Calvary Chapel Bishop, located on Main Street just south of West Line, has implemented an artificial intelligence platform to provide real-time Spanish translation of its Sunday sermons. This new system, utilizing the OneAccord platform—which was designed by a software engineer who grew up as a "pastor’s kid"—has been available to congregants since the Sunday, September 6 worship service. A QR code, printed on the front of the church bulletin and also projected onto a church screen, directs attendees to scan it with their mobile devices for the translation.
A message accompanying the code instructs users to "scan this QR code with your mobile device" for Spanish translation, enabling them to "read or listen with personal headphones." Pastor Craig Fitzer stated that "Translation happens through AI in real time," eliminating the need for a quiet room or a human interpreter. Spanish-speaking attendees can either read the sermon text on their phones or listen through personal headphones, hearing it in their own language as it is preached. The translation runs directly on their device, meaning no special equipment needs to be borrowed from the church.
According to Pastor Fitzer, the decision to implement automated Spanish-language translation was driven by a dual purpose: addressing the needs of congregants who primarily speak Spanish and expanding the church's outreach efforts. He explained, "Some congregants genuinely need Spanish, and it’s also an outreach opportunity." The ultimate goal, he added, is "one family worshipping together rather than splitting into separate services."
Before the official launch, several congregants who understood Spanish tested the OneAccord platform for two months. Pastor Fitzer reported that these early users found the translation quality to be solid. He affirmed that "The AI translation has been tested and is precise" and works very well in real time. The church also ensures that newcomers are guided on how to use the technology on their smartphones. The cost for the church to use this platform is approximately $150 per month.
Pastor Fitzer noted that a few worshippers currently utilize the real-time, AI-assisted Spanish service every Sunday. He expressed hope that increased awareness of this integration of worship, language, and technology will attract more individuals to Calvary Chapel, stating that "The need in Bishop is great."
The adoption of this technology at Calvary Chapel aligns with broader demographic trends and a national movement within religious organizations. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that close to 16% of Bishop’s population is Hispanic. Furthermore, in Inyo County, nearly one in five people aged five years and older, specifically 19.3%, speak a language other than English at home.
Beyond local demographics, faith leaders and communities across the country are increasingly incorporating AI to enhance ministry. An August 20, 2025 blogpost titled "How Ministry Leaders and Churches Are Embracing AI with Purpose & Faith," published by "Religion & Peace" from Connecticut’s Hartford International University for Religion & Peace, highlights this trend. The blogpost notes that AI, once primarily for tech companies, is now becoming part of church life, with reports and surveys indicating that 45% of church leaders were using AI at the time of publication, and 91% welcomed its use in ministry.
Pastor Fitzer also mentioned that other local pastors have recognized Calvary Chapel's initiative. A pastor in Big Pine, who recently started a new church, has begun directing some of his Spanish-speaking congregants to Calvary Chapel. A notable feature of the OneAccord platform, according to Fitzer, is its ability to recognize and seamlessly translate "Christianese" terminology, including Bible references, Old and New Testament imagery, and moral concepts, into Spanish. In addition to sermon translation, Spanish lyrics for songs are also projected onto a church screen, enabling Spanish-speaking attendees to participate fully in congregational singing.
Calvary Chapel Bishop has a history of leveraging technology to improve the worship experience. For years, the church has live-streamed its services and mid-week Bible studies on YouTube. It also provides assistive listening devices for congregants who are hard of hearing, demonstrating a consistent commitment to accessibility and engagement through technological means.