EXPLORING AI AND ALGORITHMS FOR KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT

Dr. Olufemi Ariyo

14 min read

·

Aug 13, 2026

--

Listen

Share

Press enter or click to view image in full size

How the Next Generation Can Use Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Algorithms for the Glory of God

Dr. Olufemi Ariyo

Christ Gospel Mission International — 57th Annual Convention, 12 August 2026

Theme: ROOTED BUILTUP | Colossians 2:6–7

Introduction: We Are Standing at the Beginning of Something Big. Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that the tools in your smartphone can help you write, research, translate, design, analyse information, create videos, learn languages, write computer programs, study Scripture, develop business ideas and communicate with people anywhere in the world. That is no longer science fiction. It is our present reality.

We are living through one of the most significant technological transitions in human history: The age of Artificial Intelligence.

And sitting in this room today are young people who will not just witness this transformation.

You will build it.

Some of you will become software engineers. Some will become doctors, lawyers, pastors, teachers, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, content creators, researchers and business leaders. Some of you will create technologies that do not yet exist.

The question, therefore, is not:

Will AI change the world?

It will.

The more important question is:

What will the people of God do with the technology that is changing the world?

Will we fear it?

Will we ignore it?

Will we consume what others create?

Or will we learn to understand it, master it and deploy it for Kingdom advancement?

That is what I want us to look into today.

1. GOD IS NOT AFRAID OF TECHNOLOGY

The first thing I want young Christians to understand is this:

Technology, for this class, will be defined as a better way of getting something done.

Technology is not inherently evil. Technology is a tool.

A knife can prepare food or cause harm. The internet can spread pornography or spread the Gospel. A smartphone can waste five hours of your day or help you build a business.

Artificial intelligence can generate misinformation or help a missionary translate teaching into another language. The issue therefore goes beyond the technology to the heart, purpose and stewardship of the person using it.

The Bible begins with God giving humanity a mandate:

“Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, have dominion, and subdue it…” — Genesis 1:28

Human beings were created to discover, create, organise, cultivate and develop.

We build.

We solve problems.

We create systems.

We discover things about God’s creation.

Technology is one expression of that human capacity.

The question for a Christian should therefore not be:

Can I use this technology?

It should be:

Can I use this technology in a way that honours God and serves people?

That is a much higher question.

2. WHAT EXACTLY IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

Let us simplify it. Artificial intelligence is technology that enables computers to perform tasks that traditionally required aspects of human intelligence.

These include:

• recognising patterns;
• understanding language;
• generating text;
• analysing information;
• recognising images;
• making predictions;
• translating languages;
• assisting decision-making;
• generating images, audio and video;
• writing and analysing computer code.

You probably already interact with AI without thinking about it.

• When YouTube recommends a video to you, algorithms are working.
• When TikTok decides what appears next on your screen, algorithms are working.
• When Google Maps recommends a route, algorithms are working.
• When your bank detects suspicious transactions, algorithms may be working.
• When Netflix recommends a movie, algorithms are working.
• When ChatGPT answers a question, artificial intelligence is involved.

So AI is not something that suddenly arrived yesterday.

AI is already woven into everyday life.

What has changed dramatically is that AI has become increasingly accessible to ordinary people. A young person with a smartphone can now access capabilities that previously required expensive computers, specialised software and teams of professionals. That changes the equation.

3. BUT WHAT IS AN ALGORITHM?

This is another important word. An algorithm is essentially a set of instructions or rules for solving a problem or accomplishing a task.

Think about making tea. You might have a process:

1. Boil water.

2. Put tea in the cup.

3. Add hot water.

4. Add milk or sugar.

5. Stir.

6. Drink.

That is a simple algorithm. You followed a sequence of instructions to achieve an outcome.

Computer algorithms are much more sophisticated. They can process millions of pieces of information and determine what should happen next. And here is something very important:

NB: Algorithms increasingly determine what people see, hear, buy, learn and believe.

If you spend time watching certain kinds of videos, an algorithm learns your interests. Then it recommends similar content. You watch more. The system learns more. It recommends more. You watch more. And a cycle develops.

This means that algorithms are not just technical systems, but progressively shape human behaviour. That has enormous implications for the Church.

4. THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS ALREADY LIVING INSIDE ALGORITHMS

Let me ask you something. Have you ever opened TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or another platform intending to spend ten minutes…

…and suddenly discovered that one hour has disappeared?

You didn’t plan it. The algorithm helped you get there. It studied your behaviour. It learned what holds your attention. It continually presented you with things designed to keep you engaged. That is powerful. And we need to understand something: If you don’t understand algorithms, algorithms may end up understanding you better than you understand yourself.

