AI, Faith, and Finding Purpose in a Changing World

But what if AI wasn’t here to replace anything—but to free you up to focus on what truly matters? What if, instead of drowning in admin work, you could serve your people better, deepen your impact, and finally breathe again in your business?

Do you have time for a short story? Let me tell you how I went from an AI skeptic to someone who actively teaches it.

AI And Purpose: A Redemption Story

I had a big vision. I wanted to build an online course business that actually transformed lives, made a real impact. But somewhere along the way, that dream got buried under mountains of repetitive, mind-numbing tasks—like endlessly rewriting email drafts, updating content for the 50th time, and crafting yet another version of the same marketing message.

Instead of waking up excited to improve my audience’s lives, I found myself waking up with a list of tasks that had nothing to do with connecting with my students, which, let’s be real, is the part I loved most.

The truth? The passion I once had was getting buried under the grind of business. I started questioning if I was really fulfilling my purpose or just keeping up with an endless to-do list.

Then one day I had an epiphany: I needed help. In mid-2024, I finally gave AI a chance.

And let me tell you—at first, I was beyond skeptical. AI wasn’t the magic wand I had hoped for, but it sure started to make a difference.

I had some serious questions, though...

Q1: What if AI Makes Me Less Creative?

I know the fears. The horror stories. The idea that AI is coming for your creative genius, replacing your originality with generic robotic jargon.

The last thing I wanted was some soul-sucking machine taking the heart out of my work.

But here’s the truth: AI didn’t steal my creativity. It supercharged it.

I started using it as my brainstorming buddy, my “idea-bouncer,” my “help me say this better” sidekick. Instead of feeling restricted, I found myself generating more innovative ideas than ever. It gave me fresh angles, helped rework my content, and sparked thoughts I wouldn’t have considered on my own.

Sure, sometimes AI gets a little… wild. Like when it suggested I use “synergize” five times in one paragraph (hard pass). Quick tip: AI is a tool, not your ghostwriter. Always edit.

But here’s the kicker: At the end of the day, I’m the one who brings the heart and soul. AI organizes, refines, and polishes, but my voice, my faith, and my creativity are what breathe life into my work.

Think of it this way: AI is like the loaves and fishes—when used wisely, it multiplies what’s already there.

Pocket-Size Wisdom: AI isn’t here to replace your creativity. It’s here to help you create with purpose.

Q2: What if AI Takes Control of My Business and Makes Decisions I Don’t Agree With?

Don't laugh, but I had visions of AI going rogue. I pictured it as a sci-fi villain, like The Terminator or a HAL 9000, whispering, “Sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Or as some AI overlord hijacking my brand, turning everything sterile and corporate.

My control-loving brain went into full panic mode. What if it takes over? What if I lose control?

But here’s what I realized: AI doesn’t take control—it’s a tool. And tools don’t run the show, at least not yet.

Sure, the idea of handing tasks over to AI might sound risky. But guess what? AI does exactly what I tell it to do. It’s like having a highly capable assistant—not the CEO. AI refines and organizes, but the decisions? Those are still mine. If the output is off, that’s on me and my vague prompts, not the machine.

And let’s not forget—wisdom? It’s biblical. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” AI processes data, but it doesn’t discern truth. That’s my job.

Just like we use discernment in every business decision, we can use it here too. AI is only as wise as the person guiding it.

Pocket-Size Wisdom: AI is just a tool. It works for you—not the other way around. You lead with purpose.

Q3: What if AI Doesn’t Save Me Time and Just Ends Up Complicating My Life?

The last thing I needed was another shiny new tool collecting digital dust in my graveyard of forgotten software. You know the ones—purchased with high hopes, abandoned after two logins.

I pictured AI as just another time-suck. Hard pass.

But once I set it up? Game-changer. AI didn’t complicate things—it simplified them.

Suddenly, those time-consuming tasks? Handled. AI took over social media scheduling, organized my email marketing, even generated content drafts. Instead of drowning in busywork, I was left with more clarity, focus, and time to focus on what truly mattered—my vision.

And isn’t that what stewardship is all about? Managing our time and resources wisely? AI isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing when used intentionally.

