Generative AI and the Future of the Church with Bobby Gruenewald

Is AI a powerful tool for the Kingdom—or a ticking time bomb in the hands of the church? In this episode, Rob sits down with returning guest Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion, to tackle the hard questions surrounding generative AI at the intersection of faith and technology.With over half of OneHope’s global reach now digital, and the rapid rise of generative AI making headlines worldwide, Rob and Bobby pull back the curtain on their own wrestling with the promises and pitfalls of this revolutionary technology. From initial enthusiasm to ethical hesitation, Bobby candidly shares how he’s navigating both hope and real-world concerns as he stewards the world’s most popular Bible app—and why this moment may be more transformational (or dangerous) than many imagine. Discover why Bobby believes the hype around AI is rarely as simple as utopia or dystopia, and why it’s vital for Christian leaders to cut through the noise with discernment and wisdom. You’ll hear unfiltered stories from the front lines: the unexpected hazards uncovered when testing AI “Bible bots,” the non-negotiables for theological accuracy and safety, and why technology’s “messy middle” demands humility, not fear.If you care about digital evangelism, ministry innovation, and the future of the church in an AI-driven world, this episode will equip you with questions, cautions, and conviction for the road ahead.Subscribe for more conversations like this—where truth, technology, and mission meet. Episode Guide: Access a resource designed to help you reflect and learn from this episode conversation! https://robhoskins.onehope.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TML-S2-E3-Bobby-Gruenewald-Episode-Guide-.pdf YouVersion Bible App — Bible app founded by Bobby Gruenewald; frequently referenced as “the Bible app” https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/ Gloo — Mentioned as a ministry/tech partner and for an AI study on Bible accuracy https://gloo.com/CHAPTERS: 00:00 Utopian vs. Dystopian Tech Narratives 01:06 Generative AI: Hype, Concerns, and Kingdom Use 03:10 Early Adoption and Digital Evangelism Realities 05:05 Why YouVersion Held Off on AI Chatbots 08:56 Shocking Flaws in Christian AI Tools 12:56 AI Prompt Test: 14-Year-Old Scenario 14:46 The Real Harm of Unsafe AI in Ministry 18:02 Scripture Accuracy: 85% Isn’t Good Enough 19:54 Three Harnesses: Safety, Accuracy, Theology 22:31 Embracing Reality and Promise of Tech 23:09 Unique Risks: AI Sounds Human, Gets Facts Wrong