The world is witnessing a new era of technological innovation, and Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) is harnessing this momentum to advance its mission of spreading the gospel.

Recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence, ASi has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) committee to explore and implement AI-driven strategies in ministry. This initiative seeks to reinforce ASi’s broader commitment to using technology in service of faith, building on its legacy of early technological adoption that has informed and supported Adventist evangelism around the globe.

Tasked with exploring AI applications in evangelism, the AI committee envisions a future where AI facilitates the dissemination of Adventist messages and enhances their reach and impact.

“We believe AI has the potential to have a more significant impact for the future than even the internet itself,” said Dan Houghton, vice-chair of ASi Missions Inc. and AI Committee chair. “It’s a tool that, if used wisely, could revolutionize the way we share the gospel.” 

With any new technology, there are both opportunities and challenges, and while the committee is eager to harness the power of AI, members are mindful of the risks, including the potential for misuse, unintended consequences, and the actions of those who may use AI with malicious intent.

“We recognize the potential for AI to transform our work, but we’re also committed to moving forward cautiously, ensuring that the tools we use are fully vetted and align with our values,” Houghton explained. The committee’s work involves identifying AI tools and technologies that can be integrated into existing ministries while also developing new initiatives tailored to the unique needs of the Adventist community, all while taking measured steps to safeguard against unforeseen risks.

Andi Hunsaker, president of ASi, expressed her support for the AI initiative, drawing from her own experience as a physician. “I use AI in my medical practice, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be in improving efficiency and delivering better outcomes,” Hunsaker explained. “I’m very enthused about applying AI in a very positive way to outreach and ministry. I believe it can play a key role in spreading the gospel and reaching people more effectively.”

Strategic Use of Overflow Offerings

Each year during the ASi convention, an offering is collected to fund a range of projects that align with the organization’s mission. While these funds are allocated to support pre-selected emerging ministries and initiatives, any excess or overflow is directed to additional ministries that have the potential for significant impact.

This year, ASi took a strategic step by designating a third of the overflow for AI initiatives. The decision reflects the board’s recognition of AI’s potential to transform ministry work. “We want to be prepared for new opportunities that align with our mission,” Houghton noted. This allocation allows ASi to proactively invest in AI technologies and projects that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive for individual ministries.

One of the initial goals of the committee is to create economies of scale by pooling resources. For example, many AI tools, such as those used for language translation, charge on a per-minute basis. By purchasing services in bulk, ASi can significantly reduce the cost for each participating ministry, making these technologies more accessible and scalable. This collaborative approach not only maximizes the impact of the funds but also ensures that a wide range of ministries can benefit from cutting-edge tools and resources.

“We’re very excited about the utilization of AI to expand our evangelistic outreach in ways we’ve never imagined before,” said Denzil McNeilus, president of ASi Missions Inc. and vice-chair of the AI committee. “In adopting these technologies, we can reach more people and make the Adventist message of hope more accessible to a global audience.”

Collaboration for Greater Impact

The strength of ASi’s AI initiative lies in its collaborative framework. The committee comprises representatives from a number of ministries, including 3ABN, Amazing Facts, It Is Written, AudioVerse, Voice of Prophecy, Adventist World Radio, the Hope Channel, Lineage, 8Thirty2, and the Ellen G. White Estate. This representation ensures that the committee’s work is informed by a broad spectrum of perspectives and expertise.

“We are creating an environment where we can collaborate, share what’s working, and move forward more quickly together,” Houghton said. “The collegiality among the group has been incredible.” This spirit of collaboration is particularly important in the context of AI, where rapid advancements and new developments can quickly render isolated efforts obsolete. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, the committee is able to avoid duplication of efforts and accelerate the adoption of effective AI solutions across ministries.

One of the key benefits of this collaborative model is the ability to test and refine AI tools in real-world ministry contexts. For instance, if one ministry finds an effective way to use AI for language translation or sermon preparation, that knowledge can be quickly shared and implemented by others. This reduces the learning curve and allows the entire network to benefit from the innovations and best practices developed by individual ministries.

Adventist-Specific AI Data Set

Another of the committee’s initiatives is to explore the development of an Adventist-specific AI data set. This project addresses a fundamental challenge: existing AI data sets are often derived from general, secular sources that may not align with Adventist values and teachings. This can lead to discrepancies or misinterpretations when AI tools are used for ministry purposes. John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written, is leading a team appointed by the committee to explore this need and will present a comprehensive plan for its implementation. 

“We would be establishing a uniquely Adventist AI data set to ensure that when AI tools are used in our ministries, they are rooted in our values and beliefs,” Houghton explained. The creation of this data set would involve curating a comprehensive collection of Adventist literature, sermons, and educational materials, which would then be used to train AI models, ensuring that the outputs generated by these tools are consistent with Adventist doctrine and messaging.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond sermon preparation and educational content. With a robust, Adventist-specific data set, ministries could develop a range of AI-powered applications, from chatbots that provide doctrinal guidance to automated systems for generating faith-based content. By grounding these tools in an Adventist context, the committee is laying the foundation for a new generation of AI-enhanced ministry resources.

AI Technologies in Use

The AI committee is exploring a variety of technologies to enhance its mission work. Language translation is a primary focus, given the global nature of Adventist outreach. Tools like HeyGen are being used to translate video content into multiple languages, making it accessible to audiences around the world. However, this process is not without challenges. Accents, dialects, and cultural nuances can complicate translations, as seen in cases where AI misinterpreted accents or used incorrect pronouns in religious contexts.

“We’ve found that while AI offers significant potential, it also comes with limitations, like the challenge of accurately translating content across different languages and accents,” Houghton noted. To address these issues, the committee will work with language experts and technology providers to refine these tools, ensuring that translations are both accurate and culturally appropriate.

In addition to audio and video language translation, the committee is exploring AI applications across the spectrum, including video editing, text generation and translation, image generation, and infrastructure support. 

Future Initiatives and Areas of Focus

Looking ahead, the committee has identified five key areas for exploration: video language translation, audio language translation, print media, image generation, and infrastructure support. Each of these areas represents a strategic focus that aligns with the broader goal of enhancing global outreach through technology.

“Our goal is to create tools and processes that will be available to many other ministry organizations, beyond just those represented in our committee,” Houghton said. By developing scalable, adaptable solutions, the committee hopes to empower a wide range of ministries to leverage AI in their work, thereby amplifying the impact of their outreach efforts.

By carefully exploring AI and promoting collaboration among ministries, ASi is positioned to make a profound impact on global mission work. As ASi continues to examine the potential of AI, it is clear that this technology will play a key role in shaping the future of Adventist outreach.

The original version of this commentary was posted in the Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) November 2024 newsletter and was published on the Inter-European Division website. ASi is an independent nonprofit supporting ministry and is not operated by the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church.