AI and the Art of Preaching
Is there a role for AI in homiletics?
According to reports, most pastors are now using AI in sermon prep. So how do we use these tools without hollowing out the craft of preaching?
According to the Christian Post:
A majority of pastors are now using artificial intelligence to prepare their sermons, with ChatGPT and Grammarly reported as the top two AI tools, new survey data shows. … Nearly two-thirds of church leaders surveyed who prepare sermons say they use AI tools in their sermon writing process, the researchers note.
Whether we like it or not, AI is going to impact sermon preparation by pastors and church leaders. The subject must be addressed, otherwise AI will be writing sermons for us.
This harks back to an earlier post I did on AI in Sermon Prep? where I noted a recent survey of how preachers in Sweden were using AI in their sermon preparation.
My view was:
I think most of us would agree that AI-generated sermons are a sin against God, nature, and your congregation (plus, the AI-generated sermons I’ve read are boring and banal). But is there a responsible and ethical way to use AI in sermon preparation?
However, can AI help preachers write better sermons? Not write sermons for you, but make the sermon writing process better, more productive, and more targeted at your congregation?
Well, in terms of a responsible and ethical way to use AI in sermon preparation, my former colleague, Rev. Dr. Tim Foster, has just put together a course on AI for Preachers. I’ve looked at it, sampled it, and it is definitely worth exploring!
The fact is that AI tools are revolutionizing content creation and sermons are a type of content.
AI can offer pastors powerful research assistance and content curation capabilities that enhance rather than replace traditional pastoral discernment. This course teaches pastors and preachers how to leverage AI for biblical research, sermon structuring, and audience engagement while maintaining theological integrity, preserving their unique pastoral voice, and addressing their specific congregational location.
Check out the one-minute primer featuring three essential prompts that ministers can implement while preparing their next sermon. This quick-start guide provides practical techniques for testing AI assistance in real sermon preparation scenarios.
Here are some free samples of the course!
Module 1: Why Preachers Should Care About AI addresses common concerns and opportunities that pastors face when considering technology integration into their ministry. The introduction helps overcome initial hesitations while establishing a theological framework for responsible AI usage in pastoral work.
Module 3: Studying the Text with AI covers the use of AI as an exegetical tool like using Biblegateway.com or Logos.
Look, if you’re an AI sceptic and are fearful of AI taking over pulpits, at least check out the free modules so you know what you’re sceptical about. I agree, there is much to be alarmed about here, but when it comes to the use of AI in Christian ministry, I would say that responsibility should trump abstinence.
If preachers are not taught to use AI tools wisely and responsibly, then they’ll be tempted to use them unwisely and irresponsibly. So better to learn how to use them rightly!