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Faithful Innovation: Global Media Outreach Embraces AI to Advance the Great Commission

the letters "AI" overlayed on stained glass

Strategic integration of artificial intelligence enhances ministry effectiveness while maintaining human connection at the core of evangelism and discipleship efforts 

Global Media Outreach (GMO) is excited to announce its official approach to integrating artificial intelligence into its worldwide evangelism and discipleship ministry. As the pioneer of digital Gospel outreach for over two decades, GMO views AI as a powerful tool for advancing the Great Commission while maintaining an unwavering commitment to human connection, biblical principles, and ethical ministry practices.

GMO’s position on AI is detailed in this position statement, “Faithful Innovation: Harnessing the Power of AI in Carrying Out the Great Commission,” which outlines the organization’s theological foundations, ethical guidelines, and practical applications for AI-supported technologies.

“The Holy Spirit is not within any piece of technology itself. Not the computer, not the Internet, not AI, but he does live within our online missionaries and our staff,” said Anna Price, Director of Ministry Response at GMO. “That dependence on the Holy Spirit is the guiding force in every single decision that GMO makes.”

Building on a Biblical Foundation

GMO’s approach to AI is deliberately grounded in Scripture and ethical principles, with input from a specialized Technology Advisory Board that includes theologians, ethicists, and AI experts.

“When we talk about artificial intelligence, we’re talking about computers or machines that do things that require human thinking,” explained Yvonne Carlson, Chief Technology Officer at GMO. “This discipline of computer science is actually decades old. It’s really nothing new. It’s just that we’re using it in new ways.”

Carlson noted that the organization’s AI implementation is guided by specific scriptural principles, including Proverbs 18:21 on the power of words, John 18:20 on transparency, 2 Corinthians 4:2 on rejecting deception, and Matthew 5:37 on honesty and clarity in communication.

Enhancing Ministry Without Replacing Human Connection

A key aspect of GMO’s AI strategy is using technology to enhance rather than replace the human elements that are essential to spiritual growth.
 
“Besides some of the administrative tasks, AI allows us to improve the tools our online missionaries already use,” said Carlson. “AI is incredibly helpful when it acts as an information concierge for our volunteers while they’re talking to a new contact. It has the potential to accelerate their ability to connect more deeply and facilitate spiritual growth more efficiently. Most importantly, we are integrating AI to reduce the manual effort required with routine tasks, such as uploading files or copying and pasting large sections of discipleship content.”
 
Michelle Diedrich, Chief Experience Officer at GMO, provided a real-world example of how AI is already improving volunteer effectiveness: “In the past, when a volunteer interacted with a new contact and they ask a question about something that the volunteer doesn’t immediately have a response for, the volunteer would go through multiple steps to prepare a response. With AI assistance, many of those steps — especially tasks involved in content searches — are processed in seconds versus minutes or even hours of manual labor.”

 

Strategic Tools on the Horizon

Beginning this month, GMO is launching several new AI tools to support its ministry efforts:
  • Gabe: Available now, Gabe is a concierge-style AI chatbot designed to help route Seekers to either appropriate resources or connections with our volunteers based on their needs.
  • Co-pilot: Launching mid-2025, Co-Pilot is a tool integrated into PATH, GMO’s proprietary communication platform, that will assist volunteers in sourcing relevant resources and response options during conversations with seekers.
“We are using what we call an AI ground truth — and that truth is scripture. So we are committed to offering only verified, trusted resources. Gabe is designed to deliver answers that are both predictable and vetted,” explained Carlson.

 

Christians Shaping AI Development

GMO is part of a larger movement of Christians working to ensure technology serves God’s purposes. A group from GMO, including staff, board members, and technical advisors, are participating members in the annual Missional AI conference. The 2025 conference in Dallas drew over a thousand Christians working in artificial intelligence across major technology companies, academia, and ministry.
 
“These people really are focused on redemptive technology, redemptive AI,” Carlson said. “Everyone involved is passionate about creating tools that help people know Jesus and grow in their faith.”

 

Supporting Volunteers Through Change

As these new tools are implemented, GMO is committed to supporting its global volunteer base with comprehensive training and ongoing communication.
 
“AI is not a replacement for human connection, but a tool to amplify our efforts,” emphasized Diedrich. “As we embrace new technologies for ministry, we will be guided by Christ-centered policies that uphold transparency, responsibility, and love.”
 
Learn more about GMO’s approach to AI and ministry
  • Read our position statement on using AI to advance the Great Commission
  • Watch this quick overview video with excerpts from a recent volunteer training webinar

 


For Press inquiries, contact Kim Stiver, Head of Marketing at kim.stiver@gmomail.org