— Reflection on Lifelong learning
Building with Faith, Leading with Vision:
A Journey of Lifelong Learning with AI
In life, there are moments that define not only what you will do but who you will become. For Nehemiah, standing before the broken walls of Jerusalem was such a moment. His task wasn’t just to rebuild with bricks and mortar—it was to restore faith, hope, and identity. In my own journey, I have stood at the crossroads of learning, leadership, and faith, staring at the pieces of a ministry yet to be built, a nonprofit waiting to serve, and a personal mission driven by a deep sense of purpose.
Much like Nehemiah and Ezra, my path has been marked by both vision and challenge. There have been moments of doubt and decisions requiring careful planning, but through it all, I’ve learned the importance of leading with integrity and purpose. In this process, AI has emerged as an indispensable tool. Just as Nehemiah gathered the resources necessary to rebuild Jerusalem, I have harnessed the power of AI to structure, innovate, and streamline my efforts. Yet, much like the rebuilding efforts of old, AI is not the ultimate goal—it is a means to serve a greater mission rooted in faith, service, and ethical responsibility.
My journey through the Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA) program, my ongoing theological studies, and the ministry of Shoe Leather Gospel—which I founded in 2020—are all testaments to how AI has enhanced my learning and leadership. It’s not just about using technology; it’s about how that technology supports and amplifies the core values that guide my work. AI has helped me structure research, streamline communication, and balance theological depth with the practical demands of leadership, allowing me to stay grounded in my mission.
Now, as I stand at the threshold of pursuing a PhD in Political Science, I see AI playing an even greater role in shaping my future. Just as the Colson Fellows Program deepened my understanding of how a biblical worldview informs leadership and governance, the next step of integrating AI into my research will sharpen my ability to navigate complex academic and societal challenges. This PhD is more than an academic pursuit—it is part of a larger mission to influence nonprofit organizations and public governance structures, all grounded in timeless values of faith, service, and justice. AI won’t replace the critical thinking and discernment that guide my leadership, but it will augment them—enabling me to test ideas, discern patterns, and present insights more clearly. In doing so, AI serves as a bridge between the innovation of today and the tradition of biblical wisdom, ensuring that as I grow, I remain rooted in the principles that matter most.
Building a Mission: The Nehemiah Parallel
1. Rebuilding with a Purpose: Lessons from Nehemiah
Nehemiah’s heart broke for his people when he saw the state of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 1:3-4). His decision to rebuild wasn’t driven by personal ambition but by a higher calling. I can relate to that sense of urgency—this feeling that something needed to be restored, both in the physical world and in the hearts of people. When I enrolled in the EMPSA program, it wasn’t just to gain academic credentials. It was to equip myself with the skills to build something lasting—organizations that would serve the most vulnerable, communities that would thrive, and a ministry that would touch lives.
Like Nehemiah, I’ve had to gather the tools necessary for this mission. AI has been one of those tools, just as Nehemiah needed letters from the king to secure materials for the rebuilding (Nehemiah 2:7-8). Logos Bible Software has become an essential resource, not only as a deep theological study tool but also as an AI-powered platform that transforms how I approach biblical research. Through its advanced AI capabilities, Logos has helped me swiftly analyze complex theological concepts, organize insights, and cross-reference vast biblical and historical data—making the process of gathering information more efficient and precise. It’s not just about the bricks of knowledge but about fitting those pieces together to create something meaningful and mission-driven for Shoe Leather Gospel.
The possibility of pursuing a PhD in Political Science builds on this foundation. It offers a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of how political systems interact with the biblical worldview I’ve cultivated through the Colson Fellows Program, a rigorous nine-month course that equips Christians to apply their faith in every area of life that I completed in 2022, especially in the face of cultural challenges. Just as Nehemiah’s rebuilding was for the people’s protection and identity, I see this academic pursuit as part of a broader mission to understand how faith can influence public policy and governance, ensuring that leadership is rooted in both wisdom and ethical principles.
2. Leveraging AI: The Modern-Day Tools of the Mission
Nehemiah’s rebuilding project was about more than just constructing walls—it was about restoring hope. Every stone placed brought the people of Jerusalem closer to a renewed sense of identity. In my journey, AI has become a tool that helps me organize my thoughts, generate ideas, and structure my work in ways that bring clarity to complex issues. Whether through ChatGPT helping me outline podcast episodes for Shoe Leather Gospel or assisting me in developing nonprofit strategies, AI has been instrumental in the process (Reighley, 2024a).
But like Nehemiah, I’ve faced opposition—not from enemies at the gates, but from the complexity of balancing technology with the need for human wisdom. In my work with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN), a nonprofit organization that mobilizes churches to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to disaster survivors, particularly during the Iconic Village fire, AI tools proved invaluable. I used AI to synthesize the details of the narrative by pulling in relevant news articles and cross-referencing the Incident Action Report to fact-check my account. AI helped streamline this process, gathering and organizing the necessary information efficiently. However, just as Nehemiah demonstrated careful leadership in the face of opposition, final decisions still required discernment and human judgment. The tools we use are only as effective as the purpose we apply them to, and for me, AI has been a means to serve—not a replacement for the ethical and spiritual guidance that leadership demands.
