As an administrator at a Christian school, I juggle many responsibilities daily—educator, administrator, manager, counselor, and, honestly, sometimes even tech support. Often, balancing these roles can be overwhelming, and, I’m sure, like many of you, I've often wished for more hours in the day. That's where, for me, AI comes into play. Yes, I'm a Christian, and yes, I use AI to make my life easier—and I believe you should consider using it too.

Let me start with sharing some ways AI has been a game-changer for me:

1. Information Search and Suggestions

Preparing for a lesson, a meeting, or even a devotional can be time-consuming, especially when you're searching for passages that align with a specific theme or message. AI can assist by quickly providing relevant scripture references that might take hours to find manually. For instance, if I'm focusing on the theme of forgiveness, I can give AI my passage and can ask it to suggest other passages in the Bible that touch on forgiveness. It instantly provides a list of verses from both the Old and New Testaments, including some I might not have considered. This not only saves time but also enriches the depth of the message I'm conveying.

2. Document Creation and Editing

Drafting newsletters, policy documents, or reports can be time-consuming, especially when you're aiming for clarity and professionalism. AI writing assistants help me draft these documents quickly. I provide the key points, and the AI generates a well-structured draft that I can fine-tune. It's like having a personal editor who works at lightning speed. For example, when I needed to update our school's handbook to reflect new attendance policies, the AI helps me rephrase complex legal jargon into language that parents and students can easily understand.

3. Data Analysis

Interpreting student performance data is crucial for making informed decisions. AI tools can analyze test scores, attendance records, and other metrics to identify trends that might not be immediately apparent. This helps us tailor our educational strategies to better serve our students. Instead of spending hours poring over spreadsheets, I get concise, actionable insights.  If you work a job that analyzes data, why not have AI classify it for you at lightspeed.

4. Email Management

Keeping up with the influx of emails can be overwhelming. AI can categorize and prioritize emails, flagging the ones that need immediate attention. It can even draft responses based on my previous replies. This doesn't just save time—it ensures that important communications don't slip through the cracks.

5. Ten Thousand other little things

I need a quick script written for senior night.  I need a tracking document for school chromebooks.  I need someone to scour the internet and find me data about hurricanes.  I need a 5 star recipe for cooking salmon with dill butter and I need a side to go with it.  AI can do all of these things and more, saving me time and energy, and literally making me better at my job.  I use AI, you should really try it for the little things.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: AI Bias

Yes, AI systems can exhibit biases based on the data they're trained on. Some AI platforms might have a left-leaning tilt, but when you're using AI for administrative tasks, political bias doesn't really come into play. Searching for Bible passages or analyzing data isn't a partisan activity. The AI isn't making value judgments; it's performing functions based on the parameters you set.

Moreover, being discerning users means we can critically assess and adjust for any biases that might emerge. Just as we teach our students to think critically about the information they receive, we can apply the same scrutiny to the tools we use. If an AI-generated suggestion doesn't align with our values, we have the final say in selecting and approving the content.

Why Christians Should Tolerate (Dare I say, Embrace) AI

As Christians, we're called to be stewards of our time and resources. By leveraging AI, we can be more efficient and effective in our roles, freeing up time to focus on what truly matters—building relationships, serving our communities, and deepening our faith. Technology, including AI, is a tool that can be used for good. It doesn't replace human connection or divine guidance; rather, it enhances our ability to manage the tasks that might otherwise consume valuable time and energy.

Consider Proverbs 27:23, which advises us to "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds" In today's context, being diligent might mean using the best tools available to manage our responsibilities effectively.

Final Thoughts

In a world that's constantly evolving, it's important for us to adapt and make the most of the resources available to us. AI isn't something to fear or avoid; it's a tool that can help us fulfill our roles more effectively.

So, if you're juggling a multitude of responsibilities and looking for ways to streamline your work, consider giving AI a try. It might just be the helping hand you didn't know you needed.

Remember, using AI doesn't mean compromising your values or beliefs. It's about embracing tools that help us serve better. After all, even the wisest among us can use a little help sometimes.