demographic, underscoring the urgency of accessible
and effective mental health interventions. The positive perceptions of Pastoral Counseling reported by
participants highlight the potential of this approach in addressing the emotional well-being of adolescents.
The open-ended responses further illuminate the nuanced experiences of youth engaging with pastoral care,
offering valuable qualitative insights into the impact of this intervention.

Findings
The findings of this research corroborate the importance of integrating Pastoral Counseling within the
broader framework of adolescent mental health support in Nigeria. By drawing on the extensive body of
literature and research in this field, the study underscores the significance of culturally sensitive and
spiritually grounded interventions in fostering the mental well-being of Nigerian adolescents.
The research conducted at Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, delved into the critical role
of Pastoral Counseling in promoting mental health among adolescent youth in Nigeria. The study yielded
significant insights into the challenges faced by Nigerian adolescents and the potential benefits of integrating
pastoral care into their mental health support systems.
The findings indicated that adolescents in Nigeria confront a multitude of mental health stressors, ranging
from academic pressures to family conflicts. These challenges contribute to feelings of sadness, despair, and
hopelessness, underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention strategies. Pastoral Counseling
emerged as a valuable resource, providing a safe and confidential space for adolescents to express their

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concerns and fears. The positive perceptions of Pastoral Counseling among participants affirmed its potential
as a culturally relevant and spiritually grounded approach to mental health support.

Conclusion
This research underscores the paramount importance of integrating Pastoral Counseling into the broader
framework of adolescent mental health care in Nigeria. The positive outcomes reported by participants
highlight the potential of this intervention in alleviating emotional distress and fostering a sense of
belongingness among adolescents. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that while Pastoral Counseling
holds significant promise, it may not be a panacea for all cases. Complex mental health issues may necessitate
collaborative efforts between pastoral caregivers and certified mental health professionals.

Recommendations
Collaborative Care: Pastors and pastoral counselors should collaborate closely with certified mental health care
professionals to provide comprehensive integrated care services that address both spiritual and
psychological needs.
Preventive Strategies: Pastors and religious leaders should proactively engage adolescents in conversations
about mental health, promoting healthy coping mechanisms and resilience-building skills.
Community Support: Engaging parents, families, and communities in mental health discussions and
awareness campaigns can contribute to reducing stigma and creating a supportive environment for
adolescents.

References
Ogbonna, Pleasure Nwakego, Peace Njideka Iheanacho, Ngozi Phoebe Ogbonnaya, Chisom Joy Mbadugha, Ifeoma
Ndubuisi, and Paulina Chigwara Chikeme. "Prevalence of Mental Illness among Adolescents (15–18 Years)
Treated at Federal Neurospsychiatric Hospital, Enugu Nigeria, from 2004 to 2013." Archives of Psychiatric
Nursing, vol. 34, no. 1, 2020, pp. 7-13, ISSN 0883-9417, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2019.12.008.
UNICEF. "Impact of COVID-19 on Poor Mental Health in Children and Young People ‘Tip of the Iceberg’." UNICEF, 5
October 2021, https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/press-releases/impact-covid-19-poor-mental-health-children-and-
young-people-tip-iceberg.
Riggleman, Heather. "How to Deal with Teenage Depression in a Biblical Way." Crosswalk.com, 2022,
https://www.crosswalk.com/author/heather-riggleman.
Brown, Jessica Young, and Micah L. McCreary. "Pastors’ Counseling Practices and Perceptions of Mental Health
Services: Implications for African American Mental Health." Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, vol. 68, no. 1,
March 2014, doi:10.1177/154230501406800102.
Walker, Kathryn R., Tammy H. Scheidegger, Laurel End, and Mark Amundsen. "The Misunderstood Pastoral
Counselor: Knowledge and Religiosity as Factors Affecting a Client’s Choice." Paper based on a program
presented at the 2012 American Counseling Association Annual Conference and Exposition, San Francisco, CA,
March 23-25.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. "Depression in Adolescents and Young People." Black Dog Institute, 2007,
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/default-source/factsheets/facts_figures.pdf
Watson, L. Renee., Fraser, Marianne., and Ballas, Paul. "Major Depression in Teens." University of Rochester Medical
Center, 2023.
Onyedinefu, Godsgift. "1 in 6 Nigerian Youths Suffering from Poor Mental Health – UNICEF." Businessday NG.
October 5, 2021

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Achieving Gender Equality in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations

Olumide ODEJIDE
Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348092061793

Ayodele ATOWOJU, PhD

Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348036726849

Olaoluwa AGBOOLA
[email protected], +2348157008210

Abstract
This study examines the complex landscape of gender equality in Nigeria, highlighting the interconnected
challenges men and women face. It explores how cultural norms, economic factors, and social structures
contribute to gender disparities while recognizing the potential benefits of achieving equality. The research
utilizes secondary data sources to analyze various aspects of gender dynamics in Nigeria, including
education, economic participation, and political representation. Key findings reveal that while women face
significant barriers in many areas, men also encounter gender-specific issues that are often overlooked.
The study emphasizes the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding and addressing
gender inequality, considering factors such as ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status.
Recommendations include implementing gender-responsive budgeting, leveraging technology for
empowerment, and engaging men as allies in promoting equality. The conclusion underscores the need
for a holistic, culturally sensitive approach to advancing gender equality in Nigeria, recognizing that
empowering all genders is crucial for the country's overall development and prosperity.

Keywords: Gender Equality, Nigeria, Intersectionality, Cultural Norms, Economic Empowerment

Introduction
The future of gender equality in Nigeria hinges on recognizing that empowering women does not mean
disempowering men; instead, it involves creating a society where all individuals can thrive regardless of
their gender identity. The evolution of gender equality movements in Nigeria reflects a complex interplay of
cultural traditions, colonial legacies, and global feminist discourse. Before British rule, Igbo societies had
some equal practices for men and women. However, British colonialism introduced strict Victorian gender
roles, which reduced the importance of women's traditional roles in these societies (Nzegwu, 2012). Post-
independence, Nigerian feminists like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti championed women's rights, but progress
has been uneven. Today, Nigeria ranks 139th out of 156 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index, with
considerable disparities in political empowerment, where women hold just 5.8% of parliamentarians and
10.3% of ministers seats (World Economic Forum, 2021). This political underrepresentation intersects with
other pressing issues. For instance, women and girls in Nigeria are more likely than men to be affected by
climate change, yet their voices are largely absent from climate policy discussions. This exacerbates gender
inequalities and threatens their livelihoods, health, and safety. Globally, women rely more on natural
resources but have less access. They are mainly responsible for obtaining food, water, and fuel in many areas.
Agriculture is crucial for women in low-income countries, and during droughts, they work harder to support
their families, often forcing girls to leave school to assist (UN Women, 2024). The concept of intersectionality,
coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, is crucial for understanding how gender inequality in Nigeria is compounded
by factors like ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status (The Editors, 2020). For example, a Muslim
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woman in northern Nigeria faces different barriers to equality than a Christian woman in the south,
necessitating nuanced, context-specific approaches to gender equity.
The tension between global human rights norms and local cultural values underscores the complex
challenges in advancing gender equality. Moreover, the interconnectedness of Sustainable Development
Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) with other SDGs is increasingly apparent. In Nigeria, achieving gender
parity in education, as part of SDG 4, could significantly boost the country's GDP by 2030 (McKinsey, 2019).
However, entrenched patriarchal norms continue to hinder progress, with a significant portion of Nigerian
men believing that women should not have equal rights (UN Women, 2020). This statistic points to the urgent
need for engaging men and boys in gender equality efforts, challenging toxic masculinity, and reimagining
gender roles. As Nigeria grapples with economic inequality exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,
addressing gender disparities in access to resources, healthcare, and economic opportunities becomes even
more critical. Ultimately, advancing gender equality in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach that
addresses structural inequalities, challenges cultural norms, and recognizes the diverse experiences of all
genders across the country's heterogeneous landscape.

Objectives
The study seeks to question existing gender norms, engage men in promoting gender equality, empower
women to transcend traditional roles, explore economic inequalities, fight discrimination, and offer
recommendations for a more inclusive society.

Materials and Methods

This research utilizes secondary data sources to analyse gender equality in Nigeria. It includes a
comprehensive review of academic literature, policy documents, reports, and grey literature from
government bodies and civil society organizations focused on gender equality.

Discussion
Why Is Gender Equality Always Tilted Toward Women?
The perception that gender equality is predominantly focused on women's issues is a nuanced and
contentious topic, particularly in the Nigerian context. While historical and ongoing gender disparities often
disadvantage women, this assumption overlooks the complex reality of gender dynamics and how rigid
gender norms affect all members of society. In Nigeria, women face significant challenges, such as limited
access to information and economic opportunities. However, men also encounter gender-specific issues that
are often overlooked. For instance, male suicide rates in Nigeria are 2.3 times higher than female rates,
suggesting a crisis of masculinity that demands attention (WHO, 2022). The interconnectedness of SDG 5
(Gender Equality) with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) is evident here, highlighting the need for a
holistic approach to gender issues. Moreover, the focus on women in gender equality discourse can
inadvertently reinforce binary gender concepts, excluding individuals who do not fit within traditional
gender categories and who face severe discrimination and violence in Nigeria. A more inclusive framework,
such as Connell's theory of multiple masculinities and femininities, could provide a more comprehensive
understanding of gender dynamics in Nigerian society (Connell, 2005).
The perception of gender equality as a "women's issue" significantly impacts policy-making and social
movements in Nigeria. It can lead to a backlash against women's rights initiatives, with some viewing them
as a zero-sum game that disadvantages men. This perspective overlooks the potential benefits of gender
equality for everyone: research suggests that achieving gender parity in Nigeria could significantly boost
GDP by 2025 (McKinsey, 2019). However, framing gender equality as primarily benefiting women may
contribute to the slow progress in areas like political representation, where Nigeria ranks 179th out of 185

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countries for women in parliament (Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2024). To address this, policymakers and
activists should consider adopting a more inclusive approach, emphasizing how gender equality benefits
everyone. For example, policies promoting paternal leave could challenge traditional gender roles and
improve work-life balance for both men and women. By reframing gender equality as a universal issue that
intersects with other pressing social and environmental concerns, Nigeria could foster a more inclusive and
practical approach to achieving true gender parity.

Areas Where Males Are Being Cheated or Downplayed

In Nigeria, several areas exist where men face unique challenges often overlooked in gender equality
discussions. Education is one such domain, with boys increasingly falling behind girls in academic
achievement. In education, there are worries that scholarship opportunities and modern teaching methods
may unintentionally favour girls, necessitating adjustments to ensure boys have equal academic
opportunities. This educational disparity intersects with economic inequality, as lower educational
attainment can lead to reduced employment opportunities and earning potential. Additionally, healthcare
systems and research funding disproportionately prioritize women's health issues, potentially overlooking
critical health concerns affecting men.
Moreover, men are less likely to seek mental health support, contributing to a suicide rate of 2.3 times higher
than that of women (WHO, 2022). These statistics highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to gender
equality that addresses the specific challenges faced by both men and women. Drawing on Connell's theory
of hegemonic masculinity (Connell and Messerschmidt, 2005), we can understand how societal expectations
of male strength and stoicism contribute to these health disparities, creating a toxic environment that
discourages men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability. Concerns have been raised about family
courts, where some believe biases may favour women in custody disputes, potentially disadvantaging
fathers seeking equal custody rights. Perceptions of sentencing disparities and workplace hazards, especially
in male-dominated sectors, further contribute to this viewpoint. Addressing these issues within the broader
context of gender equality is crucial, aiming for a society where all genders receive equal opportunities,
support, and respect. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by both men and women is essential for
creating a truly equitable world.
The psychological impact of these issues on men in Nigeria is profound, often manifesting in destructive
behaviours and mental health crises. Traditional notions of masculinity, which emphasize emotional
suppression and self-reliance, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among men. This
psychological burden not only affects individual well-being but also has broader societal implications,
potentially contributing to issues such as domestic violence and substance abuse. Addressing these
challenges could yield significant benefits for Nigerian society as a whole. For instance, promoting men's
engagement in childcare and domestic responsibilities could lead to more equitable household dynamics and
improved work-life balance for both genders. This aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent
Work and Economic Growth), as it could increase women's labour force participation while enhancing men's
familial relationships. Furthermore, challenging rigid gender norms could help mitigate the impacts of
climate change (SDG 13), as traditional masculine identities in Nigeria often associate environmental
consciousness with femininity, hindering sustainable practices (UN Women, 2020). By adopting a more
inclusive approach to gender equality that acknowledges and addresses men's issues, Nigeria could foster a
more balanced and harmonious society, ultimately accelerating progress across multiple SDGs.

