Conquering Ai: Lessons from Joshua for Navigating Artificial Intelligence Today
A journey through Scripture and science, discovering timeless wisdom for our digital age
Strategic Imperatives: Why AI Demands Enterprise Attention
Advanced technology is now an integral part of daily operations, fundamentally reshaping how organizations like the Salvation Army
  1. innovate,
  1. communicate, and
  1. make decisions.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming every sector, influencing everything from operational efficiency and customer engagement to critical decision-making in healthcare, finance, and education.
Joshua and the City of Ai: The Biblical Story

Joshua 7:2-5 (KJV)
"And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai... So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water."
After a significant triumph, Joshua and the Israelites faced the city of Ai, which they initially perceived as a minor threat.
Overconfidence led them to deploy only a fraction of their army.
The result: an unexpected and devastating defeat.
This setback, though originating from what seemed to be a 'small' challenge, offered vital perspectives on the importance of thorough assessment, strategic planning, and understanding the true scope of any undertaking.
Just as this historical account revealed profound lessons on preparation and caution, it serves as a powerful reminder for us today: even seemingly minor or budding technology deployments, particularly with transformative capabilities like artificial intelligence, demand IT involvement. The IT team must be able to perform a comprehensive risk assessment, ensure robust governance, and provide strategic oversight to prevent unforeseen consequences and ensure successful implementation.
Strategic Learnings for Robust AI Governance
Unforeseen Vulnerabilities
The introduction of unapproved AI tools or shadow IT projects can create hidden security gaps and compliance risks. Individual deviations from established policy can compromise the entirety of the Army, even involving other territories.
Overcoming Complacency
Current successes in IT operations and security do not guarantee resilience against emerging technologies or threats. Particularly AI.
Assumptions here can lead to dangerous overconfidence and expose the Army to significant risks.
Prioritizing Proactive Due Diligence
Failing to conduct thorough risk assessments and IT engagement before using any technology, especially AI, is a critical oversight.
Proceeding without a clear understanding of the ethical implications, data risks, and operational impact is a recipe for operational and financial setbacks.
From Historical Lessons to AI Strategic Imperatives

Joshua 8:1 (KJV)
"And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land."
Just as past lessons learned (at a high cost) informed Joshua's renewed approach, successful AI use demands a pivot from the misleading simplicity of use of the technology to a planned strategy.
The Army must move beyond ad-hoc or swift and expedient, actions, engage all stakeholders, and define our battle plan - AI battle plan (not Ai).
This involves understanding the landscape, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and establishing robust operations that can support your initiative to better ensure your outcome is as intended and effective.
What EXACTLY is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI Understands Data
AI utilizes sophisticated algorithms to process vast datasets, uncovering hidden patterns and generating actionable insights. This capability streamlines operations and informs critical strategic decisions.
AI Automates Tasks & Helps Decisions
AI performs a wide range of tasks, from routine to complex, boosting efficiency and reliability. By rapidly analyzing information, AI empowers better human decision-making.
AI Boosts Business Value
AI is a powerful catalyst for enhancing business performance. It optimizes supply chains, elevates customer service, enables predictive maintenance, and strengthens cybersecurity postures.
AI Requires Smart Planning & Risk Control
The increasing prevalence of AI necessitates meticulous planning, encompassing robust regulations, security protocols, and ethical considerations. Understanding AI's impact is crucial for sound policy creation and mitigating potential risks.
Strategic AI Integration: Opportunities and Challenges for The Salvation Army
Optimized Service Delivery & Outreach
AI can streamline critical operations like case management in social ministries, improve reporting for Commands and Corps, and provide greater insights into our proprietary data.
This enhances our capacity to serve vulnerable populations more effectively and expand our mission's reach.
Data-Driven Insights for Mission Impact
Leveraging AI for advanced analytics allows us to better understand needs, predict areas requiring urgent support, and measure the long-term impact. This further ensures resources can be allocated where we can help commit to "Doing the Most Good"
Ethical Considerations & Trust Preservation
Integrating AI into social services and spiritual ministry demands rigorous ethical oversight.
We must actively guard against algorithmic bias, ensure data privacy for sensitive information concerning vulnerable individuals, and uphold the transparency that underpins trust in The Army's mission.
Resource Management & Operational Security
Successful AI adoption requires careful consideration of infrastructure, costs, staff training, and robust cybersecurity.
Ensuring the security of employee, officer, and constituent data is crucial for effective and responsible deployment.
Challenges of AI: Dangers and Dilemmas
Algorithmic Bias and Fairness
AI systems learn from historical data, which often contains inherent biases. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes.
Workforce Transformation and Economic Impact
The rapid advancement of AI automation poses significant challenges to the existing workforce, potentially leading to job displacement and economic instability.
Information Integrity and Generative AI Risks
Generative AI technologies can produce highly convincing synthetic media (deepfakes, fake news, synthetic text), making it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic information from fabricated content.
Ethical AI Governance and Accountability
As AI systems increasingly make autonomous decisions, establishing clear ethical boundaries and accountability frameworks becomes paramount.
Parallels: Navigating AI with Strategic Insight
From Ancient Strategy to Modern AI
Just as ancient leaders required strategic wisdom beyond mere strength to navigate complex challenges, modern enterprises cannot manage AI's complexities with technical expertise alone. We need strategic foresight and partnership with leaders at all levels to harness these tools effectively and mitigate inherent risks.
Establishing Robust AI Governance
Successful AI integration demands clear governance. This means applying the appropriate Minutes and Policies to ensure principles and accountability remain front and center. This is critical for maintaining organizational alignment.
Implementing Proactive Risk Management
Learning from past challenges, whether historical or recent technological setbacks, requires a structured approach. For AI, this means establishing comprehensive risk assessment processes, identifying potential for algorithmic bias, ensuring data security, and planning for model explainability and reliability.
Deploying AI with Enterprise Guardrails
We must establish robust guardrails. This ensures AI solutions complement efforts while protecting data integrity and stakeholder trust.
Smart AI Rules and Safety

Key Principle:
For AI to work well, we need clear rules, strong security, and ethical guidelines. This helps us use AI responsibly and effectively in The Salvation Army.
Set Up AI Rules
We have an AI Minute to help clarify guidelines and guardrails for leveraging AI.
Boost Security & Privacy
We must maintain strong security for AI models and data. This protects against hacks and data leaks.
It also makes sure we follow all data privacy laws, like NYSHIELD.
Lower AI Risks
Understand and ensure clarity of the boundaries and rules for how AI should be used in The Army.
Lessons from Ai: Guiding AI Governance at The Salvation Army
Drawing parallels from ancient wisdom to modern challenges, effective AI governance for The Salvation Army requires a multi-faceted approach.
Strategic Planning
Proactive planning and strategic foresight are essential to harness AI effectively and mitigate its inherent risks, echoing ancient leaders' need for wisdom.
Robust Risk Assessment
Implementing comprehensive risk assessment processes, addressing algorithmic bias, and ensuring data security are critical for reliable AI deployment.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging leaders and stakeholders at all levels ensures alignment, fosters trust, and integrates AI solutions harmoniously within the organization's mission.
Strong Governance Frameworks
Establishing clear policies and accountability ensures that AI principles are upheld and organizational alignment is maintained, similar to historical governance needs.

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Thank You
I sincerely thank you for your valuable time and attention today.
Your engagement is crucial as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI within The Salvation Army's mission.
I welcome any questions, further discussions, or insights you may have