Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping business at a breathtaking pace. From generative design to predictive analytics, AI tools promise to accelerate creativity and decision-making. But can machines truly innovate — or is it inseparable from the human vocation to bear God’s name, reflect His image, and join His redemptive work?

This question is central to our newly formulated first-of-its-kind Adaptive MBA at 51, launching this Fall. In the program’s Sources of Innovation course, students read both The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators written by Clayton Christensen, Hal B. Gregersen, and Jeff Dyer and Innovation Theology: A Biblical Inquiry and Exploration written by Larry Vincent. While technology may enhance our abilities, these texts remind us that not all innovation is the same — and not all innovation leads to human flourishing. Redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership. It is rooted in the wisdom, ethics, and creativity God has entrusted to us (Genesis 1 and 2).

The Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators in the Age of AI

1. Associating: Making Connections – and Making Meaning

In The Innovator’s DNA, associating is described as the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas to generate original insights — a mental habit that underlies breakthrough thinking. AI technologies, particularly those powered by Natural Language Processing (NLP), can assist in this process by identifying patterns and surfacing useful connections across massive datasets. This makes AI an incredibly valuable tool for business leaders, helping them spot trends, generate content and identify opportunities they may have missed.

However, AI’s associations are limited to what has already been said and stored; they rely on human prompts and accessible data. As powerful as these tools are, innovation is more than what AI can offer independently. As Vincent explains in Innovation Theology, redemptive innovation involves participating in God’s work of bringing order out of chaos. AI helps humans to manage information, automate tasks, create digital products, and more. Yet, human innovators bring something AI cannot: the moral discernment to determine which connections serve truth, justice and human flourishing. Redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership.

2. Questioning: Challenging Assumptions – and Anchoring Wisdom

In The Innovator’s DNA, questioning is described as the discipline of asking provocative, open-ended questions that challenge assumptions and reframe problems. Posing “What if?”, “Why not?” and “How might we?” spark the kind of breakthrough thinking that drives innovation. AI can support this process by rapidly analyzing vast amounts of data, uncovering patterns, tensions and overlooked questions that invite deeper exploration. In this way, it can serve as a powerful tool for leaders seeking fresh solutions and new opportunities.

Yet as powerful as AI may be, the wisdom to ask the right questions — and to apply the answers responsibly — requires more than computational logic. It calls for God-anchored, relational wisdom. Scripture illustrates this in the story of Solomon. When God asked Solomon what he desired (1 Kings 3), Solomon chose understanding. But because he did not ground his wisdom in ongoing obedience to Yahweh, he drifted from God, leading to Israel’s division and eventual exile (1 Kings; 2 Chronicles).

True wisdom cannot flourish apart from a living relationship with the Lord. In John 15:1–11, Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches, teaching that we can only grow and bear lasting fruit when we remain connected to Him. Even question-asking and understanding must humbly abide in Him.

For innovators, this means guidance must come not only from what is possible, but from what is just, loving and aligned with God’s purposes (Micah 6:8). Such redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership.

3. Observing: Seeing Patterns and Seeing People

AI can scan massive volumes of content, but it cannot observe with compassion. Jesus "saw the crowds and had compassion on them" (Matthew 9:36). True observation is not just visual — it's relational and redemptive. Christensen et al. (2011) define observation as watching how people behave, struggle and adapt. But as Dr. Carmen Imes of Talbot School of Theology emphasizes, we are called to "," "," and "." That requires us to observe not only systems but our hearts and minds. Even Antonio Damásio notes in his book, Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain that decision-making may not be possible when the emotion and memory center of our brain is damaged. AI may help us notice patterns, but humans are uniquely equipped to act on those insights with empathy and discernment. Redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership.

4. Networking: Seeking Perspectives and Practicing Interdependence

Christensen, Gregersen and Dyer describe networking in their book as seeking diverse perspectives to spark new ideas. But Vincent argues that innovation is not merely cognitive; it is inherently relational and redemptive. True innovation flows through the kind of community described in 1 Corinthians 12 — where every part of the body matters. While AI can simulate connection, it cannot cultivate trust, humility or relational wisdom. Networking that leads to redemptive innovation requires faithful presence and shared purpose. Redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership.

5. Experimenting: Shaping Ideas — and the Innovator

Experimenting involves testing ideas, learning from failure and refining through iteration as described in The Innovator’s DNA. AI can prototype rapidly, but it cannot grow from failure. Vincent frames experimentation not just as technical testing but as spiritual formation and a redemptive practice. As James 1:3 reminds us, "the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Redemptive innovation is not just about launching what works — it's about becoming someone who builds what serves, heals and restores. Redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership.

Five Skills, One Calling: Rethinking Innovation as a Human Vocation

Theology does not oppose innovation—it grounds and directs it. The five discovery skills identified by Christensen, Gregersen and Dyer are essential to disruptive innovation, but when practiced apart from a relationship with God and community, they often drift from true human flourishing as Vincent explains in Innovation Theology. AI may be a powerful partner, but it cannot bear the weight of moral discernment, compassion or faith. Redemptive innovation requires image-bearing leadership — leaders who engage technology thoughtfully, relationally, and redemptively.

In 51’s Adaptive MBA, we prepare students not only to use cutting-edge tools like AI but also to lead with business as ministry — grounded in biblical truth, guided by the Spirit and formed in community. Because innovation is not just about what we create, but who we are becoming as we create.