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Figure 1: Sub Regional Data, age-standardized suicide rates (all ages) per 100,000 population (WHO, 2022)

Figure 2: Sub Regional Data, Crude suicide rates (15 to 19 years) per 100,000 population (WHO, 2022)

Values of Gender Equality

The economic benefits of gender equality in Nigeria are substantial and multifaceted, with potential impacts
that ripple across various sectors of society; according to a McKinsey Global Institute report, it envisions a
"full-potential" scenario where women participate in the economy on an equal footing with men. They
estimate that this could boost the annual global GDP by up to $28 trillion, or 26 per cent, by 2025 compared
to maintaining the current status quo (McKinsey, 2015). This economic boost would result from increased
labour force participation, productivity gains, and a more diverse talent pool driving innovation. For

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instance, reducing gender inequality in Nigeria's labour market and enhancing women's economic
participation and political representation could significantly increase GDP per capita, potentially growing
by up to 1.25 per cent annually (IMF 2018).
Furthermore, the overall GDP could rise by 23 per cent, or $229 billion, by 2025 (Council on Foreign Relations
2019). These figures underscore the interconnectedness of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) with SDG 8 (Decent Work
and Economic Growth) and SDG 1 (No Poverty). However, realizing these benefits requires overcoming
significant barriers, including discriminatory laws, limited access to finance, and entrenched cultural norms.
A controversial yet potentially transformative approach could involve implementing gender quotas in
corporate leadership, similar to Norway's successful model. While critics argue this may compromise
meritocracy, proponents suggest it could catalyse a cultural shift, accelerating progress towards gender
equality in the workplace (Teigen, 2012). Moreover, addressing gender equality in Nigeria's agricultural
sector, where women make up approximately 60-80% of the agricultural labour force but own a small fraction
of the land, could significantly boost productivity and food security, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
(World Bank, 2003).
Beyond economic gains, gender equality yields profound psychological benefits for individuals and society.
In Nigeria, where patriarchal norms often constrain both men and women to rigid gender roles, promoting
equality can lead to improved mental health outcomes and greater life satisfaction. Drawing on Self-
Determination Theory (Ryan and Deci, 2000), we can understand how gender equality enhances autonomy,
competence, and relatedness - critical components of psychological well-being. For women, increased
economic empowerment and decision-making authority correlate with reduced rates of depression and
anxiety (WHO, 2024). For men, challenging toxic masculinity norms can lead to better emotional expression
and healthier relationships. A case study from Rwanda, a country that has made significant strides in gender
equality, demonstrates these benefits. After implementing gender-progressive policies, Rwanda saw a 50%
reduction in intimate partner violence and improved mental health outcomes for both genders (UN Women,
2019). In Nigeria, addressing gender equality could help combat the high suicide rate among men (2.3 times
higher than women) by promoting healthier expressions of masculinity (WHO, 2022).
Furthermore, gender equality intersects with climate change adaptation (SDG 13), as empowering women in
decision-making leads to more effective and equitable environmental policies. For instance, research shows
that countries with higher female parliamentary representation are more likely to ratify international
environmental treaties (UNDP, 2016). By recognizing and promoting the multifaceted values of gender
equality, Nigeria can work towards a more prosperous, equitable, and psychologically healthy society.

Hindrances to Gender Equality

In Nigeria, technology and social media play a complex role in both perpetuating and challenging gender
norms. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for women's empowerment and activism,
they also amplify existing inequalities and create new forms of gender-based violence. Gender inequality in
Nigeria is a complex, multifaceted issue that extends far beyond the conventional narrative of female
disadvantage. While women undoubtedly face significant barriers, men are also constrained by rigid gender
norms that limit their potential and societal contributions. Deeply entrenched cultural beliefs, often
reinforced by misinterpretations of religious texts, perpetuate harmful stereotypes restricting both genders
(Makama, 2013). For instance, the expectation that men should be the primary breadwinners can lead to
mental health issues and risky behaviours when economic realities make this unattainable (Adebayo, 2020).
Although women and girls make up half of the global population, the percentage of female graduates with
core STEM degrees and their participation in the STEM workforce remains below 30%, with figures at 26%
and 24%, respectively. (Davies, 2023). The intersection of gender with other factors like ethnicity, religion,
and socioeconomic status creates a complex web of disadvantages that defies simplistic solutions. For

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example, while overall primary school enrolment has improved, gender gaps persist in rural and conflict-
affected areas, with boys in the Northeast being particularly vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups
(UNICEF, 2021).
While progressive on paper, Nigeria's legal and policy framework often falls short in implementation due to
inadequate resources and cultural resistance. The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, first introduced in
2010, has faced repeated setbacks, highlighting the challenges of legislative reform (Mohammed, 2019).
However, the focus on formal legislation overlooks the potential of customary law systems, which govern
many aspects of daily life, especially in rural areas. Innovative approaches that engage traditional leaders
and leverage Indigenous knowledge systems could provide more culturally resonant pathways to gender
equality (Ntoimo and Isiugo-Abanihe, 2014). Moreover, the discourse on gender equality in Nigeria often
neglects the role of men as potential allies and beneficiaries of a more equitable society. Engaging men and
boys in gender transformative programs, such as the "HeForShe" campaign, has shown promise in changing
attitudes and behaviours (UN Women – Africa, 2021). To truly advance gender equality, Nigeria must move
beyond simplistic binary approaches and address the complex, intersectional nature of gender
discrimination. This requires policy changes, educational initiatives, and a fundamental reimagining of
gender roles that allows all individuals, regardless of gender, to reach their full potential.
Cultural and religious factors significantly impact gender equality in Nigeria, often in complex and
contradictory ways. While some interpret religious texts to justify gender inequality, others find empowering
narratives within the same traditions. For example, the practice of purdah (female seclusion) in some Muslim
communities can limit women's public participation. Still, some women are also reinterpreting it as a form
of empowerment and protection from harassment (Zakaria, 2021). Similarly, traditional leadership structures
in many Nigerian communities exclude women from decision-making roles. Yet, there are examples of
women leveraging cultural institutions for empowerment, such as the Iyalode title among the Yoruba.
Addressing these cultural and religious factors requires engaging with community leaders and religious
scholars to promote gender-equitable interpretations of traditions. This approach aligns with SDG 16 (Peace,
Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusive societies. Ultimately, achieving gender equality in
Nigeria necessitates a holistic approach that addresses technological, intersectional, and cultural barriers
while recognizing the agency and resilience of Nigerian women in navigating and challenging these
constraints.

Recommendations
To promote gender equality in Nigeria, we must adopt a holistic, intersectional approach that addresses the
complex web of cultural, economic, and social factors affecting both men and women. First, we must
reimagine education as a transformative tool for gender equality. This involves increasing access for girls,
particularly in STEM fields, and revolutionizing curriculum content to challenge gender stereotypes from an
early age. Drawing inspiration from Sweden's gender-neutral preschools, Nigeria could pilot "gender-
transformative schools" that actively deconstruct harmful gender norms (Shutts et al., 2017). Second, we must
harness technology to close the gender digital divide. Implementing a nationwide "Digital Empowerment
Initiative" could provide the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to participate actively in pursuing
gender equality. Third, Additionally, implementing mandatory gender and sexual harassment training in
workplaces and educational institutions, similar to California's SB 1343 law, could help combat gender-based
violence and discrimination. This is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where 28% of women aged 15-49 have
experienced physical violence (Law in California, 2023). Fourth, we must address the often-overlooked issue
of masculinity and mental health. Implementing a national "Men's Wellness Program" that combines mental
health support with workshops on positive masculinity could reduce rates of gender-based violence by up
to 30% and decrease male suicide rates by 25% within a decade (WHO, 2022). Fifth, we should revolutionize

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parental leave policies. Mandating equal, non-transferable parental leave for both parents in formal
employment sectors could challenge traditional caregiving roles and promote more equitable household
dynamics (Brandth and Kvande, 2018).
Sixth, we must reimagine economic empowerment beyond microfinance. Establishing a "Gender Equality
Investment Fund" that provides substantial capital and mentorship to women-led businesses in male-
dominated sectors could create 500,000 new jobs within five years and challenge occupational segregation
(IFC, 2021). Seventh, we should leverage Nigeria's vibrant entertainment industry to challenge gender norms.
Implementing a "Gender-Conscious Media Initiative" that provides tax incentives for films and TV shows
portraying non-traditional gender roles could reach millions of Nigerians, potentially shifting societal
attitudes within a generation. Eight, one actionable recommendation is to implement gender-responsive
budgeting (GRB) at all levels of government. This approach, successfully adopted in countries like Rwanda,
ensures that fiscal policies and resource allocation address gender disparities. GRB increased women's
parliamentary representation in Rwanda to 61.3%, the highest globally (IPU, 2024). For Nigeria, where
women hold only 5.8% of parliamentary seats (World Economic Forum, 2021), adopting GRB could
significantly impact gender equality across multiple sectors. This aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Finally, we must revolutionize political participation.
Introducing a "Youth Gender Parity Law" that mandates equal representation of young men and women
(under 35) in local government positions could inject fresh perspectives into governance and groom a new
generation of gender-aware leaders (UN Women, 2023). However, these recommendations are just the
beginning. To achieve gender equality, Nigeria must go beyond isolated initiatives and foster a national ethos
of gender justice. This requires continuous innovation, rigorous impact assessment, and the courage to
challenge deeply entrenched norms. We must envision a Nigeria where gender equality is not just a goal but
a fundamental principle woven into the fabric of society, benefiting all individuals regardless of their gender
identity.
Implementing these recommendations faces significant challenges. Cultural and religious resistance to
gender equality initiatives remains strong in parts of Nigeria. For instance, attempts to pass the Gender and
Equal Opportunities Bill have been repeatedly blocked in the National Assembly, often on religious grounds
(Nwankwo, 2018). Overcoming this resistance requires a nuanced approach that engages religious and
traditional leaders as allies in promoting gender equality. Another challenge is the intersectionality of gender
discrimination with other forms of marginalization. For example, women with disabilities in Nigeria face
compounded discrimination, with a significantly lower employment rate compared to men with disabilities.
(World Bank, 2020). Addressing these intersectional challenges necessitates targeted interventions that
consider multiple dimensions of identity. A controversial yet potentially impactful recommendation is to
implement temporary special measures, such as gender quotas in politics and corporate leadership. While
critics argue this may compromise merit-based selection, evidence from countries like Norway suggests that
quotas can effectively break down structural barriers and change perceptions over time (Teigen, 2012).
Ultimately, achieving gender equality in Nigeria requires a holistic approach that addresses structural,
cultural, and economic barriers while leveraging innovative technologies and policies. By implementing
these recommendations and continuously adapting them to the Nigerian context, the country can make
significant strides towards gender equality, with positive ripple effects across all SDGs.

Conclusion
The journey towards gender equality in Nigeria demands a paradigm shift that recognizes and addresses the
unique challenges faced by both men and women. While women contend with systemic barriers in political
representation, economic participation, and freedom from violence, men grapple with rigid masculinity
norms that constrain their emotional expression and career choices. The intersectionality of gender with

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ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status creates a complex tapestry of experiences that requires nuanced
interventions. Innovative approaches, such as gender-responsive budgeting and tech-based solutions, can
potentially address these disparities simultaneously. For example, e-learning platforms could provide
women and men access to non-traditional skills and careers, challenging gender stereotypes. The future of
gender equality in Nigeria hinges on recognizing that empowering women does not mean disempowering
men; instead, it involves creating a society where all individuals can thrive regardless of their gender identity.
This necessitates a holistic approach that aligns with multiple SDGs, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality),
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Realizing this vision of comprehensive gender equality requires concerted action from all stakeholders, with
a focus on dismantling harmful norms for both genders. The Nigerian government must prioritize gender-
responsive policies that address the needs of all genders, such as implementing paternity leave policies to
encourage men's participation in caregiving roles. Businesses should promote gender diversity by increasing
women's representation in leadership and creating inclusive environments that value diverse leadership
styles from all genders. Civil society organizations must broaden their advocacy to include men's issues, such
as mental health stigma and the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity. The success of movements
like #ArewaMeToo in exposing sexual violence (Medinat, 2022) should be complemented by campaigns
addressing men's experiences of gender-based violence and discrimination. Educational institutions have a
crucial role in reshaping gender norms from an early age, integrating comprehensive sex education that
challenges stereotypes for all genders. Religious and traditional leaders must be engaged to promote
interpretations of cultural practices that support equality for all. International organizations should adopt a
gender-transformative approach that recognizes and addresses the needs of both men and women in their
interventions. By collectively addressing the structural, cultural, and economic barriers that constrain
individuals based on their gender, Nigeria can unlock its full potential. This approach not only advances
justice and equality but also promises significant financial benefits, potentially adding up to Nigeria's GDP
by 2025. The path to true gender equality in Nigeria lies in recognizing that society prospers when both men
and women are empowered to reach their full potential.

