AI can help share the gospel around the world. But can it ever replace the witness of someone who reflects the character of Christ?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Dr Billy Coppedge, former Lausanne catalyst for orality and author of I, Missionary: Reimagining Missions in an AI World.

Together, they explore the surprising connection between orality and artificial intelligence, why human presence and relationships remain essential to Christian mission, and what it truly means to be sent by God.

Billy challenges us to look beyond the capabilities of AI and consider what technology cannot reproduce: the experience of encountering God, the wisdom that comes from walking with him, and a life that embodies Christ's character.

This conversation invites Christian leaders to approach AI with both openness and discernment, remembering that our calling is not simply to communicate the gospel, but to live it.

Main Points

  • Mission is more than sharing information. AI can communicate knowledge about God, but Christian witness involves reflecting his character through our lives and relationships.
  • Human presence matters. Orality and the incarnation remind us that how we communicate the gospel is as important as the message itself.
  • Intelligence is not wisdom. AI offers extraordinary access to knowledge, but biblical wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
  • Stories help us imagine the future. Billy's book uses fictional scenarios to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents for Christian mission.
  • Spiritual discernment must come first. Prayer, attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, and genuine human relationships should shape how we engage with technology.

Guest Bio

Dr. Billy Coppedge is a missionary, storyteller, and former Lausanne catalyst for orality. Having served in global mission for more than two decades, including in Uganda, he is passionate about Scripture engagement and embodied Christian witness. He is the author of I, Missionary: Reimagining Missions in an AI World.

Links & Resources

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