Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping the landscape of film, television and the arts. With over 100 women in attendance from across the nation, the Influence Women event at the 2026 NRB International Christian Media Convention was a powerful time of equipping members to navigate AI with confidence—and biblical truth.
Here’s the recap report from Kathleen Cooke, founder and global director of Influence Women:
Influence Women had an incredible gathering at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center during the National Religious Broadcasters 2026 Convention in Nashville! We are so grateful for our dynamic presenters:
Emma Sharma shared AI strategies for women in media, entertainment and the arts.
Each woman shared practical insights, creative production and AI strategies, along with encouragement for building a life and career anchored in Biblical truth.
My message to those gathered included a powerful reminder from the city of Ai mentioned in Joshua 6–7, that we cannot steal from God. We are to honor Him with our first fruits; to not take shortcuts or presume; and to not move forward without His guidance.
A special thank-you to our Influence Women Chapter Directors who attended: DeAnna Kane (Hollywood), Brandi McDaniel (Houston), Sue Detweiler (Dallas), and Cyndi Galley (Nashville) who encouraged and reminded us that Influence Women gatherings are essential. We are never alone in our artistic endeavors.
If you missed the NRB gathering, watch for the event recap coming soon on our IW YouTube channel! Stay connected by tuning in to the Influence Women Podcast and join a local or Online Chapter for more interaction with Influence Women
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Let’s continue to Connect. Collaborate. Create for Christ! —Kathleen Cooke
A mission of The Influence Lab, Influence Women creates a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more and become a member at InfluenceWomen.org
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California is known for earthquakes, and I have experienced some big ones over the years of living in Hollywood. Working in the media and entertainment industries, I have also experienced lots of earth-shattering moments, both good and bad, having worked in an ever-unstable industry. Strikes, AI, finance issues, and the many moral and cultural challenges of working in the industry as a Christian are prominent issues taking a toll on artists and creatives today. And it’s not only in Hollywood. Other media and entertainment hubs like Atlanta and NYC are also feeling the strain. Artists and creators are standing on shaky ground on multiple levels and just trying to keep their balance as the industry continues to make seismic changes.
At a recent Influence Women Hollywood Professional gathering, I spoke on why community and standing on the Word of God has never been more critical today.
John, a disciple of Christ and personal witness to His teaching and miracles, encouraged the first-century Church as they felt challenged with the issues of living out their faith in a hedonistic Roman culture. He writes in John 1:5-6, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
The word “message” in Greek also means “promise” and is only used two times in the New Testament. It is also related to the word “preach.” John reminds listeners that we are called to preach the promise or evangelize the “good news” and not let our challenges consume us. We are to conduits of His “Light” and bring the “Light” of who Jesus is to others. With our eyes and ears mesmerized by our screens today, we are often influenced by the dark side of life. Wars, famine, shutdowns, climatic and devastating events full of death and destruction weigh on our lives.
John reminds us to walk in the Light of God.
Darkness today impacts our personal lives, too. Disruptions and uncertainties in our daily lives and careers lives toss us around with constant seismic shocks. Yet, in God, there is no darkness—no uncertainties or disruptions—only Light, hope and God’s promise to be there with us. And it can be an opportunity to share the “Light” of God to others. If we’re engaged fully in Him, it means choosing to live an active and vibrant relationship through the turmoil, walking with confident boldness moment by moment. In Him, there is no fear and “no darkness at all.” God will direct our “coming and goings” (Psalm 121:8). (more…)
We all know those commercials with catchy jingles or tag lines that are repeated on our screens so often we hear them in our sleep. But cute, comedic videos that trend on social media, or jingles that are designed to stick in our minds can manipulate the truth. It’s a good idea to keep a list of trusted researchers, stat finders, professionals, and resources in your back pocket. One platform I trust is Barna Research and they have discovered some interesting statistics you might want to consider as you become a seed planter for God’s Kingdom while working on your creative projects, on sets and in production offices.
Are people interested in hearing about Jesus? According to Barna Research, 80% of people say they are certain or somewhat certain that Jesus Christ was real and lived on earth. 70% of all people say they want to grow spiritually. 50% of teens believe that the Bible is the Word of God, 75% say they want to know more, but sadly, 42% say that religious hypocrisy keeps them from engaging in any faith.
Will you be a disruptive seed planter?
Knowing the facts shows us that the culture wants to know who Jesus is and how to connect with Him. They want to engage with God but need trusted, real people to show them that faith in God is the game-changer in life. But how do you begin? As an actress in Hollywood for many years, I know that every eye movement, facial expression, and nonverbal communication is essential if you want to be a successful actor. Keen listening, watching the other actor and staying “in the moment” is even more important than the script or words coming out of the other actor’s mouth. In life, it’s no different. Cries for help and the need for love and prayer are often masked in angry words, bitterness, depression or desperate acts. But if you take time to care, listen, and are a keen observer, I believe God will guide you in asking the right questions and sharing who He is with others. Jesus taught us to love, listen, and pray. His communication was disruptive. He knew He was “the way, the truth, and the life.” Are you also confident in that truth?
Try using the culture’s approach.
In today’s culture, humor and sarcasm are being used like never before to capture, compromise, and change our thoughts and choices. If you laugh at it, you agree with it. It’s why talk shows, skit comedy shows, or comedians use humor to push political agendas, advance anti-Biblical views, and cultural mindsets. They know that humor plants seeds of compromise by catching you off guard, and facilitating a “just want to have fun” mindset. So, use it back. As believers, we often want to be serious about God. How frequently have you heard that “Jesus was a man of sorrow?” This is true, but the Jesus I know is also a man of great joy and laughter, full of grace and love. He engaged with unbelievers and those living with worldly, cultural mindsets. He disrupted their worldview with stories and questions that cut into their thoughts, and then walked away, leaving the person to ponder and think.
As creatives and artists, we know stories and questions work.
Communicating through artistic projects seen on our screens is more important than ever. Research is showing that AI (the machine now quickly turning our thinking into a source of human reason) is being accepted as truth and fact in our culture today. Just look at how we use GPS to navigate where we are going; human nature always wants to take the easy or lazy way. Similarly, we think we have bigger and more important things to do than research. Following cultural trends – how everyone else does things – has become too easy. And if everyone chooses the trending way, it must be right… Right? Or can you pose a question or tell a story that will disrupt the trend?
Plant disruptive seeds.
Use your creative talents. Tell your stories, ask those hard questions, and use curiosity and humor whenever possible. “So, screw your courage to a sticking place, and we’ll not fail” (Shakespeare -Macbeth, Act 1, scene 7). You have great influence! Three out of five nonbelievers today say they haven’t made a decision to follow God. Will your creative project be the seed that changes everything? “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (compromise). The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
For more on sharing Jesus, watch the recent interview that Influence Lab Co-Founder Phil Cooke had with UK Evangelist J.John on his podcast. Listen and watch how simple it can be to share your faith in today’s curious and searching culture!
You can also help fuel the mission of Influence Women by shopping through +ShopWithPurpose and designating Influence Lab/Women as your nonprofit recipient when you register.
