#97 - Jake Carlson: AI Evangelism in Action — 140,000 Gospel Conversations a Month

What if your ministry could share the gospel with someone in a closed country at 2 a.m. — in their heart language — without a single missionary present? Jake Carlson, founder of The Apologist Project, is already doing it. In this session from the Digital Ministry Conference 2026, Jake shares how conversational AI is becoming a force multiplier for the Great Commission — and why the parable of the talents applies directly to how your ministry approaches this technology.Key TakeawaysAI can meet seekers where they are — geographically, linguistically, and spiritually. Over two-thirds of the world's population is online, and The Apologist Project's conversational AI is available in 192 languages, covering approximately 99% of the globe — including the ability to embed small language models onto devices that can be brought into closed countries.People open up to AI in ways they often won't with other humans. Jake explains that without fear of judgment or being tracked, seekers — especially those in restricted regions — are far more willing to ask honest spiritual questions through an AI interface than in person.Biblically grounded content is what makes the difference. The Apologist Project doesn't just use any AI model — it curates a trusted library of ministry content (including partnerships with Got Questions Ministries and Ligonier Ministries) to ensure every response is anchored in biblical truth, no matter what the user asks.Contextualization is built in. Jake describes a version of their chatbot specifically designed for Muslim seekers, which draws on Quranic verses alongside biblical truth to meet users at their starting point and gently guide them toward Jesus.AI can identify where a seeker is spiritually — and respond accordingly. The platform uses AI to evaluate conversations against frameworks like the Engel Scale to expose the right next step — whether that's a resource, a follow-up contact, or a crisis hotline for sensitive conversations.Real traction, real impact. The Apologist Project is currently processing approximately 140,000 prompts per month — that's someone using their conversational AI every 20 seconds of every day — and growth is accelerating, especially in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Turkey.Handoff to the human community remains the goal. Jake is clear that AI isn't the destination — it removes intellectual barriers and then passes the seeker on to a ministry on the ground, an online missionary, or other digital discipleship resources to continue the journey.AI is here — and ministries that choose to steward it wisely are already seeing Kingdom fruit. Whether you're just beginning to explore how AI could support your outreach strategy or you're ready to integrate a biblically grounded conversational tool into your digital ministry, this session will both challenge and equip you. Don't just take notes — take the next step. Watch the full session now and reach out to The Apologist Project if your ministry is ready to partner.ResourcesThe Apologist Project: apologistproject.orgConnect with Jake Carlson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakecarlsonded/GotQuestions Chatbot (partner): gotquestions.chatLigonier Ministries (partner): ligonier.orgFull session on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7R7R-JAcG0&t=4sDigital Ministry Conference: digitalministryconference.comFive Q Launch AI: https://aiofferings.fiveq.com/