AI in Ministry: How Churches Are Embracing New Technology | Dr. David Thorne

[Music] [Music] In this age of of AI, what's going to In this age of of AI, what's going to In this age of of AI, what's going to matter to our churches is transparency matter to our churches is transparency matter to our churches is transparency and authenticity. We want to make sure and authenticity. We want to make sure and authenticity. We want to make sure that we are as authentic and transparent that we are as authentic and transparent that we are as authentic and transparent about what we're doing when as possible. about what we're doing when as possible. about what we're doing when as possible. Welcome to another episode of the Welcome to another episode of the Welcome to another episode of the Missional Marketing Podcast. My name is Missional Marketing Podcast. My name is Missional Marketing Podcast. My name is Bart Blair. I am joined by the CEO of Bart Blair. I am joined by the CEO of Bart Blair. I am joined by the CEO of Missional Marketing, Mr. Jason Hamrock. Missional Marketing, Mr. Jason Hamrock. Missional Marketing, Mr. Jason Hamrock. Hello Jason Hamrock. Hi everyone. Hey Hello Jason Hamrock. Hi everyone. Hey Hello Jason Hamrock. Hi everyone. Hey Bart. How you doing? I am doing well. Bart. How you doing? I am doing well. Bart. How you doing? I am doing well. And we are joined by a third guest in And we are joined by a third guest in And we are joined by a third guest in our studio today, Dr. David Thorne, who our studio today, Dr. David Thorne, who our studio today, Dr. David Thorne, who is the brand director of AI for is the brand director of AI for is the brand director of AI for churches, which is a missional marketing churches, which is a missional marketing churches, which is a missional marketing company. Hello, David. Hi. Hi. Uh, if company. Hello, David. Hi. Hi. Uh, if company. Hello, David. Hi. Hi. Uh, if you're listening to this podcast for the you're listening to this podcast for the you're listening to this podcast for the first time, you might not be familiar first time, you might not be familiar first time, you might not be familiar with David. Uh, well, if you're with David. Uh, well, if you're with David. Uh, well, if you're listening for the first time, you're not listening for the first time, you're not listening for the first time, you're not familiar with any of the three of us. If familiar with any of the three of us. If familiar with any of the three of us. If you've been listening for a while, you've been listening for a while, you've been listening for a while, you've probably uh you you've probably you've probably uh you you've probably you've probably uh you you've probably heard David on our show before. Maybe heard David on our show before. Maybe heard David on our show before. Maybe you've listened to another podcast that you've listened to another podcast that you've listened to another podcast that uh gets produced from the missional uh gets produced from the missional uh gets produced from the missional marketing family of companies, which is marketing family of companies, which is marketing family of companies, which is called is it called AI for churches? Is called is it called AI for churches? Is called is it called AI for churches? Is that what the podcast is called? Yeah, that what the podcast is called? Yeah, that what the podcast is called? Yeah, AI for churches. Doesn't get much more AI for churches. Doesn't get much more AI for churches. Doesn't get much more straightforward than that. Uh David is straightforward than that. Uh David is straightforward than that. Uh David is kind of our internal guru on artificial kind of our internal guru on artificial kind of our internal guru on artificial intelligence. He has real intelligence intelligence. He has real intelligence intelligence. He has real intelligence and he's helping us navigate the and he's helping us navigate the and he's helping us navigate the landscape landscape of artificial landscape landscape of artificial landscape landscape of artificial intelligence. And we brought David on to intelligence. And we brought David on to intelligence. And we brought David on to the podcast today to have a conversation the podcast today to have a conversation the podcast today to have a conversation about artificial intelligence and the about artificial intelligence and the about artificial intelligence and the things that he's learning, the things things that he's learning, the things things that he's learning, the things that he's seeing in the local church.

