Discussion

In the following section, the structure and elements of preaching and their effectiveness are further examined based on existing literature. The transferability of this study and possibilities for future research are discussed and explored.
The sermon structure adopted by ChatGPT was observed to be more inductive in nature. An inductive sermon begins with an introduction that only contains the first point of the sermon. Subsequent points raised build on each other till the complete idea of the sermon is developed before the preacher states the idea of the sermon33. When delivering an inductive sermon, the preacher would work towards a biblical solution to a human problem, fostering a conversational tone rather than a lecturing style. ChatGPT was observed to first introduce the issue of sin and conclude the sermon with the core idea and solution to the issue of sin by acknowledging the necessity of the transformative power of the gospel and the need to accept it. This narrative-driven approach has a “special appeal to inhabitants of a culture dominated by television and motion pictures”34. This allows the preacher better connect with modern audiences. Inductive sermons are also effective with indifferent or hostile audiences who may reject the central idea if stated at the beginning. This preaching style aids in sharing the gospel with skeptical unbelievers and making an impact on the lives of the listeners, as demonstrated in a study by Stoorvogel, van Vuuren, and de Jong35.
Another observed technique used by ChatGPT is the inclusion of personal testimonies within the sermon. This helps establish a bond between the preacher and the listener, as well as lends authority to the preacher as someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of the gospel and can lead others to a similar experience, thereby enhancing the appeal to listeners36. The use of invitations and calls to respond to the gospel is common in the generated sermons and proves effective in generating intentions for change among listeners37.
The inclusion of rhetorical elements and invitation, coupled with the inductive nature of the sermon, aims to persuade listeners of the core message and direct them toward the sermon’s intended direction. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that ChatGPT is capable of structuring and generating comprehensive evangelistic sermons that are specifically targeted toward non-Christian listeners, resembling those delivered by human preachers.
Regarding the transferability of this study, it is important to note the limitations associated with the small sample size and ChatGPT’s sensitivity to input prompts. However, the results provide valuable insights for future studies on the use of AI in automating the preaching process. They shed light on ChatGPT’s approach to preaching through the development of a substantive grounded theory, which could contribute to the formulation of a formal theory on ChatGPT’s preaching process.
This study has established that ChatGPT is capable of generating theologically sound and comprehensive evangelistic sermons that closely resemble those delivered by human preachers. It has also demonstrated ChatGPT’s ability to fabricate personal testimonies that summarize human experiences of divine intervention, although specific examples were not provided. Furthermore, ChatGPT has shown proficiency in crafting and leading prayers to God, a feature not observed in previous journalistic studies. These findings highlight the potential for using AI language models, such as ChatGPT, to automate the sermon preparation process and potentially explore the concept of digital clergy. However, further investigation is needed to determine the receptiveness of human congregants to sermons generated by AI and their effectiveness in instilling a desire for change among the congregants.
Further studies are needed to explore the implications of these findings for the nature and practice of preaching, prayer, and the role of humans within the Christian context. Additionally, it is crucial to delve deeper into the theological and ethical issues surrounding the use of AI in the sermon preparation process to enrich the ongoing discussions in this area38. The impact of AI on the role of church clergy and their relationship with congregants also warrants investigation. Understanding the receptivity and sentiments of human listeners towards AI-generated sermons is essential to gain insight into the feasibility of automating the preaching process using AI language models.