Over the past six months, I’ve discovered a new companion that has quietly become part of my daily rhythm—not a person, but a tool: ChatGPT.
Like many of you, I was initially skeptical. Could an AI really help someone who’s walked with God for decades, taught and led music and worship for a living, loves blogging, and traveled to over 70 countries? I wasn’t looking for a shortcut or a gimmick—I wanted something that could support my calling, sharpen my skills, and perhaps even deepen my walk with God.
What I found surprised me.
Here’s how I’ve been using ChatGPT in my life as a Christian, musician, and traveller—and how you might find it helpful, too.
1. As a Christian
My daily rhythm includes reading through the Bible each year—Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs. I now often reflect on my reading by asking ChatGPT to help unpack a passage. For example:
“What does Hebrews 12:1-2 mean in the context of the whole chapter?”
“Give me a comparison between Psalm 103 and Isaiah 40.”
“Help me write a devotional based on Psalm 92:12-15.”
ChatGPT doesn’t replace the Holy Spirit or the quiet voice of God, but it acts a bit like a well-read friend—offering cross-references, summaries, commentaries, or even prayer prompts when I need them.
It’s also helped me write blogs, devotionals, teaching notes, and even the outline of a masterclass I’m preparing on worship leadership. It’s like having a research assistant who never gets tired.
2. As a Musician and Teacher
If you know me, you know that music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong calling. I teach private students in piano, saxophone, flute, voice, and guitar. I lead worship. I mentor young musicians and worship leaders.
Here’s how ChatGPT helps me:
Lesson Planning: I can ask it to create a 10-week plan for a beginner flute student or give me fresh warmups for an intermediate singer.
Songwriting: Sometimes I’ll throw out a theme—like “God’s faithfulness in every season”—and get lyric ideas or chord suggestions.
Worship Leading: It’s helped me to write blogs on teaching musicians, prepare devotional thoughts before rehearsal, and even create policies for new team members. I’ve heard that it can also write SAT parts for worship songs but I haven’t tried that yet.
Encouragement: If I need to send a note to a young musician who’s discouraged, I can get help writing something both spiritually encouraging and musically constructive.
It’s not about outsourcing my work—it’s about multiplying my impact.
3. As a Traveller
Anna and I love to travel. Whether we’re heading to Nova Scotia, California, Albania, Istanbul, or Italy, I’ve found ChatGPT invaluable:
Itinerary Help: “Give me a 3-day itinerary for Istanbul that includes Christian history.”
Packing Lists: “What should I pack for a 10-day missions trip to Albania in June?”
Cultural Tips: “What are common phrases in Albanian to greet people in a church context?”
Flight Routing and Planning: It helps me map out complex routes involving ferries, trains, and flights—like our upcoming journey from Durres to Bari, then down to Reggio Calabria.
It’s like having a personal travel agent, cultural advisor, and spiritual support team rolled into one.
4. How You Might Use It
You don’t have to be a pastor, teacher, or traveler to find value in ChatGPT. Here are some ideas:
Ask for devotional thoughts or help writing a journal entry.
Use it to get suggestions for a worship setlist based on a sermon theme.
Brainstorm fundraising ideas for a missions trip.
Find Scripture references for a talk or blog..
Just remember: AI is a tool. It’s not your Bible, your pastor, or your conscience. But used wisely, it can serve your calling and help you do more with clarity and excellence.
Final Thoughts
God has given us powerful tools in every generation—the printing press, the microphone, the internet, and now artificial intelligence. I believe we’re called not to fear these tools, but to use them well and redemptively.
I’m grateful for the ways ChatGPT has helped me teach better, travel smarter, and reflect more deeply on God’s Word. I’m still learning—and always testing—but it’s become a trusted assistant in this season of life and ministry.
If you’d like help learning how to use ChatGPT in your own life, especially in ministry or music, feel free to reach out or comment below. I’d love to help.
Keep growing, keep trusting, and keep bearing fruit in every season.
How I’ve Been Using ChatGPT as a Christian, Musician, and Traveller
Over the past six months, I’ve discovered a new companion that has quietly become part of my daily rhythm—not a person, but a tool: ChatGPT.
Like many of you, I was initially skeptical. Could an AI really help someone who’s walked with God for decades, taught and led music and worship for a living, loves blogging, and traveled to over 70 countries? I wasn’t looking for a shortcut or a gimmick—I wanted something that could support my calling, sharpen my skills, and perhaps even deepen my walk with God.
What I found surprised me.
Here’s how I’ve been using ChatGPT in my life as a Christian, musician, and traveller—and how you might find it helpful, too.
1. As a Christian
My daily rhythm includes reading through the Bible each year—Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs. I now often reflect on my reading by asking ChatGPT to help unpack a passage. For example:
ChatGPT doesn’t replace the Holy Spirit or the quiet voice of God, but it acts a bit like a well-read friend—offering cross-references, summaries, commentaries, or even prayer prompts when I need them.
It’s also helped me write blogs, devotionals, teaching notes, and even the outline of a masterclass I’m preparing on worship leadership. It’s like having a research assistant who never gets tired.
2. As a Musician and Teacher
If you know me, you know that music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong calling. I teach private students in piano, saxophone, flute, voice, and guitar. I lead worship. I mentor young musicians and worship leaders.
Here’s how ChatGPT helps me:
It’s not about outsourcing my work—it’s about multiplying my impact.
3. As a Traveller
Anna and I love to travel. Whether we’re heading to Nova Scotia, California, Albania, Istanbul, or Italy, I’ve found ChatGPT invaluable:
It’s like having a personal travel agent, cultural advisor, and spiritual support team rolled into one.
4. How You Might Use It
You don’t have to be a pastor, teacher, or traveler to find value in ChatGPT. Here are some ideas:
Just remember: AI is a tool. It’s not your Bible, your pastor, or your conscience. But used wisely, it can serve your calling and help you do more with clarity and excellence.
Final Thoughts
God has given us powerful tools in every generation—the printing press, the microphone, the internet, and now artificial intelligence. I believe we’re called not to fear these tools, but to use them well and redemptively.
I’m grateful for the ways ChatGPT has helped me teach better, travel smarter, and reflect more deeply on God’s Word. I’m still learning—and always testing—but it’s become a trusted assistant in this season of life and ministry.
If you’d like help learning how to use ChatGPT in your own life, especially in ministry or music, feel free to reach out or comment below. I’d love to help.
Keep growing, keep trusting, and keep bearing fruit in every season.
—Mark Cole
markcole.ca
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About Mark Cole
Jesus follower, Husband, Father, Worship Leader, Writer, Pastor, Church Consultant, Founding Arranger for Praisecharts.com, squash & tennis player, blogger & outdoor enthusiast.. (biking, hiking, skiing). Twitter: @MarkMCole Facebook: mmcole