Pastor Develops AI Tool to Aid Sermon Planning, sparking Debate
Oklahoma City, OK – The Rev.Darrell Stetler II, senior pastor of OKC Bible Methodist Church, has developed an AI-powered program called “Sermon Illustrator” designed to assist ministers in their sermon preparation. The program, which leverages chatgpt, aims to streamline tasks such as brainstorming, summarizing, and outlining sermon content.Stetler also offers a video course titled “how Pastors Can Use AI for Sermon Prep Without Cheating or Selling Out” through his business, New Start Discipleship, to address potential concerns about the technology’s ethical use.
Stetler, 44, acknowledges the apprehension some ministers feel about integrating AI into a traditionally human-centric task. he draws a parallel to the church’s past adoption of technology, emphasizing the need for responsible implementation. “Pastors are right to be nervous about it because it feels like writing sermons has been a very human task for 2,000 years,” Stetler stated. “But, the church has always found a way to use technology for the glory of God so I think that it is indeed up to us to figure out the guardrails that keep us human.”
He clarifies that AI should be viewed as a tool, akin to a concordance or commentary, rather than a substitute for the preacher. “AI is a tool, not a preacher,” he explained. “It’s like a concordance or commentary – helpful, but not inspired. AI can brainstorm, summarize or suggest, but only the Holy Spirit can lead.” Stetler advocates for using AI as a means of “strategic stewardship,” enabling pastors to dedicate more time to deeper thought, prayer, and engagement with their congregations.Crucially, Stetler emphasizes that AI cannot replicate the essential spiritual and pastoral duties. “AI can’t pray for you, can’t obey for you and doesn’t know your congregation,” he asserted. “Pastors still have to carry the burden of the word. I use AI to speed up things like formatting, brainstorming and outlining – but the heart work still has to happen in prayer and reflection.”
While Stetler has encountered some criticism regarding his program, he maintains that responsible use of AI can enhance a minister’s effectiveness. “I’ve definitely had some people say ‘I think it’s a terrible idea for pastors to use AI,’ and I would say it’s a terrible idea to use it for some things, but the bottom line is we’re responsible for stewardship of resources,” Stetler commented. “AI can make a lazy preacher even lazier,but a diligent preacher can be more fruitful.”
This approach highlights a growing conversation within religious communities about how emerging technologies can be integrated into conventional practices without compromising core values or the essential human element of ministry. The growth of tools like Sermon Illustrator reflects an ongoing effort to adapt and leverage new resources to spiritual leadership and community engagement.