“A pastor should never use Artificial Intelligence to write a sermon”

The Graham family were very present at the Fourth European Congress of Evangelism in Berlin, where over a thousand evangelical leaders from more than 55 countries came together for four days of training, encouragement and challenges towards evangelistic mission in Europe.

Will Graham, son of Franklin Graham and grandson of Billy Graham, follows in family footsteps in answering the call to evangelistic preaching throug the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) .

In Berlin, he briefly spoke with Spanish news website Protestante Digital about his overall vision for Europe, and more specifically for Spain, where churches in Madrid are working with the BGEA to organise the Festival of Hope, due to take place in May next year.

“The need for bold, biblical proclamation evangelism is the same today—if not greater—than it was in my grandfather’s day”, he told a few weeks before the event.

During the convesation in Berlin, he addressed one of the issues that often came up in informal conversations among congress participants: the impact of technology, and AI in particular, on the development of the ministry.

Question. You have had several evangelistic experiences in Europe. Could you tell us about them?

Answer. I wouldn’t say there have been many. Most of my ministry has been in the UK, preaching in different churches. When it comes to evangelistic crusades or city-wide outreaches, I have only been part of a few: one in Thurrock, two in Scotland, and then Porto, which was an unforgettable experience. I have preached in other places too, but not in large-scale evangelistic events.

Q. Do you see a difference between the way Europeans respond compared to Africans or Asians?

A. Honestly, I see people from all walks of life. In Europe especially, you get a real mix of backgrounds. It really feels like the center of the world — close to Africa, near Asia, and even Americans are only a few hours away. So at the events, you meet a very diverse group of people. In Africa, we have also seen large crowds and God working powerfully. Wherever it is, it is always amazing to see who God brings.

[photo_footer]Will Graham preached on the third day of the Fourth European Congress on Evangelism./ BGEA[/photo_footer] 

Q. You mentioned  your grandfather Billy Graham at the press conference prior to the Congress. How has he influenced your preaching and style?

A. There are similarities, of course. I never tried to copy him, but being his grandson, growing up in the same part of the U.S., even sharing the same accent, people sometimes say I sound like him.

Still, I have my own way of preaching. I usually follow a biblical story and develop the message from there, whereas he often preached topically, although he loved stories too, like the Prodigal Son, one of his favorites and also one of mine.

But in the end, the goal is the same: to preach the gospel clearly and invite people to make a decision for Christ.

Q. Technology, artificial intelligence, social media… all of this is transforming the way we live. Do you think they are also changing the way mission is done today?

A. Technology has been a huge help in spreading the gospel, but it can also be a hindrance.

Take AI, for example: there are good things it can do, and also risks. A pastor should never use AI to write a sermon, that has to be between him and God. Preparing a sermon means wrestling with God’s Word, asking: “What do You want me to say to Your people?” AI cannot replace that.

That said, there are good uses for AI and other technologies in ministry. The key is to use them wisely, not letting them replace the message of the gospel.

At the end of the day, AI is made by people, and there are always human agendas behind it. So we have to be careful, but it can be useful in certain contexts.

[photo_footer]Praying time the Fourth European Congress on Evangelism./ BGEA[/photo_footer] 

Q. Next year, the BGEA will hold the Festival of Hope in Madrid. What are your expectations for Spain?

A. I have never been to Spain, so I do not have direct experience yet. But Spanish people are always lively and welcoming. I am very excited about Madrid.

I hope to be there with my father, not to preach, but to see what God will do. And maybe in the future God will open doors in other Spanish cities, whether for him or for me.

Spain is special because it is one of the countries my grandfather Billy Graham never visited. He once had an invitation, but it fell through. This will actually be my father’s second time in Spain, which is historic. There is great expectation about what God will do.

Plus, I will get to practice my Spanish, though I feel sorry for the people who will have to figure out what I am really trying to say.

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[title]Join us to make EF sustainable[/title]

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[text]At Evangelical Focus, we have a sustainability challenge ahead. We invite you to join those across Europe and beyond who are committed with our mission. Together, we will ensure the continuity of Evangelical Focus and our Spanish partner Protestante Digital in 2025.

Learn all about our #TogetherInThisMission initiative here (English).

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