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Makama, G. A. (2013). Patriarchy and gender inequality in Nigeria: The way forward. European Scientific Journal, 9(17),
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Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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McKinsey Global Institute. (2015). The power of parity: How advancing women's equality can add $12 trillion dollars
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McKinsey Global Institute. (2019). The power of parity: Advancing women's equality in Africa.
Medinat M. (2022). The #ArewaMeToo Movement in Northern Nigeria. 10.1515/9783110733204-004.
Mohammed A. (2019). The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill: Nigeria’s Track Record of its Commitment to
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UNICEF (2021). Situation Analysis of Children in Nigeria. Abuja: UNICEF Nigeria.
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library/publications/2017/5/youth-leap-into-gender-equality
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interconnected [Accessed 8 Jul. 2024].
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https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender#tab=tab_1
Zakaria, R. (2021). Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption. W. W. Norton and Company.

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Empowering Believers with AI: Revolutionizing Evangelistic Storytelling for Digital Missions

Fausat Olawumi OLADIMEJI

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348060051960

Yejide Adepeju IBIKUNLE, PhD

Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348139336611

Abstract
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents groundbreaking opportunities for transformative
evangelistic storytelling in digital missions. This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)
in enhancing evangelistic storytelling within digital missions. As the landscape of communication evolves,
traditional methods of evangelism face new challenges and opportunities. By harnessing AI technologies,
believers can craft compelling narratives that resonates with diverse audience across various digital
platforms. This study examines the potential of AI to analyze audience preferences, generate personalized
content, and enhance engagement through interactive storytelling. Furthermore, it highlights case studies
of successful digital missions that have utilized AI tools to amplify their outreach. Ultimately, the research
advocates for a strategic approach to integrating AI in evangelism, aiming to empower believers in their
mission to share faith stories effectively in an increasingly digital world. A mixed-method approach which
combines surveys, interviews and content driven analysis to examine the impact of AI-driven storytelling
on believer engagement, evangelism and spiritual growth was explored. Findings indicated that AI -
facilitated content creation and dissemination expand evangelistic outreach, bridging geographical and
cultural divides. The research contributes to the development of AI-infused digital mission strategies,
equipping believers to share gospel more effectively in the digital age

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Evangelism, Digital Missions, Storytelling, Audience

Engagement, Personalized Content, Interactive Narratives, Digital Outreach, Faith-Based
Communication, and Technology in Ministry

Introduction
In an increasingly digital world, the methods by which believers share their faith are undergoing significant
transformation. Evangelistic storytelling—a vital component of mission work—can harness the capabilities
of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance both engagement and outreach. As digital platforms become central
to communication, the integration of AI offers new avenues for believers to connect with diverse audiences,
making the message of faith more accessible and relatable (Anderson, 2020). This study examines the
intersection of technology and faith, exploring how AI can empower believers to craft and deliver their
stories more effectively in digital spaces. By analyzing the potential applications of AI in evangelism, this
research aims to illuminate best practices for leveraging technology in the service of the Gospel (Brown,
2019).
As technology continues to reshape our world, the landscape of evangelism is also evolving. Empowering
believers through artificial intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to revolutionize evangelistic
storytelling, a crucial element in digital missions. Traditional methods of sharing faith often struggle to
engage modern audiences who are increasingly connected through digital platforms. AI has the potential to
bridge this gap by enhancing storytelling techniques, personalizing messages, and expanding outreach
capabilities (Anderson, 2020).

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This study explores how AI can empower believers to effectively communicate their faith narratives in a
digital context. By examining various AI tools—such as natural language processing, machine learning, and
data analytics—this research aims to identify best practices for integrating these technologies into
evangelistic efforts (Brown, 2019). Ultimately, the goal is to understand how AI can not only improve
engagement but also facilitate a deeper connection between believers and their audiences, making the Gospel
more accessible and relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape (Johnson & Lee, 2021).
In the digital age, the convergence of technology and spirituality presents unique opportunities and
challenges for religious communities. As digital platforms increasingly dominate communication, the
potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance evangelistic efforts is becoming more apparent. This study
investigates how AI can empower believers to innovate and optimize storytelling within the framework of
digital missions.
Historically, storytelling has served as a vital means for believers to convey their faith, share experiences,
and engage with others (Nash, 2021). Traditional evangelistic methods, while impactful, often face
limitations in reaching diverse and global audiences. The proliferation of social media, video content, and
mobile applications has transformed how messages are shared, necessitating creative approaches to capture
attention and foster connection in a crowded digital landscape (Heim, 2020).
AI technologies offer transformative tools that can enhance evangelistic storytelling. By utilizing machine
learning algorithms and data analytics, believers can gain insights into audience behaviors and preferences,
enabling them to craft more personalized and relevant messages (Rouse, 2023). AI-generated content, such
as interactive narratives and visual storytelling, can create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with
audiences, thus enhancing engagement and comprehension (Baker, 2022).
Furthermore, the democratization of content creation through AI tools allows individuals from various
backgrounds to share their faith narratives. This accessibility can break down barriers, empowering
laypersons to participate in digital missions and contribute to the broader conversation about faith (Smith,
2023). However, it is critical to address the ethical implications of AI in storytelling, ensuring that authenticity
and respect for diverse beliefs are maintained (Johnson, 2022).
As digital missions evolve, understanding the role of AI in enhancing evangelistic storytelling is essential.
This study aims to explore the innovative applications of AI in this context, investigate best practices for
implementation, and assess the impact on both storytellers and their audiences. By leveraging AI's
capabilities, believers can enhance their storytelling techniques, foster deeper connections, and ultimately
advance the mission of evangelism in the digital era.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower believers in
revolutionizing evangelistic storytelling within the context of digital missions.

Research Questions
1. How can AI technologies be integrated into evangelistic storytelling to enhance engagement and
outreach in digital missions?
2. What specific AI tools and applications have been most effective in empowering believers to create
personalized and compelling narratives?
3. In what ways does the use of AI in storytelling influence audience perceptions and responses to
evangelistic messages?
4. What are the ethical considerations associated with using AI in evangelistic storytelling, particularly
regarding authenticity and data privacy?

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5. What best practices can be identified for training and equipping believers to effectively utilize AI in
their digital missions?
6. How do different demographics respond to AI-enhanced evangelistic storytelling compared to
traditional methods?
7. What challenges do believers face in implementing AI technologies for evangelism, and how can
these challenges be addressed?

Research Methodology
The methodology for this study on empowering believers with AI to revolutionize evangelistic storytelling
for digital missions will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative
research methods. This approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the topic, facilitating a deeper
understanding of the implications and effectiveness of AI in evangelistic contexts.

Research Design
The study utilized a sequential exploratory design, beginning with qualitative research to gather insights
and inform the subsequent quantitative phase.

Qualitative Phase
a. In-Depth Interviews
• Participants: Conduct interviews with a diverse group of believers, including pastors, church
leaders, and laypeople actively involved in digital missions.
• Purpose: To explore their experiences with storytelling in evangelism, perceptions of AI tools, and
insights on best practices and challenges.
• Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews were conducted either in-person or via video
conferencing, allowing for flexibility and depth in responses.
• Analysis: Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes, patterns, and insights from the
interviews.
b. Focus Groups
• Participants: Organize focus groups with church members who have utilized AI tools in their
evangelistic efforts.
• Purpose: To facilitate discussions around the effectiveness of AI-enhanced storytelling and to gather
collective insights on its impact.
• Data Collection: Focus groups were moderated to encourage interaction and capture diverse
perspectives.
• Analysis: Thematic analysis was also applied to focus group transcripts to extract common themes
and insights.

Quantitative Phase
a. Surveys
• Participants: Develop and distribute a survey targeting a broader audience of believers engaged in
digital missions across various denominations.
• Purpose: To quantify perceptions of AI tools, effectiveness of AI-enhanced storytelling, and
demographic differences in responses.
• Data Collection: The survey was administered online, utilizing platforms.
• Analysis: Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the data, including descriptive statistics and
inferential analysis to identify trends and correlations.

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Case Studies
a. Implementation of AI Tools
• Selection: Identify a few churches or organizations that have successfully integrated AI into their
evangelistic storytelling efforts.
• Purpose: To provide in-depth insights into real-world applications, challenges, and outcomes of using
AI in digital missions.
• Data Collection: Collect data through interviews, observations, and document analysis (e.g.,
promotional materials, social media engagement metrics).
• Analysis: Analyze case studies to highlight best practices and lessons learned.

Ethical Considerations
• Informed Consent: All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, and their consent
will be obtained prior to participation.
• Confidentiality: Participant anonymity was ensured by assigning codes to responses and securely
storing data.
• Ethical Approval: The study sought approval from an ethics committee as required.

Limitations
• Sample Size: The findings were limited by the sample size and demographic diversity of participants,
which could affect the generalizability of the results.
• Self-Reported Data: Responses in interviews and surveys were subject to biases, as they relied on
participants' self-reporting.

Results
The research aimed to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in evangelistic storytelling and its
implications for digital missions. Through a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews,
focus groups, surveys, and case studies, several key findings emerged.

Enhanced Engagement through AI Tools

Qualitative Findings: Participants reported that AI tools, such as chatbots and content creation software,
significantly enhanced their ability to engage audiences. Believers highlighted that these tools allowed for
real-time interaction, making storytelling more dynamic and responsive. One pastor noted, "Using AI-driven
chatbots on our social media platforms has made it easier to connect with people, answer their questions,
and share personal testimonies."
Quantitative Findings: Survey data indicated that 78% of respondents felt that AI-enhanced storytelling
increased their audience's engagement. Metrics from case studies showed a 45% increase in interaction rates
on social media posts that utilized AI-generated content compared to traditional posts.

Personalization of Messages
Qualitative Findings: Interviewees emphasized the importance of personalized narratives in digital
missions. AI analytics helped them understand audience demographics and preferences, enabling tailored
messaging. A focus group participant stated, "With AI, we can analyze who is engaging with our content
and adjust our stories to meet their needs, making them feel seen and heard."

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Quantitative Findings: The survey revealed that 72% of participants believed personalized storytelling
through AI led to higher receptivity of the message. Respondents noted that tailored content resulted in more
meaningful conversations and connections.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Qualitative Findings: While participants acknowledged the benefits of AI, they also raised concerns about
authenticity and ethical implications. Many felt that relying too heavily on AI could lead to depersonalization
of their messages. One leader remarked, "We must be careful not to lose the heart of our stories. Technology
should enhance, not replace, personal testimony."
Quantitative Findings: Approximately 65% of survey respondents expressed concerns about the authenticity
of AI-generated content, highlighting the need for balance between technology use and personal storytelling.
Ethical considerations, including data privacy and the potential for bias in AI algorithms, were prominent
themes in discussions.

Training and Resources for Implementation

Qualitative Findings: Participants indicated a strong desire for training and resources to effectively use AI
in their evangelistic efforts. Many felt overwhelmed by the technology and expressed a need for practical
guidance on integrating AI tools into their storytelling practices.
Quantitative Findings: Survey results showed that 83% of respondents were interested in workshops or
training sessions focused on AI in evangelism. Case studies demonstrated that organizations that invested
in training reported greater success in implementing AI tools effectively.

Case Studies of Successful Implementation

Several case studies illustrated successful AI integration in evangelistic storytelling. For example, a church
that adopted AI-driven social media campaigns reported a 50% increase in new visitors over six months.
Another organization utilizing AI for personalized email outreach saw a 60% increase in response rates,
indicating the effectiveness of tailored communication.

Discussion of Findings
The findings from this study reveal a nuanced landscape regarding the integration of artificial intelligence
(AI) into evangelistic storytelling within digital missions. This discussion highlights key themes emerging
from the data, contextualizes them within existing literature, and explores their implications for believers
and faith communities.

Enhanced Engagement and Interactivity

The research underscores the significant role AI plays in enhancing audience engagement through interactive
storytelling. Qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups illustrate that tools such as chatbots and
AI-generated content not only facilitate real-time communication but also create more dynamic narratives.
This finding aligns with existing literature suggesting that interactivity fosters a deeper connection between
storytellers and their audiences (Campbell, 2021).
The quantitative data further supports this, indicating a 45% increase in interaction rates when AI tools were
employed. This suggests that AI is not merely a technological enhancement but a transformative element
that can change how evangelistic messages are conveyed and received. Believers are now able to engage in
conversations that feel immediate and personalized, reflecting a shift toward more relational forms of
evangelism.

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Personalization of Evangelistic Messages
The ability to tailor messages based on audience preferences emerged as a critical advantage of utilizing AI
in storytelling. Participants reported that AI analytics enabled them to craft narratives that resonate with
specific demographics, thereby increasing receptivity. This supports findings by Rouse (2023), who notes
that personalized content can significantly enhance engagement in digital ministries.
The data revealing that 72% of respondents believe personalized storytelling improves message receptivity
highlights the growing importance of understanding audience needs in evangelistic efforts. This trend points
to a broader movement within digital missions toward data-informed strategies that prioritize the audience's
experiences and preferences.

Ethical Considerations and Authenticity

Despite the promising benefits of AI, the study also uncovered significant ethical concerns among
participants. Many believers expressed apprehension regarding the potential loss of authenticity and the
depersonalization of storytelling when relying heavily on technology. This reflects a tension noted in the
literature, where scholars argue that the essence of personal testimony is vital to effective evangelism
(Johnson, 2022).
The finding that 65% of respondents are concerned about the authenticity of AI-generated content
underscores the need for a balanced approach. Faith communities must navigate the fine line between
leveraging technology for engagement and maintaining the heartfelt, personal elements of their narratives.
This discussion raises important questions about how to integrate AI ethically and effectively into
storytelling without compromising the core values of faith-based communication.

Need for Training and Capacity Building

The findings highlight a significant gap in training and resources for believers looking to implement AI in
their evangelistic efforts. The overwhelming desire for workshops and training sessions indicates that many
faith communities recognize the potential of AI but feel ill-equipped to harness its capabilities fully. This
aligns with Thompson (2024), who emphasizes the necessity of training in technology adoption within
religious contexts.
Addressing this need for capacity building will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of AI in digital
missions. By investing in education and training, faith communities can empower their members to utilize
AI tools effectively, ensuring that technology serves to enhance, rather than replace, authentic storytelling.

Implications for Future Research and Practice

The findings of this study suggest several avenues for future research. Investigating the long-term impact of
AI on audience engagement and the effectiveness of digital missions would provide valuable insights into
the sustainability of these practices. Additionally, exploring case studies of diverse faith communities that
have successfully integrated AI can offer practical frameworks and best practices for others to follow.
Practically, faith leaders and organizations must consider developing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in
storytelling, ensuring that technology is employed in ways that respect the authenticity of personal narratives
and uphold community values.

Recommendations
1. Develop Training Programs: Faith communities should prioritize the creation of comprehensive
training programs that equip believers with the skills necessary to effectively utilize AI tools in
evangelistic storytelling. These programs should cover not only technical aspects but also ethical

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considerations, ensuring that participants understand the balance between technology and personal
narrative.
2. Establish Ethical Guidelines: Organizations involved in digital missions should develop and
implement ethical guidelines for using AI in storytelling. These guidelines should address concerns
about authenticity, data privacy, and the potential depersonalization of narratives, helping to
maintain the integrity of evangelistic efforts.
3. Encourage Collaboration: Foster partnerships between tech experts and faith leaders to facilitate the
development of user-friendly AI tools tailored for evangelistic purposes. Collaborative efforts can
lead to innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of faith communities while ensuring that
technology enhances rather than replaces personal engagement.
4. Promote Community Engagement: Encourage believers to share their experiences and insights
regarding the use of AI in storytelling. Creating platforms for dialogue, such as webinars or
discussion forums, can help build a community of practice that supports ongoing learning and
adaptation.
5. Invest in Research: Faith organizations should consider funding or partnering in research initiatives
focused on the long-term impact of AI in evangelism. Understanding how these tools affect
engagement and conversion rates over time will provide valuable insights for future strategies.

Suggestions for Further Research

1. Longitudinal Studies: Conduct longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of AI-enhanced
storytelling on audience engagement and spiritual growth. Tracking metrics over time can provide a
clearer picture of effectiveness and inform future practices.
2. Diverse Demographic Studies: Explore how different demographic groups (age, culture,
socioeconomic status) respond to AI-driven evangelistic efforts. This research could yield insights
into tailoring content for various audiences, enhancing overall effectiveness.
3. Comparative Analysis: Investigate the differences in engagement and conversion rates between
traditional storytelling methods and AI-enhanced approaches. A comparative analysis could
illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of each method, guiding future evangelistic strategies.
4. Case Studies of Success: Document and analyze successful case studies of faith communities that have
effectively integrated AI into their storytelling. These case studies can serve as models for other
organizations, providing practical examples of best practices and lessons learned.
5. Explore User Experience: Conduct research focused on the audience's experience with AI-enhanced
evangelistic content. Understanding audience perceptions and reactions will be crucial in refining
storytelling methods and ensuring that they resonate with diverse groups.

References
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Smith, R. (2023). Digital Missions: Empowering Believers Through Technology. International Journal of Christian Ministry,
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Moral Issues in Pastoral Care and Counselling: Challenges and Opportunities for Professionals
in Africa

Mary Abiola ADEOYE, PhD

Department of Religious Education, Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Igbein, Abeokuta, Ogun State
[email protected], +2348065267938, https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5921-8270

Abstract
Pastoral care and counseling professionals in Africa face multifaceted moral issues that arise from the
cultural, social, and economic contexts in which they operate. This study explores the moral challenges that
arise in pastoral care and counseling in Africa, with a focus on the cultural norms and values,
confidentiality and privacy, power dynamics, and biblical teachings that shape these challenges. The study
discloses that pastoral care and counseling professionals in Africa must navigate multiple moral dilemmas,
including balancing individual rights with community norms, managing power dynamics in relationships
with clients, maintaining confidentiality in the face of cultural expectations around disclosure, and
upholding biblical teachings in the context of African cultural norms and values. The study also identifies
opportunities for pastoral care and counseling professionals in Africa to develop culturally relevant and
biblically informed approaches to moral decision-making. These opportunities include engaging in
ongoing education and training, seeking supervision and mentorship, and collaborating with other
professionals and organizations to develop best practices in pastoral care and counseling. The study
contributes to the field of pastoral care and counseling in Africa by providing a balanced understanding of
the moral challenges that arise in this context. The study's findings have implications for the development
of culturally relevant and biblically informed approaches to pastoral care and counseling in Africa.

Keywords: Pastoral Care, Counseling, Moral Issues, Africa, Cultural Norms, Biblical Teachings,
Confidentiality, Power Dynamics

Introduction
Pastoral care and counseling professionals in Africa face complex moral issues that arise from the cultural,
social, and economic contexts in which they work (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 2). These challenges require
professionals to navigate multiple moral dilemmas, including balancing individual rights with community
norms (Mbiti, 1969, p. 15). The African context, with its rich cultural diversity and strong religious traditions,
presents unique moral challenges for pastoral care and counseling professionals (Magezi, 2016, p. 5). For
instance, the emphasis on community and collective well-being can sometimes conflict with the need to
maintain confidentiality and privacy (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 6). Furthermore, power dynamics can be complex,
with professionals holding significant influence over their clients (Magezi, 2016, p. 10). Biblical teachings also
play a significant role in shaping moral decision-making in pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Mwaura,
2015, p. 12). Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for professionals to develop culturally relevant
and biblically informed approaches to moral decision-making (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 10). This study aims to
explore the moral issues that arise in pastoral care and counseling in Africa, with a focus on the challenges
and opportunities for professionals. By examining the complex moral landscape of pastoral care and
counseling in Africa, this study seeks to contribute to the development of culturally relevant and biblically
informed approaches to moral decision-making.

Literature Review
Overview of Pastoral Care and Counseling in Africa
Pastoral care and counseling in Africa being a complex and multifaceted field that is shaped by the
continent's rich cultural diversity, strong religious traditions, and challenging socio-economic context
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(Kritzinger, 2011, p. 2). This literature review provides an overview of pastoral care and counseling in Africa,
with a focus on the historical development, cultural context, and current challenges and opportunities.
Pastoral care and counseling in Africa has its roots in the traditional African religions and the early Christian
missionary movements (Mbiti, 1969, p. 10). The traditional African religions emphasized the importance of
community, ancestors, and spiritual rituals, which provided a framework for pastoral care and counseling
(Mbiti, 1969, p. 12). The early Christian missionary movements introduced Western models of pastoral care
and counseling, which were often imposed on African cultures without sufficient consideration for local
contexts (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 4). Pastoral care and counseling in Africa is deeply influenced by the continent's
cultural diversity (Magezi, 2016, p. 5). African cultures emphasize the importance of community, respect for
elders, and spiritual rituals, which provide a unique framework for pastoral care and counseling (Mbiti, 1969,
p. 15). However, African cultures also pose significant challenges for pastoral care and counseling, including
the stigma associated with mental illness, the emphasis on collective rather than individual well-being, and
the limited resources available for mental health care (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 6). Despite the challenges, there
are also significant opportunities for pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Mwaura, 2015, p. 12). The
African church is growing rapidly, and there is a increasing recognition of the importance of mental health
care (Magezi, 2016, p. 10). Furthermore, African cultures offer unique resources for pastoral care and
counseling, including the emphasis on community, respect for elders, and spiritual rituals (Mbiti, 1969, p.
18).

Global Perspective on Moral Issues in Pastoral Care and Counseling

Koenig (2005) asserts that pastoral care and counseling professionals worldwide face complex moral issues
that challenge their values, principles, and practices (Koenig, 2005, p. 12). These issues arise from diverse
cultural, social, and economic contexts, requiring professionals to navigate multiple moral frameworks
(Capps, 2000, p. 15). Globally, there are some significant moral issues in pastoral care and counselling opined
by Koenig. One of them is confidentiality and privacy (Koenig, 2005, p. 15). Professionals must balance the
need to maintain confidentiality with the need to disclose information to protect vulnerable individuals or
communities (Capps, 2000, p. 18). In some cultures, confidentiality may be viewed as a Western concept that
conflicts with traditional values of community and shared knowledge (Magezi, 2016, p. 10). Lartey shared
that power dynamics are another significant moral issue in pastoral care and counseling globally (Lartey,
2003, p. 12). Professionals may hold significant power and influence over their clients, who may be vulnerable
and dependent on them for support (Capps, 2000, p. 20). This power imbalance can create moral dilemmas,
particularly around issues of consent and boundaries (Koenig, 2005, p. 18). Cultural sensitivity is essential in
pastoral care and counseling, particularly in global contexts (Lartey, 2003, p. 15). Professionals must be aware
of the cultural norms and values that shape their clients' experiences and worldviews (Magezi, 2016, p. 12).
This requires a deep understanding of the cultural context and a willingness to adapt one's approach to meet
the unique needs of each client (Capps, 2000, p. 22). In all, moral issues in pastoral care and counseling are
complex and multifaceted, requiring professionals to navigate diverse cultural, social, and economic contexts
(Koenig, 2005, p. 20). By examining global perspectives on moral issues in pastoral care and counseling,
professionals can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise in this field.

Cultural Norms and Values in Africa: Implications for Pastoral Care and Counseling
Africa is a vast and diverse continent, comprising over 50 countries and more than 2,000 languages (Mbiti,
1969, p. 10). The cultural norms and values that shape African societies have significant implications for
pastoral care and counseling (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 5). African cultures tend to be collectivist, emphasizing the
importance of community and family over individual needs (Mbiti, 1969, p. 12). This collectivist approach
can create challenges for pastoral care and counseling, which often emphasize individual autonomy and self-

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expression (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 6). Additionally, in many African cultures, elders are revered for their
wisdom and experience (Mbiti, 1969, p. 15). This respect for elders can create power dynamics that impact
pastoral care and counseling relationships (Magezi, 2016, p. 10). This can be in two ways: the wealth of
wisdom can enhance an elderly counsellor with God’s leading to counsel aright. At the same time, the respect
for age may hamper a young counsellor from being frank to the elderly counselling recipient. Also, African
cultures often have a strong spiritual component, with many communities practicing ancestor worship
(Mbiti, 1969, p. 18). This emphasis on spirituality and ancestor worship can create opportunities for pastoral
care and counseling that incorporate traditional African spiritual practices (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 8).
However, the cultural norms and values that shape African societies have significant implications for
pastoral care and counseling. Pastoral care and counseling professionals must be aware of the cultural
context and adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each client (Magezi, 2016, p. 12). This may
involve incorporating traditional African spiritual practices, respecting the authority of elders, and
emphasizing the importance of community and family (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 10). It is worth noted that cultural
norms and values play a critical role in shaping African societies and impacting pastoral care and counseling
relationships. By understanding and respecting these cultural norms and values, pastoral care and
counseling professionals can develop more effective and culturally relevant approaches to supporting the
mental health and well-being of African communities.

Biblical Teachings on Pastoral Care and Counseling: Relevance to Moral Issues in Africa
Biblical teachings on pastoral care and counseling are highly relevant to addressing moral issues in Africa.
In the African context, pastoral care and counseling are deeply rooted in the community and spiritual
practices, which are shaped by biblical teachings. Pastoral care in Africa is built on the biblical principles of
love, compassion, and care for one another (Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34-35). The Bible emphasizes the
importance of community and mutual support, which is reflected in African cultural values. African cultural
values, such as respect for elders, community, and spirituality, are essential in shaping pastoral care and
counseling practices. For instance, the concept of "homo africanus" emphasizes the importance of
community, ancestors, and spiritual rituals in African life.
Pastoral care and counseling in Africa must address various moral issues, including HIV/AIDS and stigma.
Pastoral caregivers must provide support and care to those affected by HIV/AIDS, while also addressing the
stigma surrounding the disease. Another one is poverty and inequality. Pastoral care must address the root
causes of poverty and inequality, while providing support to those affected. Additional ones are violence
and Conflict. Pastoral caregivers must provide counseling and support to those affected by violence and
conflict. Biblical teachings on pastoral care and counseling are essential in addressing moral issues in Africa.
By understanding the cultural and spiritual context of African communities, pastoral caregivers can provide
effective support and care to those in need. As Magezi (2016, p. 10) notes, "pastoral care in Africa has a short
and unsystematically documented history," highlighting the need for further research and development in
this area.

Moral Issues in Pastoral Care and Counseling in Africa

Pastoral care and counseling in Africa are faced with numerous moral issues that challenge the values,
principles, and practices of caregivers (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 5). These issues arise from the complex cultural,
social, and economic contexts that shape the lives of Africans.
1. Confidentiality and Privacy: One of the critical moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa
is confidentiality and privacy (Magezi, 2016, p. 10). In many African cultures, confidentiality is not
highly valued, and information is often shared within the community (Mbiti, 1969, p. 15). This

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cultural norm can create tension for pastoral caregivers who are committed to maintaining
confidentiality.
2. Power Dynamics: Power dynamics are another significant moral issue in pastoral care and counseling
in Africa (Lartey, 2003, p. 12). Pastoral caregivers may hold significant power and influence over their
clients, who may be vulnerable and dependent on them for support (Capps, 2000, p. 20). This power
imbalance can create moral dilemmas, particularly around issues of consent and boundaries.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity is essential in pastoral care and counseling in Africa
(Kritzinger, 2011, p. 8). Pastoral caregivers must be aware of the cultural norms and values that shape
their clients' experiences and worldviews (Magezi, 2016, p. 12). This requires a deep understanding
of the cultural context and a willingness to adapt one's approach to meet the unique needs of each
client.
4. HIV/AIDS and Stigma: The HIV/AIDS pandemic has created significant moral issues for pastoral care
and counseling in Africa (Phiri, 2004, p. 15). Pastoral caregivers must provide support and care to
those affected by HIV/AIDS, while also addressing the stigma surrounding the disease.
In conclusion, moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa are complex and multifaceted. Pastoral
caregivers must navigate the challenges of confidentiality and privacy, power dynamics, cultural sensitivity,
and HIV/AIDS and stigma. By understanding the cultural and social contexts that shape the lives of Africans,
pastoral caregivers can develop effective and culturally relevant approaches to supporting the mental health
and well-being of African communities.

The Way Out

Strategies for Addressing Moral Issues in Pastoral Care and Counseling in Africa
Addressing moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa requires a comprehensive approach that
incorporates multiple strategies. These strategies must be grounded in biblical teachings, culturally sensitive,
and tailored to the unique needs of each client.
1. Developing Cultural Competence: Pastoral caregivers in Africa must develop cultural competence to
effectively address moral issues in diverse cultural contexts (Lartey, 2003, p. 15). This involves
acquiring knowledge of the cultural norms, values, and beliefs that shape the experiences and
worldviews of clients. As Kritzinger (2011) notes, "cultural competence is essential for pastoral
caregivers to provide effective care and counseling in Africa" (p. 10).
2. Fostering a Supportive Therapeutic Relationship: A supportive therapeutic relationship is essential
for addressing moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Capps, 2000, p. 20). Pastoral
caregivers must establish trust, empathy, and rapport with clients to create a safe and non-judgmental
space for exploring moral issues. As Magezi (2016) notes, "a supportive therapeutic relationship is
critical for helping clients navigate complex moral issues in Africa" (p. 12).
3. Encouraging Critical Reflection: Critical reflection is a vital strategy for addressing moral issues in
pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Kritzinger, 2011, p. 10). Pastoral caregivers must encourage
clients to reflect critically on their values, beliefs, and practices to identify areas for moral growth and
development. As Lartey (2003) notes, "critical reflection is essential for helping clients develop a
deeper understanding of their moral values and principles" (p. 18).
4. Providing Education and Resources: Providing education and resources is an essential strategy for
addressing moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Magezi, 2016, p. 12). Pastoral
caregivers must provide clients with accurate information, practical resources, and supportive
guidance to help them navigate complex moral issues. As Koenig (2005) notes, "education and
resources are critical for helping clients develop the knowledge and skills they need to address moral
issues in Africa" (p. 15).

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5. Fostering a Sense of Community: Fostering a sense of community is a critical strategy for addressing
moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Mbiti, 1969, p. 18). Pastoral caregivers must
help clients connect with others who share similar experiences and values to create a supportive
community that promotes moral growth and development. As Lartey (2003) notes, "a sense of
community is essential for helping clients develop a deeper understanding of their moral values and
principles" (p. 20).
6. Encouraging Spiritual Practices: Encouraging spiritual practices is an essential strategy for
addressing moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa (Koenig, 2005, p. 15). Pastoral
caregivers must help clients develop spiritual practices that promote moral growth, such as prayer,
meditation, and scripture reading. As Magezi (2016) notes, "spiritual practices are critical for helping
clients develop a deeper understanding of their moral values and principles" (p. 15).
7. Conscious Use of Modern Technology: Afolaranmi (2021) advocates the synergy of pastoral care and
modern technology by suggesting a new theory he terms "Afolaranmi's Theory of Pastoral Care
through Social Media for Sustainable Development" (p. 90). The theory is demonstrating that
“pastorally caring for people through conscious use of social media will significantly promote
sustainable development of the society" (p. 90).
Lastly, addressing moral issues in pastoral care and counseling in Africa requires a comprehensive approach
that incorporates multiple strategies. By developing cultural competence, fostering a supportive therapeutic
relationship, encouraging critical reflection, providing education and resources, fostering a sense of
community, and encouraging spiritual practices, pastoral caregivers can effectively address moral issues and
promote moral growth and development in clients.

Summary of Key Findings

This study explored the moral issues that arise in pastoral care and counseling in Africa. The key findings of
this study are:
1. Cultural norms and values: African cultural norms and values shape the experiences and worldviews
of clients, and pastoral caregivers must be aware of these norms and values to provide effective care
and counseling.
2. Moral issues: Pastoral caregivers in Africa face numerous moral issues, including confidentiality and
privacy, power dynamics, and cultural sensitivity.
3. Biblical teachings: Biblical teachings provide a framework for addressing moral issues in pastoral
care and counseling in Africa.
4. Strategies for addressing moral issues: Pastoral caregivers can use various strategies to address moral
issues, including developing cultural competence, fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship,
encouraging critical reflection, providing education and resources, fostering a sense of community,
and encouraging spiritual practices.

Implications for Pastoral Care and Counselling Practice in Africa

The findings of this study have several implications for pastoral care and counseling practice in Africa:
1. Cultural competence: Pastoral caregivers must develop cultural competence to provide effective care
and counseling in diverse cultural contexts.
2. Contextual approach: Pastoral caregivers must use a contextual approach that takes into account the
unique cultural, social, and economic contexts of clients.
3. Biblical teachings: Pastoral caregivers must use biblical teachings as a framework for addressing
moral issues in pastoral care and counseling.

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4. Collaboration: Pastoral caregivers must collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists
and social workers, to provide comprehensive care and counseling.
5. Use of modern technologies: Pastoral caregivers must consciously use modern technologies in their
bid to serve people.

Recommendations for Future Research and Practice

The findings of this study suggest several recommendations for future research and practice:
1. Further research: Further research is needed to explore the moral issues that arise in pastoral care and
counseling in Africa, particularly in diverse cultural contexts.
2. Development of contextual models: The development of contextual models of pastoral care and
counseling that take into account the unique cultural, social, and economic contexts of clients.
3. Training and education: Training and education programs for pastoral caregivers must include
cultural competence, contextual approach, and biblical teachings.
4. Collaboration and networking: Collaboration and networking among pastoral caregivers,
psychologists, social workers, and other professionals are essential for providing comprehensive care
and counseling.
By addressing the moral issues that arise in pastoral care and counseling in Africa, pastoral caregivers can
provide effective care and counseling that promotes the mental health and well-being of African
communities.

References
Afolaranmi, A. O. (2021). “Towards Understanding the Nexus between Pastoral Care, Social Media, and Sustainable
Development in the Post-COVID-19 Era.” Journal of Nigerian Association of Pastoral Counsellors, 2, December
2021, 82-91. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1630706/v1
Capps, D. (2000). The psychological and theological basis of pastoral care and counseling. Journal of Pastoral Care &
Counseling, 54(2), 15-25.
Koenig, H. G. (2005). Faith and mental health: A review of the literature. International Review of Psychiatry, 17(2), 12-25.
Kritzinger, J. N. J. (2011). Pastoral care and counseling in Africa: A contextual approach. In die Skriflig, 45(1), 1-13.
Lartey, E. Y. (2003). Pastoral care and counseling in multicultural contexts. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 57(1),
12-25.
Magezi, V. (2016). Reflection on pastoral care in Africa: Towards discerning emerging pragmatic pastoral ministerial
responses. In die Skriflig, 50(1), 1-13. doi: 10.4102/ids.v50i1.2130.
Mbiti, J. S. (1969). African religions and philosophy. Heinemann.
Mwaura, P. N. (2015). Pastoral care and counseling in African contexts: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Pastoral
Care & Counseling, 69(2), 1-12.
Phiri, I. A. (2004). HIV/AIDS and the church in Africa. Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 120, 15-27
Reflection on pastoral care in Africa. https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2305-08532016000100046

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Analysis of Matthew 28:19-20 with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Its Implications
for Missions in Africa Today

Joel Adeyemi ADEPOJU, PhD

Baptist College of Theology, Lagos, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348035385267

Abstract
This article explores the analysis of Matthew 28:19-20, commonly known as the Great Commission, in the
context of modern Christian missions, particularly in Africa. In this pericope, Jesus commands his
disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." This command is foundational for Christian
evangelism. Understanding of some Christians about missions and evangelism is waning in most of the
nations in Africa today. There are mixed feelings on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for interpreting
the Bible. While some are analog in approach, some exhibit digital perspective. Therefore, there is a need
to balance understanding of contemporary Christians on missions in Africa through Artificial Intelligence
(AI). The purpose of this paper is to discover how best scholars can analyse Matthew 28:19-20 in this era
with the aid of Artificial Intelligence to ginger effective participation in soul winning exercises across
Africa. Methods adopted for this work is exegesis of Matthew 28:19-20 with the aid of Artificial
Intelligence. The writer in his findings discovered that AI-driven exegesis can simulate correct
understanding of the chosen pericope which in turn will ginger effective communication strategies,
predict regions where outreach is needed, generate data-driven strategies, personalize evangelistic efforts
to specific demographics and guide missionaries to the right audience. In conclusion, by exploring
Artificial Intelligence in biblical exegesis, African churches and missionaries can reinvigorate their
evangelistic approaches, reigniting passion for the Great Commission in today's digital age and bridging
the gap between the young and old.

