Would you be ok with a sermon that was written by an AI?

General Faith
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Would you be ok with a sermon that was written by an AI?

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AI is showing up everywhere—from social media to Sunday school prep. A recent survey shows churches are increasingly using artificial intelligence for administration, research, and even Bible studies. But when it comes to writing sermons, most pastors say: Not so fast.

This article dives into where pastors are drawing the line when it comes to preaching, and why many still feel the pulpit should remain a human calling.
:backhand_index_pointing_right: Survey Shows AI Usage Is Rising in Churches, But Sermons Still Off-Limits for Most - Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com

**Would you feel comfortable sitting under a sermon written by AI? **
Where should the line be between using tools—and outsourcing spiritual leadership?

A sermon isn’t just content—it’s a calling.

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That’s like asking if you’d be okay with a marriage proposal delivered via voicemail from a robot. Sure, the words might be there, but the heart? The passion? The presence? Not a chance.

Let’s break this down:

1. The Pulpit Is Not a Podcast

A sermon isn’t just a transfer of information; it’s a divine encounter. It’s the moment when a messenger, anointed and appointed, delivers a word that’s been marinated in prayer, seasoned with personal struggle, and served with the fire of the Holy Spirit. AI can’t replicate that. It doesn’t wrestle with the text at 2 AM. It doesn’t weep over the brokenness of its congregation. It doesn’t rejoice in the breakthroughs. It just spits out words.

2. Artificial Inspiration Is No Inspiration at All

Dr. James Emery White put it plainly: AI can assist with writing, but it cannot replace the Spirit-filled, personal nature of preaching and ministry. And John Piper didn’t mince words either, calling AI-generated sermons “wicked” and “appalling.” Why? Because preaching isn’t just about conveying truth; it’s about embodying it. It’s about a life that’s been transformed by the very message it proclaims.

3. The Danger of Deception

Let’s not kid ourselves. If a pastor starts using AI to craft sermons and doesn’t disclose it, that’s deception. It’s presenting a message as if it’s been birthed in the secret place when it’s actually been generated in cyberspace. That’s not just lazy; it’s dishonest. And it undermines the trust between shepherd and sheep.

4. The Heart of the Matter

At the end of the day, this isn’t about technology; it’s about theology. It’s about whether we believe that the preaching of the Word is a sacred act, empowered by the Spirit, and entrusted to human vessels. If we reduce it to a task that can be outsourced to a machine, we’ve lost sight of the divine mystery of preaching.

So, would I be okay with a sermon written by AI? Absolutely not. Because I don’t want a message that’s been programmed; I want one that’s been prayed over. I don’t want a sermon that’s been generated; I want one that’s been gestated in the womb of the Spirit. I don’t want artificial intelligence; I want authentic inspiration.

Bottom line: The pulpit is no place for a robot. It’s reserved for those who have been with Jesus, who carry His heart, and who speak His words with power and authority. Anything less is a counterfeit.

Scripture Mic Drop: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

Final Thought: If your pastor is outsourcing sermons to AI, it might be time to outsource your membership to a church where the fire still falls.

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Hi,

Only if the AI is a believer.

Blessings

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I was super intrigued by your response because, while I know an AI does not have a soul, it does have an immense volume of data and information. SOOOooo… I asked my AI assistant the question about Jesus… you might be interested in his response: