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

For today’s season finale of The Missional Leader, Rob gets the privilege of sitting down with his dad—Bob Hoskins, evangelist, missionary, and founder of OneHope—for an inspiring conversation reflecting on Bob’s life of courageous hope and relentless obedience to God’s call.

From preaching his first sermon at age seven to launching global outreaches in war zones and restricted nations, Bob shares the extraordinary journey chronicled in his new autobiography, Courageous Hope. Together, father and son reveal how humble prayer, unwavering faith, and a willingness to risk everything shaped a movement that has now reached over 2 billion young people with God’s Word.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Courageous Hope: Living on the Edge of Faith: bobhoskins.co/ch

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Power of Prayer: A Miraculous Escape
02:43 John Maxwell's Advice—“It's God's Story, Not Yours”
05:05 Prayer Over Fear: Facing Danger Head-On
08:44 Terrorists at the Door: Lebanon’s Near-Death Encounter
10:24 Prayer Alignment: Miraculous Timing and Protection
12:04 “Why Should Anyone Hear the Gospel Twice?”—Mission Calling
15:05 “Just Do It”—Practical Advice for Stepping Out in Faith
19:56 Miracles Unfold: The Deaf Girl Hears in Guyana
22:17 Healing Miracle: Hindu Family Transformed
24:33 “Power Is in the Seed”—Evangelism Through Literature
27:06 Vision for One Hope: Reaching Every Child Globally
29:41 Facing Death with Faith and Hope
31:13 Legacy of Courage and Obedience—Lessons for the Next Generation

As Africa quickly becomes the epicenter of global Christianity, is the Church prepared to empower its next generation? In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob is joined by Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Team Leader of Watoto Church, one of Africa’s most vibrant and influential churches. Together, they explore why Africa’s youthful energy and spiritual vibrancy represent both an incredible opportunity and pressing challenge for the worldwide Church.

This conversation dives deep into the story of Watoto Church—a movement in Uganda transforming lives by rescuing vulnerable children, equipping women, and planting churches in some of the continent’s most underserved regions. Pastor Rwotlonyo, who came to faith as a child in Watoto and now leads the church through explosive growth and social innovation, shares his vision for empowering young Africans—not just as future leaders, but as change-makers today.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OneHope Africa Matching Challenge: https://onehope.net/donate

Watoto Church: https://watotochurch.com/.

Miscio: https://www.miscio.io/

OneHope’s God’s Big Story & Unstoppable Programs: https://onehope.net/programs/.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Africa as the Rising Epicenter of Christianity
02:39 The Watoto Church Story and Julius’s Journey
05:02 Blending Social Outreach and Spiritual Discipleship
06:14 Transforming Orphan Care: The Family Model
08:03 Empowering Vulnerable Women Beyond Charity
09:03 Uganda’s Shift from Poverty Through Church-Led Development
10:56 Africa’s Youth: Unmatched Potential and Challenges
11:35 Disconnect Between Faith and Daily Life in Africa
13:50 Research Reveals Uganda’s Actual Spiritual Resiliency
15:15 One Hope’s Impact: Reaching 78 Million Children
18:03 Church Planting Among Unreached Muslim and Animistic Groups
20:04 Gen Z’s Questions: Discipleship in a Digital Age
21:03 Mental Health Struggles and Church Responses
25:26 Empowering African Girls: Esther’s Unstoppable Journey
27:08 Gen Z Movements, Social Unrest, and Church Engagement
29:27 Rethinking Christian Higher Education for Societal Change
32:10 Equipping the Now Generation: Empowering African Youth
34:05 Redefining Youth Ministry: Children as Church Leaders
38:05 $1M Matching Gift: Reaching 6 Million African Youth
39:53 Malik’s Story: From Muslim Street Child to Hope-Filled Leader

In this special episode of The Missional Leader, Rob sits down with Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion and the visionary behind the Bible App, to unpack one of the most remarkable digital movements of our time.

Join Rob as he and Bobby celebrate a historic and timely milestone for the Bible App: one billion installs. With November marking Global Bible Month and the official crossing of this historicthreshold, Bobby shares what it means for the future of Bible engagement and how everyone can join in this global celebration.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

YouVersion Beyond a Billion Celebration & Global Bible Month:
https://www.life.church/billion

OneHope 30 Day Reading Plans for Children, Youth, and Parents:
https://www.bible.com/organizations/d6634491-2d45-4e2f-81b3-f8ade04f4494

YouVersion Bible app:
https://www.youversion.com/

Bible App for Kids:
https://www.bible.com/kids.

