Changes and Emerging Opportunities in Media and Technology
In Spring 2026, we surveyed 18 partners regarding their observations as opportunities and challenges related to using media among the least-reached. The following is a summary of their responses.
- The Pace of Media and Technology Change Is Accelerating
Many respondents observed that the speed of technological change—particularly the emergence of artificial intelligence—is unlike anything seen previously in media ministry. Innovations that once took years to emerge now appear within weeks, requiring ministries to remain agile and continually adapt their strategies. This rapid change also creates new opportunities for the gospel to reach people at global scale.
“Things are changing much faster than at any time in the past… And it’s the best opportunity in history to use media and technology to impact the world for good.” — Steven
- AI Is Dramatically Increasing the Capacity of Small Ministry Teams
Respondents consistently highlighted how artificial intelligence is transforming ministry workflows. AI is now being used for translation, content creation, video editing, research, and data analysis. These tools allow smaller teams to produce more contextualized media and reach audiences in multiple languages and cultures. For many ministries, AI is becoming a practical tool that expands productivity rather than replacing human ministry.
“AI and new technologies also help with translation, video editing, and content creation, allowing small teams to reach larger audiences.” — Sekhar
- Media Ecosystems Are Converging Across Multiple Platforms
Another major shift is the collapse of boundaries between media platforms. Audiences no longer engage through a single channel. Instead, they move fluidly between social media, podcasts, messaging apps, video platforms, and other media forms. This requires ministries to think less about individual platforms and more about integrated engagement pathways.
“Audiences no longer live on a single channel… a user might listen to a radio programme, encounter a 30-second clip on Instagram, engage with a podcast and receive a personalised follow-up via WhatsApp, all within the same day.” — Jonathan
- Digital Media Is Opening Doors into Previously Inaccessible Communities
Respondents working in restricted or culturally closed environments noted that social media and private messaging platforms now provide safe spaces where seekers can explore spiritual questions anonymously. These digital spaces often become the first point of contact for people who would never approach a church or believer publicly.
“Social media ministries offer outsiders a way into these communities that allows people to respond with a degree of safety and anonymity.” — Simon
- Digital Engagement Is Creating New Pathways from Curiosity to Discipleship
Many respondents emphasized that digital media is most effective when it functions as the entry point into a relational discipleship process, rather than simply distributing content. Online engagement—through conversations, follow-up messaging, and Discovery Bible Studies—creates a bridge from initial curiosity to real communities of faith.
“Digital engagement often opens doors for deeper conversations that lead to personal follow-up and Discovery Bible Studies.” — Sekhar
- AI and Automation May Help Ministries Respond at Scale
A growing challenge across many ministries is the overwhelming number of responses generated by digital outreach. Several respondents noted that AI tools may help filter inquiries, assist responders, and manage early interactions so that human disciplers can focus on seekers who are ready to move forward.
“When people are running ads into unreached places, it can be overwhelming in terms of response… The opportunity is to leverage AI to help filter through that and find the people that just need those extra steps.” — Curtis
- Technology Is Empowering Local Believers to Create Contextualized Media
A particularly important shift is the democratization of media production. Tools such as mobile video, AI-generated media, and rapid translation are enabling local believers to create culturally relevant content in their own languages and artistic forms. This dramatically expands the ability to communicate the gospel within specific cultural contexts.
“The barriers to creating media have dropped dramatically… local believers can create and share gospel media in ways that weren’t possible even a few years ago.” — Carol
- Authentic Human Connection Remains Essential
While respondents expressed strong optimism about technology, they also emphasized the importance of maintaining authentic human relationships in ministry. AI can assist with scale and efficiency, but discipleship ultimately requires real people demonstrating love and pastoral care.
“With the rise of AI, it is ever more important to be able to show humanity behind everything that we do.” — Carl
Media and Generation Z and Generation Alpha
We also asked about Generations Z (born 1997–2012) and Alpha (born 2013–2025). Here is a summary of their observations.
- Digital Media as a Bridge to Real Community
Many respondents observed that while younger generations remain deeply connected to digital media, they increasingly desire authentic relationships and meaningful community. In this context, media often serves as the starting point for spiritual exploration rather than the end goal. Digital engagement introduces seekers to spiritual ideas and relationships, which can then lead naturally into in-person fellowship, discipleship, and church community.
“Digital engagement is increasingly the starting place for younger generations, even as they seek deeper, in-person community. When trust is built online, it naturally opens the door for meaningful offline relationships.” — Henry
- Growing Desire for Authenticity and Real Discipleship
Several respondents noted that younger generations are highly sensitive to authenticity. They are often less interested in polished presentations or attractional programming and more drawn to genuine conversations, transparent faith, and relational discipleship. This trend is shaping how ministries communicate through media and how they design follow-up pathways for those exploring faith.
“They want raw and real discipleship, not just attractional events.” — Drew
- Digital Engagement Remains Central to Youth Culture
While some respondents see signs of digital fatigue among younger people in the West, many emphasized that Gen Z and Gen Alpha still spend significant time online. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and short-form video continue to shape how young people discover information, build identity, and explore spiritual questions. For ministries seeking to reach younger generations, maintaining a strong digital presence remains essential.
“Youth in Central Asia are still consuming massive amounts of time on social media… Even if they reduce their usage, they will always engage with social media in the future.” — Andy
- Regional Differences in Generational Trends
Respondents working in different global regions noted that generational trends vary significantly by cultural context. In many parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, increased access to mobile technology is still expanding digital engagement rather than reducing it. These differences highlight the importance of contextual strategies when using media for disciple-making.
“What we're seeing in the West—the exhaustion with screens and over-curated lives—doesn't quite map onto the communities we work in across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.” — Jonathan
- Young People as Creators, Not Just Consumers
Another emerging trend is the increasing role of younger generations as creators and collaborators in digital spaces. Rather than simply consuming content, many young people actively shape online culture through media creation, discussion communities, and collaborative platforms. This shift presents an opportunity for ministries to empower young believers as storytellers and creators of contextualized gospel media.
“They are co-creators, not just consumers. They want to shape culture and use AI as a co-pilot for creativity.” — Dan
- Digital Spaces Providing Safe Exploration of Faith
In some cultural contexts—particularly among honor-shame societies or religiously sensitive environments—digital platforms provide a safe environment for younger people to ask spiritual questions anonymously. Online engagement allows seekers to explore faith before taking the risk of engaging publicly with believers or Christian communities.
“The advantage of online communication in honor-shame cultures is the anonymity it provides, allowing people to explore spiritual questions more openly.” — Matt
- Technology as a Tool for Relationships, Not the Goal
Several respondents emphasized that media and technology should be understood primarily as tools that facilitate meaningful relationships. The ultimate goal remains discipleship and spiritual formation, which happen through genuine relational engagement.
“The technology should be treated as a means—not the end goal. Media and social platforms are tools that help us build meaningful relationships with younger generations.” — Leinie
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