Module 1: What Is AI & Why It Matters for Your Mission
Artificial Intelligence is not new. The concept has been around since the 1950s, when computer scientists first began asking whether machines could be made to think. In this module, we explore what AI really is — and why it matters for leaders, educators, and mission‑driven people today.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what AI is — and what it is not.
- Learn the difference between traditional software and modern AI models.
- Identify why AI matters for your mission, community, or organization.
- Recognize the opportunities and risks of AI in everyday work.
- Begin developing a values‑aligned approach to using AI.
Lesson Content
AI is a system that can analyze information, recognize patterns, and generate new content. Unlike traditional software, which follows strict rules, AI models learn from examples — allowing them to write, summarize, plan, analyze, and support your work in powerful ways.
For mission‑driven leaders, AI is not a replacement for wisdom, compassion, or human presence. Instead, it is a tool that amplifies your ability to teach, lead, organize, and serve.
Examples
- Drafting emails, newsletters, or announcements in your voice.
- Creating lesson plans, sermons, or teaching outlines.
- Summarizing long documents into clear, actionable insights.
- Organizing schedules, tasks, and workflows.
- Brainstorming ideas for programs, events, or community initiatives.
Exercises
- Write a one‑sentence definition of AI in your own words.
- List three ways AI could support your mission or daily work.
- Identify one task you do weekly that AI could help automate.
- Write a short prompt asking AI to help with a real task today.
Reflection
How does AI align with your values? What opportunities excite you? What concerns do you want to explore further?