The Best Prompts for Using ChatGPT in Sermon Preparation

If you're a pastor looking to save time, overcome writer’s block, and preach more effectively, then discovering the best prompts for using ChatGPT in sermon preparation might be the breakthrough you didn’t know you needed.'

I've been preaching for over 22 years. I know how time-consuming it can be. The most helpful new thing I've discovered in the last 2 years, is how to effectively and ethically use ChatGPT to help speed along some of the process. I'm a busy pastor with 7 kids, a side business, and a church. I need all the help I can get.

In this post, I’ll show you a few of the top ChatGPT prompts I use and teach in my course How Pastors Can Use AI for Sermon Prep (Without Selling Out or Cheating)—and how these can help you streamline your study, deepen your content, and reach your people better than ever.

Why the Best Prompts Matter for Sermon Prep with AI

Not all prompts are created equal. You can get generic fluff, or you can get pastoral gold—it all depends on how you ask. The best prompts for sermon prep with ChatGPT give you:

• Theological insight in less time

• Fresh illustrations you’d never have thought of

• Bonus content for families, small groups, or social media

• And, most importantly, margin for what only you can do—pray, lead, love, and preach

Let’s take a look at a few examples.

Best Prompts for Sermon Illustration Brainstorming

Prompt Example: “Give me two ideas for sermon illustrations in multiple categories (historical, scientific, biblical, cultural, sports, literature, etc.) for the theme ‘freedom from condemnation’ in Romans 8:1.”

As an extra tip, you could actually use my custom GPT, The Sermon Illustrator... and you wouldn't have to prompt it or limit yourself to just a couple ideas. You’ll instantly generate 30+ relevant, diverse, and emotionally resonant illustrations to choose from.

I created it after suffering through a NORMAL ChatGPT version. It saves me a ton of time every single week as I brainstorm sermon illustrations. It's like having my own sermon research partner.

Best Prompt for Doing a Quick Word Study with Greek Insight

Prompt Example:

“Do a word study on the Greek word charis from Ephesians 2:8. Include root meaning, NT usage, Septuagint parallels, and theological implications.”

Add:

“Now generate 3 modern illustrations that help communicate this kind of grace clearly.”

This two-part prompt brings deep study and relatable application into your sermon in minutes—not hours.

Exegetical Outlines & Structure

Prompt Example:

“Give me three possible exegetical outlines for 1 Peter 1:3–9 based on the Greek paragraph structure and logical flow.”

Prompt Example 2: (After the first one, try this!)

“Can you make all the points start with the same letter, or follow a consistent action verb pattern?”

Prompt Example 3:

“Break down James 1:2–4 into an exegetical outline that flows logically and reveals the passage’s argument.”

Historical & Cultural Context

Prompt Example:

“Explain the historical and cultural background of 1 Corinthians 8 and how food sacrificed to idols would have impacted a first-century Corinthian church.”

Prompt Example 2:

“Give the historical and religious background of the Pharisees’ conflict with Jesus in Luke 6. Include political and temple-related context.”

Comparing Translations

Prompt Example:

“Compare how John 1:14 is translated in ESV, NASB, NIV, NLT, and KJV. What theological or linguistic differences are worth noting?”

Prompt Example 2:

“Compare Psalm 23:1–3 in five major English translations. Highlight the interpretive choices and how they may affect preaching application.”

Want All My Best Prompts for Using ChatGPT in Sermon Preparation?

These are just a few of the tested prompts I walk through inside my on-demand course for pastors:🎓 How Pastors Can Use AI for Sermon Prep (Without Selling Out or Cheating)

In the course, I’ll show you:

• How to brainstorm, write, and edit sermons with ChatGPT

• How to ethically use AI as a tool, not a crutch

• How to generate extra content like sermon graphics, kids’ activity pages, social media posts, and follow-up devotionals

• How to create compelling illustrations fast with my custom tool, The Sermon Illustrator

• How to redeem your time and reinvest it into pastoral care, prayer, and people