When Bishop Justin leaned forward and said, “You know, David, this is the most excited I’ve seen you all day,” I had a realization.

We had been reviewing the past year’s communications—what worked, what didn’t, and where to focus next. I had shared how AI was transforming my work: from automating meeting notes to improving our newsletters and creating better video content.

The results? Weeks of time saved and higher-quality work.

AI wasn’t just a tool—it felt like a way forward for church communications.

That’s why I created The Smart Parish.

What is The Smart Parish?

The Smart Parish is a weekly email newsletter designed to help church leaders, administrators, and volunteers use AI in practical, real-world ways.

✅ No tech jargon
✅ No hype
✅ Just simple, effective tools to save time and improve ministry work

So we can focus on what truly matters—our people, our communities, and our mission.

Why AI for Churches?

Church leaders are juggling more than ever, often with limited time and resources. AI can help by:

✅ Saving hours on admin – Automate meeting notes, draft emails, and organize tasks effortlessly.
✅ Enhancing communication – Improve newsletters, social media posts, and sermon preparation.
✅ Boosting creativity – Create worship resources, develop Bible study materials, and more.

What You’ll Get

📩 Clear, practical insights on using AI for church operations
📩 Real examples you can apply in your own parish
📩 Ethical discussions on using AI responsibly in ministry
📩 Stories from Anglican leaders already using AI to lighten the load

About Me

I’m David Cross, Communications Manager at the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. As a long-time tech enthusiast, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can support churches work more effectively.

That’s why I created The Smart Parish—to make AI approachable and useful for church leaders like you.

Join The Smart Parish Community

We’re building a community of AI enthusiasts to explore how to use AI responsibly and practically. If you’re curious about how AI can support your parish, now is the time to get involved.

📩 Sign up now at Smart Parish and get your first edition this week!

Let’s explore how AI can support our mission—together.