Enhancing Ministry with ChatGPT

ChatGPT can be a helpful companion in areas where ministry leaders often feel underdeveloped or stretched thin. Here are some ideas to try.

By Zac Workun

AI has been here for a while, but there’s been recent exponential growth in the capacity and accessibility of generative AI technology. What was simple autocorrect and predictive text on our phones and keyboards a few years ago has morphed as new models of AI process inputs using a deep language learning model trained on vast text data.

Around 500 years ago, we started stacking books on our shelves, and 30 years ago, we learned to search digitally. Now, we’re seeking to ask better questions from tools that have read more than we ever could.

The rise of creative, high-capacity, generative artificial intelligence has sparked conversations in nearly every industry—including ministry. And while some ministry leaders may see AI as an unnecessary complication, others recognize it as a tool. A tool that has the potential to increase efficiency, unlock creativity, and help us focus on what matters most—discipleship.

AI can’t and won’t replace relational ministry. It’s not here to lead small groups or pray over students at camp. But what it can do is help streamline tasks, create margin, and free us up to do the work only we can do—walking alongside others in faith.

“AI can’t and won’t replace relational ministry. But what it can do is help streamline tasks, create margin, and free us up to do the work only we can do—walking alongside others in faith.” — @zacworkun Share on X

One of the most common and accessible tools in this wave of AI is ChatGPT. But how does it help ministry? Below, you’ll find practical ways ministry leaders can leverage AI to help them lead well, stay organized, and keep their focus on what truly matters.

1. The ministry “sandwich” approach to AI

An ethical “sandwich” approach to using AI in youth ministry involves beginning and ending with the human element. A ministry sandwich approach looks something like this:

• Start with the human element. Ministry is relational at its core. Your insights, passion, and spiritual discernment should be the foundation. 
• Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI can assist with content creation, planning, and organization, but it does not replace discernment, prayer, or relationships. 
• End with human revision and oversight. AI-generated content must be reviewed and refined by a real person to ensure theological accuracy, pastoral tone, and relational effectiveness. 

This approach ensures AI enhances ministry without replacing the essential personal touch that makes ministry impactful.

For more: 5 Principles for Genuine Discipleship in an AI-Generated Culture

2. Practical ways AI can assist ministers wearing multiple hats

Ministry leaders often wear many “hats” or roles that build and serve a ministry—Bible teacher, event planner, program runner, graphic designer, communications specialist, and more. ChatGPT is a helpful companion in areas where ministry leaders often feel underdeveloped or stretched thin.

Content assistance for teaching and preaching

In this role ChatGPT is helpful for summarizing and synthesizing the volume of content many ministers feel compelled to create.

Sermon outlines and research

Generate outlines based on a biblical theme or summarize theological concepts for different age groups.

• ChatGPT prompt: “Give me an outline for a series on Revelation with Scripture references.” Or “Explain grace in a way an 8th grader would understand”).

Small group discussion questions

Generate thoughtful questions tailored to different age groups.

• ChatGPT prompt: “Give me three discussion questions for middle school boys about identity in Christ.”

Parent follow-up resources  

Create weekly parent e-mail newsletters summarizing the current sermon series with key takeaways. It’s a task most student ministers recognize as an important communication tool but that is often delayed or delegated. Technologically assisted summaries help keep it in the forefront of the work.  

• ChatGPT prompt:“Summarize this document into a 250-word email for parents on this week’s lesson about anxiety, including a middle school appropriate discussion question.”

Programming support

Worship song suggestions  

AI-generated lists can spark new ideas or confirm familiar choices. 

• ChatGPT prompt: “Create a worship playlist of contemporary songs that would fit for a teaching series on Jonah.” 

Icebreaker questions  

Generate thoughtful questions tailored to different age groups.

• ChatGPT prompt: “Give me three icebreaker questions for middle school boys about identity and relationships.”

Sermon graphics and design  

AI-powered tools like Canva or DALL·E (image generator within ChatGPT) can create custom graphics for slide decks, handouts, social posts. 

• Example prompt: “Design a sermon series graphic in the style of The Walking Dead.” Or, generate kid-friendly graphics for younger audiences. 

Admin and organization 

Event planning and logistics  

• ChatGPT prompt: “Plan a 90-minute youth night with a mix of teaching, games, and worship.” Or, “How much pizza do I need to feed 80 middle school boys?” (AI can even estimate cost breakdowns by pizza chain.) 

Budgeting and expense management  

It’s surprising how well it can break down spending categories and optimize financial planning. 

• ChatGPT prompt: “Give me ideas of how to allocate a $4,000 annual youth budget with adjustments for busy summer months.” 

Meeting agendas and newsletters  

Generate structured outlines for effective communication with volunteers, parents, and church leadership.

• ChatGPT prompt: “Draft a parent meeting agenda for a 45-minute session over lunch.”

Digital communication 

Social media content creation  

ChatGPT can suggest captions, hashtags, and engagement prompts. 

• ChatGPT prompt: “Write an Instagram post inviting students to our next student event based on these details… use emojis and playful language.” 

Email templates and updates  

• ChatGPT prompt: “Create a reminder email for parents about summer camp from this PDF.” 

FOR MORE: AI-Powered Preaching: How Much Should Silicon Valley Impact Sermon Prep?

3. Ethical and theological considerations

While AI offers numerous benefits, its use in ministry requires thoughtful consideration. It would be unwise to hand over the spiritual and creative direction to any technology. Here are three things to keep in mind.

• AI is an enhancement, not a substitute. It supports creativity but does not replace biblical study, prayer, or human relationships. It’s not going to “do ministry” or “write good sermons,” but it might be able to finesse components of the work.
• Use AI ethically. Ensure transparency when using AI-generated content (e.g., indicate if AI assisted in developing small group materials). 
• Fact-check everything. AI can generate incorrect or theologically unsound content. Always review before using it. Remember the sandwich approach. Start and end with your editorial eye. 
• Leverage technology but remain deeply devoted to the work of Christ. AI cannot replace Spirit-led discernment or personal discipleship. 

4. Getting started with Chat-GPT in ministry

If AI feels overwhelming, start relationally. The Lifeway team tuned a GPT module to be more friendly by couching it in the persona of a student ministry expert, Chad. You can check it out for free here (you will need to create a free account on ChatGPT to get started).You can ask Chad-GPT all kinds of things about youth ministry, and it will pull some hopefully helpful ideas from its student ministry library.

1. Use Chad-GPT for brainstorming. Generate ideas for games, sermon series, or small group questions when you’re feeling stuck. Like a good brainstorm session, the first round won’t be great, but maybe the bad or generic ideas will help spin off some better ones.
2. Try Chad-GPT for admin tasks. Let AI draft email templates, event checklists, or meeting agendas. Summarize, synthesize, and simplify are your new key words.
3. Experiment with graphics. Use AI-powered design tools like ChatGPT or Canva to create social media content or sermon slides. Canva for churches is actually free! 
4. Integrate AI into your workflow. Instead of Googling, ask AI first. See if it can generate better, more specific results. Make it your browser homepage for a week and see what it sparks. 

For the next week, ask ChatGPT what you might search but in the form of a generative question. Then, begin to drill down on whatever response you might get. The surface idea might help you feel more generative in your work. 

Finding time, creating margin 

One of the greatest advantages of AI tools for ministry is its ability to create margin for ministry leaders. Every minister I know is busy. AI tools potentially free up time so ministry leaders can focus on discipleship, relationship-building, and personal spiritual growth. The goal isn’t to let AI do ministry for us; it’s to use AI to enhance the work we’re called to do.

“Every minister I know is busy. AI tools potentially free up time so ministry leaders can focus on discipleship, relationship-building, and personal spiritual growth.” — @zacworkun Share on X

No amount of technological leverage will overcome a deficiency of devotion. By embracing AI as a helpful tool, student ministry leaders could gain back some margin in their time and more efficiently deliver some of the key communications essential in a busy and noisy age — ultimately, spending more time where it matters most ministering to students and their own families. 

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.