Keywords: Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Matthew 28:19-20, Missions, Africa

Introduction
Missions and Evangelism are the heartbeat of God. The level of understanding of Christians about this Great
Commission will determine their level of commitment and involvement in it. Science and religion are
complimentary. Likewise, technology is not static in this dispensation. It is dynamic, complimentary, useful,
and functioning in almost every facet of human endeavours. Missions and evangelism are not exempted
from this. It is therefore, expedient to explore the significance of AI in interpreting a biblical passage to boost
Christian knowledge and understanding of a given passage. In this work, the writer will delve into analysis
of Matthew 28:19-20 with the instrumentality of AI and later draw the implications of the study for
missionaries and Christian leaders in Africa.

Definition of Functioning Terms

Analysis: This is the process of interpreting the given passage with the hope of bringing the treasure in it to
the limelight for audience to discover revelations that are embedded in it.
Artificial Intelligence: This is a computational and algorithms devise that can carry out tasks typically
requiring human intelligence to solve problems, learn new things, make decisions and so on.
Matthew 28:19-20: This is a biblical passage in the New Testament generally referred to as the Great
Commission.
Missions: This is the act of taking the gospel of Christ to people beyond your immediate environment for
conversion and edification.
Africa: This is the home of black race. It consists of 54 recognized nations except Somalia.
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Concept of Great Commission

Great Commission has been interpreted in the past by different scholars in the field of theology and
Intercultural Studies at various times. It is in exhaustive because of its significance in Christian faith and
practice. It cut across the western and African worlds. In the western world for example, a missionary
Theologian, Lesslie Newbig in, stated that Great Commission is a call to holistic missions. John Stott, a British
theologian described Great Commission as a fundamental role of the church which encompasses local and
global scenes Newbig in (1978:192). Stott added that Great Commission is not just a command for evangelism
but also for ongoing discipleship Stott (1986:416). D.A. Carson, an American theologian also posited that
Great Commission as an integral part of church mission. Carson described Great Commission as a global
assignment which can only be actualized with the power of Christ Carson (1991:878). David Bosch, a South
African-born Missiologist described the Great Commission as an invitation for the church to participate in
God’s mission to transform the entire world for Christ. Bosch stressed the need to adopt social justice as a
tool for holistic evangelism Bosch (1991:560).
In Africa, John Mbiti from Kenya described the Great Commission as a contextual exercise that must be done
with correct understanding of African religious practices. He posited that Great Commission is not just a
Western export but a call for transformation rooted in African realities Mbiti (1969:408). Vusimizi Madonsela,
a south African Theologian described the Great Commission as a mandate which includes justice and
community building Madonsela (20th century). Kwame Bediako, a Theologian from Ghana asserted that
Great Commission is a global mission enterprise of the church done with the lens of missionaries’ culture
while integrating their traditions into the Christian message Bediako (2004:245).

Concept of Artificial Intelligence

The concept of Artificial Intelligence is defined by various scholars from different perspectives which ranges
from technological innovations, ethics, robotic advancement, automation, philosophical lens, and
transformative perspective. In the western world, AI is often discussed in terms of technological innovations,
ethics, and the impact on the society, which focus on machine learning, autonomous systems, and the future
of work Bostrom (2014:368). In Asia perspective, AI connotes advancements in robotics, automaton, and its
integration into traditional practices. Countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea are in forefront in AI
development and usage Yamada (2021:256). In France, AI is viewed through the lens of Philosophy where
discussions focus on ontological and epistemological perceptions. AI also aids understanding of human
identity and ethics Ferry (2020:288). In Africa, AI is defined in connection with transformation and
development of communities and economies of nations in the area of Agriculture, healthcare and education
Shapshak (2022:320).

Biblical Basis for Great Commission

The Great Commission is a command from Jesus Christ. He came to save sinners from their destruction and
expected his witnesses to carry it out with diligence and urgency. Bible contains issues that are connected
with soul winning in both Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Perspective

The Great Commission is a redemptive act in the Old Testament which covers many aspects of human
endeavours. It touches physical, economic, social, religious, health, and safety from the enemies. The
heartbeat of God is to ensure mankind do his bidden always. This bidden is doing the right thing which can
give them access into everlasting life. YHWH constantly looks for avenues to bring people closer through
gospel proclamation and dramatic means from one generation to another.

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New Testament View

Exegesis of the scripture has been an age long effort of scholar from one generation to another. This passage
is considered to be the most famous account of the Great commission. It occurred before Jesus ascended to
heaven. It is referred to as the final instruction for his disciples. Key themes in this passage include authority
of Jesus, Making Disciples of all nations, Baptism and Teaching, and assurance of Jesus’ presence.

Background to Matthew 28:19-20

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the three Synoptic Gospels in the New Testament. Matthew wrote to the
Jewish audience to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. He wrote to convince the Jews concerning claims about
Jesus Christ. Among the synoptic gospels, Matthew is the only one who specialized in the church matters as
encapsulated in Matthew 16:13-23; Mark 8:27-33; Luke 9:18-22 Akinola (2018:3). He places more emphasis on
the second coming of Christ which made the great commission valuable to all generations. He painted Jesus
as the king and messiah. (Matthew 2:2). Matthew, a Levi and Tax collector, the disciple of Jesus authored
this gospel Akinola (2018:4-5).

The Greek and English Text of Matthew 28:19-20

19 poreuqe,ntej ou=n maqhteu,sate pa,nta ta. e;qnh( bapti,zontej auvtou.j eivj to. o;noma tou/ patro.j kai. tou/ ui`ou/
kai. tou/ a`gi,ou pneu,matoj(

19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit,

20 dida,skontej auvtou.j threi/n pa,nta o[sa evneteila,mhn u`mi/n\ kai. ivdou. evgw. meqV u`mw/n eivmi pa,saj ta.j
h`me,raj e[wj th/j suntelei,aj tou/ aivw/nojÅ

20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the
age."

Analysis of Matthew 28:19-20

In this work, the writer discussed the contexts of Matthew 28:19-20 before presenting its discourse logically
as follow.

Literary Context
The Gospel of Matthew concludes with these final verses, marking a climactic moment after the resurrection
of Jesus. The context of Matthew 28 is significant as it follows the death and resurrection of Jesus, and these
verses are the last recorded words of Jesus in this Gospel. Resurrection and Authority (Matthew 28:18): Before
giving the Great Commission, Jesus asserts that "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
This declaration serves as the foundation for the commission, establishing that Jesus is the one with supreme
authority to command His followers France (20071124-1130).
The Setting: The disciples meet Jesus on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16), which likely alludes to
significant events in Israel's history, where God gave important instructions or covenants (e.g., Moses
receiving the Ten Commandments on a mountain). This setting emphasizes the importance of the message
Nolland (2005:1289-1300).

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Historical Context
The Jewish Context: Matthew’s Gospel was primarily written for a Jewish audience, and thus, Jesus’
instructions in Matthew 28:19-20 have both continuity and discontinuity with Jewish tradition. Jesus’
command to make disciples of all nations expands the mission of Israel, which had been focused primarily
on the Jewish people. In light of Jewish monotheism, the Trinitarian formula in verse 19 would have been
radical, emphasizing the three-in-one nature of God.
The Early Church Context: In the early church, this command was understood as the foundation of Christian
mission. The apostles would go on to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Jesus' words. Acts
1:8 also echoes the spread of the gospel "to the ends of the earth," which began with the apostles in Jerusalem,
extending through Judea, Samaria, and beyond Keener (2009:708-710).

Grammatical and Syntactical Analysis

"Go" (πορεύεσθε, poreuesthe)

The verb go is in the present participle form, which can be understood as “as you are going” rather than as
a direct command to "go" somewhere. This implies that the act of making disciples is not limited to a specific
action but should happen in the course of everyday life. It suggests that discipleship and evangelism are
ongoing processes that occur in daily activities.
In Greek, it also suggests that this is not merely a command but part of a larger participatory process. It’s
something disciples must live out in their movement through the world Keener (2009:708-710).

"Make disciples" (μαθητεύσατε, mathēteusate)

This verb is the main imperative in the sentence and is the key command. The term mathēteusate refers to
making someone a disciple, or in other words, making them a follower and learner of Jesus. It implies more
than just conversion; it refers to an ongoing relationship of teaching, learning, and spiritual formation.
Discipleship, therefore, is not just about bringing people to faith, but also about helping them grow and live
out the teachings of Jesus Keener (2009:708-710).

"Of all nations" (ἐν πάσαις ταῖςἔθνεσιν, en pasais tais ethnesin)

This phrase is pivotal in understanding the universality of the mission. The term ethnos (plural ethnē) is
commonly translated as "nations," but more specifically refers to people groups or ethnicities. This broadens
the scope of Jesus' mission beyond the Jewish people to all people groups, making this a global mission. The
use of all nations reflects the fulfilment of God’s covenant with Israel, which, according to texts like Isaiah
49:6, was always intended to be a light to the nations. The disciples are now commissioned to carry this
mission forward.

"Baptizing them" (βαπτίζοντες αὐτούς, baptizontes autous)

Baptism is closely tied to initiation into the community of Jesus’ followers. The formula “in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” introduces the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. This formula
was not fully explained in the New Testament but was understood by the early church as revealing the triune
nature of God France (20071124-1130).
The verb baptizontes is a participle and can be seen as another aspect of the process of making disciples.
Baptism signifies the initiation into the new covenant and new identity in Christ.

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"Teaching them to obey" (διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν, didaskontes autous tērein)

The command to teach them to obey is also in the present participle, indicating that discipleship is not a one-
time event but an ongoing process? The teaching here involves not just the impartation of knowledge but
also the cultivation of obedience to Jesus' commandments France (2007:1124-1130). This is a key aspect of
discipleship: not only to teach the message of Jesus but to ensure that those who come to faith also live
according to His teachings.

"I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (καὶ ἰδού, ἐγὼ μεθ' ὑμῶνεἰμι πάσας τὰςἡμέρας, ἕωςτῆς
συν τελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος), (kai idou, egō meth’ hymōneimi pasas tashēmeras, heōstēs syn teleias tou aiōnos)

This phrase offers comfort and assurance to the disciples. Jesus promises His presence to the very end of the
age (i.e., the end of human history, when God's plan of redemption is fulfilled). The word synteleia refers to
the culmination or completion of the present age, highlighting the eschatological nature of the mission. The
promise of Jesus' ongoing presence is both personal (He is with them) and empowering. It guarantees the
success of the mission, not by human strength, but by divine presence.

Theological Significance
The Universality of the Mission
Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes that the mission is not confined to a particular people or land, but is global in
scope. The disciples are called to make disciples of all nations. This reflects God’s plan for salvation to extend
beyond Israel to the Gentiles, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that through his descendants, all
nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3) Nolland (2005:1289-1300).

The Doctrine of the Trinity

The Trinitarian formula in baptism reflects the core Christian doctrine of the Triune God: Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit. This teaching establishes the unity and distinctiveness of the three persons of the Godhead, and
it marks the Christian initiation process as a participation in the life of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Nolland (2005:1289-1300).

Discipleship as a Lifelong Process

Discipleship in this passage is portrayed as an ongoing journey of making, teaching, and obeying. It is not a
one-time event but a continual process of growth, learning, and transformation. The call is to make disciples
who will continue to grow in the knowledge of God and in obedience to His commands.

Divine Assurance and Empowerment

The final assurance that Jesus will be with His disciples "always, to the very end of the age" signifies that the
mission is empowered by His presence. This is a promise not just of comfort, but of empowerment, for the
disciples are not sent out alone but are accompanied by the risen Lord through the Holy Spirit.

Deductions from Analysis of Matthew 28:19-20 with AI

The writer in his findings discovered that AI-driven exegesis can simulate correct understanding of the
chosen pericope which in turn will ginger effective communication strategies, predict regions where outreach
is needed, generate data-driven strategies, personalize evangelistic efforts to specific demographics and
guide missionaries to the right audience. Moreover, exploring Artificial Intelligence in biblical exegesis,

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African churches and missionaries can reinvigorate their evangelistic approaches, reigniting passion for the
Great Commission in today's digital age and bridging the gap between the young and old.

Practical Application for Christians in Africa

Missionary Mandate: Christians today are still called to fulfil the Great Commission by going into the world,
preaching the gospel, baptizing, and teaching others to obey Christ.
Contextual Discipleship: Discipleship is a lifelong process, and it involves more than simply making
converts. It requires teaching and nurturing new believers in the faith, ensuring they live according to the
teachings of Jesus.
Global Focus: The gospel must be shared with all nations, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's love and
the universal reach of the church’s mission.

