“AI is not the future—it’s already here. The question is: will we use it for God?”
When Yulia from SABDA stood before a room of mission workers, she didn’t start with fear or technical jargon. She started with vision. “Our ministry’s motto used to be IT for God,” she said with a smile. “Now, it’s AI for God.”
SABDA—the oldest Christian digital ministry in Indonesia—has spent nearly three decades helping believers use technology to spread the gospel. But now, the landscape has shifted again. “We used to say AI is the future,” Yulia told the group. “But now AI is here.” And she’s right. From church administration to online evangelism, artificial intelligence is no longer an option—it’s a tool already shaping our ministries.
Yulia’s message was simple but challenging: Christians must learn to use AI with biblical values, not just moral ones. Technology, she reminded everyone, is a gift from God—a tool for creativity and communication. But because it’s made by imperfect people, it also carries the marks of human sin. That means we must approach AI with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.
Building Your AI Quotient (AIQ)
If you’ve ever heard of IQ (intelligence quotient) or EQ (emotional quotient), AIQ works the same way—it measures how wisely you use artificial intelligence. A healthy AI Quotient includes three things:
- AI Intelligence – Understanding what AI is, how it works, and what it can and can’t do.
- AI Literacy – Learning to work with AI systems effectively, from chatbots to Bible apps.
- AI Responsibility – Using these tools ethically, with biblical discernment and humility.
“Technology is not neutral,” Yulia said. “It reflects the heart of the people who made it. That’s why it must be redeemed for God’s glory.”
Developing your AIQ helps you do just that—so that every time you use AI, you’re not just saving time but also serving Christ wisely.
How to Talk to AI: The FOCUS Formula
Then Max took the stage, ready to make AI feel less mysterious. His first question brought laughter:
“Do you have breath? Do you use WhatsApp? Then you can talk to AI.”
He introduced the FOCUS method—a simple formula for crafting better prompts when using tools like ChatGPT or BibleGPT:
- F – Format: What kind of result do you want (blog, outline, story)?
- O – Objective: What’s your goal or question?
- C – Context: Give background or perspective—biblical, cultural, or practical.
- U – User: Who are you? Who’s it for? What role should AI take?
- S – Spicy: Add your personal touch—tone, style, or emotion.
When participants tried it, the results were striking. “What is prayer?” became a theological summary. But with FOCUS—“What is Christian prayer from a biblical perspective with Bible verses?”—the answers came alive.
AI for God’s Glory
As the session closed, Yulia offered one final reminder: “The future church will serve an AI generation. We must prepare now.”
Her words were both warning and invitation. AI isn’t just a machine—it’s a new mission field. And those who learn to use it with faith and focus will help ensure that even in the digital age, the message of Christ keeps speaking in every language—and every technology.