that he's seeing in the local church. that he's seeing in the local church. And uh am I leaving anything out, David? And uh am I leaving anything out, David? And uh am I leaving anything out, David? Anything else you want to add before we Anything else you want to add before we Anything else you want to add before we start asking you really hard questions? start asking you really hard questions? start asking you really hard questions? I would like to uh establish that I am I would like to uh establish that I am I would like to uh establish that I am the a real human David Thornne and not the a real human David Thornne and not the a real human David Thornne and not an AI uh version of myself. That that's an AI uh version of myself. That that's an AI uh version of myself. That that's very good to know. We always have to ask very good to know. We always have to ask very good to know. We always have to ask him because we don't know who's going to him because we don't know who's going to him because we don't know who's going to show up. Yeah, he's done some tricky show up. Yeah, he's done some tricky show up. Yeah, he's done some tricky things in recent months with artificial things in recent months with artificial things in recent months with artificial intelligence and so we are having to to intelligence and so we are having to to intelligence and so we are having to to double check uh from time to time that double check uh from time to time that double check uh from time to time that we're we're on the phone and it's the we're we're on the phone and it's the we're we're on the phone and it's the real deal flesh and blood. David Thorne. real deal flesh and blood. David Thorne. real deal flesh and blood. David Thorne. Um well David, why don't you start Um well David, why don't you start Um well David, why don't you start really just by giving us a little bit of really just by giving us a little bit of really just by giving us a little bit of an overview on what you're seeing in the an overview on what you're seeing in the an overview on what you're seeing in the AI ministry landscape. Let's just talk AI ministry landscape. Let's just talk AI ministry landscape. Let's just talk kind of high level here and then I have kind of high level here and then I have kind of high level here and then I have some more specific questions I'd like to some more specific questions I'd like to some more specific questions I'd like to get into in terms of just kind of get into in terms of just kind of get into in terms of just kind of doubling down on on different areas in doubling down on on different areas in doubling down on on different areas in AI. I'll say this like big picture um AI. I'll say this like big picture um AI. I'll say this like big picture um the church is I would say in this the church is I would say in this the church is I would say in this specific instance a little bit ahead of specific instance a little bit ahead of specific instance a little bit ahead of many other industries like even just many other industries like even just many other industries like even just general nonprofits. I find that pastors general nonprofits. I find that pastors general nonprofits. I find that pastors have been more open to this new have been more open to this new have been more open to this new technology technology technology uh more than other technologies that uh more than other technologies that uh more than other technologies that have come in the past and that's been have come in the past and that's been have come in the past and that's been super exciting. There's still a lot of super exciting. There's still a lot of super exciting. There's still a lot of just kind of questions and say how do we just kind of questions and say how do we just kind of questions and say how do we how do we apply this? So what I feel how do we apply this? So what I feel how do we apply this? So what I feel like where the the greater church is is like where the the greater church is is like where the the greater church is is open interested but unsure what to do open interested but unsure what to do open interested but unsure what to do next. And I feel like that's where we

next. And I feel like that's where we next. And I feel like that's where we are right this very second. Yeah, that's are right this very second. Yeah, that's are right this very second. Yeah, that's really well said. I I uh I I think really well said. I I uh I I think really well said. I I uh I I think you're right in that. I think there's you're right in that. I think there's you're right in that. I think there's been a lot of been a lot of been a lot of experimenting. And you might even call experimenting. And you might even call experimenting. And you might even call it closet experimenters, right? They're it closet experimenters, right? They're it closet experimenters, right? They're on their staff and they're using AI, but on their staff and they're using AI, but on their staff and they're using AI, but they really don't know if they should they really don't know if they should they really don't know if they should let anybody else know for fear of let anybody else know for fear of let anybody else know for fear of authenticity is out the window kind of a authenticity is out the window kind of a authenticity is out the window kind of a thing. And I understand that's a real thing. And I understand that's a real thing. And I understand that's a real real issue because I talked to lead