Integrating Artificial Intelligence into a Digital Sacred Space Framework to Enhance Virtual Fellowship in Sustainable Education

David Ming; Tonny Andrian Stefanus

doi:10.37497/rev.artif.intell.educ.v7ii.67

Authors

David Ming Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kadesi Bogor (STT Kadesi) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9510-3843
Tonny Andrian Stefanus Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kadesi Bogor (STT Kadesi) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8049-2388

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37497/rev.artif.intell.educ.v7ii.67

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Digital Sacred Space, Virtual Fellowship, Sustainable Education, Theological Education, Spiritual Formation

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to develop an AI-integrated Digital Sacred Space Model (AI-DSSM) to enhance virtual fellowship within sustainable theological education. It examines how artificial intelligence can strengthen spiritual engagement, community cohesion, and pedagogical effectiveness in online learning environments.

Method: The research adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) of international publications indexed in Scopus between 2020 and 2025. The analysis focuses on three core domains: (1) AI-supported virtual fellowship practices, (2) the evolution of the digital sacred space concept, and (3) pedagogical and communal effectiveness in AI-enhanced theological education. A thematic synthesis approach was employed to identify patterns, theoretical integrations, and technological implications.

Findings: The findings indicate that integrating AI into digital sacred spaces significantly enhances virtual fellowship by improving spiritual presence, community cohesion, adaptive learning pathways, and pedagogical interaction. The study also identifies key AI-driven mechanisms, such as sentiment analysis, adaptive feedback, and immersive environments, which contribute to sustained engagement and spiritual formation. Additionally, an implementable AI-augmented framework is proposed, incorporating digital environment design, intelligent interaction scaffolding, and spiritual assessment models.

Research Limitations/Implications: The study is based on secondary data and conceptual synthesis, lacking empirical validation in real-world educational settings. Future research should include longitudinal and experimental studies to assess the impact of AI-integrated digital sacred spaces on spiritual formation and learning outcomes across diverse cultural and institutional contexts.

Author Biographies

David Ming, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kadesi Bogor (STT Kadesi)

Dr. David Ming is a researcher, lecturer, and theologian whose work focuses on digital theological education, contemporary spirituality, and technology-enhanced pedagogy. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation, he integrates theology, education, and digital innovation to advance sustainable and contextually relevant models of learning in the era of digital transformation.

Dr. Ming’s research explores themes such as digital sacred space, virtual fellowship, online spiritual formation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in theological education. Through both conceptual and empirical approaches, he contributes to the development of academic frameworks that assist theological institutions in designing online learning environments that are authentic, inclusive, and spiritually formative.

He is actively engaged in academic publishing in internationally indexed journals, particularly in the fields of contextual theology, digital pedagogy, and practical spirituality. Dr. Ming is also a frequent speaker at national and international conferences addressing issues related to theological education, digital spirituality, and innovative learning design.

In his academic vocation, Dr. Ming is committed to preparing Christian leaders and educators who can effectively engage the challenges of the contemporary era, especially through the ethical and theologically grounded use of technology. Through his scholarly work and service, Dr. Ming seeks to bridge faith and technology, expanding the understanding of sacred presence within digital spaces and strengthening transformative learning communities in the digital age.

Tonny Andrian Stefanus , Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kadesi Bogor (STT Kadesi)

Professor at Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kadesi Bogor

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