Pastoral formation and generative AI: A critical response to Daniel Nealon

Artist's impression of the Rev Charles Haddon Spurgeon at work on sermon preparation in his pastor's study. Daniel Nealonโ€™s January 2026 essay, โ€œWhy Pastors Should Question AI for the Sake of Their Soulsโ€ (published here), raises legitimate questions about the formative effects of generative artificial intelligence on Christian ministry. Technologies are not merely passive instruments: they …

25 AI prompts for sermon writing

Sydney Anglican Archbishop Kanishka Raffel reads from the Gospel of John at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. Generative artificial intelligence offers preachers powerful tools for biblical research, theological reflection, sermon preparation, editing, rehearsal and post-sermon evaluation. Used well, AI can serve as a research assistant, critical interlocutor and editorial aid. It can widen the field of …

25 AI prompts for political speechwriters

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressing a media conference in Canberra in 2025. Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the practice of political communication. Political leaders, advisers, advocates and speechwriters use AI to research issues, analyse evidence, test arguments, explore alternative formulations, anticipate criticism and refine speeches for public delivery. Mastery of cutting-edge communications technology …