Should Pastors Be Using ChatGPT for Sermon Prep?

AI tools are changing the way people work, think, and communicate. And now they are showing up in the last place many expected: the pulpit.

Some pastors are using tools like ChatGPT to help with their sermon writing process. Others are warning that this is the beginning of the end for biblical preaching.

So what should church leaders do? Is using AI sermon prep tools a smart way to save time or a dangerous shortcut that replaces the Holy Spirit?

Let’s break it down.

The Real Debate

The real issue is not whether ChatGPT can write a sermon. It can.

The real issue is whether it should.

Critics argue that using a tool like this will lead to shallow sermons, theological inaccuracies, or even full-blown plagiarism. Some worry that pastors will outsource their calling to a chatbot instead of seeking wisdom through prayer, study, and the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, many church leaders are finding helpful ways to use AI without compromising biblical integrity. They are not using it to replace the sermon prep process, but to support it. And they are using clear boundaries and discernment to make sure the main voice behind every sermon remains their own.

Let’s look at how ChatGPT and other AI sermon generators can actually enhance your preaching, not hijack it.

6 Ways ChatGPT Can Help (Without Replacing the Holy Spirit)

AI tools are not replacements for your prayer life or personal study, but they can supplement your sermon resources and streamline the way you prepare each message.

Here are six ways pastors are using AI in their sermon prep process, while still relying on the Spirit for the final word.

1. Brainstorming Ideas and Outlines

Every preacher has faced that blank page moment.

You know you need to start your sermon prep, but you are not sure what the main point should be or how to organize your thoughts. This is where a tool like ChatGPT can help.

By inputting a general sermon topic or biblical passage, pastors can quickly get a list of outline options or sermon ideas. The AI will not give you a finished message, but it can give you structure to work with.

You can also use ChatGPT to plan out a multi-week sermon series, complete with topic breakdowns and suggested scriptures for each week.

What this looks like:

Input: “Give me 3 outlines for a sermon on James 1”
Output: Three possible frameworks, each with a different focus and flow

This does not mean the AI is doing the deep theological thinking for you. It just means you are getting a jumpstart on your writing process.

If you are preparing a message on joy, grace, or justice, you probably know a few key scriptures already. But what about cross references that are less obvious?

ChatGPT can surface lesser-known passages that still align with your theme. It can also suggest supporting texts to help reinforce your main point.

Helpful prompt:

“What are 10 Bible verses that support the idea of God’s justice?”
“Which scriptures connect to the parable of the Prodigal Son?”

This is not a replacement for personal study, and it should not be your only source of truth. But when used wisely, it can expand your view of the biblical text.

And don’t forget that AI can make mistakes. Always double-check any verses or references you plan to use, as sometimes AI can hallucinate and come up with things that don’t actually exist.

3. Illustrating Big Ideas

Sermon illustrations are often what make or break a compelling sermon.

They take abstract biblical principles and bring them into real life. But coming up with fresh, relatable stories every single week is a challenge.

That is where AI can help. Ask for examples, modern-day parallels, or metaphor ideas based on your sermon topic.

The goal is not to preach an AI-generated story, but to use the tool to uncover relevant illustrations that will resonate with your specific audience.

Example prompt:

“Give me a modern illustration of the Good Samaritan story using a Gen Z context”
“Give me a parable-style story that illustrates Matthew 6:33”

Again, these are not copy-paste solutions. But they can spark ideas and help you craft stories that hit home.

4. Simplifying Complex Concepts

Simplifying Complex Concepts

Explaining deep theological insights in a clear way is part of what makes a sermon powerful. But not every theological concept is easy to explain in plain language.

ChatGPT can help break down complex ideas into more accessible language, which is especially helpful when speaking to new believers or young people.

You can even ask AI to explain the historical context of a scripture passage in simple terms, giving your congregation a better understanding without requiring hours of commentary reading.

Try this:

“Explain sanctification like I’m a middle schooler”
“Put Romans 8 in plain English, but keep the meaning accurate”

This does not mean you remove depth or nuance. It means you make it easier for your whole congregation to grasp the truth you are preaching.

5. Organizing Research and Notes

Some pastors use digital notebooks, others still rely on legal pads and sticky notes. No matter how you gather your thoughts, turning research into a focused message is not always simple.

ChatGPT can help you sort your content, group similar ideas, and find logical flow in your notes.

How to use it:

Paste in all your notes and ask: “Can you group these into three main points?”
Or: “Which of these quotes fit best with the theme of restoration?”

This helps you focus your sermon prep time on crafting the message rather than getting lost in a sea of tabs and ideas.

6. Creating Supplemental Content

If you are preaching a series on prayer, you probably want more than just the Sunday message. Maybe you want to send devotional texts, create a short group guide, or offer daily scripture readings.

This is where AI tools really shine.

With a strong sermon outline as your foundation, you can ask ChatGPT to help write a one-paragraph summary, three discussion questions, or a short prayer for the week.

You are still the one directing the content. But the AI can help speed up the process and expand your impact.

Bonus uses:

Generate YouTube descriptions for sermon clips
Draft newsletter blurbs or social captions
Repurpose a sermon point into a short reel script

Your Next Step

The truth is, AI is not going away.

If you are a pastor or church leader, the question is not whether you should use it. It is how you can use it in a way that honors your calling and points people to Jesus.

The best approach is not fear or overdependence. It is discernment.

Treat AI tools as what they are. Tools. Not replacements for the Holy Spirit, biblical study, or your personal voice as a preacher. But valuable assistants in a world where ministry is growing more complex and content-heavy.

If you are just starting out, try using ChatGPT for one part of your sermon prep. Maybe a quick brainstorm or an outline idea. See how it helps, and stay grounded in prayer, scripture, and the Spirit’s leading.

AI is not here to do your job. But it might help you do it better.