From Legal Pads to Artificial Intelligence: How Technology Has Changed the Work of the Preacher—and What Must Never Change

Description Artificial intelligence is changing how people research, write, and communicate, raising important questions for the church and the work of the preacher. How can pastors benefit from emerging technologies without surrendering the personal study, prayer, theological judgment, and spiritual responsibility essential to faithful preaching? In From Legal Pads to Artificial Intelligence: How Technology Has Changed the Work of the Preacher—and What Must Never Change, Brent Madaris, D.Min., examines the relationship between technological assistance and the preacher’s personal responsibility in sermon preparation. Drawing on pastoral ministry, theological study, and professional experience in healthcare, the author considers both the potential benefits and the limitations of artificial intelligence in vocational ministry. The essay distinguishes between using AI as a tool for research, organization, and refinement and allowing it to substitute for the preacher’s own biblical study, spiritual reflection, theological discernment, and pastoral judgment. It also considers how lessons from the responsible use of AI in clinical practice may inform discussions about its use in ministry. Rather than offering an unqualified endorsement or rejection of artificial intelligence, this work argues for thoughtful and responsible engagement with emerging technology while maintaining the convictions and practices that must remain central to Christian preaching. AI may assist in preparing a sermon, but it cannot prepare the preacher. This essay is intended for pastors, ministry leaders, theological educators, students, and others interested in preaching, Christian ministry, theological reflection, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Keywords: Artificial intelligence; sermon preparation; preaching; pastoral ministry; Christian ministry; theological education; Christian ethics; technology and religion; responsible AI use.