I am so glad I started preaching well before AI. In fact it may amuse some that I preached my first message before the general public had open access to the WWW. (google it)

When I started preaching in earnest we had something called ‘Sermons online’. We joked about Saturday night specials where a Pastor might download a sermon, change the illustrations to suit their own situation and deliver it almost verbatim. We all grabbed Rick Warrens 40 Days of Purpose and this was the first time I used someone else’s material, modified it, but followed Ricks pattern.

Which brings me to preachers today.

A sermon is not an academic work. It is a Spirit inspired and Spirit directed work. For the local church Pastor it is something that comes out of the deep spiritual exercise seeking Gods word for the people for the day. I am not saying other sermons can be good for people. And there are so many ‘good’ sermons online. But they cannot replace the local church pastor weeping and earnestly working for some words for their people. So I am glad when someone quotes Keller to me, but I also know it can’t replace their local shepherd.

AI is getting better and better. In my view it still does not have that authentic feel. You can still tell. But it is getting better. And its ability to summarise, give good titles, change words and even clarify your thoughts. But the temptation to use it to inspire you, that must be real for the busy and tired preacher.

Just as when Spurgeons sermons started being published, the temptation to use something not of your own is real. But we can’t. A sermon is relational exercise. A local church pastor who knows and loves their people, and seeks God for them is precious and irreplaceable.