lead real issue because I talked to lead lead real issue because I talked to lead lead pastors and executive pastors who want pastors and executive pastors who want pastors and executive pastors who want to kind of move in that direction of to kind of move in that direction of to kind of move in that direction of getting the staff to utilize AI, but getting the staff to utilize AI, but getting the staff to utilize AI, but there's just some hesitancy. So even there's just some hesitancy. So even there's just some hesitancy. So even though there that's happening, it's though there that's happening, it's though there that's happening, it's really really good signs. We're still a really really good signs. We're still a really really good signs. We're still a little behind the curve in in the whole little behind the curve in in the whole little behind the curve in in the whole the whole staff getting trained up on the whole staff getting trained up on the whole staff getting trained up on how to use these AI tools. And I'll also how to use these AI tools. And I'll also how to use these AI tools. And I'll also say this and then I'll turn it back over say this and then I'll turn it back over say this and then I'll turn it back over to you, David. I am a firm believer and to you, David. I am a firm believer and to you, David. I am a firm believer and I don't think you can convince me I don't think you can convince me I don't think you can convince me otherwise. God gave us AI for the otherwise. God gave us AI for the otherwise. God gave us AI for the church. He is the author and creator of church. He is the author and creator of church. He is the author and creator of everything for his good. And so I everything for his good. And so I everything for his good. And so I believe that AI was actually created to believe that AI was actually created to believe that AI was actually created to help push the gospel forward. I believe help push the gospel forward. I believe help push the gospel forward. I believe that now the rest of the world has just that now the rest of the world has just that now the rest of the world has just kind of hijacked it first, right? but it kind of hijacked it first, right? but it kind of hijacked it first, right? but it can be used to further the gospel. And can be used to further the gospel. And can be used to further the gospel. And so I think from that perspective, we so I think from that perspective, we so I think from that perspective, we should really embrace and and learn how should really embrace and and learn how should really embrace and and learn how to use AI for the greater good. So, how to use AI for the greater good. So, how to use AI for the greater good. So, how are you seeing that happen? I'm I'm

are you seeing that happen? I'm I'm are you seeing that happen? I'm I'm going to stop you there, Jason, just going to stop you there, Jason, just going to stop you there, Jason, just real quick. I I've said it before, I'll real quick. I I've said it before, I'll real quick. I I've said it before, I'll say it again. You you all know that the say it again. You you all know that the say it again. You you all know that the GPT in chat, GPT stands for God plus GPT in chat, GPT stands for God plus GPT in chat, GPT stands for God plus technology, right? Chat, God plus technology, right? Chat, God plus technology, right? Chat, God plus technology. Okay. Oh boy. Okay, that's I technology. Okay. Oh boy. Okay, that's I technology. Okay. Oh boy. Okay, that's I know. Love it. Okay. For David, how how know. Love it. Okay. For David, how how know. Love it. Okay. For David, how how have you been like talk to me about what have you been like talk to me about what have you been like talk to me about what you're what you are seeing in pastors you're what you are seeing in pastors you're what you are seeing in pastors movement. Yeah. So, I'll say this that movement. Yeah. So, I'll say this that movement. Yeah. So, I'll say this that um I I feel like when pastors begin to um I I feel like when pastors begin to um I I feel like when pastors begin to to to use to like to use it for the to to use to like to use it for the to to use to like to use it for the first time, you feel like like their first time, you feel like like their first time, you feel like like their eyes just get big and they're saying you eyes just get big and they're saying you eyes just get big and they're saying you can do that with AI. Um, and things like can do that with AI. Um, and things like can do that with AI. Um, and things like let's just to say like practical life let's just to say like practical life let's just to say like practical life things where like for me like when I things where like for me like when I things where like for me like when I when I when I cook I'm always talking to when I when I cook I'm always talking to when I when I cook I'm always talking to ChachiBT. Um, I my my my sons call it my ChachiBT. Um, I my my my sons call it my ChachiBT. Um, I my my my sons call it my best friend. Are you going to ask your best friend. Are you going to ask your best friend. Are you going to ask your best friend? And we talked with Bart. best friend? And we talked with Bart. best friend? And we talked with Bart. Bart's wife I think has some jokes with Bart's wife I think has some jokes with Bart's wife I think has some jokes with him about when he refer when he him about when he refer when he him about when he refer when he references Claude.