Think about that. The technology may know:

• what makes you laugh;
• what makes you angry;
• what makes you afraid;
• what makes you click;
• what makes you buy;
• what makes you keep watching.

And this is why Christians cannot afford to be technologically ignorant.

5. THE BATTLE GOES BEYOND TECHNOLOGY TO ATTENTION

Your attention is valuable. Super valuable. Companies spend enormous resources trying to capture it.

Here is Why?

Because attention can be converted into:

influence → behaviour → purchasing → revenue.

But there is another dimension.

Your attention can also be converted into:

learning → character → skill → productivity → impact.

So ask yourself:

Who is discipling my attention?

• The Holy Spirit?
• Scripture?
• Your parents?
• Your mentors?
• Your teachers?
• Or an algorithm?

This is one of the great spiritual questions of the digital generation.

You may have a smartphone in your hand, but who is controlling what enters your mind through it?

Paul says in Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…

In an algorithmic age, this verse becomes even more important because the world is not only trying to tell you what to do but consistently trying to determine what you repeatedly see. And what you repeatedly see can influence what you repeatedly think. And what you repeatedly think can influence what you repeatedly become.

6. COLOSSIANS 2:6–7 AND TECHNOLOGY

The convention theme gives us a powerful foundation: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him… — Colossians 2:6–7

Notice the order.

Rooted.

Built up.

Our technology may become more sophisticated, but our foundation must become deeper.

The problem here is way beyond young Christians learning AI to learning AI without being rooted in Christ. You can become technologically sophisticated and spiritually shallow. You can know how to prompt ChatGPT but not know how to pray. You can know how to create an AI-generated image but not know how to create godly character. You can know how to manipulate an algorithm but not know how to control your own desires. You can have thousands of followers but have no depth.

Now, that is dangerous.

Therefore:

Build technology on top of character, not character on top of technology.

Let Christ remain the foundation.

7. AI CAN BECOME A KINGDOM TOOL

Now let us move from warning to opportunity. AI can be used for Kingdom advancement in extraordinary ways.

a. Evangelism

A church can create content explaining biblical truths in accessible language. A missionary can use translation technologies to communicate across language barriers. Young Christians can create videos, podcasts, graphics and educational materials that communicate the Gospel.

b. Bible study

AI can help organise biblical information, compare passages, explain terminology and generate study questions.

But remember:

NB: AI is not the Holy Spirit and AI is not your spiritual authority.

It can assist study but cannot replace Scripture, prayer, discernment or spiritual leadership.

c. Discipleship

Imagine a young Christian who is struggling with a biblical concept. Technology can help create:

• Bible-study plans;
• discussion questions;
• devotional structures;
• learning materials;
• quizzes;
• illustrations;
• study summaries.

The Church can use technology to extend discipleship beyond the physical walls of the church.

d. Missions

Imagine a missionary working in a community where very few resources exist. AI can help with:

• translation;
• educational content;
• communication;
• research;
• documentation;
• lesson preparation;
• logistics.

Technology can make one missionary more productive.

e. Christian education

Teachers can use AI to develop:

• lesson plans;
• illustrations;
• quizzes;
• assessments;
• learning activities;
• educational videos.

This doesn’t replace the teacher.

It amplifies the teacher.

8. AI CAN HELP YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVER AND DEVELOP THEIR GIFTS

One of the greatest opportunities before this generation is the democratisation of capability. You no longer necessarily need a large office or expensive equipment to begin creating. A young Nigerian with a smartphone can learn:

• coding;
• graphic design;
• video production;
• digital marketing;
• accounting;
• data analysis;
• writing;
• animation;
• entrepreneurship;
• research;
• foreign languages.

AI can accelerate that learning and this is particularly important for young people who do not have access to expensive institutions.

Your smartphone can become:

• your classroom
• your library
• your research assistant
• your design studio
• your business office
• your communication centre
• your productivity assistant

And even more:

• your intelligent workstation

But there is a condition. You have to use it.

9. DON’T BECOME THE MOST ENTERTAINED GENERATION IN HISTORY

This is where I want to challenge the younger generation.

• We have access to more knowledge than any previous generation, but access to knowledge does not automatically produce wisdom.
• We have more entertainment than any previous generation, but entertainment does not automatically produce fulfilment.
• We have more communication than any previous generation, but communication does not automatically produce relationships.
• We have more information than any previous generation, but again information does not automatically produce transformation or change.

This is because:

• You could spend five years scrolling through videos about entrepreneurship and never start a business.
• You could watch hundreds of programming tutorials and never write a program.
• You could watch thousands of sermons and never obey one.
• You could use AI to generate business ideas endlessly and never execute one.

Therefore:

The future will not belong simply to those who have access to AI but to those who can turn access into capability and capability into value — value is tradable asset!

10. GOING FROM CONSUMER TO CREATOR

This is perhaps the most important message I want to leave with us young people today. There are two ways to use technology.

• You can consume or You can create.
• You can spend your evening watching somebody else’s business grow or you can use the same phone to build yours.
• You can watch somebody else’s videos or learn to produce videos.
• You can admire somebody else’s website or learn to build websites.
• You can scroll through somebody else’s Christian content or create content that strengthens someone’s faith.
• You can complain about Nigeria’s problems or use technology to solve one.

The smartphone does not determine which one you become — Your choices do.

11. KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT MEANS SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS

Sometimes Christians think Kingdom advancement means only standing behind a pulpit. It does not. Kingdom advancement includes serving humanity with the gifts God has given you.

• A Christian engineer can solve engineering problems.
• A Christian doctor can save lives.
• A Christian teacher can educate children.
• A Christian entrepreneur can create jobs.
• A Christian software developer can build useful systems.
• A Christian data scientist can help organisations make better decisions.
• A Christian AI researcher can develop responsible technologies.
• A Christian filmmaker can tell stories that restore dignity.
• A Christian businessperson can demonstrate integrity.
• A Christian lawyer can pursue justice.

The Kingdom needs excellent people in every legitimate sphere of society. Daniel did not become less spiritual because he worked in government. Joseph did not become less spiritual because he managed an economy. Bezaleel’s technical and artistic abilities were explicitly connected to God’s work in Exodus 31.

The question is not if my profession can serve God, but should often be:

How can I use my profession to serve God and humanity? — look at the shape of the cross — both horizontal and vertical

12. DON’T LET AI REPLACE YOUR BRAIN

There is another warning. AI is powerful. But if you use it wrongly, it can make you intellectually lazy.

Don’t ask AI to think for you all the time. Learn to think.

Don’t simply copy answers. Understand them.

Don’t submit AI-generated assignments you cannot explain. Develop your own competence.

Don’t allow AI to replace your creativity. Use it to expand your creativity.

Don’t allow AI to replace your discernment. Use it to support your research.

The goal should not be:

• Human versus AI.

The better question is:

• What can a capable human accomplish with AI?

That combination can be extraordinarily powerful.

13. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN DISCERNMENT

The Bible says in 1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…

In this AI era, this principle becomes increasingly important.

• AI can produce something that sounds convincing and is completely wrong.
• It can produce fabricated references.
• It can produce false information.
• It can create realistic images and videos of events that never happened.
• It can imitate people’s voices.
• It can generate persuasive arguments.

Therefore, the ability to ask:

• Is this true?

will become increasingly valuable.

Christians must develop:

• biblical discernment
• critical thinking
• media literacy
• information literacy, and
• technological literacy

Don’t believe something simply because it looks professional.

Don’t believe something simply because AI said it.

Don’t believe something simply because everybody is sharing it.

Verify.

14. THE CHURCH MUST NOT ARRIVE LATE TO THE FUTURE

There is a danger that the Church sometimes responds to technological change only after society has already moved ahead. We should not repeat that pattern.

The Church should be asking:

• How can AI strengthen discipleship?
• How can technology support missions?
• How can digital platforms reach young people?
• How can we protect children online?
• How can Christian educators use AI responsibly?
• How can we train young Christians for the jobs of tomorrow?
• How can Christian entrepreneurs build ethical technology companies?
• How can the Church use data responsibly?
• How can technology help us serve vulnerable communities?

We should go beyond complaining about the digital culture to participating in shaping it.

The next generation should not only be consumers of technology created by others, rather we should become builders of technology guided by Christian values.

15. WHAT WOULD A KINGDOM AI GENERATION LOOK LIKE?

Imagine a generation of young Christians who are:

• Rooted in Christ
• Excellent in their disciplines
• Technologically literate
• Spiritually discerning
• Entrepreneurial
• Creative
• Ethical
• Innovative
• Committed to solving problems

Imagine young Christians who build:

• AI-powered educational platforms
• Christian learning systems
• Healthcare technologies
• Agricultural solutions
• Financial technologies
• Translation systems
• Accessibility technologies
• Business platforms
• Missionary tools
• Digital libraries
• Christian media platforms
• Data systems that help organisations serve people better, to mention a few.

That is not impossible.

Somebody has to build these things.

• Why should it not be us?

16. A SIMPLE FRAMEWORK FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS

I want to give you five words to remember.

