Church leader Al Gordon on sparking human creativity in the face of AI

As the world waits to see how humanity might be reshaped by artificial intelligence, Al Gordon believes now is the time to protect human creativity. As rector of SAINT Church Hackney in East London, he is passionate about the idea that our creativity comes from our connection with the ultimate creator, and that this divine spark is something worth guarding. SAINT itself has undergone a remarkable restoration. The church has stood in East London since 1275, but with an injection of £6 million in National Lottery funding, it has been transformed into a landmark building, now serving both its parish and hosting international musicians and world-class artists. Gordon became a Christian alone in his bedroom while listening to worship music. Raised outside The Church, that moment led to a journey of curiosity as he began asking questions and exploring faith more deeply. In his twenties he worked in film before being drawn to Holy Trinity Brompton in London. He later became a church leader himself and helped found Renaissance movement, which encourages artists and creative professionals to integrate faith and vocation, while also reimagining cathedrals as centres of culture. Gordon is also the author of Spark: Ignite Your God-Given Creativity, where he encourages Christians to resist burnout and the algorithm driven culture, instead rediscovering their God given creativity. In this edition of The Profile, he speaks with Sam Hailes, editor of Premier Christianity, about why he believes technological change may be accompanied by a new spiritual and creative renaissance, much like the one that followed the Middle Ages. He also reflects on his visit to the revival at Asbury University in 2023 and the signs of what he describes as a quiet revival already stirring. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Enjoy thought provoking Christian content including the latest news, inspiring interviews and commentary on all that God is doing around the world today. Get your next three issues for just £6 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.