If I were to pursue a PhD in Political Science, I would bring these experiences to the table, using the tools and knowledge I’ve gained to explore how AI and technology intersect with Political Theory and American politics. Much like Nehemiah used resources for a higher purpose, I seek to understand how AI can be integrated ethically into governance structures that reflect biblical values.
Renewing Faith and Leading Ethically: The Ezra Parallel
3. Leading with Spiritual Integrity: The Example of Ezra
While Nehemiah was building walls, Ezra was rebuilding the people’s faith. His mission was about reconnecting the Israelites to their covenant with God (Ezra 7:10). In my own journey, the parallel with Ezra’s work comes through my ongoing theological education at Redemption Seminary and the certifications in Biblical Studies from AWKNG School of Theology. It’s not enough to lead organizations or manage projects—there has to be a foundation of spiritual integrity that guides every decision.
Ezra’s commitment to teaching the Law wasn’t just about knowledge; it was about living out those teachings. Similarly, as I incorporate AI into my ministry, I ensure that it’s used ethically, always aligned with biblical truth. AI can assist in creating content, but it’s my responsibility to ensure that the content is accurate, spiritually sound, and aligned with the mission of Shoe Leather Gospel (Reighley, 2024a). To evaluate each piece of content, I ask guiding questions like, “Does this reflect biblical truth clearly?” and “Is this consistent with the teachings of Scripture?” I also use a process of cross-referencing content with the Bible and trusted theological sources, ensuring that it not only serves a practical purpose but also upholds spiritual integrity. Additionally, I reflect on whether the content encourages discipleship and aligns with the core mission of making Jesus known, keeping the focus on both truth and transformation.
4. Ethical Leadership in Nonprofit and Ministry Work
Like Ezra, who faced the challenge of leading people back to faith, I’ve had to navigate the complexities of nonprofit leadership and spiritual teaching with an ethical compass. During the Iconic Village fire response, I was responsible for ensuring that information was shared transparently and ethically (Reighley, 2024b). This mirrors Ezra’s role in guiding the Israelites back to the ethical standards of the Law, ensuring that every action and decision was rooted in integrity.
Whether I’m using AI for nonprofit projects or theological reflections, ethical leadership is non-negotiable. The lessons I’ve learned from Texas A&M’s Dean’s Leadership Certificate and Graduate Mentoring Academy have reinforced the importance of transparency, confidentiality, and responsibility in leadership (Texas A&M University, 2024b). Just as Ezra called the people to renew their covenant, I strive to lead with ethical responsibility, ensuring that every decision—whether driven by AI or human insight—upholds the highest standards of integrity.
Conclusion: Building and Renewing for the Future
Nehemiah’s hands weren’t just placing stones—they were restoring the hope and security of a people. Ezra’s teachings weren’t merely words on parchment—they were the foundation of a spiritual revival. Together, they rebuilt more than walls and laws—they rekindled purpose and renewed identity. My journey, though different in time and place, echoes this call to build, renew, and lead. Through my studies in the EMPSA program, my leadership in nonprofits, and my ministry with Shoe Leather Gospel, I am building structures that protect and sustain, while also renewing faith and purpose in the communities I serve.
As I look ahead to the possibility of pursuing a PhD in Political Science, the parallels with Nehemiah and Ezra continue. Just as they combined spiritual vision with practical leadership, I seek to integrate my biblical worldview with the realities of political theory and governance. This next step isn’t merely academic—it’s part of a mission to create lasting impact, to blend faith with leadership, and to foster ethical governance rooted in integrity.
In this journey, AI has been, and will continue to be, a vital tool. Much like the resources Nehemiah gathered to rebuild Jerusalem, AI offers me the tools to structure, create, and communicate effectively. But it’s more than just a tool—it’s a companion in Lifelong Learning, enabling me to adapt, grow, and remain innovative in an ever-changing world. It helps me break down complex challenges, much like Nehemiah navigated opposition, and it streamlines the execution of ideas, much like Ezra revitalized spiritual practices. Yet, no matter how advanced the tools become, they will always serve the greater purpose: to build with faith, to lead with integrity, and to renew the hearts and minds of those I serve.
The journey ahead is one of continuous learning, where AI will remain a powerful ally, but the true foundation will always be built on the values of service, faith, and ethical leadership. Like Nehemiah and Ezra, I move forward with purpose—to build, to renew, and to lead with unwavering commitment to the people and the mission.
References
Reighley, C. (2024a). Personal Mission Plan. Shoe Leather Gospel, Inc.
Reighley, C. (2024b). Leadership Experience Reflection. Texas A&M University.
Reighley, C. (2024c). Lifelong Learning (AI) Reflection. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University. (2024). Bush ePortfolio Guidelines – Lifelong Learning Response Indicators.
The Bible. (n.d.). Nehemiah.The Bible. (n.d.). Ezra.