Date: September 9, 2026
Yesterday, I preached at the Start of the Semester Service. It is always a special moment. Unfortunately, the sound system was not functionary, so some could not hear what I had to say.
So, without boring you with all the details, I shared my perspective on Generative AI. And in the process of doing so, I explained that I considered the sermon a sacred space. For some – persons with special needs, working in the second language – AI might be helpful to convey what the Holy Spirit had laid on their hearts. And given this is the goal of preaching, this is acceptable but should be acknowledged. For the preacher must always strive to share what they (the human agent) has learned through the process of struggling with Scripture and with the aid of the Holy Spirit with the congregation.
For me (and let me stress this is only for me), I am making the decision never to preach by reading a manuscript again. In my view the manuscript is no longer trusted. Everyone suspects that AI might be part of the production. The sermon will be an oral moment. Now this is just for me. Others will find their own way of honoring the principle that sermons should be constructed by people. And for some that will still involve a manuscript or notes and that is, of course, fine.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.