The Third Principle of Faith+ Technology: Stewardship Over Exploitation
Technology will shape the future—
but will it be stewardship or exploitation?
Leaders today face intense pressure. Shareholders, boards, congregations, and communities often demand faster results with fewer resources. Technology promises efficiency—but if left unchecked, it can also push us toward exploitation rather than stewardship.
Stewardship asks not only, “What can this do?” but “What should this do?” It measures success not just by efficiency or profit but by whether our use of technology reflects God’s heart for justice, compassion, and dignity.
This principle calls leaders to courage. When the pressure is heavy, will you use technology to elevate people—or to reduce them to data, performance, and profit?
Stewardship in Industry
A doctor was under pressure to cut costs. She approved an AI diagnostic tool and let it run with minimal oversight. The system flagged patients as “low risk” too quickly, and one woman’s cancer went undetected until it was too late. Efficiency had replaced stewardship.
Another hospital used the same technology but required every AI flag to be confirmed by a physician. The tool sped up analysis, but people stayed central to care. They reduced costs without sacrificing compassion.
Technology is not neutral. It amplifies the heart of the one who stewards it.
Stewardship in Ministry
A pastor wanted to grow his congregation. He adopted an AI-driven marketing tool that segmented people into “high potential” givers and “low engagement” members. Over time, the church started prioritizing the former and neglecting the latter. People felt used, not loved.
Another church used the same tool but differently: as a way to identify who was falling through the cracks—those not showing up, those who seemed isolated. Leaders reached out personally. The technology wasn’t used to exploit generosity but to shepherd souls.
The difference? Stewardship that saw people as image-bearers, not as metrics.
Theological Foundation
Scripture shows us both the temptation of exploitation and the call to stewardship. Pharaoh exploited Hebrew slaves to build monuments to his power. In contrast, God’s law commanded Israel to leave gleanings in the fields for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9–10). Exploitation dehumanizes. Stewardship dignifies.
We also recognize the reality of common grace: even in a fallen world, God enables humanity—including those who do not know Him—to create tools that can bless and heal. Yet the measure is not cultural approval but biblical wisdom.
As Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Leadership in the kingdom is never about exploitation, always about stewardship.
Living It Out: For Today’s Leaders
Ask: Not just “What can this do?” but “What should this do?”
Protect: Guard human dignity over data points or profit margins.
Lead: Choose courage when pressure tempts you to exploit.
Model: Use tools to serve, not dominate. Elevate the vulnerable, don’t exploit them.
A Simple Reminder for Leaders
Principle 1 was about identity: God alone creates life.
Principle 2 was about wisdom: technology is a tool, not a master.
Principle 3 is about responsibility: steward technology for human flourishing, not exploitation.
Technology will shape the future.
But only Christ secures it—
and only faithful leaders can steward it well.
Call to Action
This is the third in a 7-week series on the Faith + Technology Framework—helping leaders stay anchored in Christ while shaping the future with wisdom and hope.
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Anchored in Christ. Shaping the Future. Elevating People.
