There’s been much discussion recently about preachers using AI tools such as ChatGPT to write their sermons for them. I even read a comment from one person who claimed that he now did this all the time and in fact, his church either didn’t notice a difference or preferred the AI option. Well, I thought I would put AI to the test with a little experiment. I asked ChatGPT to create two sermons in the style of me (I gave a link to faithroot.com) to help. I chose one passage that I had just prepared to preach on and one that I am about to preach on
Below you will find the two sermons. I will follow each one with some comment from myself. It is worth saying up front that in both cases, ChatGPT managed to produce something that I would not have preached. I will explain why. This perhaps highlights some of the limitations of Artificial Intelligence.
However, the example sermons also provide a helpful exercise for preachers. Imagine that these were scripts offered for feedback from actual preachers. What feedback would you give?
Think particularly about
- What does “the preacher” identify as the main point of the sermon? Do they get it right?
- How do they apply the text?
- How do they use illustrations? Is it effective?
- Any other comments on style and structure?
Sermon Title: “Kingdom Life: Living the Beatitudes”
Scripture: Luke 6:17–49
Introduction:
Good morning, church family. Today, we turn to one of the most profound and challenging teachings of Jesus found in Luke 6:17–49. In this passage, Jesus outlines what it means to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom. It’s not about religious rituals or outward appearances; it’s about a transformed heart that reflects God’s love and justice in the world.
1. The Beatitudes: Upside-Down Blessings (Luke 6:20–23)
Jesus begins by pronouncing blessings on those who are often overlooked or oppressed: the poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those who are hated because of Him. This is the upside-down nature of God’s Kingdom. In a world that values power, wealth, and status, Jesus elevates the humble, the broken, and the persecuted.
Application: Are we living with Kingdom values? Do we identify with the marginalized and stand up for justice, or do we conform to the world’s standards of success?
2. Woes to the Comfortable (Luke 6:24–26)
Jesus doesn’t shy away from confronting the comfortable. He pronounces woes on those who are rich, well-fed, laughing, and popular—those who find their satisfaction in this world. This isn’t a condemnation of wealth or success per se, but a warning against complacency and self-reliance.
Application: Where is our treasure? Are we storing up treasures on earth, or are we investing in God’s Kingdom? Are we relying on our own strength, or depending on God’s provision?
3. Love Your Enemies (Luke 6:27–36)
Perhaps the most radical teaching in this passage is Jesus’ command to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. This is not natural; it’s supernatural. It’s the kind of love that reflects God’s character and has the power to transform relationships and communities.
Application: Who do we need to forgive? Who are we holding grudges against? Are we willing to extend grace and mercy, even to those who have wronged us?
4. The Golden Rule and the Call to Be Different (Luke 6:31–36)
Jesus summarizes the ethical life of the Kingdom with the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” He calls us to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. This is not about reciprocity or earning favour; it’s about reflecting God’s love to a watching world.
Application: How are we treating others? Are we kind, generous, and forgiving, or do we mirror the world’s selfishness and division?
5. Building on the Rock (Luke 6:46–49)
Jesus concludes with a parable about two builders: one who builds on the rock and one who builds on the sand. The storms come to both, but only the house built on the rock stands firm. Jesus is the rock—the foundation of our faith. Obeying His words is the key to a stable and fruitful life.
Application: Are we building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings? Are we putting His words into practice, or merely listening without action?
Conclusion:
Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6:17–49 challenge us to live counterculturally—to love our enemies, to seek justice, to build our lives on His Word. It’s not easy, but it’s the way of the Kingdom. As we follow Jesus, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to live out these radical truths in our everyday lives.
Let us pray.
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Why this isn’t the sermon I would preach
- The talk is structured around “points” that are about the text rather than using behavioural changes/application to structure it.
- The introduction lacks a hook to draw you in. Why should you listen to it?
- I think that making it about following Jesus’ teachings rather than seeing our identity in Christ misses the mark. This could be an ethical talk. It lacks Gospel.
- The application is a bit abstract and uses technical jargon rather than properly applied into day to day Christian life.
For the second sermon, I added in another small criteria. I asked ChatGPT to include at least one example based on Bradford City AFC. Here’s AI’s attempt.
