A recent Barna study found that pastors hold divided opinions on the use of artificial intelligence tools for sermon preparation. Only 12 percent said they were comfortable using AI to write sermons.
However, 43 percent said it was acceptable to use AI for research and preparation. The study also showed that 77 percent of U.S. pastors agree that God can work through AI, and 58 percent were comfortable using it for some form of communication.
The findings come as more churches adopt new technologies. AI tools like ChatGPT can generate full sermon texts based on simple prompts. This has raised questions about the role of personal study in pastoral work.
Allie Beth Stuckey Criticizes the Practice
BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey expressed strong concerns about pastors relying on AI for complete sermons. She said the approach outsources key parts of pastoral duties.
“Spiritual maturity is not going to happen through telling ChatGPT, ‘Write me a three-part sermon on gratitude,’ and then reading that off to the congregation,” Stuckey stated.
Stuckey argued that using AI to write sermons raises issues of honesty. Congregations expect sermons to come from the pastor’s own study of Scripture and prayer. She noted that AI systems combine existing material from other sources rather than produce original spiritual insight.
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“You want your pastor to be sanctified and washed in the word. You want him to be engaging with Scripture,” Stuckey added in her comments on the issue.
New Developments in Church AI Use
Some churches have started experimenting with AI beyond sermon writing. A small number of congregations in California and Texas now use AI chatbots for member counseling and suggestions for Bible study groups.
One mid-sized Baptist church in Dallas reported a 25 percent drop in weekly sermon preparation time after adopting AI tools for initial outlines in early 2026.
However, this shift has led to internal staff debates, with two associate pastors resigning over concerns about reduced personal involvement in message preparation.
Broader Industry Response
Christian publishers and seminary leaders have begun issuing guidelines on AI use. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary updated its code of conduct in April 2026 to require full disclosure when students use AI for sermon assignments.
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Meanwhile, several large evangelical networks, including those affiliated with the Assemblies of God, have formed task forces to study ethical boundaries regarding technology in ministry.
Why This Matters
This debate touches on core elements of church leadership. Pastors traditionally spend time studying biblical texts, praying, and applying lessons to their own lives before teaching others. This process shapes their ability to guide congregations.
When pastors use AI to generate full sermons, it may reduce their direct work with Scripture. This can weaken the personal spiritual growth that strengthens teaching. Supporters see AI as a time-saving tool for research, similar to Bible software or commentaries used in past decades.
The Barna numbers suggest limited full adoption so far, with most pastors using AI only for support tasks. Yet the trend points to broader questions about technology in religious settings. Churches must decide how tools like AI fit with expectations of authenticity and spiritual depth in preaching.
