How AI Is Helping New Believers Grow in Faith

At the recent gathering of Christian growers and ministry leaders, attendees heard a powerful testimony from Justin Leavens, a sixth-generation farmer from Ventura, California. Although raised within a strong Christian foundation for the past 25 years, Justin shared that it was only in the last eight to ten years that he wholeheartedly surrendered his life to Jesus. Having once lived a lukewarm, compromising lifestyle, he now serves as a pastor alongside his wife—faithfully ministering, praying for deliverance, and witnessing God’s healing power in people’s lives.

Justin believes deeply in the truth of Hebrews’ declaration that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This conviction fuels his ministry and his passion for reaching both seasoned believers and those newly discovering the faith.

AI as an Unexpected Tool for Evangelism and Discipleship

In his message, Justin spoke about the surprising yet significant role artificial intelligence is beginning to play within Christian discipleship. For him, access to AI tools has not only strengthened his own faith but also accelerated the spiritual growth of many new believers he encounters.

AI tools provide an accessible way for seekers to explore Scripture, ask complex theological questions, and connect Old and New Testament passages with speed and clarity. Justin shared how questions such as “How does the Old Testament apply to the New Testament?” generate extensive lists of corresponding verses—helping new believers see biblical connections that once took years of study to understand.

He described this as a “funnel effect,” where the entirety of Scripture becomes unified and accessible, empowering people to grasp God’s Word more quickly and deeply.

The Importance of Guided Discipleship

While AI can deliver quick answers, Justin emphasized the crucial role of mentors and disciplers. Many new believers come from diverse backgrounds—paganism, pantheism, Eastern mysticism, or other belief systems—and may misinterpret scriptural insights without proper guidance.

Because AI generates responses based on data and patterns rather than spiritual discernment, Justin urges Christian disciplers to walk alongside new believers, helping them stay grounded in biblical truth and ensuring that the answers they receive align with Scripture.

When used responsibly, AI becomes a powerful support for the church rather than something to fear. Justin encourages Christians to embrace biblically grounded AI tools designed with Scripture in mind.

Staying Rooted in the Authentic Gospel

Justin reminded listeners of a simple yet profound truth often used in his preaching to unbelievers and Gentiles: bankers learn to detect counterfeit bills by studying the authentic one.

In the same way, he urges believers to anchor themselves in the authentic Gospel so they can recognize false teachings that seek to distort:

He warned that culture often attempts to redefine truth by claiming that goodness comes from within humanity. But Scripture teaches that the human heart is “deceitfully wicked,” and true redemption can only come from the outside—through Jesus Christ, who tore the veil, revealed Himself to sinful humanity, and offers salvation freely.

Those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead receive not only freedom from a life of sin but the promise of eternal life in Him.

Justin concluded with gratitude, emphasizing that AI—when used wisely—can be a remarkable tool for helping people encounter the truth of God’s Word. It can never replace the Holy Spirit or discipleship, but it can support the mission of leading people into a deeper relationship with Jesus.