references Claude. references Claude. Yeah. Yes. My wife actually refers to Yeah. Yes. My wife actually refers to Yeah. Yes. My wife actually refers to Claude as her boyfriend sometimes. So uh Claude as her boyfriend sometimes. So uh Claude as her boyfriend sometimes. So uh Yeah. Because Claude does a lot of Yeah. Because Claude does a lot of Yeah. Because Claude does a lot of things for her. Claude. Well, Claude and things for her. Claude. Well, Claude and things for her. Claude. Well, Claude and I are buddies then. So, her boyfriend I are buddies then. So, her boyfriend I are buddies then. So, her boyfriend and I are friends. Yeah, I I am also a and I are friends. Yeah, I I am also a and I are friends. Yeah, I I am also a fan of fan of her boyfriend Claude, fan of fan of her boyfriend Claude, fan of fan of her boyfriend Claude, which is uh which is a large language which is uh which is a large language which is uh which is a large language model, which is a fancy way of saying an model, which is a fancy way of saying an model, which is a fancy way of saying an AI model that uh uh it's like chatbt and AI model that uh uh it's like chatbt and AI model that uh uh it's like chatbt and it's awesome. But so, uh there's a lot it's awesome. But so, uh there's a lot it's awesome. But so, uh there's a lot of things like I'll just say like big of things like I'll just say like big of things like I'll just say like big picture that uh using things like chatbt picture that uh using things like chatbt picture that uh using things like chatbt have completely changed how I write have completely changed how I write have completely changed how I write things period. Oh, yeah. And I don't things period. Oh, yeah. And I don't things period. Oh, yeah. And I don't know if I'm going to to be able to write know if I'm going to to be able to write know if I'm going to to be able to write going back to how I wrote things going back to how I wrote things going back to how I wrote things previously where now all of my writing previously where now all of my writing previously where now all of my writing is a much more iterative process where is a much more iterative process where is a much more iterative process where I'm explaining what I'm trying to do a I'm explaining what I'm trying to do a I'm explaining what I'm trying to do a task. Chad GPT or Claude uh um is is task. Chad GPT or Claude uh um is is task. Chad GPT or Claude uh um is is giving me some feedback and some ideas. giving me some feedback and some ideas. giving me some feedback and some ideas. I take that, tweak them, write them, put I take that, tweak them, write them, put I take that, tweak them, write them, put it back in, and there's this back and it back in, and there's this back and it back in, and there's this back and forth writing process. And and that's forth writing process. And and that's forth writing process. And and that's just a big picture of if churches begin just a big picture of if churches begin just a big picture of if churches begin to apply that and then they create to apply that and then they create to apply that and then they create content like um blog post which they content like um blog post which they content like um blog post which they never had time to do before and all of a never had time to do before and all of a never had time to do before and all of a sudden they can generate blog post super sudden they can generate blog post super sudden they can generate blog post super fast from their sermons or generate fast from their sermons or generate fast from their sermons or generate sermon summaries or generate small sermon summaries or generate small sermon summaries or generate small groupoup questions. And there's these groupoup questions. And there's these groupoup questions. And there's these kind of things that pastors have not kind of things that pastors have not kind of things that pastors have not done because they you know there's done because they you know there's done because they you know there's there's these things that pastors know

there's these things that pastors know there's these things that pastors know they should do but don't have time. and they should do but don't have time. and they should do but don't have time. and AI is helping them to do that for the AI is helping them to do that for the AI is helping them to do that for the first time consistently easily. And then first time consistently easily. And then first time consistently easily. And then there's just these other things that there's just these other things that there's just these other things that used to take a lot of time and now they used to take a lot of time and now they used to take a lot of time and now they don't like creating uh small groupoup don't like creating uh small groupoup don't like creating uh small groupoup discussion questions or um or generating discussion questions or um or generating discussion questions or um or generating uh devotionals for your your church uh devotionals for your your church uh devotionals for your your church based on your sermon. And these are the based on your sermon. And these are the based on your sermon. And these are the kind of things that that it just pastors kind of things that that it just pastors kind of things that that it just pastors are just over the moon for just saying are just over the moon for just saying are just over the moon for just saying this stuff is amazing. You know what's this stuff is amazing. You know what's this stuff is amazing. You know what's what what I've learned um what I what I what what I've learned um what I what I what what I've learned um what I what I think a a very big misconception is this think a a very big misconception is this think a a very big misconception is this that AI is going to make you dumber that that AI is going to make you dumber that that AI is going to make you dumber that it's going to do the job for you it's going to do the job for you it's going to do the job for you therefore you don't have to think I am therefore you don't have to think I am therefore you don't have to think I am finding that not to be true in fact I'm finding that not to be true in fact I'm finding that not to be true in fact I'm going to say it's the opposite just to going to say it's the opposite just to going to say it's the opposite just to give you an example so I had to give a give you an example so I had to give a give you an example so I had to give a presentation presentation presentation um and so I use claude to say hey I'm um and so I use claude to say hey I'm um and so I use claude to say hey I'm I'm giving a presentation here's the I'm giving a presentation here's the I'm giving a presentation here's the audience here's kind of what I'm audience here's kind of what I'm audience here's kind of what I'm thinking and here's a few a few bullet thinking and here's a few a few bullet thinking and here's a few a few bullet points of what I'm wanting to to do.

