How We’re Using AI in Sermon Prep Ethically and Efficiently

9 snips

Oct 9, 2025

Josh and Sam discuss innovative ways pastors can ethically use AI for sermon preparation. They share tips for stylistic feedback and refining complex theological points. The hosts highlight how AI can help shorten sermons and improve overall pacing, while also checking tone to avoid misinterpretations. They emphasize the importance of identifying potentially controversial phrases and brainstorming illustrations. Ultimately, they stress using AI as a helpful editing tool rather than a content creator.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Don't Let AI Write Your Sermons

Avoid using AI to generate whole sermons because that content is derivative and can be plagiarism.
Write your own sermons and use AI as a helper, not a substitute.

ANECDOTE

AI Regurgitated His Own Writing

Josh tested AI by asking it to write on his Neighborhood Church book and saw it regurgitate his own writing and others'.
That experience convinced him AI often reproduces existing authors' phrasing rather than creating original work.

ADVICE

Use AI For Stylistic Feedback

Use AI for stylistic and grammar feedback by uploading completed drafts and asking it to critique.
Treat AI like instant research and editing help similar to running multiple Google searches at once.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode, Josh and Sam explore five practical ways pastors can use AI to improve their sermon prep. How should you balance being efficient with being ethical? If you’ve ever stared at a rough draft and thought, “Something’s off,” this episode will give you new ways to sharpen your message and preach with clarity.

1. Use AI for stylistic feedback, not content.
2. Refine complex points that your church may not grasp.
3. Suggest places to shorten the word count and sermon length.
4. Give insight into the tone of the message.
5. Identify areas that could be controversial or perceived wrongly.

Resources:

Smart Church Solutions

Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

Church Answers Central

The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities?

eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches.

It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place.

You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money.

Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country.

If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE.

Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/.

The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church.

You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church.

This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry.

- Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders.
- Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity.
- Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges.

Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.

The post How We’re Using AI in Sermon Prep Ethically and Efficiently appeared first on Church Answers.