In the modern era, evangelical churches and ministries are pushing boundaries with digital innovations
In Madrid, Spain, a groundbreaking event brought together approximately 50 in-person participants and another 10 via Zoom, with a shared focus on the utilization of technology for the expansion of the message of Jesus and the training of disciples. The event was organized by the Evangelical Council of Madrid, Indigitous, and the Lausanne Movement.
The gathering saw presentations from various Christian leaders, each highlighting the potential of digital tools in spreading the gospel. Michael Oh, the CEO of the Lausanne Movement, emphasized the importance of "embracing digital" as a tool for good and mission expansion. He underscored this point during his keynote address at the Lausanne global congress in Incheon, South Korea.
Ale Medina, another youth pastor in Madrid, believes that social media can be a tool for the extension of the kingdom, provided it is used according to God's purpose. He shared insights on how digital platforms can serve as modern agoras for public proclamation and community building across global audiences.
Jorge Munoz demonstrated how a digital marketing strategy can be beneficial for promoting an event or project. He highlighted the importance of reaching young people "where they are", which involves the use of technology and social media.
Andy Wickham from Pontea presented El Cafetal, a podcast of interviews, as a means to help people ask relevant questions about faith. The event also featured a digital animation project from Argentina, Biper and his friends, which has millions of subscribers, presented by Liz León.
The event also addressed the sustainability challenge ahead at Evangelical Focus, inviting readers to join those committed to the mission through the #OneMoreYearEF campaign.
Data analytics from digital Scripture engagement campaigns were discussed as a means to optimize disciple-making strategies through media. Aitor de la Cámara presented two Apps for prayer and biblical meditation developed by Prayer 24-7, while Daniel Gomez emphasized the importance of using technology wisely and not adding burden to people in his role as head of communications at Assemblies of God Spain.
David Trujillo, pastor and head of the Canzion Institute in Spain, emphasized the importance of using technological tools in the training of saints to fulfill the Great Commission. He was joined by José Manuel Maceiras, who discussed digital radio broadcasting strategies to reach young people in their closest environment from EBM Radio.
Willem van de Poll shared how the pandemic opened new opportunities for a project based on face-to-face meetings from Alpha. The event concluded with Mateo, a young content editor, sharing his testimony of God's faithfulness and developing platforms to connect with young people on social media.
The event also touched upon the Seoul Declaration, a theological document reflecting on mission for the church worldwide, which includes a specific section dedicated to technology. Christian ministries are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and social media to accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission by enhancing outreach, disciple-making, and communication efficiency in several innovative ways. AI tools are being integrated into sermon preparation, content creation, and digital engagement, while social media platforms serve as modern agoras for public proclamation and community building across global audiences.
By combining AI’s capabilities in content creation, analysis, and accessibility with the broad reach and interactive nature of social media, Christian ministries are accelerating disciple-making and gospel proclamation worldwide, embracing digital tools as integral extensions of the Great Commission’s mandate.
Artificial intelligence is utilized by Christian ministries to enhance outreach and communication efficiency, as seen in the integration of AI tools into sermon preparation, content creation, and digital engagement.
Social media platforms, viewed as modern agoras, serve as essential tools for public proclamation and community building across global audiences, a strategy emphasized by various speakers at the event in Madrid.
