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Smart Parish

It Started with Bishop Justin’s Question

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.

Introducing: The Smart Parish – Your Guide to AI in Ministry

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 transform the way churches operate.

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

What You’ll Gain from Subscribing

  • Clear, Practical Guidance – Understand AI without technical jargon. Each issue breaks down complex AI concepts into easy-to-follow insights tailored for churches.

  • Real-World Use Cases – Learn from Anglican churches already using AI to enhance their ministry, from automating administrative workflows to improving sermon research and digital outreach.

  • Curated Tools & Resources – Discover AI-powered applications that can help streamline church operations, save time, and enhance engagement.

  • Ethical AI Discussions – Explore the moral considerations of AI in ministry and ensure its use aligns with Christian values.

What to Expect

  • Background articles – Gain a foundational understanding of AI, how it works, and its relevance to church ministry.

  • Practical Uses for AI – Get inspired by how AI is already being used daily in our Diocese.

  • Practical Tips & Tools – Find AI-powered apps and step-by-step guides on how to get started on our AI journey.

  • Ethical Considerations – Reflect on AI’s role in ministry and ensure your approach aligns with the church’s mission and values.

Join the Smart Parish Community

Be part of a growing network of Anglican ministry leaders who use AI to serve their communities more effectively.

📩 Sign up today and start your journey toward a smarter, more efficient parish!