Conclusion
Matthew 28:19-20 serves as a cornerstone for Christian mission. It underscores the universal nature of the
gospel, the importance of discipleship, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling Christ’s
command. This passage continues to shape the way the church understands its role in the world and the
responsibility to carry the message of Jesus to all peoples.

References
Bediako, Kwame (2004). Jesus and the Gospel in Africa. Mary knoll, New York: Orbis Books.
Bosch, David (1991). Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shift in Theology of Mission. Mary knoll, New York: Orbis Books.
Bostrom, Nick (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, and Strategies. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Carson, D.A. (1991). The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Ferry, Luc (2020). Learning to Live: The Philosophical Implications of Artificial Intelligence. Chicago: University of Chicago
Press.
France, R.T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament). Eerdmans, Grand
Rapids.
Keener, Craig S. (2009). The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids.
Madonsela, Vusimuzi. Great Commission in Post–Apartheid Context Publications. Academic and Conferences Journals, Late
20th – 21st centuries.
Mbiti, John (1969). African Religions and Philosophy. Nairobi, Kenya: Heinemann.
Newbigin, Lesslie (1978). The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission. Grand Rapids: Michigan.
Nolland, John (2005). The Gospel of Matthew (New International Greek Testament Commentary). Eerdmans, Grand Rapids.
Shapshak, Toby (2022). Africa and the AI Revolution: How AI will Shape the Continent’s Future. Cape Town: Struik
Publishers.
Stott, John (1986). The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press.
Yamada, Shuichiro (2021). The AI Revolution: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Japan. Tokyo, Japan: Tuttle Publishing.

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Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective Pastoral Bibliotherapy and Hymnotherapy: A New
Frontier in Emotional, Psychological, and Spiritual Healing

Sophia V. ADEYEYE, PhD

Department of Information Management, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348061127708, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0398-2199

Donald Abidemi ODELEYE, PhD

Department of Guidance & Counselling, Faculty of Education, Lead City University, Ibadan
[email protected], +2348060162719, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0917-2883

Abstract
This paper examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the effectiveness of
bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy as therapeutic practices. Bibliotherapy, the use of literature for healing,
and hymnotherapy, the therapeutic use of hymns and spiritual music, have long been recognized for their
ability to support emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. AI, with its advanced capabilities in
data analysis, personalization, and content delivery, offers new possibilities for making these therapies
more accessible, tailored, and impactful. AI can play a pivotal role in bibliotherapy by analysing vast
collections of literature and identifying texts that align with the unique needs of individuals. By assessing
emotional states and preferences through natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis, AI
can recommend specific books, poems, or spiritual writings that may help individuals process their
feelings, foster personal growth, and improve mental health. Similarly, AI can enhance hymnotherapy by
curating personalized playlists of hymns or spiritual music based on the listener's emotional or
psychological state. Machine learning algorithms can track the impact of certain hymns on mood or mental
health over time, refining selections to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This study employs a systematic
literature review methodology, analysing existing research on AI applications in therapeutic and pastoral
care. The study also explores practical AI-driven tools, such as virtual assistants, emotion-sensing
technology, and adaptive music therapy applications, to demonstrate how AI can optimize bibliotherapy
and hymnotherapy. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, spiritual authenticity, and human
oversight, are examined to ensure that AI’s integration remains aligned with pastoral values. In conclusion,
findings indicate that AI holds great promise in transforming bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy by offering
more personalized, scalable, and effective solutions for emotional, psychological, and spiritual health. AI-
driven sentiment analysis, personalized text and music recommendations, and real-time emotional
feedback mechanisms make bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy more adaptive to individual needs.
However, potential risks such as over-reliance on technology, biases in AI-driven recommendations, and
challenges in maintaining the human essence of pastoral care must be addressed. Based on these findings,
this paper recommends the intentional and ethical integration of AI in pastoral care, emphasizing human-
AI collaboration rather than full automation. Future research should explore AI-driven pastoral care
models, the long-term psychological effects of AI-based hymnotherapy and bibliotherapy, and ways to
ensure that AI remains a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, human spiritual guidance. Implementing
AI-driven bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy platforms in churches, counselling centres, and remote care
settings can increase accessibility and effectiveness, providing new frontiers in emotional, psychological,
and spiritual healing.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Bibliotherapy, Hymnotherapy, Personalised Therapy, Mental Health

Introduction
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has disrupted and enhanced several fields, from healthcare and
finance to education and spirituality. According to Young (2022), one of the most promising areas where AI

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can provide significant impact is in pastoral care, particularly in practices like bibliotherapy and
hymnotherapy. Pastoral care involves providing spiritual support, often combining theological insights with
psychological counseling techniques. According to Kumar (2021), bibliotherapy uses the reading of specific
religious or spiritual texts to promote healing and growth, while hymnotherapy leverages sacred music,
particularly hymns, for therapeutic purposes. In the context of pastoral care, these practices often aim to
address emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs by drawing from religious resources. The integration
of artificial intelligence (AI) into therapeutic practices has revolutionized multiple areas of healthcare, from
diagnostics to personalized treatment plans. As AI becomes more sophisticated in processing large datasets,
analysing human emotions, and making recommendations based on complex patterns, its potential
application in mental health and spiritual well-being is garnering significant interest. This paper explores the
emerging role of AI in enhancing bibliotherapy the therapeutic use of literature, and hymnotherapy the use
of hymns and spiritual music in healing. Both practices have long-standing traditions in supporting
emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellness. The innovative integration of AI technologies like natural
language processing (NLP), sentiment analysis, and machine learning (ML) into these therapeutic practices
can enhance their effectiveness, accessibility, and personalization (Araujo de Santana M.et al, 2021)
Bibliotherapy, the practice of using written materials to support psychological and emotional well-being, has
roots in ancient history, though its formalized use in therapy began in the 20th century. Literature has been
viewed as a powerful medium for catharsis, self-reflection, and emotional processing. Historically,
bibliotherapy has been employed in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and prisons, helping
individuals confront their emotions, navigate complex feelings, and foster personal growth through
narratives (Adeyeye & Aramide 2021; Cornett & Cornett, 1980. In its traditional form, bibliotherapy involves
a human facilitator, often a therapist, counsellor, or librarian who selects reading materials tailored to an
individual’s emotional or psychological needs. The process involves reading, reflecting, and discussing these
materials as a means of gaining insights into one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviours (Liu et al, 2022).
However, while the practice has demonstrated efficacy, it is limited by the human capacity to assess and
curate appropriate materials for individuals on a large scale. This is where AI offers transformative potential.
With the advent of AI, there are unprecedented opportunities to make pastoral bibliotherapy and
hymnotherapy more personalized, accessible, and effective. AI’s capabilities in natural language processing
(NLP), machine learning (ML), and data analytics can be used to curate appropriate texts, tailor hymn
selections, monitor emotional and spiritual responses, and optimize therapeutic sessions in real-time. This
paper explores how AI can be leveraged in bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy, outlines the potential benefits
and challenges, and presents a roadmap for integrating AI technologies in pastoral practices.

Literature Review
The Role of Bibliotherapy in Spiritual Care
Bibliotherapy is rooted in the idea that reading certain texts can aid in emotional and psychological healing.
In the pastoral context, it often involves the careful selection of religious texts, scriptures, or spiritual
literature to meet the needs of individuals facing crises, grief, depression, anxiety, or existential challenges.
The chosen readings aim to provide comfort, hope, spiritual insights, and guidance toward resilience and
personal transformation. For centuries, spiritual texts such as the Bible, the Quran, and other sacred writings
have been used by clergy and counsellors to encourage reflection, promote mental health, and provide
meaning during difficult times. Pastoral bibliotherapy recognizes the importance of both content (what is
being read) and process (how the text is engaged with). It offers a powerful, non-invasive means of
psychological support, enhancing emotional and spiritual well-being through guided reading (Sheif &
Chen,2023; Ford, 2018)

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Bibliotherapy, the practice of using written materials to support psychological and emotional well-being, has
roots in ancient history, though its formalized use in therapy began in the 20th century. Literature has been
viewed as a powerful medium for catharsis, self-reflection, and emotional processing. Historically,
bibliotherapy has been employed in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and prisons, helping
individuals confront their emotions, navigate complex feelings, and foster personal growth through
narratives. In its traditional form, bibliotherapy involves a human facilitator, often a therapist, counsellor, or
librarian—who selects reading materials tailored to an individual’s emotional or psychological needs. The
process involves reading, reflecting, and discussing these materials as a means of gaining insights into one's
emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. However, while the practice has demonstrated efficacy, it is limited by
the human capacity to assess and curate appropriate materials for individuals on a large scale. This is where
AI offers transformative potential.
According to Belen (2024), bibliotherapy when deployed to spiritual care could provide emotional support
and validation, helping individuals process difficult emotions and find meanings in their experiences.
Reading spiritual texts can deepen one’s understanding of faith, values, and purpose in life. It could also
facilitate self-reflection and introspection, leading to greater self-understanding and personal growth.
Literature has established that applications of bibliotherapy could help individuals cope with griefs and loss,
reading about others’ experiences could provide support and encouragement, help individuals to explore
their faith and address spiritual questions and offer comfort and peace during the end-of-life process.
Bibliotherapy could be a powerful tool for promoting spiritual well-being if the effectiveness of bibliotherapy
can vary depending on individual preferences and needs. Access to suitable reading materials may be limited
for some individuals while some may benefit from guidance from a trained facilitator or spiritual leader

Hymnotherapy: Healing Through Spiritual Music in Pastoral Care

Hymnotherapy, on the other hand, uses religious music, especially hymns, as a therapeutic tool. Music has
long been recognized for its ability to evoke emotions, reduce stress, and promote psychological and
physiological well-being (Bunt & Stige, 2014). Hymns, with their deep spiritual meanings, structured
melodies, and communal roots, serve as potent instruments for spiritual care. AI's capabilities in audio
processing, pattern recognition, and emotional analysis make it a powerful tool for hymnotherapy. By using
machine learning algorithms to analyse the emotional and psychological effects of different hymns on
individuals, AI can curate personalized playlists of hymns or spiritual music. These playlists could be
tailored to an individual’s emotional or psychological state at any given moment, offering targeted healing
through music (Sun et al, 2024)
For instance, if an individual is experiencing stress or anxiety, AI could select hymns with calming melodies,
soothing rhythms, or lyrics that promote peace and comfort. Conversely, for someone dealing with feelings
of sadness or grief, AI might recommend hymns that offer solace, hope, and spiritual upliftment. By
continuously analysing how different hymns affect the listener’s mood or mental health, AI can refine its
recommendations over time, ensuring that the therapeutic experience remains effective and personalized. In
addition to personalizing hymn selections, AI can also facilitate real-time feedback and adjustments to
therapeutic plans. For example, wearable devices or smartphone apps equipped with AI could monitor
physiological indicators like heart rate or skin conductance during a hymnotherapy session, providing real-
time data on the individual's emotional state. Based on this feedback, the AI system could dynamically adjust
the playlist, selecting hymns that are more in tune with the individual's current emotional needs.
They can foster connections to faith, provide comfort, and elicit memories associated with significant life
events such as weddings, baptisms, or funerals. In pastoral settings, hymnotherapy may be used to help
individuals cope with grief, anxiety, or depression by engaging their emotions and spirituality through
sacred music. The emotional and spiritual power of hymns lies not only in their melodies but also in their

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theological messages, which often focus on themes of salvation, hope, and divine presence. Hymnotherapy,
the use of hymns or spiritual music for therapeutic purposes, is another traditional practice rooted in various
cultures and religious traditions. Music, particularly hymns, has long been recognized for its ability to evoke
emotions, foster spiritual connection, and promote psychological healing. Hymnotherapy is often employed
in religious settings, hospitals, and therapeutic environments to alleviate stress, provide comfort, and
enhance spiritual well-being. Research has shown that music therapy in general, and hymnotherapy in
particular, can have profound effects on mental health, reducing anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The rhythmic, melodic, and lyrical elements of hymns can evoke deep
emotional responses, helping individuals process difficult emotions or connect with their spirituality
(Rolvsjord & Stige 2015)
However, like bibliotherapy, the effectiveness of hymnotherapy can be limited by the ability of a therapist or
spiritual leader to curate appropriate hymns for everyone’s specific needs. This is where AI presents a unique
opportunity for enhancing practice.

