Wordly was recently featured in the Greeley Tribune for our work with Timberline Church. The full article is provided below. Wordly makes it easy and affordable for religious organizations of all sizes to break the language barrier with live AI translation and captions.
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Article - By Pastor John Mehl
In an increasingly divided world, where language differences can create invisible walls between people, the challenge of fostering true connection remains ever-present. At Timberline Church, we have long believed that faith should be a place of unity, not division. The church needs to create an environment where all feel welcome, regardless of the language they speak.
In an increasingly divided world, where language differences can create invisible walls between people, the challenge of fostering true connection remains ever-present. At Timberline Church, we have long believed that faith should be a place of unity, not division. The church needs to create an environment where all feel welcome, regardless of the language they speak.
For many people in our community and region, attending worship services is a source of comfort, strength and belonging. But for those who do not speak English fluently, engaging in a service can feel isolating. They may be present in the room but unable to fully grasp the message. This reality struck us deeply and moved us to action.
Last year we wanted to try something new, and our Windsor Campus implemented real-time translation services using Wordly AI to ensure that non-English speakers could engage in worship at Timberline alongside their English-speaking neighbors. However, we soon realized that translation alone was not enough. We needed to go beyond bridging the language gap to help our congregation grow in understanding and empathy.
So, we decided to do something radical. We reversed the experience.
In a special service that focused on the importance of living together without bias, we conducted a portion of our sermon in Spanish while providing English speakers with translation services. This simple switch created a profound experience. For the first time, many in our congregation understood what it felt like to rely on translation to grasp the full meaning of the message. More importantly, the service emphasized the importance of all of us living together without bias and striving to understand one another. It was more than an exercise, it was an awakening.
One congregant, Jeff Bitterman, shared, “I never realized how much I take for granted being able to hear and understand a sermon without effort. For the first few minutes, I felt lost, like I was on the outside looking in.”
That moment of realization is what fosters change. It opens our hearts and minds to the experiences of others. It allows us to step into someone else’s shoes, even if only for a short time. And during that sermon, walls came down, understanding grew, and relationships were built.
The impact was immediate and undeniable. Conversations sparked between members who had previously never spoken. A deeper sense of community emerged — one built not just on shared faith, but on shared understanding. Today, anywhere from four to 10 non-English-speaking members regularly use our translation service during worship. More importantly, the mindset of our congregation has shifted. We no longer see translation as just accommodation, we see it as an act of love.
Technology has given us a tool, but our hearts must lead the way. By continuing to use real-time translation, we are actively breaking down barriers, making sure that every person who walks through our doors can fully participate in worship, build relationships, and experience the power of faith together.
The world can feel like a divided place, but the Church has the power to be different. We can be a space where division dissolves and connection thrives. Because of love, each word, regardless of the language, reaches the heart and soul of every individual wishing to listen.
That is exactly what we are striving to be a part of, one word, one language, and one heart at a time.
Translation services are available at Timberline’s Windsor Campus (360 Crossroads Blvd., Windsor) each Sunday during the 10 a.m. service.
John Mehl is a pastor at Timberline Church.
Originally Published: March 7, 2025 at 6:59 AM MST
You can also read a case study about how Timberline Church is using Wordly to make their services more inclusive, accessible, and engaging.
