Discipleship in a Digital Age

The September/October 2026 issue of Christian Standard focuses on Discipleship in a Digital Age and examines how churches can use technology faithfully without allowing digital tools to replace relationships, biblical formation, and Christian community. Artificial intelligence, social media, livestreaming, online communication, and digital evangelism appear throughout the issue, with contributors considering both the opportunities and the limitations these technologies bring to ministry.

Readers will find practical guidance on the ethical use of AI in sermon preparation, ways churches can use artificial intelligence to expand their reach, and how digital platforms can support evangelism and disciple-making. Doug Lucas and Paul Fenelon describe Team Expansion’s Media to Movement strategy, while Mike Schrage traces Good News Productions International’s use of changing media technologies to share the gospel around the world. Other articles examine online congregations, ministry communication, technology’s influence on children and families, and the need to preserve embodied relationships in an increasingly digital culture.

The issue also addresses church leadership in divided settings, technology adoption among less tech-savvy Christians, and the continuing transformation of Christian Standard itself. Throughout Discipleship in a Digital Age, the central emphasis remains consistent: technology should serve the mission of making disciples rather than become the mission. This issue offers pastors, elders, ministry leaders, parents, and church members a thoughtful resource for navigating technology while preserving biblical truth, personal presence, and meaningful Christian discipleship.