Is AI Really the Devil? - Pastor Keith Odom | Faithly Podcast

Today on the podcast, Alicia Lee and special co-host Rev. Elliot Johnson welcome Pastor Keith Odom, Director of Technology for the Church of God in Christ, Lead Pastor of The Place of Grace Church, and Founder and CEO of Axtegrity Consulting, for a pertinent conversation about AI and the future of technology in the Church.

Keith shares how his lifelong interests in both ministry and technology eventually converged through a career that included work at the renowned MIT Media Lab and now allows him to help churches navigate an increasingly digital world. Drawing from his experience as both a pastor and technology leader, he explains why churches should view technology as a tool that can support the delivery of the gospel rather than something to fear. From AI-powered language translation and accessibility tools to sermon content, discipleship resources, and digital outreach, Keith explores practical ways emerging technology can expand what churches of every size are able to accomplish.

Together, Alicia, Rev. EJ, and Keith also address the very real risks surrounding AI, including deepfakes, misinformation, and the need for churches to become educated rather than simply reactive. Keith challenges Christian leaders to bring technology experts already sitting in their congregations to the table and to develop intentional technology ministries that support the broader mission of the church.

Websites: https://www.keithlodom.io/ and https://www.churchandtechnology.com/

00:00 Introduction: When MIT Media Labs Meets Ministry

01:31 Called to Build: From Childhood Churches to Construction Management

03:03 The Pastor-Technologist Perspective: Leading a Local Church

07:28 From Excel Expert to MIT Media Lab: The Technology Journey

11:04 The TGI Fridays Conversation: Becoming Director of Technology for COGIC

17:09 The Church's Biggest Technology Mistake: Demonizing What We Don't Understand

20:09 Is AI Really the Devil? A Biblical and Practical Perspective

21:21 AI Accelerating the Great Commission: 196 Languages in Real Time