Sermon Title: “Mary’s Encounter: From Grief to Glory”
Text: John 20:1–18
Introduction:
Good morning, church family. Today, we turn our attention to one of the most profound and intimate encounters recorded in the Gospels—the moment when Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus outside the empty tomb. This passage not only reveals the heart of the resurrection story but also speaks to our own journeys of grief, confusion, and ultimate transformation.
As we delve into this passage, let’s consider a recent event that mirrors Mary’s experience of unexpected revelation. Just a few days ago, Bradford City secured promotion to League One in dramatic fashion with a stoppage-time winner against Fleetwood Town. The deflected goal ignited wild celebrations at Valley Parade, with fans invading the pitch both during and after the confirmation of their third-place finish. This moment of unexpected joy amidst uncertainty is reminiscent of Mary’s encounter with Jesus.Premierleaguefc+3talkSPORT+3whatsbehindthebadge.com+3
1. The Weight of Grief (John 20:1–2)
Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb early, while it is still dark, finding the stone rolled away. She runs to tell Simon Peter and the other disciple, saying, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him.”
- Emotional Turmoil: Mary’s immediate response is one of confusion and distress. She doesn’t yet comprehend the resurrection; all she knows is that her Lord is missing.
- Parallel to Bradford City’s Struggles: Consider the challenges Bradford City faced in recent years, including financial instability and relegation struggles. The fans experienced seasons of disappointment, unsure of what the future held for their beloved club.premierchristian.news+3SportSermon.in+3talkSPORT+3
2. The Search for Answers (John 20:3–10)
Peter and the other disciple race to the tomb. The other disciple arrives first, looks in, and sees the strips of linen lying there but does not go in. Then Simon Peter comes along behind him and goes straight into the tomb. He sees the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
- Seeking Understanding: Despite their proximity to the event, the disciples do not immediately understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.
- Bradford City’s Resilience: After years of hardship, Bradford City began to rebuild. Their promotion to League One is a testament to their resilience and the unwavering support of their fans.SportSermon.intalkSPORT
3. The Encounter with the Risen Christ (John 20:11–18)
Mary stands outside the tomb crying. As she weeps, she bends over to look into the tomb and sees two angels in white seated where Jesus’ body had been. They ask her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She replies, “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turns around and sees Jesus standing there, but she does not realize that it is Jesus. He asks her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he is the gardener, she says, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
- Personal Revelation: It is only when Jesus calls her by name that Mary recognizes Him. This personal encounter transforms her grief into joy.
- Bradford City’s Triumph: Just as Mary experienced a moment of unexpected joy, Bradford City’s fans were overwhelmed with elation as their team secured promotion against all odds.
4. The Commission (John 20:17–18)
Jesus tells Mary not to hold on to Him, for He has not yet ascended to the Father. Instead, He instructs her to go to His brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that He had said these things to her.
- Sharing the Good News: Mary becomes the first to witness the risen Christ and is entrusted with the message of His resurrection.
- Our Call to Action: Like Mary, we are called to share the hope and joy of the resurrection with others.
Conclusion:
In this passage, we witness a journey from grief to glory, from confusion to clarity, and from despair to hope. Mary’s encounter with the risen Jesus transformed her life and set her on a path to share the good news with others. Similarly, Bradford City’s journey from relegation battles to promotion is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community.en.wikipedia.org+2Premierleaguefc+2SportSermon.in+2
As we reflect on these stories, let us remember that no matter the challenges we face, the risen Christ calls us by name, offering us new life and purpose. Let us embrace this calling and share the hope of the resurrection with a world in need.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the resurrection and the hope it brings. Just as You called Mary by name, call us to follow You faithfully. Empower us to share the joy of the risen Christ with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Why I would not preach this sermon
I think that the same problems exist with this talk as with the first one. Additionally, whilst the illustration isn’t a bad attempt I would observe that:
- It tries too hard. Too much weight is put onto the illustration, so that it becomes in effect a second text, threaded through the sermon. I had not asked ChatGPT to preach a sermon comparing the resurrection and Bradford City’s promotion. I simply asked for an illustration to be used. The illustration as an alternate text risks overshadowing the talk and we learn more about Bradford City than we do about Jesus.
- AI clearly has no personal experience of the illustration or skin in the game. If I were using Bradord City’s 96th minute goal as an illustration, things would be very different because I would be speaking from firsthand personal experience.
If some people are finding that they can get away with preaching AI generated sermons then that perhaps reflects the way in which we as preachers can make the same common errors.
Faithroots 