Ever wonder what happens when cutting-edge AI meets decades of traditional publishing experience? I just witnessed this fascinating collision of worlds firsthand—and the results were stunning.

I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) Convention in Branson, Missouri. This wasn’t your typical tech conference with the usual suspects nodding along to jargon-filled presentations. Instead, I found myself surrounded by Christian journalists, editors, and publishers—the very people who shape faith conversations across our nation.

These are the guardians of meaningful content in a world drowning in noise. And I was there to talk about AI.

When Worlds Collide: AI and Faith-Based Publishing

You might assume a room full of traditional publishers would approach AI with skepticism or even fear. Many industries certainly do. But what I experienced was remarkably different.

These weren’t people afraid of the future. These were pioneers ready to embrace new tools for eternal purposes.

Let that sink in for a moment.

The question that dominated our conversations wasn’t “Will AI replace us?” but rather “How can we harness AI to amplify our mission?” This fundamental shift in perspective changes everything.

Beyond the Tech: Finding the Human Element

My sessions focused specifically on the practical applications of AI technology. Not theory, not hype—just straightforward ways this technology can serve their unique goals.

We explored how AI can:

• Streamline research processes without sacrificing accuracy
• Generate content frameworks while preserving authentic voice
• Help publishers reach new audiences with timeless truths
• Free up creative energy for truly human contributions

The core message throughout was simple: AI amplifies purpose rather than replacing it. Technology works best when it carries human wisdom to new places.

The Unexpected Response

What struck me most wasn’t my presentation (though I did bring my A-game). It was the response from the audience.

Deep questions. Meaningful conversations. New connections.

These weren’t surface-level interactions about technical specifications. These were profound discussions about how technology intersects with values, mission, and faith.

One publisher approached me afterward, decades of experience evident in his weathered hands that had physically cut and pasted layouts before computers were commonplace. “I’ve been resistant,” he admitted. “But I see now this isn’t about replacing what makes our work special—it’s about removing what makes it tedious.”

The Beautiful Synthesis

I watched something remarkable unfold over our time together: decades of publishing experience engaging with cutting-edge technology.

And something beautiful emerged.

Hope. Innovation. Purpose.

The most exciting collaborations happen at unexpected intersections. When traditional wisdom meets new capabilities. When deep purpose meets powerful tools.

This is precisely why I do what I do. Not just to build technology, but to build people who use technology with wisdom.

The Real Challenge Ahead

The world doesn’t lack for tools. New applications and platforms emerge daily, each promising to revolutionize something. What we truly need are more visionaries who know how to use these tools with purpose and wisdom.

People who ask “should we?” not just “can we?”

People who leverage innovation to serve rather than merely to profit.

People who recognize that technology reaches its highest potential when it amplifies human creativity rather than attempting to replace it.

Your Turn to Lead

Whether you’re in publishing, marketing, education, or any field being transformed by AI, you face a choice. You can approach new technology with fear and resistance, or you can become the visionary who helps shape how these tools are used in your industry.

Ask yourself:

• What unique human wisdom does my field possess that technology should amplify?
• How can new tools help carry our most important messages to people who need them?
• Where should we maintain the human touch, and where can we ethically automate?

The answers to these questions won’t come from the technology itself. They’ll come from people like you—leaders with both vision and values.

The world needs more visionaries who know how to use powerful tools for meaningful purposes. In every industry, in every community.

Be that visionary.