The advancement of our age, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence, is creating novel pathways for us to spread the Word. However, these pathways must be met with understanding and adaptability rather than resistance. As we look to the future, we should consider how our actions today can shape the Church of tomorrow.
Consider the evolution of how we share Scripture. First, it was scrolls, then books, and now we find ourselves at the precipice of a digital revolution where the Word can be accessible to all with just a click. It's crucial to remember that the power isn't in the medium but in the Word itself. As the Church, our mission should always be to ensure the Gospel remains accessible.
However, recent trends have demonstrated otherwise. Take for example the issue with devotionals. When some churches objected to full daily devotionals being posted online due to copyright concerns, opting to share excerpts and divert readers to their apps or paper books, it created a stumbling block. This approach, seemingly aimed more toward financial gain, limited the reach and engagement of the Gospel.
This situation could have been discouraging for many. But I saw it as a call to innovate, to think about God and the mission of spreading His Word first, rather than adhering strictly to the norms of a denomination. I started sharing my own devotionals, ensuring they were accessible to all. This action was not out of competitiveness, but out of the conviction that we should strive to make the Word available in its entirety, without restrictions.
This adaptability is not just about devotionals but extends to other aspects of our ministry. For instance, the ministry of our musicians should not be confined by denominational borders. We all serve the same God and aim to spread His Word. The ability for our musicians to minister freely across denominations should not be met with chastisement but celebration. After all, we are united in Christ.
Looking forward, the unfolding of the 5G era and the emergence of OpenAI pose significant opportunities for the Church. The 'increase in knowledge' prophesied in Daniel 12:4 is happening before our eyes, and we must leverage these advancements. With OpenAI, we can effectively translate the Bible into numerous languages, potentially reaching a larger global audience in a cost-effective way.
The Church of Tomorrow is one that acknowledges the shift from a paper-dependent culture to a digitized one. It's the Church that recognizes the Word can take multiple forms and uses this understanding to broaden the reach of the Gospel. It's the Church that isn't afraid to embrace new methods, like AI, to facilitate this mission.
The Church of Tomorrow is not determined by its resistance to change but by its willingness to adapt and evolve. Let's use the tools of today and the advancements of tomorrow to ensure the Gospel remains accessible, the body of Christ united, and our mission undeterred.
Yours in Christ,
cc. Blogovangelist
Olanrewaju Lasisi (PhD).