In this episode of the Be The Church Podcast, Luke Bilberry sits down with Jon VerLee—Founder of Startup Garage, Entrepreneur in Residence at Calvin University, husband, father, and tech leader—for a practical, biblical conversation on technology, AI, and spiritual leadership.
Jon shares his story—from a defining car accident at 16, to student ministry and seminary, to building church software that served thousands of churches worldwide. Along the way, he unpacks a crucial warning for leaders in today’s tech moment: the more fascinated we become with the tools, the more we risk missing the point.
Using the life of Moses as a framework, Jon challenges leaders to resist the urge to rush ahead in their own strength. That same principle applies to innovation, calling, and the way we steward emerging technologies like AI.
Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or your everyday relationships, this episode will help you stay anchored in the mission—people, discipleship, and the Kingdom—while thinking thoughtfully about how to use technology without losing your humanity.
What you’ll learn:
- Why technology is neutral—and why Christians can’t afford to stay silent in tech spaces
- How to avoid becoming fascinated by AI and “missing the point” of the mission
- A leadership lesson from Moses: right burden, wrong timing (and what patience looks like)
- Why social media often promises “connection” but produces isolation, envy, and loneliness
- How to use AI wisely as a tool for learning—without replacing real community and relationships
- Practical ways to lead with spiritual influence: initiative, presence, and relational investment
- How to steward passions that feel “separate” (ministry + tech) into Kingdom impact
Connect with Jon
Jon VerLee is the Founder of Startup Garage and the Entrepreneur in Residence at Calvin University, where he combines his entrepreneurial experience and passion for faith-driven innovation to empower students and founders to turn business ideas into ventures that create meaningful, redemptive impact. He is the former Founder and CEO of Breeze Church Management Software. Connect with Jon at startupgarage.org.
Jon VerLee is the Founder of Startup Garage and the Entrepreneur in Residence at Calvin University, where he combines his entrepreneurial experience and passion for faith-driven innovation to empower students and founders to turn business ideas into ventures that create meaningful, redemptive impact. He is the former Founder and CEO of Breeze Church Management Software. Connect with Jon at startupgarage.org.
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