Artificial Intelligence isn’t replacing church communicators, it’s simply helping the good ones work smarter.
Tools like ChatGPT (and similar) can become a creative ministry partner that helps you understand audience, brainstorm fresh ideas and create content that connects. But only if you ask the right questions.
RELATED: Check out more stories from church branding strategist and consultant Mark MacDonald.
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CAUTION: don’t let AI do most of the work. Always, carefully read and edit to ensure accuracy and intent.
Here are 4 practical prompts to start using this week:
1. “Describe the felt needs of people living in [your city] who are [your target audience].”
Before writing another social post, email, announcement or sermon promo, ask ChatGPT to research your community’s struggles and goals.
You’ll quickly get insight into what keeps your community up at night. This is perfect for shaping messages to make them feel personal.
NOTE: Remember, effective church branding starts by being known for something your community actually cares about. That’s why this prompt is so valuable and foundational.
2. “Based on these needs, what church topics or ministries would resonate most?”
Once you understand their pain points, ask AI to connect them to your church’s solutions.
NOTE: Now you’re not just creating random content. You’re strategically aligning ministry offerings with real-life needs. This will help ministries grow.
3. “Rewrite this [content] so it speaks to those felt needs.” e.g. announcement, event description, etc.
AI can help you adjust tone and message for different audience needs.
NOTE: You’ll quickly see how empathy-driven communication feels more engaging and less “churchy.”
4. “Write 5 social post ideas that reinforce our church’s brand thread: [insert your brand promise].”
Whether your brand thread is “Finding hope together” or “Growing in life. Together,” AI can help you stay consistent. Brand awareness is built on consistency!
AI can keep your voice unified across channels so your church becomes known for a clear message (with the right personality). Just tell it (once you’re happy with the tone): “This writing style (understanding our community’s felt needs, our ministries and brand thread) is the way I want you to always write for [church name].” Then you just have to say “In the voice of [church name], write [content]”.
REMEMBER: ChatGPT is only as smart as the prompts you give it. When you start asking questions that uncover your audience’s needs and shape your church’s content accordingly, you’ll begin creating communication that resonates.
AI doesn’t give your church a voice, it can amplify the one you already have. So, use it wisely, align it with your brand thread, and let your community hear something worth listening to. Be known for something that matters.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com, empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites and social media. His church branding book, “Be Known for Something,” is available at BeKnownBook.com.
