Beyond the Vineyards
3 min
While many people come to Napa Valley for its vineyards, we found ourselves there this week for a different kind of gathering. The 2025 TheoXTech Conference brought together pastors, technologists, and creatives to explore how faith and technology can shape the future of the Church. Over a few days, we explored everything from how to build AI-powered tools for ministry to the need for ethical frameworks that better represent all of us. The sessions were full of energy, laughter, and a sense that we are all part of something really important that is unfolding, something that might just shape the future for us all.
The idea behind the TheoTech conference comes from the infectious and visionary Dr. Justin Lester. He wears multiple hats - he’s a pastor, a technologist, and a theological strategist based in California. With over a decade of experience in ministry, education, and innovation, he has a unique calling around how AI can serve the local church and is constantly thinking about how we can enhance ministry effectiveness, promote spiritual growth, and drive community engagement.
One of the highlights of the event for us was the hackathon, an open invitation to the church to learn how to “vibe, code, and build.” Led by DK Hammonds, teams formed around ideas to meet real needs and then they directly dove into projects.
The hackathon submissions - most by first time vibe coders who had never been to a hackathon before - showcased an inspiring range of creative, faith-driven solutions. Highlights included the Guest Preacher Management System, a beautifully designed platform fostering deeper community connection and engagement; Mighty Fortress Connect, an all-in-one mobile hub for devotionals, events, and ministry connections; the SEEK App, which gamifies fasting to make spiritual practices more accessible and engaging year-round; and Rooted, a next-generation care app for college students, blending mentorship, prayer circles, and community events into a vibrant, faith-centered digital space. Together, these projects reflect a shared vision of using technology to strengthen relationships, sustain spiritual growth, and meet people where they are.
When it was over, we left with more than just ideas. We left with friendships, tools, and a renewed vision for what’s possible when believers from different backgrounds bring their gifts to the same table. Napa might be known for pouring some of the best wine in the world, but for a few days in August, the real ferment was happening in a theater at the Napa Valley College. It was such a blessing to watch as code, calling, and community came together in a way that will keep ripening long after the conference is over. They have already announced dates for next year’s event, again in Napa on August 5-7, 2026 - which will be focused on robotics and also include a kids track (Theoxtech.com/kids).
This year’s TheoTech conference and hackathon is a wrap, but if you want to attend a hackathon or simply just check out what vibe-coding is all about, we have three great opportunities for you over the next two months.
11 - 12 September 2025: The Vibe Coding For Good Hackathon in Kansas City, MO
https://2025vibecoding.lovable.app/
A two-day "Vibe Coding For Good" hackathon in Kansas City, MO, where church leaders will use generative AI to build custom software applications without writing one line of code.
8 - 10 October 2025: The 3rd Annual Gloo AI Hackathon in Boulder, Colorado
A three-day event that has grown into one of the largest single city hackathons in the tech+faith space, join us for a unique event that brings together developers, creators, designers, translators, strategists, pastors to solve real-world problems and promote human flourishing. Winning teams compete for $250,000 in prizes! You don’t want to miss this!
4 October - 1 November 2025: The 8th Annual Indigitous #Hack in cities around the world
The 8th annual missions-focused hackathon that engages participants from around the world to create innovative digital solutions to issues facing their communities. Last year, #Hack took place in 80 cities and 40 countries around the world!
Do you know another faith-focused hackathon we should add to the list?
