I, Missionary: Reimagining Missions in an AI World - Paperback

by Billy Coppedge (Author)

Robotic church planters? AI-driven missionary strategies? Avatar-based member care?

I, Missionary is a collection of hypothetical short stories that explores some of the questions the global church is facing with the rapid rise of AI. Mission organizations, churches, and individuals are all trying to come to grips with these new technological realities--both the potential blessings and curses. But none of us have walked this road before. We need fresh language, examples, and categories.
This book follows one fictional mission organization that is grappling with the complexity and seeming inevitability of technological advances. Decisions about AI-enabled tools raise questions such as: What can technology accomplish and where are its limits? What is the role of the Holy Spirit? And what does it mean to be human in a world where machines can imitate discipleship and relationships? While these questions don't have easy answers, the church needs to be asking them today as we seek to make disciples of tomorrow.

Author Biography

Billy Coppedge has been involved in missions for over two decades, living and serving in Uganda, Israel, and Scotland. He is a follower of Jesus, the husband of Joanna, father to five children, a teacher, and a storyteller. He has degrees from Asbury University, Wesley Biblical Seminary, the University of St. Andrews and a PhD in World Christianity from the University of Edinburgh (2019). He currently lives in Scotland with his family and serves as a catalyst for Scripture engagement, specifically through oral strategies such as oral Bible storytelling with World Gospel Mission (USA) and One Mission Society (UK).