The pace of technological change is accelerating-and the Church is feeling the pressure. Livestreams became lifelines during the pandemic. Artificial intelligence is reshaping communication. Blockchain is challenging how we handle authority and trust. And digital presence is no longer optional. The question is no longer if these innovations will impact ministry-it's how prepared we are when they do.
In Early Warning, ministry technologist and innovation leader David J. Swisher offers a bold yet practical guide for navigating disruption with theological clarity and strategic foresight. Drawing from nearly four decades of dual experience in church leadership and academic technology, Swisher acts as a kind of storm chaser-tracking emerging innovations, forecasting their impact, and helping church leaders respond wisely before the storm hits.
From the pandemic's digital pivot to the promises and pitfalls of AI, blockchain, metaverse church, and even autonomous delivery systems, Swisher explores five critical shifts already shaping the future of ministry. With each chapter, he offers not only analysis but also grounded, actionable guidance rooted in biblical reflection and real-world practice.
Help lead the church and culture through technological change with wisdom, discernment, and hope.
Whether you're a senior pastor, denominational leader, tech director, or ministry strategist, Early Warning will help you understand the times, prepare your people, and turn today's disruptions into tomorrow's opportunities for faithful innovation.
Autorentext
David J. Swisher is an AI Trainer and Consultant and ordained Wesleyan minister with almost four decades of bivocational ministry experience, nearly all of it utilizing technology and multimedia to communicate the gospel effectively. Recently, he trained thousands of T-Mobile employees nationwide on ChatGPT and generative AI applications and has also done AI training workshops for district and denominational groups. Swisher previously served as Senior Learning Experience Designer and Technology Integration Specialist at Indiana Wesleyan University, and for nearly a decade was the Director of Learning Management Technologies at Tabor College. With more than 24 years in leadership roles involving educational technology, innovation, and online learning, he has helped multiple institutions and ministries adopt cutting-edge tools with strategic intentionality, including major online learning and LMS platform transitions.Swisher earned his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Semiotics, Church, and Culture from Portland Seminary at George Fox University, where he studied under author and futurist Leonard Sweet. He also holds a Master's in Instructional Design & Technology, a Bachelor's in Christian Ministries, and a certificate in Practical Theology. He is a past chair and active leader in Colleague2Colleague, a regional professional association equipping educators to navigate the challenges of instructional technology and distance learning.A practitioner and scholar, Swisher developed and taught a first-of-its-kind Technology for Ministry course at Tabor College and founded a focus group for the Wesleyan Theological Society on technology and ministry. He researches and implements strategies for the effective use of generative AI, virtual reality & metaverse platforms, and multimedia learning in ministry and education, and he regularly collaborates with innovators and pioneers in these fields. Swisher's published research, "Top Writer" designation on Quora (where his answers have drawn over 4.7 million views), and extensive training experience all highlight his ability to convey complex technology concepts with clarity. He has successfully guided multiple organizations through major technology transitions and continues to help pastors and ministry leaders face technological disruption with wisdom, clarity, and strategic insight.