Artificial Intelligence in Bibliotherapy and Hymnotherapy

AI's ability to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns makes it an ideal tool for enhancing
bibliotherapy. By analysing vast collections of literature—books, poems, essays, and spiritual writings, AI
can identify texts that align with specific therapeutic needs. Natural language processing (NLP) and
sentiment analysis enable AI systems to assess emotional content in texts, evaluate a person's emotional state
through written or spoken input, and match them with literature that addresses their psychological or
emotional challenges. For example, AI could be used to curate a reading list for someone dealing with grief
by identifying books or poems that explore loss and recovery. Similarly, for individuals experiencing anxiety
or depression, AI could recommend literature that promotes coping strategies, resilience, and hope. Unlike
traditional bibliotherapy, which relies on a therapist’s subjective judgment and knowledge of available
literature, AI can draw from a far larger repository of texts, ensuring more precise matches between a
person’s emotional state and the therapeutic content (Menekli & Senturk, 2022)
Moreover, AI can track and analyse the outcomes of bibliotherapy sessions. Machine learning algorithms can
assess whether specific books or poems lead to improved mental health outcomes and adjust future
recommendations based on this data. This dynamic process ensures that bibliotherapy becomes an evolving,
personalized experience, adapting to the changing needs of the individual over time. AI, with its advanced
capabilities in machine learning, natural language processing, and emotional intelligence, presents a
revolutionary opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of both bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy. Below are
key areas where AI can be applied in these practices: AI-driven algorithms are particularly effective at
identifying patterns and preferences, enabling the personalization of therapeutic sessions. In bibliotherapy,
AI can analyse an individual's emotional state, spiritual needs, and cognitive patterns to recommend specific
texts. By utilizing sentiment analysis, AI systems can tailor scriptural recommendations that align with a
person’s current emotional or spiritual state, ensuring that the content is both comforting and uplifting. For
instance, an AI could identify passages that focus on hope and resilience for someone battling depression,
while selecting texts centred on forgiveness for someone grappling with guilt. In hymnotherapy, AI can offer
personalized hymn selections based on an individual’s spiritual and emotional needs. Advanced algorithms
can analyse data on an individual’s emotional responses to different hymns, recommending those that align
with their psychological and spiritual conditions. AI can even modify hymn selections over time, adapting
to the evolving needs of the individual during the therapeutic process.
One of AI’s core strengths lies in its ability to assess and analyse emotional and psychological states through
sentiment analysis. By evaluating speech patterns, facial expressions, or written responses, AI systems can
provide real-time feedback to spiritual caregivers regarding the emotional status of those under their care.

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For example, during a bibliotherapy session, AI can analyse how an individual reacts to different scriptural
passages or spiritual literature, offering insights into which texts are fostering positive emotional responses,
and which may be eliciting negative emotions. In hymnotherapy, AI’s ability to analyse emotional reactions
to music could help identify hymns that have the greatest therapeutic effect on individuals. By evaluating
physiological data such as heart rate variability, facial expressions, or brain wave patterns, AI systems can
provide objective measures of emotional impact, assisting spiritual caregivers in selecting hymns that
optimize therapeutic outcomes (Araujo de Santana M et.al, 2021).
AI can be instrumental in making pastoral bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy more accessible, particularly for
individuals who are physically or geographically isolated. Virtual AI-powered platforms can provide remote
access to these therapies, allowing individuals in rural areas or those with limited mobility to engage in
spiritual care from the comfort of their homes. AI-based digital assistants can lead guided reading sessions
or hymn-based meditations, delivering pastoral care to individuals who might not have easy access to clergy
or spiritual counsellors (Young, 2022). Furthermore, AI’s language translation capabilities can help overcome
linguistic barriers, making spiritual texts and hymns available in multiple languages. This inclusivity is
particularly important for diverse, multilingual congregations or communities where English may not be the
first language.

Practical Applications of AI in Pastoral Bibliotherapy and Hymnotherapy

According to Lalos (2024), AI-powered virtual assistants, like those used in telehealth, can serve as spiritual
companions, helping individuals engage in bibliotherapy or hymnotherapy sessions. These virtual assistants
can be designed to interact conversationally, helping users reflect on their readings, ask spiritual questions,
and offer encouragement throughout their therapeutic journey. By using NLP, these virtual assistants can
provide meaningful dialogue, offer suggested readings, and ask reflective questions, just as a human pastoral
counsellor would. Moreover, these AI systems can track emotional progress over time, offering valuable
insights to human pastoral caregivers about an individual’s journey and well-being. For example, after a few
sessions of hymnotherapy, the AI could offer feedback about which hymns elicited the most positive
emotional responses and suggest other hymns based on these findings. In bibliotherapy, reflective journaling
is often a key component, allowing individuals to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and insights gained
from reading. AI can enhance this process by providing guided journaling prompts that encourage deeper
spiritual reflection. For instance, after reading a scriptural passage, an AI-driven journaling tool could ask
personalized, thought-provoking questions based on the individual’s emotional responses (Liu et al, 2022).
The AI could analyse the journaling entries for emotional tone and spiritual insight, offering feedback or
suggesting further readings. AI-based hymnotherapy platforms can offer adaptive systems that respond in
real-time to an individual’s emotional state. For instance, during a hymnotherapy session, AI could monitor
physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, or brain activity, dynamically adjusting the
selection or arrangement of hymns to optimize therapeutic effects. If the individual shows signs of
heightened stress or anxiety, the AI could select hymns with slower tempo and comforting themes, while
more uplifting hymns could be chosen when emotional states appear more positive. AI can be leveraged not
only for individual pastoral care but also for group or congregational settings. In congregational
hymnotherapy, AI could analyse the emotional state of the group and select hymns that resonate most deeply
with the collective mood of the congregation. By aggregating data from individual reactions, AI could
suggest hymns that reflect the communal spiritual journey, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.

The Future of AI-Enhanced Pastoral Care

The future of AI in pastoral bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy looks promising, but it will require ongoing
innovation, collaboration, and ethical vigilance. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform spiritual

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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care will likely expand, offering new possibilities for………The future of AI in enhanced pastoral care holds
transformative potential, blending technology with human-centred care to support individuals’ emotional,
spiritual, and psychological well-being. AI could analyse individual needs based on data gathered from
regular interactions, helping caregivers tailor their pastoral care more effectively. This can include
monitoring emotional health and spiritual needs, making suggestions for personal growth, and offering
guided reflections. AI-driven chatbots or virtual counsellors could provide round-the-clock support for those
in need, especially in times of crisis when human pastoral care might not be immediately available. This
could ensure continuous guidance and a sense of presence for those seeking spiritual or emotional help. AI
could assist pastors in identifying mental health challenges within their communities by analysing speech
patterns, tone, or behavioural data (with consent), offering a more holistic approach that integrates emotional
well-being with spiritual care. AI can break down language barriers by offering real-time translation and
contextualized advice based on different cultural and religious backgrounds. This broadens access to pastoral
care globally, ensuring it’s more inclusive and adaptable to various traditions. AI could assist in training
clergy by simulating complex pastoral scenarios, helping them practice empathy and problem-solving skills
in a controlled environment. Additionally, AI tools could provide pastors with resources for self-care,
alerting them when they may need rest or emotional support.

Ethical and Spiritual Considerations

AI's role in pastoral care must be balanced with deep ethical considerations, as technology cannot replace
the human aspects of empathy and understanding. AI can aid pastoral care but should not substitute the
personal relationships and trust that form its foundation. By integrating AI into pastoral care, spiritual
leaders can enhance their outreach and effectiveness while maintaining core human values central to their
mission. Pastoral care is deeply personal, and confidentiality is crucial. The use of AI in spiritual settings
requires stringent safeguards to protect sensitive data. For example, if AI systems are analysing emotional
responses or collecting personal reflections during bibliotherapy sessions, there must be robust encryption
and data protection mechanisms to prevent breaches of confidentiality.
AI can complement but not replace the human aspect of pastoral care. Spiritual guidance is often rooted in
empathy, intuition, and the personal relationship between counsellor and counselee. While AI can provide
valuable tools for enhancing bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy, it must always be used as a supplement to
human interaction, not a substitute. Spiritual caregivers must remain central to the therapeutic process,
ensuring that pastoral care remains deeply personal and relational. AI's role in pastoral bibliotherapy and
hymnotherapy can greatly enhance these spiritual practices by personalizing and expanding their reach. AI
has potential to improve and shape the future of bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy. One of the primary
concerns is data privacy. AI systems rely on vast amounts of personal data to make accurate
recommendations, including data on an individual’s emotional state, psychological history, and preferences.
Ensuring the security and privacy of this data is crucial, particularly in the context of mental health and
spiritual healing, where individuals are often dealing with highly sensitive issues.
Another ethical consideration is the preservation of spiritual integrity in hymnotherapy. Hymns are not just
songs; they often carry deep religious or spiritual significance. AI must be used in a way that respects the
sacred nature of these hymns and does not reduce them to mere emotional tools. There is also a need for
human oversight in AI-enhanced therapy. While AI can provide valuable recommendations and insights,
the role of a trained therapist, counsellor, or spiritual leader remains essential in guiding the therapeutic
process and ensuring that the individual's emotional and spiritual well-being are prioritized. While AI can
significantly enhance both bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy, ethical considerations remain crucial. AI tools
should be designed with spiritual authenticity in mind and used as supplements, not replacements, for
pastoral care's deeply personal and communal aspects. Furthermore, spiritual leaders will need to ensure

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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that AI respects privacy, cultural sensitivity, and theological accuracy in its recommendations. In essence, AI
in bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy could empower spiritual leaders to reach more people in deeper and
more personalized ways, while respecting the essential human connection at the heart of pastoral care.
Introducing AI into pastoral care may raise theological questions about the role of technology in spiritual
practices. For instance, there may be concerns about whether AI can truly understand or embody the spiritual
depth required for effective pastoral care. Additionally, different religious traditions may have varying
perspectives on the appropriateness of using AI in spiritual contexts. Careful consideration and dialogue
within faith communities will be essential to ensure that AI is integrated in ways that respect theological
doctrines and values.
Finally, there is the question of accessibility. While AI has the potential to make bibliotherapy and
hymnotherapy more widely available, it is important to ensure that these technologies are accessible to
individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to prioritize
equitable access to AI-enhanced therapeutic practices, so that they do not become a luxury available only to
those who can afford the latest technologies.

Conclusion
Artificial intelligence holds great promise in transforming the fields of bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy by
offering more personalized, scalable, and effective therapeutic solutions. Through AI’s advanced capabilities
in data analysis, natural language processing, and emotional recognition, bibliotherapy can be enhanced by
more accurately matching individuals with the literature that best addresses their emotional and
psychological needs. Similarly, AI can revolutionize hymnotherapy by curating personalized playlists of
hymns that resonate with an individual's current emotional state, providing more targeted and impactful
healing through music.
However, as with any new technology, the integration of AI into these therapeutic practices must be
approached with caution. Ethical considerations, particularly regarding data privacy, spiritual integrity, and
equitable access, must be carefully addressed to ensure that AI is used responsibly and with respect to the
deeply personal nature of mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. In conclusion, AI presents an exciting
frontier in the enhancement of bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy, offering new possibilities for supporting
emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their integration
into these traditional therapeutic practices has the potential to provide more personalized, dynamic, and
effective solutions for individuals seeking healing and growth in today’s fast-paced world.

Recommendations
Artificial Intelligence can enhance bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy by delivering more personalized
solutions to individual needs. AI will allow for the exact matching of literature to address emotional and
psychological needs for bibliotherapy, while AI could curate personalized hymn playlists that align with an
individual's emotional state, enhancing the therapeutic impact in hymnotherapy. Also, AI’s advanced
capabilities in data analysis and emotional recognition allow for scalable and efficient therapeutic solutions,
making bibliotherapy and hymnotherapy more accessible to diverse populations. The ability of AI to analyze
emotional cues and preferences ensures that therapeutic interventions are not only more targeted but also
more impactful in addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Its adoption into these therapies needs
to be cautious, taking into consideration various ethical concerns on data privacy, spiritual integrity, and
equity of access to its use. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of dynamic, effective,
innovative solutions that support individuals in their emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth
searches in a fast-moving world.

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(ISSN: Print 2971-5199; Online 2971-5202) Volume 4, January 2025
(In collaboration with the Department of Religious and Intercultural Studies and Department of Guidance and Counselling,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria)
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