ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF SERMON PREPARATION IN NIGERIAN CHRISTIANITY
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, sermon preparation, Nigerian Christianity, homiletics, digital ministry, pastoral technology, AI ethics in religion, homiletic ethicsAbstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is reshaping numerous professional and vocational domains, including religious ministry. This paper examines the emerging intersection of AI and sermon preparation within the context of Nigerian Christianity, a setting characterised by vibrant Pentecostal, charismatic, and mainline denominational traditions deeply rooted in biblical exposition and oral preaching culture. Drawing on a qualitative framework that integrates theological reflection with digital humanities discourse, the study explores how Nigerian pastors, preachers, and ministry workers are beginning to adopt AI-powered tools such as large language models, biblical concordance applications, and automated homiletic assistants to enhance the depth, efficiency, and contextual relevance of their sermon construction. The paper further interrogates the theological, ethical, and ecclesiological implications of AI-assisted preaching, raising critical questions about authenticity, the role of the Holy Spirit in sermon inspiration, pastoral authority, and congregational trust. Particular attention is given to the socioeconomic realities of Nigerian Christianity, including issues of digital access, literacy, and the varying capacities of urban versus rural congregations to adopt and adapt to these technologies. The study identifies both significant opportunities, including enhanced biblical research, cross-cultural contextualisation, and accessibility for under-resourced ministers, and notable challenges, such as the risk of homiletic homogeneity, over-reliance on algorithmic outputs, and the erosion of the preacher's prophetic voice. The paper concludes by proposing a framework for theologically grounded AI integration in Nigerian Christian ministry that affirms human pastoral agency while responsibly harnessing the capabilities of emerging technologies.
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