PASTORAL AI SERMON PREPARATION SELF-CHECK GUIDE

I recently completed an independent study for my Doctor of Ministry Program, "AI for Lutheran Congregations: Technology Serving Theology." The work explored how artificial intelligence can, in practice, serve the life of the Church. One of the main questions the project raised (and that I kept asking myself) was: "OK, AI helps me save time. But save time to do what?" Since we already have our own share of distraction and loss of focus—both personal and ministerial—I didn't want to gain more time only to use it poorly. 

As one of the appendices, I included the "Self-Check Guide" below, in case it might be helpful in this process of sermon preparation with AI and reflection on how we use our time.

 

PASTORAL AI SERMON PREPARATION SELF-CHECK GUIDE

1. Have I Engaged in the Text Personally First?

Before consulting AI, have I read, prayed over, and meditated on the text myself?

✅ Yes → Proceed
              No → Pause and reflect first, AI can’t do it better thank you.

 

2. Am I Seeking to Preach to Real People in My Context?

Is the message primarily tailored for my congregation, their needs, and their lived realities?

✅ Yes → AI can help organize and enhance ideas.
             No → Remember, generic content may sound nice, but may not connect with real lives.

 

3. Is This Assisting My Ministry or Replacing My Voice?

Is this helping me express what I believe, teach, and confess? Or is it doing all the work for me?

✅ Assistance → Keep going
            Replacement → Re-engage with your pastoral duty and identity of preaching Christ

 

 4. Does the Sermon Proclaim Law and Gospel Clearly?

No matter what tool is utilized, the centre of Lutheran preaching remains the same. Does it denounce sin and deliver Christ’s forgiveness?

✅ Yes → Great
             Not yet → Revisit the core of Lutheran preaching. No Christ, no forgiveness - no sermon

 

5. Would I Be Comfortable Telling a Fellow Pastor How I Prepared?

Would I feel honest and confident explaining my use of AI to a mentor, elder, or seminary professor without embarrassment?

✅ Yes → You’re likely on solid ground
            No → Reconsider and refocus

 

6. Am I Using Time Saved to Shepherd More Faithfully?

Is this giving me margin to pray, visit, teach, or rest—things that help me in my faithfulness in ministry and only I can do?

✅ Yes → A wise use of the tool
           No → Ask: What is this really saving me for?

 

Summary Guideline

Use AI like you use a commentary: as a conversation partner, not a ghostwriter. Communicate God’s Word centred in Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and driven by love for your people and for their benefit in their daily life
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Abstract of the Independent Study: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing environment offering dozens of tools that are available for Lutheran Congregations. As she ventures into this new domain, the Church can be guided by the principles of learning and caution, integrating AI theologically, practically, and meaningfully. This paper draws on the lived experience of Hope Lutheran Church in Port Coquitlam, Canada, to explore how AI can be integrated in an effective and meaningful way into the congregational work. It explores three key factors to provide support to congregations as they consider utilizing AI tools: 1) Ethical and practical considerations, especially Pastoral oversight to maintain theological integrity, 2) Engagement with tools to allow more time for engagement with people, and 3) Knowledge of a number of tools useful for the local congregation. The paper examines how AI tools can serve Ministry indifferent areas such as liturgical content, educational materials, text, audiovisual resources, and pastoral office routines. It offers practical insights for making technology support Theology in the Pastoral Office and Lutheran Congregations without compromising theological principles