An interview with David Gamboa from Elijah Rising 

For many ministry leaders, the demands of running a nonprofit can subtly divert them from their true calling. Between content creation, donor communication, internal admin, and endless meetings, it's easy to find yourself stuck behind a laptop rather than engaging with people or pursuing your passion for the Gospel. 

But what if technology, specifically AI, could help change that narrative? 

This change is precisely what David Gamboa, a long-time ministry leader and early AI adopter, has experienced. As the Communications Director of Elijah Rising, an anti-trafficking organization based in Houston, David has seen firsthand how AI can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing leaders to focus on their mission. 

From Burnout to Breakthrough 

"I've been using AI for a little over two years now," David shared. "What it's accomplished for me has dramatically decreased the amount of time I'm spending on marketing projects. This time savings has freed me up to do what I'm passionate about: teaching, discipleship, and creating prayer initiatives." 

Elijah Rising's work to combat human trafficking demands both deep community engagement and consistent communication. AI has stepped in as a behind-the-scenes helper, accelerating content creation, streamlining administrative tasks, and even supporting prayer initiatives through newsletters and online courses. 

The result? More time for real ministry and less time stuck behind a screen. 

AI Isn't Replacing the Mission; It's Helping Amplify It 

David is quick to point out that AI isn't about replacing the human element in ministry. He sees ethical boundaries and human oversight as essential. 

"We need to be careful to maintain that human touch point," he explained. "AI can get you from A to M quickly, but the rest, the heart, the relationships, the discernment, that's on us." 

At Elijah Rising, AI tools help transform research, transcripts, and presentations into hundreds of pieces of content. David even uses an app called Audio Pen, which converts his spoken words into clean, formatted text for newsletters, prayer updates, and donor communication. 

"It's like having a personal scribe," David laughed. "Even Paul had a scribe helping him record his letters. The ideas are mine, the AI helps put them into words faster." 

Navigating the Ethical Tensions 

Of course, as with any powerful tool, concerns exist. David highlights several areas ministry leaders should watch: 

• Losing the human voice or authenticity in sermons or content
• Misuse of AI for harmful content, like manipulated images
• High costs and energy demands of some AI tools
• Potential political biases baked into AI platforms
• The overwhelming pace of AI development 

"We're in a season where AI is evolving fast, faster than any of us can fully keep up with," David shared. "But that doesn't mean we bury our heads in the sand. It means we stay educated, set clear ethical guidelines, and use AI as a tool, not a replacement for real ministry." 

Training, Not Avoiding 

Interestingly, what started as skepticism within David's team at Elijah Rising has shifted into cautious adoption. 

"About a year and a half ago, I had staff who thought AI was the Antichrist," David joked. "Now? Everyone's using it. This rapid adoption made me realize that we need training and guardrails. Everyone's excited, but we have to be intentional." 

The same is true across churches and ministries everywhere. As AI becomes increasingly accessible, leaders require resources, policies, and support to integrate it responsibly. 

The Future: Small Ministries, Big Impact 

David's vision extends beyond his organization. Through his project, The AI-Enabled Nonprofit, he's equipping other ministry leaders to harness AI for good. 

"My heart is for the smaller organizations, the ones with limited budgets and teams," he explained. "AI can level the playing field. It's not about how big your marketing budget is anymore, it's about your impact." 

Resources like his free prayer guides, content prompts, and AI trainings are helping nonprofits increase their efficiency and effectiveness without compromising authenticity. 

A Final Word for Ministry Leaders 

For those still hesitant, David offers a reminder rooted in both history and hope: 

"Every technological advancement, the printing press, the internet, all came with both dangers and opportunities. AI is no different. But when we approach it prayerfully, ethically, and with a heart to advance the Gospel, it can help us do what God has called us to do: engage with people, make disciples, and share hope." 

Learn More: 

Visit Elijah Rising to support their anti-trafficking work. 

Explore resources for ministry leaders at AIEnabledNonprofit.com. 

 Want help equipping your church or nonprofit with AI? Connect with our team at Enable Ministry Partners.  We're here to help ministries use technology wisely and ethically.