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July 20.2025
3 Minutes Read

Navigating the Proper Use of AI in Church Sermon Preparation

Man contemplating AI use in churches against a library backdrop.

The Growing Impact of AI in Ecclesiastical Environments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing faster than we can comprehend, and its integration into various sectors has begun to spark important discussions—especially within the church. In light of Mike Winger's interview in How AI will steal your knowledge of Scripture: 10 Qs with Mike Winger, it is crucial to unpack not just the benefits of AI, but also the ethical considerations pastors and church leaders ought to embrace.

In How AI will steal your knowledge of Scripture: 10 Qs with Mike Winger, the discussion dives into the proper use of AI in church sermon preparation, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end.

Understanding AI's Role in Sermon Preparation

As Winger points out, AI is not going away, and its use among pastors is becoming inevitable. The main concern isn’t whether AI should be utilized, but how it should be ethically employed to deepen one’s understanding of Scripture. AI tools can efficiently provide background information, historical context, and different interpretations. However, Winger emphasizes that reliance on these shortcuts can lead to a superficial grasp of Biblical texts.

Importance of Personal Interaction with the Scriptures

Winger critiques the potential for AI to cause pastors to lose their personal connection to the Bible, urging a return to immersive study. The scriptural foundation for such study originates from passages like Deuteronomy 6, where it illustrates how intimately one should bind God’s words to their heart. The deeper a pastor is engaged with the Scriptures, the more authentic and heartfelt their preaching will be.

Ethical Guidelines: Six Lessons for Pastors

Drawing from his vast experience, Winger lays out six lessons aimed at guiding pastors in their use of AI:

  1. Comprehend the Text Accurately: AI should not replace the disciple's personal understanding of scripture. Exploring texts oneself fosters deeper insights than any AI can provide.
  2. Verify AI Outputs: AI can produce biased or inaccurate information. Leaders must independently assess information quality, discarding anything untrue.
  3. Avoid Superficial Preaching: Relying on AI risks turning a pastor into a skin-deep communicator rather than a conduit of deep, accurate teaching.
  4. Prioritize Labor in the Word: True understanding comes from diligently laboring over scriptures rather than seeking easy shortcuts.
  5. Avoid Dishonesty: Pastors must not misrepresent their preparation time. Honesty fosters accountability and authenticity.
  6. Understand the Long-term Risks: Over-reliance on AI may diminish one’s ultimate understanding of scripture.

AI as a Learning Aid, Not a Replacement

The discussion around utilizing AI does not conclude with prohibitions. Instead, Winger encourages a measured approach where AI acts as a supplementary tool rather than a primary source. AI can undoubtedly assist in translation, offer historical context or extract themes; however, the onus remains on the pastor to evaluate this information within a personal framework grounded in scripture.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Considering how AI may reshape sermon preparation is vital. Pastors are stewards of spiritual insights and should foster genuine connections with their congregations. Utilizing AI for superficial content instead of thoughtful, biblically-rooted sermons can undermine their responsibility. Winger highlights how ethical dilemmas come into play when technology begins to dictate theological insights rather than enhancing them.

The Role of Community in AI Integration

Finally, Winger emphasizes the importance of intergenerational dialogue among pastors. Sharing perspectives between younger and older generations can help navigate the complexities AI introduces into spiritual leadership. By learning from one another, pastors can address emerging challenges in ways that uphold theological integrity and faithfully convey God's Word.

As we explore the burgeoning integration of AI into pastoral settings, let’s continue this valuable dialogue—one that blends technology with spiritual integrity.

In conclusion, our churches can greatly benefit from AI. When wielded carefully and ethically, this technology can be a powerful tool for preparation, research, and even in community outreach. However, it is crucial to ensure that it enriches rather than replaces the invaluable act of personal study and spiritual engagement with Scripture.

Apologetics

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