Technology has reshaped nearly every part of daily life, and now it is finding its way into the pulpit. With the rise of artificial intelligence, many pastors are exploring the possibility of using AI to help write sermons. Some see it as an exciting opportunity to save time, spark creativity, and reach congregations more effectively. Others worry that it could compromise authenticity, theological integrity, or the spiritual depth that preaching requires. The conversation is no longer hypothetical—pastors must weigh the benefits and risks of integrating AI into sermon preparation.
The Promise of Using AI to Help Write Sermons
One of the most appealing aspects of AI is its efficiency. Sermon preparation can be a demanding process, often requiring hours of research, drafting, and revision. AI tools can quickly generate outlines, suggest relevant Scriptures, and provide historical or cultural context. For bivocational pastors or those serving multiple congregations, this can be a significant aid. Rather than replacing the pastor, AI can function as a research assistant that speeds up the early stages of sermon writing.
RELATED: AI Ethics in Ministry
AI also provides a wellspring of ideas. Sometimes, preachers encounter writer’s block or struggle to find a fresh angle on a familiar passage. By using AI to help write sermons, leaders can gain new perspectives or prompts that spark creativity. The technology can synthesize themes across different texts or highlight connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. In this way, AI becomes a tool that broadens imagination and helps pastors see Scripture through new lenses.
Another benefit lies in accessibility. Not every pastor has extensive theological training or access to large libraries of commentaries. AI tools can help level the playing field by providing resources and insights that were once confined to well-funded seminaries. For leaders in small or remote congregations, this kind of support can expand their ability to serve their communities well.
The Perils of Using AI to Help Write Sermons
Despite the potential benefits, there are serious concerns that must be acknowledged. The first is authenticity. A sermon is not just information; it is an expression of the pastor’s prayerful study, personal reflection, and spiritual journey. If a sermon is largely generated by AI, it risks sounding generic or disconnected from the preacher’s own voice. Congregations expect their leaders to speak from the heart, not from a computer program. Over-reliance on AI could erode trust if members sense that their pastor is outsourcing the work of discernment.
