Stepping Into the Future of Evangelism—Together

I’ve always joked that someday I want a pair of glasses powered by artificial intelligence that can put a bubble over someone’s head reminding me of their name. For someone like me who meets a lot of people but doesn’t always remember names instantly, that would be a dream come true. And as funny as that idea sounds, technology like that isn’t nearly as far away as it once seemed.

Another moment recently reminded me just how powerful and personal technology can become. I attended a church meeting conducted entirely in Spanish. Normally, I would have picked up only a little of what was being shared, but this time I had something new: Apple’s live translation. Sitting in a room full of Spanish-speaking leaders, I was able to understand what was being said in real time. It didn’t replace relationship; it enabled it. I walked away deeply grateful because technology allowed ministry to happen in a way that simply wasn’t possible for me before.

These moments have reminded me that we are living in a time when technology can truly serve the mission of the Church. If we use it wisely and prayerfully, it can help us reach people we’ve never been able to reach.

Imagine a future where evangelism touches every corner of life. Smart glasses display scripture just when someone needs it. Drones deliver Bibles into remote regions. AI-powered Bible study tools answer spiritual questions in any language. Virtual reality brings The Great Controversy narrative to life. Sermons are translated instantly across continents, and digital mission fields flourish inside gaming platforms, metaverse churches, and social media spaces. Some evangelists preach to pews; others preach to kitchens, living rooms, and airport lounges around the world. This is not science fiction. It has already begun.

The world is changing fast, and the Church has an incredible opportunity.  Technology is not the enemy of the gospel. When used well, it becomes one of its greatest allies, carrying the message farther, faster, and more personally than ever before. But the reality is that most of our members aren’t living in that future yet. Some churches lack media teams or digital budgets. Many faithful members are still figuring out how to join a group text. And that’s perfectly okay, because future-focused evangelism is not just about high-tech tools; it’s about high-touch mission. It’s about people reaching people with the love of Jesus, using whatever tools they already have.

That kind of evangelism can begin today. A simple text message with a verse or prayer can open doors to meaningful conversations. A short testimony recorded on a smartphone can encourage someone or spark faith online. Even a phone set on a music stand can livestream Sabbath School or an evening devotional and include a heartfelt invitation to join in person. QR codes on small cards can quietly extend an invitation to Bible studies or church events. Sharing digital literature, whether a sermon, a GLOW tract, or a devotional link, can be just as intentional and prayerful as going door to door. AI-assisted Bible study tools can help seekers explore their questions privately and safely before ever stepping into a church building. And every digital interaction can lead people back to real-life relationships, a warm welcome, a shared meal, or a moment of prayer.

As we look toward the future, we must remember that technology is a tool, not the mission. Nothing replaces the warmth of a handshake at the church door or the power of praying for someone face to face. No livestream can match the joy of seeing a person step into the baptismal tank. Technology can amplify our message, but only the Holy Spirit brings transformation.

So let’s dream boldly and build faithfully. Let’s empower our churches to use whatever they have —smartphones, stories, scripture, and above all, the Spirit of God. The future of evangelism isn’t waiting somewhere in the distance. It’s already here.

Let’s step into it—together.

—Adam Case, Evangelism Co-director