Dear Church Family,

I am grateful for the many ways God continues to provide for and strengthen our church family. This week, I am especially glad to share an encouraging answer to prayer from our CityRise West U Baptist Chinese congregation.

After a season of searching, we have called Richard Duan to serve as pastor of the Chinese congregation. Richard will officially begin serving as its regular preacher on Sunday, August 9.

Richard has a deep affection for people and longs to see individuals and families come to know Jesus personally, grow in their faith through meaningful relationships, and live out the gospel in every area of life. He will serve the West U Baptist Chinese congregation through worship, discipleship, and community outreach.

Together with his wife, Christina, Richard is committed to holistic discipleship that engages the mind, heart, and hands. They long to see Houston flourish through a growing movement of the gospel!

Several members of our Chinese congregation have been instrumental in bridging this leadership gap. We are grateful for the time, energy, and dedication they have each given to carrying this important part of our family while we were searching for their next shepherd.

This desire to help people know Jesus, grow as disciples, and live out the gospel in every area of life is also behind another important opportunity coming this August: The AI Revolution.

You have already seen information about this four-week Monday evening series at CityRise Bellaire. Artificial intelligence is no longer something distant or theoretical. It is already shaping how people work, learn, communicate, create, lead, and think about the future.

Some of these developments are exciting; others raise difficult questions about truth, ethics, human relationships, leadership, mental health, and the responsible use of technology.

As followers of Jesus, we do not have to respond with either fear or unquestioning enthusiasm. Scripture gives us a wiser posture: “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

The AI Revolution will help us think clearly, faithfully, and prayerfully about one of the most significant technological shifts of our time. Throughout the month, we will hear from:

• Dr. Jeff Frey on August 3, discussing artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence, and wise leadership;
• Dr. James Tour on August 10, examining new AI computational devices and their downstream moral implications;
• Peter and Misty Phillip on August 17, addressing why Christians must practice discernment as AI increasingly influences our culture; and
• Dr. Laura Murray on August 24, exploring the relationship between people, technology, and mental health care.

These free evenings are open to the general public and will offer valuable guidance for anyone trying to navigate the growing influence of AI. Because many of these questions are already affecting workplaces, businesses, classrooms, ministries, and homes, the series will be particularly relevant for young professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, parents, and others making real-world decisions about technology.

I also ask you to pray for these evenings. Pray that God will bring people from across our church and community who need thoughtful and trustworthy guidance. Pray that our speakers will communicate with wisdom and clarity, that the conversations will point beyond the capabilities of technology toward the enduring truth of God’s Word and the dignity He has given every person.

Please also consider whom you might personally invite. This is a meaningful opportunity to welcome friends, coworkers, neighbors, and others who may not ordinarily attend a church event but are searching for help as they navigate a rapidly changing world.

The AI Revolution will take place each Monday in August—August 3, 10, 17, and 24—at 6:30p at CityRise Bellaire. You can learn more at cityrise.org/ai.


Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger