In today’s world, with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Biblical concept from 1 Corinthians 1:21 that God uses the “foolishness” of preaching to save believers may seem outdated. However, true Biblical preaching cannot be replicated by AI, despite some preachers relying on AI-generated sermons. Such reliance indicates a lack of understanding of the essence of preaching and the spiritual benefits it brings to the preacher.

Preaching should be conducted with the unique spiritual gift each preacher has received, as highlighted in 1 Peter 4:10-11. Being articulate and intelligent is not sufficient; a preacher needs a special gift and divine anointing.

God’s message through a preacher is deeply connected to the preacher’s personality, shaped by the Holy Spirit until fully comprehended and internalised. This message must first transform the preacher’s life before it can inspire change in the “hearers”. Preachers who do not embody their message risk being perceived as insincere, much like a Pharisee whose words, though true, lack authenticity.

ATS offers a six-week online course on Preaching and Liturgy to assist pastors and/or congregation members with biblical guidelines for finding, composing, developing, and delivering a message from God. This course represents the equivalent of 10 credits for continuous professional development (cpd). You will write an online examination and receive a vocational certificate upon completion.