With AI taking care of the busywork, I could finally shift my focus back to serving people—not just managing tasks.

Pocket-Size Wisdom: AI isn’t here to complicate your life—it’s here to clear the clutter so you can focus on your calling.

Q4: What if AI Makes My Business Feel Robotic?

I’ll be honest—I was nervous. I didn’t want my students or customers to feel like they were just another number, tossed around by algorithms. I wanted them to feel the authenticity and the care that I put into everything I do.

But here’s the plot twist: AI didn’t turn my business into a cold, robotic machine. It actually made it more personal and impactful.

Here’s how: AI analyzes user behavior, creating tailored experiences that help with one-on-one conversations. It remembers your clients' needs and interests, gathering data, providing insights, while you stay front-and-center.

AI doesn’t just personalize—it fosters connection. It responds to queries instantly, meaning no one feels left in the dark. It handles follow-ups so no one falls through the cracks.

So, it’s not about replacing human connection; it’s about multiplying those touchpoints where connection can happen.

And isn’t that biblical? Jesus met people where they were. When we prioritize others, AI amplifies that effort, not replaces it.

Pocket-Size Wisdom: AI doesn’t rob your business of its humanity. It’s a secret weapon to build genuine connections.

Q5: What if Using AI Is Unethical?

Of course, AI has a huge potential to do harm if used unethically. I’d heard the stories—AI spreading bias, invading privacy, and making questionable decisions in a black-box void. The last thing I wanted was to build my business on something unethical.

But here’s what I learned: AI isn’t the villain. It’s a tool. Like any tool, it’s all about how we use it.

I decide how AI fits into my business and how it aligns with my values. By prioritizing ethics and transparency, I make sure AI serves my mission—not the other way around. I use unbiased data, am upfront with my audience about AI’s role in my business, and ensure it enhances trust, not erodes it.

Openness and transparency aren’t just effective business strategy—they’re part of our calling. “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17) 

With this approach to AI, I stopped seeing it as a threat and started seeing it as a force for good—one that, when stewarded wisely, can help us serve others even better.

Pocket-Size Wisdom: AI isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s how we use it that matters. Lead with integrity, and you’ll always stay on the right path.

But AI isn’t just sparking debate among entrepreneurs about it's ethical use—it’s also catching the attention of faith communities. 

What Religious Organizations Are Saying About AI

Religious leaders and organizations worldwide are weighing in on AI’s role in our lives, especially in business, education, and ministry. Here's a little wisdom from the Vatican, Ministry Brands, and Christianity Today.

In January 2025, the Vatican released a document titled "Antiqua et Nova," which addresses the ethical and anthropological implications of artificial intelligence. The document emphasizes that AI should encourage a "renewed appreciation of all that is human." It calls for a deeper focus on the humanities and human dignity, recognizing that while AI can be beneficial, it must never overshadow the unique aspects of being human. 

Meanwhile, Ministry Brands notes that faith leaders see AI as a valuable tool to enhance church operations, streamline administrative tasks, and increase outreach. However, they stress that AI should never replace authentic human relationships or spiritual discernment—keeping technology aligned with biblical values is key.

Then, there’s Christianity Today's perspective on AI’s impact on spirituality and character. The article highlights that AI isn't just a technological shift but a spiritual one, urging Christians to be mindful of how these tools impact our values and relationships. While AI can certainly make life easier, we must ensure that it enhances—not diminishes—what it means to be human.

These voices remind us that AI is a tool to be used wisely, in alignment with our values and purpose. It’s up to us to decide how we integrate it into our faith-driven work, ensuring it serves humanity, not replaces it.

Conclusion

So, here's the deal: AI isn’t the villain—it’s my trusty sidekick. It helps me work smarter, unleash my creativity, and gives me back time to do what truly matters: serving my audience and staying true to my purpose. Using it with integrity and transparency, it's just like any tool that has great potential.

But hey, I know AI can still stir up some strong opinions in early 2025, at the time I wrote this. What’s your take on it? How has AI shown up in your business? Send me an email and let’s chat about it!