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!

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

What does it take to communicate the gospel with both grit and grace - across cultures, controversies, and generations? In this episode, Rob sits down with Christine Caine - international speaker, founder of A21, and Propel Women, and a relentless advocate for living on mission.

Known for her dynamic presence and prophetic teaching, Christine offers an unfiltered look into how she prepares to speak life, truth, and hope to audiences as diverse as global stadiums, small groups, and churches with widely varying theological traditions. Discover how she crafts every message with radical intentionality, starting with prayerful discernment and deep contextual understanding of audiences.

Key highlights from this conversation:

• Christine Caine reveals why she never steps on stage without first seeking a fresh word from God—not just a well-rehearsed sermon, but a Spirit-led assignment for that audience in that season.
• Learn her method of tailoring messages for every context, from large-scale evangelism to delicate theological environments, all while staying faithful to the core of the gospel.
• Listen in as she shares how she keeps the “back row” in mind above all, focusing on activating everyday people—not impressing front-row critics or gatekeepers.

If you want to level up how you communicate truth without compromising conviction—or just want a behind-the-scenes look at one of the church’s most faithful voices—this episode is for you.

Subscribe now for more empowering conversations like this on The Missional Leader.

SHOW NOTE LINKS:

Access the Episode Guide: https://robhoskins.onehope.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TML-S2-E2-Christine-Caine-Episode-Guide-.pdf
This is a resource designed to help you reflect and learn from this episode conversation!

Propel Women: https://www.propelwomen.org

A21 Campaign: https://www.a21.org/

TIMESTAMPS:

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Sent on Assignment: Beyond Just a Nice Message
02:23 Adapting Messages for Diverse Church Contexts
05:04 Balancing Theology and Storytelling Across Audiences
08:18 Navigating Gender Bias in Public Ministry
10:09 Joyce Meyer’s Advice: Focus on Serving, Not Impressing
12:10 Prioritizing the Audience’s Needs in Message Preparation
14:14 Sourcing Inspiration: Devotionals, Journals, and Timely Insights
16:11 Digital Note-Taking: Organizing Ideas for Preaching
18:29 Avoiding Trendy Topics for Evergreen Relevance
20:00 Handwritten Craft: Building a Message from Introduction to Conclusion
22:44 The Intertwining of Devotional Life and Sermon Prep
23:21 Preaching to the Back Row: Advice to Last a Lifetime
25:00 Speaking to Monday, Not Just Sunday: Practical Applications
27:29 Spirit-Led Flexibility: Changing Messages in the Moment

How can Christian leaders stay grounded in biblical truth while leading with courage and conviction in a polarized world?

In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob Hoskins sits down with Dr. Ed Stetzer — president of Talbot School of Theology at Biola, leader of the Lausanne Movement in North America, and one of today’s most trusted missiologists and cultural voices. Together, they unpack what it means to lead fearlessly in an age of outrage: how to speak truth with grace, engage culture without compromise, and model a faith that is both courageous and kind.

From Ed’s roots as the son of a New York City construction worker to his decades of global leadership, this candid and humorous conversation offers practical insight for pastors, ministry leaders, and kingdom-minded influencers who want to stand firm for truth while leading while remaining compassionate.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode Guide - Access a new podcast resource designed to help you reflect and apply the learnings from this episode conversation!

Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/

Talbot School of Theology at Biola University: https://www.biola.edu/talbot

The Lausanne Movement (North America): https://lausanne.org/

TIMESTAMPS:

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Christians Avoiding Truth: Fear of Speaking Out
03:37 Navigating Controversial Issues as a Christian Leader
05:20 Humor, Social Media, and “Whimsical Ed”
06:48 Growing Thick Skin: Handling Criticism from All Sides
08:58 Figuring Out Truth When Both Sides Disagree
10:08 Calling Out Wrong on “Your Own Side”
12:00 Broad Evangelicalism: Unity Amidst Difference
15:01 Civil Disagreement and Fair Critique in Public Writing
18:15 Firm Center, Soft Edges: Vision for Evangelicalism
19:42 Criticizing Both Sides: Being an “Umpire,” Not a Team Player
22:09 Fivefold Gifts: Ed’s Calling and Passion for Mission
24:19 Getting Angry for Justice: Writing from Passion
27:57 Persuasion Through Winsomeness—Not Just Outrage
29:04 Balancing Humor on Social Media—and When It Backfires
31:59 Social Media Vibe Shift: Staying True Amid Toxicity
33:35 Living Transparently: Fearless Leadership and Apology