Kids Bible Experience:
https://www.bible.com/organizations/09d8dc67-6b79-4db8-95fb-b9055258b85b

YouVersion Instagram - Times Square Footage:
https://www.instagram.com/youversion/?hl=en

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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Timely Episode: The Billion Bible App Milestone
01:41 Surpassing Expectations: Billion Installs Arrive Early
02:59 Digital Bible Growth Sparks Print Sales Surge
05:21 Global Bible Month: Uniting Apps and Partners
06:51 Lighting Up Times Square with the Bible
08:30 Amazon Prime Celebrates Global Bible Month
09:54 Arena Event: Worship Night for a Billion Installs
10:40 Who Uses YouVersion? A Global, Multigenerational Audience
12:58 Expanding Features: Gamification and Video Content
14:22 Bible App for Kids: Reaching 170 Million Young Users
15:41 Engagement Metrics: How Depth of Use Is Measured
17:24 The Power of Four: Bible Engagement Changes Lives
18:33 The Generosity Model: 58,000 Donors Power Free Access
20:27 Next Milestones: Reaching Two and Three Billion Installs
21:30 30-Day Bible Reading Plans for All Ages

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Rob's Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/robdeanhoskins/
https://www.facebook.com/robhoskins/
https://x.com/robhoskins
https://www.threads.com/@robdeanhoskins
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hoskins-3646454/

Can young people truly build a world-class church—in the heart of one of the world’s most expensive, influential, and diverse cities?

On today’s episode of The Missional Leader, Rob talks with Pastor Tan Seow How, co-founder of Heart of God Church (HOGC) in Singapore—a thriving young adult church known for flipping the script on what church can be for the next generation.

Globally recognized for its “by youth, for youth, to reach youth” approach, HOGC is breaking boundaries in a city famed for finance, fun, and cultural pluralism. Pastor How shares the remarkable story of how he and his wife, Pastor Lia, followed a bold calling to build a ministry where belonging comes first—empowering thousands of young people, many from non-church backgrounds, to discover faith and purpose. Plus, Pastor How shares strategies for building community across Singapore’s church population and how collaboration among young pastors and leaders is paving the way for a new era of mission-driven unity.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Heart of God Church: https://heartofgodchurch.org/

Rob’s Outreach article on HOGC: https://outreachmagazine.com/features/82687-the-greatest-youth-church-in-the-world.html

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Flipping the Church Belonging Model for Gen Z
05:52 Heart of God Church: A Youth-Led Experiment
09:18 Building a Church by Youth, for Youth: The Miracle Story
11:23 Church as Home: Kids from Broken Families Find Belonging
15:53 Empowering Youth as Immediate Leaders and Servants
19:56 Behind the Scenes: Young Teens Run the Church Operations
23:01 Balancing Success and Purpose in Affluent Singapore
32:28 Discipling Gen Z: Navigating Truth in a Digital Age
36:05 Relational Equity: The Key to Teaching Biblical Values
40:02 High Touch vs High Tech: Why Youth Choose Physical Church
43:34 Youth Unity: Singapore's Next Generation Churches Collaborate
45:24 Mission-Driven Unity: Gen Z’s Collaborative Spirit
46:54 Closing Blessing: Building Models for the Next Generation

What if the greatest opportunities for sharing the Gospel are found where the opposition is strongest? In this episode of The Missional Leader, Rob talks with Dr. Barry Corey, president of Biola University and a leading voice in Christian higher education. For almost two decades, Dr. Corey has led through the challenges of culture, politics, and faith in the heart of Southern California, one of the most progressive areas in the United States.—

From his New England roots to leading in California’s shifting cultural landscape, Dr. Corey , shares vulnerably about the burdens and breakthroughs of leadership, and what it means to stay grounded in biblical truth while boldly engaging today’s world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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

Washington Post Op-Ed: "We first battled over LGBT and religious rights. Here’s how we became friends." by Barry Corey and Evan Low: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/03/03/we-first-battled-over-lgbt-and-religious-rights-heres-how-we-became-unlikely-friends/

Doritos Super Bowl commercial made by Biola film students:
https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-news/2025/biola-alumni-on-their-way-to-crash-the-super-bowl

OneHope Research - Gen Alpha
https://onehope.net/global-outreach/research/

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Trusting God’s Tailwinds in Leadership
01:12 The Life-Changing Bob Cooley Mentorship
02:28 Necessary: Flourishing Under the Weight of Leadership
03:50 Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Higher Ed Climates
05:32 Leading Christian Education in Progressive California
07:48 God’s Tailwinds vs. Cultural Headwinds
09:49 Building Unexpected Friendships Across Ideological Divides
12:48 Listening to Learn, Not Just to Respond
15:19 Firm Center, Soft Edges: Biola’s Approach to Controversy
17:39 Balancing Truth and Grace in University Culture
20:13 Excellence as Apologetics: Biola’s Award-Winning Doritos Story
22:35 Avoiding the Culture War Mentality
24:00 Ensuring Deep Biblical Foundations for Students
25:55 Hopeful Signs and Concerns for the Next Generation
28:46 Lessons from Europe’s “Quiet Revival”
30:14 Challenging Churches to Deepen Discipleship for Gen Z