We Gave Our Whole Team AI. Here’s What Happened Next.
There’s a lot of noise right now about artificial intelligence.
Some see it as a threat. Others see it as a shortcut. A few see it as the beginning of the end.
But at Text In Church, we see it differently.
We see AI as a tool, a tool that, when used with wisdom, curiosity, and care, helps us work smarter, connect deeper, and serve churches better.
That’s why we made a conscious decision: we’re not backing down from AI. We’re leaning in.
Because when used well, AI doesn’t replace people, it frees people to do what they do best.
The Turning Point That Changed Everything
Not long ago, I read a quote from Paul Roetzer, author of The AI-Powered Leader, that stopped me in my tracks:
“AI is not going to replace you. A leader using AI might.”
That hit me, not as a threat, but as a wake-up call.
This isn’t about staying relevant. It’s about staying useful. About helping our team and the churches we serve move forward with clarity, not fear.
So I started asking questions:
What if AI could help us solve real problems faster?
What if it could remove bottlenecks, reduce burnout, and make our communication sharper?
What if it could allow us to spend more time on people's work instead of getting buried in busy work?
We decided to find out.
What We Did Next
Every person on our team now has access to ChatGPT Pro. And they’re encouraged to use it every day, not as a crutch, but as a catalyst.
We don’t use AI to cut corners or outsource thinking. We use it to push our thinking forward.
Our team uses it to jumpstart ideas, improve clarity, explore new angles, automate repetitive tasks, and quickly answer technical questions. Sometimes it’s brainstorming a campaign. Sometimes it’s writing better emails. Sometimes it’s speeding up customer support responses so we can serve churches faster.
The result?
✅ Faster problem-solving
✅ Clearer communication
✅ More room for creative, relational work
As Roetzer says, “AI can do the data work. Humans still need to do the heart work.”
And that’s exactly what we’re after.
The Reality Check We All Need
We’re not naive. AI is going to change things. Some roles will evolve. Some tasks may disappear entirely.
But at Text In Church, we’re committed to using AI to reinforce our team, not replace it.
That means helping our people reskill, giving them the tools and support they need to stay sharp, and using AI to remove the noise, not the human voice.
Because the most important work we do, the work that actually changes lives, is always relational.
What This Means for Your Leadership
If you’re leading in this season, you’re likely feeling some of the same tension. The speed of change. The uncertainty. The pressure to keep up while staying true to your mission.
Here’s what I’d encourage:
1. Make AI normal, not novel
Let your team experiment. Let them explore. Celebrate wins when it helps you move faster, write clearer, or connect better.
2. Focus on efficiency, not elimination
The goal isn’t to shrink your team. It’s to amplify their ability. Ask, “How can this make us better, not just faster?”
3. Double down on what AI can’t do
Emotional intelligence. Relational leadership. Creative problem-solving. Empathy. Those are the leadership muscles that will matter most in the next chapter.
🎥 Watch: How Leaders Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch
In a new video on my YouTube channel, I’m unpacking what it really means to lead in the age of AI. No hype. No fear. Just a practical, honest look at how church leaders and teams can use this technology to work smarter without losing the heart of what we do.
I’ll share:
- Why I believe AI can strengthen, not replace, your team
- Simple ways to start using AI for everyday leadership tasks
- How to keep empathy, creativity, and relationships at the center
And if you haven’t already, subscribe to my YouTube channel for more short, practical videos on leadership, communication, and building teams that thrive.
The Future Is Both/And
At Text In Church, we’re not choosing between people or AI. We’re choosing people who know how to use AI well.
Because the future won’t belong to those who fear new tools. It’ll belong to those who use new tools to serve in deeper ways.
We believe this technology has the power to transform how we work and lead, but only if we use it with intention, humility, and the people we serve in mind.
So yes, we’re AI-forward. But more than that, we’re people-first.
And we’re building for a future where technology supports the mission… not the other way around.
Ready to Lead with Clarity in the Age of Complexity?
If you want to grow as a leader in this new era, I created something that can help.
👉 Download the free 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan
You’ll discover:
- Four daily non-negotiables that drive personal growth
- A monthly meeting rhythm that transforms how you lead
- Simple but powerful leadership habits that keep you focused and aligned
It’s practical, easy to follow, and takes less than 30 minutes a day, because great leadership starts with intentional growth.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
