City Church San Francisco City Church San Francisco

We explored the concept of Christ the King Sunday, a day when Christians envision a world in alignment with God's desires. Drawing from the prophet Isaiah's vision, the Pastor Emily reflects on a world turned upside down, where traditional power dynamics are transformed, and enemies become neighbors and friends. The message encourages listeners to be co-creators with God, actively participating in the fulfillment of a different kind of future. The Pastor Emily emphasizes the dynamic relationship with God, the importance of understanding oneself in relation to ancestors, and the notion of being part of God's promises.

In this sermon, Pastor Joshua reflects on the story of Babel from the Bible, emphasizing the theme of listening as central to the passage. He draws parallels with the art of acting, quoting the late Alan Rickman who believed that great acting is rooted in intense and accurate listening.

Pastor Joshua suggests that the story of Babel is not just about the diversity of languages but also about the failure of the builders to listen and respond to God. He proposes an experiment in listening to the passage in three ways: the words of the builders, the inanimate objects (building materials), and God's response.

The human builders, representing all nations, are criticized for using their newfound technology for self-preservation and fortress building rather than responding to God's vision for humanity. The sermon highlights the purpose of language not only to describe the world but also to envision a better future, echoing the creative power of language in the Genesis creation narratives.

The sermon explores the significance of technology, symbolized by the building materials, in revealing human deficiencies. Using examples like criminal risk assessment algorithms, Pastor Joshua emphasizes the importance of understanding what AI and tools reveal about human biases and shortcomings.

He encourages the congregation to see confusion as a grace and stresses the importance of listening in the age of AI, where polarization and distractions make discerning truth challenging. The sermon concludes with a call for the spiritual discipline of listening, envisioning a community that learns to listen well in order to speak prophetically and evoke wonder and new life.

In this sermon, Pastor Emily McGinley reflects on a biblical passage involving a landowner hiring workers at different times and paying them the same wage, causing discomfort and raising questions about fairness.

Drawing parallels to the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, McGinley explores the broader questions it raises about the kind of world we want to build, the legacy we want to leave, and the nature of work. She emphasizes the concept of Christian vocation, stating that it is not determined by career growth but by spiritual growth, and encourages listeners to consider how they embody God's claim on their lives.

McGinley acknowledges the anxieties associated with job replacement due to advancements in AI but sees it as an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their Christian vocation and consider how they contribute to God's work. She urges listeners to focus on internal shifts and asks thought-provoking questions about transformation, relationship with others, and living out God's grace.

Senior Pastor Emily McKinley emphasizes the importance of legacy and faith. Christians need to engage with the developments in Artificial Intelligence to better impact society. She encourages the congregation to draw strength from the faith of their ancestors, build on that legacy, and bear witness to God's grace in their lives. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of the faith community and the importance of passing on a resilient faith to the next generation. The message calls for purposeful and responsible action in shaping the future, inspired by the courage and faithfulness of those who came before.

By Rev. Emily McGinley



The advent of AI has ignited a wide range of emotions and questions. As Christians, how should we respond to this transformative moment? How can our faith guide us in navigating the developments in artificial intelligence and technology?

We invite you to explore the intersection of faith and AI, address existential concerns, and delve into theological concepts related to this transformative moment. Join us on this intellectual and spiritual journey as we develop an Intelligent Faith.

Rev. Joshua Jalandoon

In the story of Zaccheus, we see a man who has spent much of his professional life extorting money from his struggling neighbors. He was so used to operating within Caesar’s economy (see last week’s message) that he couldn’t imagine a different way to live in the world…until he encountered Jesus. When Jesus invites himself over for dinner, Zaccheaus discovers that there is a way out of the messes he’s made, if he is willing to let his gifts be part of God’s greater story.