Closing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Fair Access to AI-Driven Evangelism and Addressing Ethical Challenges for the Christian Church

This paper critically examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and evangelism, focusing on strategies to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to AI-driven tools within the Christian church. As AI technologies, such as human-like chatbots and automated outreach platforms, transform religious engagement, their integration into evangelism offers both unprecedented opportunities and complex ethical challenges. By employing the Technology Acceptance Model and the Performance Management Theory of Action, this study provides a theoretical framework to assess how evangelists can effectively incorporate AI to enhance their ministry. The analysis highlights the need for AI tools that align with Christian values while addressing critical ethical concerns, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and inclusivity. In the context of Nigeria, this paper proposes targeted strategies to reduce the digital divide, emphasizing digital literacy, community engagement, and the ethical deployment of AI in underserved communities. The findings suggest that the successful integration of AI in evangelism requires not only technological advancements but also robust ethical guidelines and a commitment to preserving the personal, relational aspects of ministry. This work offers actionable recommendations for fostering digital equity, safeguarding ethical integrity, and ensuring that AI serves as a tool to enrich, rather than replace, human interaction in the Christian church’s mission.