The Pastor's Heart with Dominic Steele AI Ethics and Preaching: Plagiarism, Spiritual Formation & Pastoral Voice - with Stephen Driscoll
Dec 2, 2025
Guest Stephen Driscoll, a campus ministry worker and author of 'Made in Our Image,' dives into the complexities of AI's role in preaching. He warns that relying on AI may compromise the deep theological thinking essential for pastors. They discuss the importance of maintaining personal pastoral voice and how AI can sometimes produce bland, essay-like sermons. Driscoll also provides insights into ethically using AI as a helpful tool for idea generation and clarity without losing authenticity.
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
Writing Is Thinking
- Writing and speaking are forms of thinking that shape theological clarity.
- Automating writing with AI risks automating away crucial sermon reflection and exegesis.
Earn The Right To Automate
- Avoid heavy reliance on AI early in ministry before you've developed exegetical skills.
- Delay automation until you've internalized the hard work of exegesis and theology.
Internalize Scripture, Don't Outsource It
- External tools store information but cannot replace internalized biblical knowledge.
- Ministers must internalize Scripture so they can speak confidently without always checking programs.
