Have you ever been mid-sermon, scanning the expectant faces of your congregation, and wished for a fresh illustration that could light up their understanding like a sky full of fireworks?
Perhaps you've grappled with finding the right metaphor, story, or example that could bridge the gap between the timeless truths of Scripture and the lives they live? In over 20 years of pastoring, I've been there—believe me.
So here's what I recently did about it: I created a custom GPT that I called The Sermon Illustrator. It's become a very helpful ally in my sermon preparation. Let me share how you can use this tool to find sermon illustrations that resonate.
Basically, it helps you brainstorm 30 illustration ideas in 30 seconds.
The Ethics of Using AI In Sermon Prep
Let's get this out of the way... No, I don't think you should use AI to write your sermon. I think that would be weird and unethical. But I DO think that AI is really good at brainstorming. So that's what I'd recommend.
Here's how that looks:
How to use ChatGPT for Sermon Illustrations
Step 1: Set the Foundation with a Specific Bible Passage or Topic
Start by identifying the Bible passage or topic you want to illuminate. Sermon Illustrator thrives on specificity. It begins by analyzing the passage or topic, looking for illustrations that align perfectly with your sermon's message.
Benefit: This ensures your sermon illustrations are not just captivating but also theologically sound and relevant to your main point.
Step 2: Clarify the Desired Theme or Subtopic
Next, Sermon Illustrator prompts you for more information on the theme or subtopic you're focusing on. This step fine-tunes the search, ensuring the illustrations are spot-on.
Benefit: This refinement means you won't waste time sifting through irrelevant material. Your illustrations will be precisely what you need to underscore your sermon's theme. For instance, if you're focusing on sermon illustrations on discipleship, you'll have a chance to clarify that discipleship is your theme...
Step 3: Explore a Wealth of Illustration Areas
Here's where it gets exciting. Sermon Illustrator offers illustrations from 15 distinct areas, from historical events to current news, from science to sports. For each area, you'll receive two examples of potential illustrations. For instance, here's a post I did about sermon illustrations for Easter, where I show how it works in that instance. And another on sermon illustrations for Christmas.
Benefit: This variety ensures you'll find the perfect illustration to connect with your audience, no matter their interests or backgrounds.
Step 4: Dive Deeper with "More Info" and Optional Visual Aids
When something piques your interest, you can request "more info" on any illustration. Sermon Illustrator then provides detailed information and sources for deeper understanding. Plus, it offers to generate an image for use in presentations or PowerPoints, enhancing the visual impact of your sermon.
Benefit: These additional details and visual aids not only enrich your sermon but also make it more engaging and memorable for your congregation.
Step 5: Implement and Reflect
Finally, incorporate the chosen illustrations into your sermon. Afterward, reflect on the impact they had. Were they effective in bringing the message home? Did they engage the congregation as you hoped?
Benefit: This reflection helps you continually improve your sermon delivery and effectiveness, making each sermon better than the last.
Conclusion: Want to Try AI Sermon Illustrations?
Great, you can use it absolutely free! Drop your name and email here:
In my two decades of pastoral experience, embracing tools like Sermon Illustrator has transformed my preaching, making sermons not only easier to prepare. I literally used it this past Sunday to help me add a last-minute illustration to my sermon.
Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting out, Sermon Illustrator could be the key to faster, easier creativity in your preaching ministry.