Should Preachers Use ChatGPT?

The Case For—and the Cautions Against—Using It

In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming more embedded in our daily lives—from how we drive to how we shop—many pastors and ministry leaders are asking a new kind of question: Is it ethical to use AI to help write a sermon? While this may have sounded like science fiction a decade ago, it’s a very real and pressing concern today.

The question isn’t whether we can use AI. We clearly can. The question is, should we? And if so, how?

The Case for AI as a Tool in the Preaching Toolbox

Let’s start by looking at some positive implications. For one, AI can be an incredible time-saver. Many pastors are bi-vocational or wear multiple hats in their churches. Between counseling, organizing events, handling administration, and shepherding people, sermon prep often gets squeezed into small pockets of time.

AI tools—like language models or sermon assistants—can help by generating outlines, suggesting illustrations, or offering summaries of biblical texts and commentaries. That’s not cheating. That’s called using available resources wisely. In this way, AI becomes a form of stewardship. It’s a way of making the most of your time for the sake of the Gospel.

Second, AI can help us tap into a broader range of theological voices and ideas. While it’s no substitute for reading Scripture or being rooted in sound doctrine, it can surface insights that may have otherwise been missed. Think of it like a brainstorming partner who’s read thousands of books. Not bad, right?

But Beware the Subtle Risks

Of course, there are dangers—and they’re not minor. First and foremost is the risk of plagiarism and inauthenticity. A sermon should never be treated like a school assignment. It’s not just about passing along information; it’s about transformation. If a preacher stands up and delivers something they didn’t wrestle with in prayer, meditation, or study, something crucial is missing.

Second is the more subtle risk of spiritual dependence. Sermon prep isn’t just content production—it’s communion with God. When AI becomes the first place we turn instead of the Scriptures or the Spirit, we’ve shifted the source of our insight. The Holy Spirit is not an algorithm.

Third, sermons are local. AI might be global, but preaching is deeply contextual. The people in your pews aren’t theoretical. They’re real. They have names, struggles, doubts, and dreams. AI can’t sit in a counseling session with a grieving couple or sense the spiritual pulse of your church. It doesn’t know the inside jokes, the broken hearts, or the unseen sacrifices. You do. And your sermons must reflect that.

Fourth, there's the issue of theological bias. AI models are trained on vast amounts of content, much of which comes from a wide range of traditions—some orthodox, some not. It won’t always reflect your convictions, your denomination, or biblical orthodoxy. If you don’t filter it with discernment, it might inject subtle drift into your preaching over time.

So What’s the Ethically Responsible Approach?

Here’s a framework that might help:

• Use AI as a tool, not a teacher. Let it assist you, but don’t let it disciple you.

• Be transparent if you quote something generated. You don’t have to say, “AI helped with this sentence,” but if you’re borrowing structure or significant content, be honest—at least with yourself.

• Filter everything through the Word and the Spirit. If AI suggests a clever idea, test it. Does it align with Scripture? Would your spiritual mentors affirm it? Is it edifying to your people?

• Keep your devotional life central. The greatest sermons don’t come from GPT. They come from G-O-D. That may sound cheesy, but it’s true. No amount of digital brilliance can replace a heart that’s been wrecked and rebuilt in the presence of Christ.

A Final (Slightly Ironic) Thought

If you've read this far and thought, “Wow, this is well thought out, clear, and surprisingly balanced,”—I have a confession.

ChatGPT wrote this article.