Summary
This project explored whether a faith-based digital platform could help improve Christian engagement and community among young adults outside of traditional Sunday services. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, community psychology, social identity theory and user centered design principles, an early protype of EZRA was developed. EZRA is an app designed to support personalized devotionals, church discovery, digital community and AI-assisted spiritual reflection. A startup survey found strong support for technology enhancing spiritual growth, but more mixed attitudes toward AI specific faith tools, showing both interest and caution for the product. Two pilot users completed a walkthrough of the clickable prototype and found the design understandable and promising, while identifying areas that needed improvements and clearer explanation. Overall, the findings suggest that a platform like EZRA may have potential to strengthen spiritual growth and community for young adults when it is designed around belonging, accessibility, and careful use of AI tools.