Leading Well: A Faithful Response to AI in Christian Education

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Paul Matthews

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It’s Time to Lead

AI is reshaping the world faster than any other technology in history. As Christians, our calling isn’t just to batten down the hatches or minimize the damage; our calling is to lead our school communities wisely though these changes.

Christ calls us to navigate these changes in a way that:

  • Explores the possibilities
  • Avoids the problems
  • Honours Christ
  • Loves others

 

I developed the LEAD framework to help you with this task. The framework sets the theological foundation for a Christian response to AI in education.

Living Under Lordship

In a world where technology is either feared or idolised, it’s crucial to remember that Christ is sovereign over all things, including AI. While we are surrounded by myriad technological disruptions, we have the certainty of knowing that the courts of heaven remain unchanged; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

Living under the lordship of Christ will help us respond to AI in fellowship by faith and not fractured by fear.

Engaging Ethically

AI presents incredible opportunities, but it also comes with huge challenges. As Christian educators, we must engage with these technologies in a way that is morally responsible. The LEAD framework encourages schools to cultivate a deep awareness of how AI shapes our behaviors and beliefs. By promoting godly character and ethical use of AI, we can guide our students to use technology in ways that align with Christian values.

Adapting Appropriately

The pace of change in AI is unprecedented. New technology creates a new world, and we must ensure our schools adapt to this new world. But adaptation doesn’t mean abandoning our core values. The LEAD framework helps schools recognize the significant changes that AI brings to education and encourages them to adapt their teaching methods and school practices accordingly. This ensures that we are not just reacting to change, but leading with a clear, faith-driven purpose.

Discussing Discerningly

Open and honest discussions are essential for navigating the complexities of AI. We must make space for thoughtful, theologically informed conversations within school communities. By engaging students, teachers, and parents in these discussions, we can create a culture of discernment that helps everyone make wise decisions about AI.

AI Is a Call to Action

The LEAD framework is not just a response to AI; it’s a call to action for Christian educators to lead with faith, wisdom, and integrity in our rapidly changing world. 

By using this framework, Christian schools can approach AI in a way that:

  • Explores the possibilities
  • Avoids the problems
  • Honours Christ
  • Loves others
 
Learn more about the LEAD Framework in Paul Matthews’ book, A Time to Lead: A Faithful Approach to AI in Christian Education. This book is available for purchase on the CSI curriculum website and Amazon.
Paul Matthews

Paul Matthews

As a Christian educator and technology enthusiast, Paul Matthews is constantly exploring ways to leverage AI to enhance the learning process. In addition to teaching history at Calvin Christian School in Tasmania, Matthews is the CEO and co-founder of MyTeacherAide.com, host of The Christian Education Podcast, and author of A Time to Lead: A Faithful Approach to AI in Christian Education. Learn more at https://paulmatthews.ai/.

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