1. ROOT: Root yourself in Christ. This is the foundation from which everything flows. Before you become powerful technologically, become grounded spiritually.
2. LEARN: Learn continuously. The world is changing too quickly for anyone to stop learning.
3. BUILD: Build something. Don’t only consume. Create. Write. Code. Design. Research. Teach. Start. Experiment.
4. SERVE: Use what you build to serve people. Technology without service can become vanity.
5. ADVANCE: Advance God’s purposes.

Ask:

How does this gift, technology, business, research or skill contribute to God’s purposes in the world?

That is Kingdom thinking.

17. THE QUESTION WE SHOULD ASK ABOUT EVERY TECHNOLOGY

Whenever you encounter a new technology, don’t ask only:

• What can this do?

Ask five questions:

1. What problem can it solve?

2. Who can it serve?

3. What value can it create?

4. What dangers can it introduce?

5. How can I use it responsibly for God’s glory?

That fifth question changes everything because the Christian does not simply ask:

• Can I?

The Christian asks:

• Should I?

And then:

• How should I?

18. YOUR PHONE MAY BE MORE THAN A PHONE

The smartphone in your hand could become one of the most important tools of your generation.

It can become:

• A school for learning.
• A laboratory for experimenting.
• A studio for creating.
• A business for serving customers.
• A bank for participating in the economy.
• A bridge to global opportunities.
• An AI workstation for increasing productivity.
• A missionary tool for reaching people.
• A platform for advancing ideas.

But there is something even more important.

The most powerful technology is still the person holding the device.

AI can give you tools but not character.

It can give you information but not wisdom.

It can generate words but not conviction.

It can imitate creativity but not replace the purpose God has placed inside you.

Technology can amplify what is already there.

Therefore, build the person before you build the technology.

Conclusion: What Will You Build?

Let me return to Colossians 2:6–7: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him…

That is the balance.

Rooted… and Built up…

Rooted spiritually, Built intellectually.

Rooted in Christ, Built technologically.

Rooted in Scripture, Built in competence.

Rooted in character, Built in creativity.

Rooted in faith, Built for impact.

Young people, the future is not something that will simply happen to you.

You will help build it.

Artificial intelligence is not going away.

Algorithms are not going away.

Digital platforms are not going away.

The question is whether God’s people will understand these technologies well enough to influence how they are used.

So don’t run away from technology.

• Learn it.

Don’t worship technology.

• Master it.

Don’t let algorithms disciple you.

• Understand them.

Don’t merely consume what others create.

• Create.

Don’t use your gifts only to make money.

• Use them to serve.

Don’t pursue innovation without character.

• Be rooted in Christ.

And don’t ask only: What can AI do for me?

Ask the bigger question:

• What can God do through me with the tools He has allowed my generation to inherit?

Perhaps the next great missionary is sitting here.

Perhaps the next great Christian entrepreneur is sitting here.

Perhaps the next great AI researcher is sitting here.

Perhaps the person who will build a technology that transforms millions of lives is sitting here.

Perhaps it is YOU.

• The world is waiting for builders.
• The Church needs builders.
• Nigeria needs builders.
• And God is looking for people who can take what He has placed in their hands and use it faithfully.

Your smartphone may be in your hand, AI may be at your fingertips, but your purpose is in God’s hands.

Let us become a generation that is rooted in Christ, equipped with knowledge, skilled with technology, guided by wisdom, committed to service and courageous enough to build.

That is how we explore AI and algorithms not only for personal advancement, but for Kingdom advancement.

Questions for Discussion / Q&A

To deliberately open the session for interaction, here are some questions:

1. Is AI a threat to the Church, or an opportunity for the Church? Why?

2. Can AI genuinely help us advance the Gospel without compromising Christian values?

3. Where should Christians draw the ethical line in using AI?

4. If algorithms are shaping what young people see and think, how should Christians respond?

5. Can AI replace pastors, teachers, counsellors or other human roles in the Church?

6. How can a young Christian turn a smartphone from an entertainment device into a Kingdom tool?

7. What skills should Christian young people begin learning now because of AI?

8. Should the Church be teaching AI literacy alongside biblical literacy?

9. What AI-powered solution would you build if you had the resources?

10. What would it look like for Nigeria to have a generation of Christian AI builders rather than merely AI consumers?

A final challenge to us young people

Before you leave this convention, decide on one thing you will learn, one thing you will build, one problem you will solve and one way you will use technology to advance God’s Kingdom.

Because the question goes beyond whether technology will shape this generation.

The question is whether this generation will learn to shape technology for the good of humanity and the glory of God.