AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper aren’t just brilliant at answering questions—they’re game-changers when it comes to creating customized content.
Their true power lies in their versatility. Whether you’re crafting marketing materials, planning a sermon series, or brainstorming fresh ideas, these tools are like digital Swiss Army knives.The key to leveraging them effectively? Knowing the kinds of outputs you can request—and how to ask for them. Here’s a breakdown of what’s possible, with examples and tips to guide you.
1. Organize Information with Tables
When you’re trying to compare, categorize, or organize data, tables are a fantastic option. They make content easy to digest and scan.
How to Use Tables:
- For Marketing: Compare outreach strategies, like event promotions or branding ideas.
- For Education: Summarize Bible study plans or event schedules.
Prompt Tip: Be clear about the headings and structure you need.
Example Prompt: “Create a table comparing three sermon styles with columns for tone, audience, and suggested imagery.”
What You’ll Get:
| Sermon Style | Tone | Audience | Suggested Imagery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storytelling | Relatable and vivid | All ages | Images of everyday life moments |
| Theological | Insightful and deep | Experienced believers | Classical art or scripture text |
| Encouraging | Hopeful and warm | New attendees | Sunrises or light-themed elements |
2. Break Down Tasks with Step-by-Step Guides
When you need to explain a process, a step-by-step guide is your best friend.
How to Use Step-by-Step Guides:
- Create workflows for managing church events.
- Explain how to use a new tool or platform.
Prompt Tip: Specify audience and detail level.
Example Prompt: “Write a step-by-step guide for planning a church outreach event.”
What You’ll Get:
- Choose a purpose for the event (e.g., community fellowship).
- Set a budget and choose a venue.
- Recruit volunteers to handle planning and logistics.
- Create promotional materials like flyers or social media posts.
- Share the event across all channels, including your website.
- Execute the event and follow up with a post-event recap online.
3. Spark Inspiration with Lists
Lists are quick, to-the-point, and perfect for brainstorming or organizing ideas.
How to Use Lists:
- Generate creative concepts for sermon themes or activities.
- Compile tips for building stronger community engagement.
Prompt Tip: Define how many items you need and the context.
Example Prompt: “Provide a list of 10 creative ways for churches to engage with their community.”
What You’ll Get:
- Host an outdoor worship night with live music.
- Offer a free parenting workshop.
- Partner with local nonprofits for joint service projects.
4. Simplify Ideas with Summaries
Sometimes, less is more. Summaries help distill complex ideas into their essential points.
How to Use Summaries:
- Simplify long reports for social media posts.
- Summarize sermon drafts into bite-sized ideas.
Prompt Tip: Include word limits to keep the output focused.
Example Prompt: “Summarize this sermon on gratitude into three inspiring points for an Instagram caption.”
What You’ll Get:
- Gratitude changes your perspective on life’s challenges.
- It deepens your connection with God and others.
- Every moment can remind us to give thanks.
5. Show Your Creative Side with Stories or Poetry
AI is great for offering unique creative outputs, from heartfelt captions to inspiring taglines or even original parables.
How to Use Creative Writing:
- Write short stories for blog posts or newsletters.
- Develop taglines for sermon graphics or outreach campaigns.
Prompt Tip: Specify tone, theme, and purpose.
Example Prompt: “Write a heartwarming short story about a church welcoming a new family during Easter Sunday.”
What You’ll Get:
It was Easter morning when the Simmons family walked through the church doors for the first time…
6. Build a Bigger Vision with Content Blueprints
If you’re working on a larger project like a sermon series or a weeks-long campaign, having an outline helps keep everything organized.
How to Use Content Blueprints:
- Plan sermon series, including themes and weekly focus points.
- Draft social media plans for events or initiatives.
Prompt Tip: Use words like “outline” or “blueprint” so it’s clear that you’re looking for a structured framework.
Example Prompt: “Outline a four-week sermon series on the theme of ‘Grace in Action.’”
What You’ll Get:
- Week 1 – Understanding God’s Grace.
- Week 2 – Extending Grace to Ourselves.
- Week 3 – Showing Grace to Others.
- Week 4 – Transforming Communities with Grace.
7. Get Instructional with How-To Guides
Need to explain something in detail? How-to guides are highly effective and actionable.
How to Use How-To Guides:
- Teach someone how to design their first graphic on Canva.
- Explain how to schedule Facebook posts more effectively.
Prompt Tip: Add context about your audience’s experience level.
Example Prompt: “Create a beginner’s guide on designing a simple church event flyer in Canva.”
What You’ll Get:
- Open Canva and choose a flyer template.
- Replace placeholder text with event details.
- Add your church’s logo and adjust colors to match your branding.
- Save the design and share digitally or print it.
8. Write Scripts for Videos or Speeches
Scripts come in handy for creating video announcements, sharing testimonials, or producing promotional clips.
How to Use Scripts:
- Draft video introductions for visitors.
- Write testimonials for special events or ministries.
Prompt Tip: Specify tone and length.
Example Prompt: “Write a one-minute video script introducing our church’s youth program.”
What You’ll Get:
“Hi, I’m Sarah, youth director here at Hope Church. Our youth program is all about connection, fun, and exploring faith together…”
9. Craft Visual Ideas for Design Tools
Use AI to describe visuals that bring your creative vision to life.
How to Use Visual Descriptions:
- Generate prompts for tools like MidJourney or Canva.
- Provide detailed imagery for sermon series themes.
Prompt Tip: Include elements like style, color, mood, and composition.
Example Prompt: “Describe a welcoming and modern graphic for a sermon series titled ‘Light in the Darkness.’”
What You’ll Get:
A vibrant image of a glowing lantern in the center of a calm evening forest. Soft golden text overlays saying “Light in the Darkness.”
Final Tips for Effective AI Outputs
- Be Detailed: The more information you provide in your prompt, the better the results will be!
- Ask for Adjustments: Follow up if the output needs a tweak (“Make this more hopeful” or “Simplify this for younger readers.”).
- Save Good Prompts: Start building a library of prompts that deliver great results—you’ll thank yourself later.
AI tools are like creative partners. The more you communicate your vision, the better they understand your needs. By tapping into their versatility, you can streamline everything—from crafting your Sunday sermon visuals to building a complete marketing strategy for your church. Give it a try, and watch your ideas take shape effortlessly!
– Joy Drake, Consultant
[Email Joy]