AI for Evangelism: Bringing People Closer to Jesus

Jake Carlson founded The Apologist Project by combining two lifelong passions: Christian apologetics and technology. Today, he's using AI for evangelism to help ministries reach people exploring Christianity and connect them with meaningful discipleship relationships.

Raised as a missionary kid in China, Jake returned to the States in 2001 to begin a career in tech. Before starting his first job, he purchased the domain apologist.com and made a promise to God that he would one day build a digital platform for the Kingdom.

He spent 25 years working as a software engineer for startups and companies like Oracle and Apple. When ChatGPT became widely available, Jake saw an opportunity to use AI as a tool to further the Gospel.

How Can AI Support Evangelism?

Jake now serves as executive director of The Apologist Project, a digital platform that partners with ministries and mission organizations to create custom AI chatbots for evangelism and discipleship.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools, these chatbots are designed to help people explore Christianity and the Bible. Their responses draw from a carefully curated knowledge base of trusted Christian ministries and apologetics organizations, grounding conversations in vetted Christian content.

As AI continues to generate both excitement and skepticism, Jake has researched how Christians have historically responded to new technology. His white paper explores how innovations have shaped the spread of the Gospel, including the introduction of the printing press.

When the printing press emerged, many in Christendom worried about job loss, environmental impact, and whether the technology would undermine traditional religious authority. Yet it ultimately made sharing knowledge more accessible and helped spread God's Word.

Jake sees a lesson for Christians considering AI in ministry today:

“God's used every technology that's been invented for His glory, and it's really up to us to be the salt and light that shapes it for His purposes.” — Jake Carlson

How Does AI Connect Seekers With Real Discipleship?

For Jake, technology is a tool, not the destination. One of The Apologist Project's core commitments is helping people move from online conversations to relationships with other believers.

As people interact with a chatbot, the platform can identify those who are genuinely seeking answers and connect them with missionaries or trained volunteers who can continue the conversation. This approach is especially valuable for ministries with limited staff or volunteer capacity.

One ministry partner, Apologetics Canada, shared a story about website security auditors who began experimenting with its chatbot. According to the organization's executive director, one of them ultimately gave his life to Christ.

Jake emphasizes that these tools are intended to support—not replace—human connection.

“The goal is not to endlessly chat with a chatbot. The goal is to get seekers into a discipleship relationship with another human being.” — Jake Carlson

How Can Christian Ministries Grow Through Community?

Although Jake and his team bring extensive technology and startup experience, running a nonprofit ministry has been a new learning experience. Through Good Works Community's Transformational Giving workshops and events, they've gained valuable insight into fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and building relationships with other ministry leaders.

This fall, The Apologist Project is preparing for a major fundraising effort to bring more team members on full-time and expand its impact around the world.



For Jake, the vision has remained the same since he purchased apologist.com more than two decades ago:

“We partner with mission organizations to bring others closer to Jesus through technology.” — Jake Carlson