Best AI Starter Prompts for Lead Pastors: A Practical Guide

I'm a lead pastor planning a sermon series for [season/time period]. My congregation is [describe congregation: size, demographics, challenges]. I'd like to explore the theme of [topic/biblical book]. Please provide:

1. 5 potential sermon series titles
2. 4-6 individual sermon topics within the series
3. Key scripture passages for each sermon
4. Relevant contemporary issues this series could address
5. Potential object lessons or illustrations

Our church's theological tradition is [denomination/perspective].

I'm preparing a sermon on [Bible passage]. Please help me with:

1. Historical and cultural context of this passage
2. Key Greek/Hebrew words and their meanings
3. How this passage fits into the larger narrative of [book/Bible]
4. Different interpretive approaches to this text
5. Common misconceptions about this passage
6. How this passage has been understood throughout church history

Please provide scholarly sources where I can verify this information.

I'm preaching on [topic/passage] this Sunday. My congregation includes [describe: young families, retirees, professionals, etc.]. Help me develop 5 practical, actionable applications of this passage that would resonate with:

1. Young adults navigating career decisions
2. Parents raising children
3. People facing financial stress
4. Those dealing with relational conflict
5. Individuals seeking spiritual growth

Make the applications specific and concrete, not generic platitudes.

I need illustrations for a sermon about [topic/theme]. I'm looking for:

1. Contemporary news stories or cultural moments that reflect this theme
2. Historical examples from church history
3. Scientific discoveries or studies that relate to this topic
4. Everyday life scenarios my congregation would recognize
5. Brief biographical examples

The tone should be [inspiring/challenging/comforting]. My congregation responds well to [type of illustration].

Write a 150-word newsletter article about [upcoming event/ministry update/seasonal message]. 

Tone: [warm and inviting/informative/exciting]
Include: [specific details to mention]
Call to action: [what you want people to do]
Audience: [describe your congregation]

Make it engaging and easy to scan quickly.

Create 5 social media posts for [platform] to promote [event/series/message]. Each post should:

- Be appropriate for [Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/LinkedIn]
- Include relevant hashtags
- Have a clear call to action
- Reflect our church's voice: [describe: friendly, theologically deep, community-focused, etc.]
- Be optimized for engagement

Event details: [provide specifics]

Draft an email announcement for [purpose]. 

Recipients: [congregation/leadership team/volunteers]
Key information: [list essential details]
Tone: [professional/casual/urgent/celebratory]
Length: [brief/detailed]
Include: [registration link/date/location/other elements]

Make the subject line compelling and the first sentence attention-grabbing.

Help me develop a vision statement for [ministry area/church direction]. 

Current situation: [describe where you are]
Desired future: [describe where you want to be]
Core values: [list 3-5 values]
Target timeframe: [1 year/3 years/5 years]
Unique context: [what makes your church distinctive]

Create a compelling vision statement that is memorable, biblical, and actionable. Also provide 3-5 supporting statements that elaborate on different aspects of the vision.

Create an agenda for a [type of meeting] with [number] people lasting [duration].

Meeting purpose: [main objective]
Key decisions needed: [list]
Updates to share: [list]
Discussion topics: [list]

Include time allocations, and suggest facilitation methods for difficult conversations. Build in time for prayer and relationship building.

I'm leading a strategic planning session for [ministry area/whole church]. We need to address [specific challenge/opportunity]. Generate:

1. 10 powerful questions to guide our discussion
2. Potential obstacles we should anticipate
3. Success metrics we could track
4. Biblical frameworks for thinking about this issue
5. Examples of other churches that navigated this well

Our context: [describe your church size, location, resources]

I'm meeting with someone who is [describe situation: grieving, facing job loss, struggling in marriage, etc.]. I want to share biblical encouragement related to [topic/passage]. 

Please suggest:
1. 3-5 relevant scripture passages with brief explanation
2. Theological truths that speak to this situation
3. Practical next steps I could recommend
4. Potential resources (books, support groups, etc.)
5. Prayer points specific to their circumstance

Keep the tone compassionate and hope-filled, not preachy.

I need to have a difficult conversation about [issue] with [staff member/volunteer/church member]. Help me prepare by:

1. Outlining key points I need to communicate
2. Anticipating possible reactions and how to respond
3. Suggesting opening and closing statements
4. Identifying common ground we can build on
5. Recommending next steps and accountability

The goal is [resolution/clarity/reconciliation/setting boundaries]. I want to be both truthful and graceful.

Create a small group discussion guide based on [sermon topic/Bible passage/book study].

Target audience: [describe group makeup]
Session length: [60/90/120 minutes]
Spiritual maturity level: [new believers/growing Christians/mature believers]

Include:
1. Icebreaker question
2. 6-8 discussion questions that move from observation to application
3. A group activity or exercise
4. Personal reflection prompts
5. Prayer focus
6. Optional deeper study questions for advanced participants

Help me develop content for session [number] of our new member class on the topic of [church history/our beliefs/getting involved/membership expectations].

Session length: [duration]
Previous sessions covered: [list topics]

Create:
1. 3-4 key learning objectives
2. An outline with main points and sub-points
3. Interactive elements or discussion prompts
4. Handout or take-home summary
5. Recommended follow-up resources

Our church's distinctives: [describe theology, culture, values]

Write a job description for a [position title] at our church.

Church size: [attendance/budget]
Reports to: [position]
Key responsibilities we've identified: [list]
Required qualifications: [education, experience, skills]
Desired qualities: [character, gifts, abilities]
Salary range: [if applicable]

Make it compelling to attract quality candidates while being realistic about expectations. Include both the spiritual and practical aspects of the role.

Create a volunteer recruitment announcement for [ministry area] that will inspire people to serve.

What volunteers will do: [describe tasks]
Time commitment: [hours per week/month]
Impact: [why this matters]
Ideal volunteer: [qualities/gifts needed]
Training provided: [what support we offer]

Make it sound meaningful and achievable, not desperate or burdensome. Include a clear next step for interested people.

Help me write a compelling proposal for [budget item/new initiative] that costs [amount].

Current situation: [what's missing or broken]
Proposed solution: [what you want to do]
Expected outcomes: [benefits and impact]
Alternative options considered: [other approaches]
Implementation timeline: [when and how]

Present this in a way that shows good stewardship while making the case for why this investment matters for our mission. Include both spiritual and practical ROI.

I received the following feedback on my recent sermon: [paste feedback]. Help me:

1. Identify common themes in the feedback
2. Distinguish between personal preference and legitimate concerns
3. Determine 2-3 specific areas I could improve
4. Develop an action plan for growth
5. See the positive elements I should continue

Be honest but encouraging. Help me grow without being discouraged.

Create a 6-month personal development plan for me as a lead pastor. I want to grow in [specific area: leadership, preaching, counseling, theology, etc.].

Current level: [beginner/intermediate/advanced]
Time available: [hours per week]
Learning style: [reading/podcasts/courses/mentoring]
Specific goals: [what I hope to achieve]

Recommend:
1. 5-7 books in priority order
2. Podcasts or online resources
3. Practices or exercises to implement
4. Ways to apply learning in real time
5. Accountability or assessment methods

This is helpful, but could you make it more [specific adjustment]?

I like option 3 best. Can you expand on that and give me three variations?

This is too formal/casual/long/technical. Can you revise with a different tone?

You are an experienced homiletics professor. Review my sermon outline and provide constructive feedback on structure, flow, and application.

Walk me through your thought process step by step as you develop this sermon series outline. Explain why you're making each choice.

Write this announcement in exactly 100 words. Use short sentences. Avoid clichés. Include three specific facts. End with a question.