19 — Creating an Image to use in Worship with ChatGPT AI

Visual images can enhance worship by deepening engagement with Scripture.

Creating an effective image is an iterative (step-by-step) process of refining prompts to align with the biblical context and emotional impact.

Here’s how I created an image using ChatGPT to illustrate Luke 4:14–21 in a service.

If you don’t already have an account at ChatGPT, you can sign up for free here:
https://chatgpt.com/

Step-by-Step Image Creation for Luke 4:14–21

Start with a Basic Prompt

I began with:

“Please generate an image that illustrates the reading from Luke 4:14–21.”

Which generated this image:

The result was a good start but had issues: the synagogue was too large, the crowd too big, and some clothing was too modern.

Refining for Authenticity

I adjusted the prompt:

“Please generate an image showing Jesus talking in the synagogue in Nazareth from Luke 4:14-21. Make the building rustic and rural. Make people’s clothes simple and realistic for 2000 years ago, e.g., no suit and tie. Zoom in on Jesus and show no more than 15 people listening and reacting to him. Include women in his audience.”

The new image was more realistic but lacked emotional impact.

Enhancing Emotion

To capture the congregation's attention, I refined further:

“Zoom in more on Jesus. Show fewer people in the audience. Show some of the audience being surprised by what Jesus is saying.”

Nearly there! My remaining concern was that Jesus looked like a modern European.

Cultural Accuracy

I made a final request:

“Generate an alternative image showing Jesus with a darker complexion and more Middle Eastern features.”

I was delighted with this final image. The framing is tight on Jesus and the audience is giving him their rapt attention. There is real drama in the scene.

Using the Image in Worship

• Order of Service: Printed on the booklet cover.
  
  
• Social Media: Used in a Facebook post advertising the service.
  
  
• Presentation Slides: Displayed on the first slide before the service. Could also have displayed the image while the scripture was read or during the sermon.
  

Key Tips for AI Image Creation

• Be specific in your prompts: Detail setting, historical accuracy, audience size, and emotional tone.
  
  
• Iterate and refine: Small adjustments lead to significant improvements.
  
  
• Plan around AI limitations: Free versions of ChatGPT limit image generation to three per day. If you hit this limit before you are satisfied with the image, return to the Chat the next day and enter your requests for improving the images.
  

By refining AI-generated images, worship leaders can create unique, tailored visuals that enhance Scripture engagement and deepen the worship experience.

Nga mihi
Philip