An Outline – Me (Old School) versus AI

Last week in one of my courses I was explaining to students that forty years ago I took a class that required a sermon outline per day, for the entire semester. 

The course was on preaching. The professor wanted us to learn how to look at a text and be able to read it, see the structure, determine the meaning, and create an outline that made sense of the passage. And do it in a reasonable amount of time.
 
At that point in my life, I was preparing to be a pastor of a church, so learning how to do things intelligently and efficiently seemed like a good idea.
 
The requirement was to start at the beginning of 1 Kings, and work through the book, and, if necessary, move on to 2 Kings. The expectation was one outline per day (Monday to Friday). The one-page outline required a title, purpose statement, and an outline (usually three points with sub-points). No research in commentaries, no illustrations, just an outline that captured well the flow, meaning, and application of the text.
 
Do the math. One per day is five per week over a thirteen-week semester. Just over sixty outlines. 
 
After that trip down memory lane with my students, I started to ponder a few things.
 
First, I realized just how helpful that assignment was for my development. It taught me how to read any text (not just the Bible) and look for context, meaning, structure, key words, etc. It also played a vital role in helping me learn how to develop a way to structure a presentation based on my reading of the text. And do it an efficient manner. In sum, that assignment has paid dividends for decades.
 
Second, I wondered what would happen if I asked ChatGPT to do the same assignment. So today I gave it the same assignment: “create sixty sermon outlines from the biblical book of first kings.”

Within two seconds, I had them. 

It then went beyond the call of duty and offered more. It said: “If you’d like, I can:

• Expand any outline into a full manuscript
• Adapt them for expository, topical, or narrative preaching
• Create a year-long preaching calendar
• Tailor them for youth, revival, or leadership settings”

 
To be honest, the outlines were pretty good. But I was not surprised. I have seen what AI can do. I was just curious to see what an Old School versus AI exercise would look like.
 
Third, perhaps I am a bit of a luddite (after all, I did my undergrad degree mainly with a typewriter), but I genuinely feel sorry for anyone who chooses the ChatGPT option. In fact, I am glad it did not exist as an option when I was a student. 
 
Yes, it was way faster. Yes, it had some pretty good outlines. And yes, it could help make deadlines.
 
But using it would not have forced me to read, analyze, and reflect on the meaning of the text, nor would it ever help me to hone the craft of communication through thoughtful outlines, witty titles, and relevant application. It also would not have known my intended audience and its particular needs, necessary information when crafting an outline.
 
Fourth, sadly, as a professor I am not sure how that assignment could ever be given in a class today without AI being used by students. And that is too bad, for the dividends are still there for those who choose the Old School way. 
 
Bonus: my way works when the power is out.