points of what I'm wanting to to do. points of what I'm wanting to to do. Give me some help. Enter. It gave me Give me some help. Enter. It gave me Give me some help. Enter. It gave me quite a bit of information, which I read quite a bit of information, which I read quite a bit of information, which I read through and you know what I found out? through and you know what I found out? through and you know what I found out? It's educating me on some things. Even It's educating me on some things. Even It's educating me on some things. Even the topic that I want to talk about, not the topic that I want to talk about, not the topic that I want to talk about, not only am I honing in on the best way to only am I honing in on the best way to only am I honing in on the best way to say it, I'm actually learning some new say it, I'm actually learning some new say it, I'm actually learning some new things that is I'm like, I didn't think things that is I'm like, I didn't think things that is I'm like, I didn't think about that bullet point. Huh, that's about that bullet point. Huh, that's about that bullet point. Huh, that's really cool. I can add that to my really cool. I can add that to my really cool. I can add that to my presentation. So it's not making me presentation. So it's not making me presentation. So it's not making me dumber, it's actually making me smarter. dumber, it's actually making me smarter. dumber, it's actually making me smarter. Yeah. And and way way more efficient. Yeah. And and way way more efficient. Yeah. And and way way more efficient. I'll give you an example of that, Jason, I'll give you an example of that, Jason, I'll give you an example of that, Jason, is uh AI large language models and which is uh AI large language models and which is uh AI large language models and which is a fancy way of saying AI models like is a fancy way of saying AI models like is a fancy way of saying AI models like chatt. Yep. Uh large language models are chatt. Yep. Uh large language models are chatt. Yep. Uh large language models are awesome at generating policies, which uh awesome at generating policies, which uh awesome at generating policies, which uh you know, I'm sure everyone everyone you know, I'm sure everyone everyone you know, I'm sure everyone everyone loves creating. Everybody loves a good loves creating. Everybody loves a good loves creating. Everybody loves a good policy. just everyone I mean you know policy. just everyone I mean you know policy. just everyone I mean you know I'm sure again to that one listener I'm sure again to that one listener I'm sure again to that one listener who's out there who's like wait I like who's out there who's like wait I like who's out there who's like wait I like creating policies good for you but you creating policies good for you but you creating policies good for you but you are you are a part of the body you know are you are a part of the body you know are you are a part of the body you know and and we're thankful you are part of and and we're thankful you are part of and and we're thankful you are part of our church body that's right but uh you our church body that's right but uh you our church body that's right but uh you can ask uh Chad Chup to help you to can ask uh Chad Chup to help you to can ask uh Chad Chup to help you to create a policy and then after you get create a policy and then after you get create a policy and then after you get it all you have to say is are there is it all you have to say is are there is it all you have to say is are there is there anything else that I might need to there anything else that I might need to there anything else that I might need to consider adding to my policy that I did consider adding to my policy that I did consider adding to my policy that I did not add. And that's where you I find not add. And that's where you I find not add. And that's where you I find invariably it's going to suggest two or invariably it's going to suggest two or invariably it's going to suggest two or three more things and you're just like,

three more things and you're just like, three more things and you're just like, "Oh my word, I never even thought of "Oh my word, I never even thought of "Oh my word, I never even thought of adding that." Yeah. And and that's the adding that." Yeah. And and that's the adding that." Yeah. And and that's the kind of stuff that it's so helpful to to kind of stuff that it's so helpful to to kind of stuff that it's so helpful to to do that you wouldn't even thought to do that you wouldn't even thought to do that you wouldn't even thought to even ask that question. It's educating even ask that question. It's educating even ask that question. It's educating you. It's not making you dumber. It's you. It's not making you dumber. It's you. It's not making you dumber. It's making you smarter. Well, let me let me making you smarter. Well, let me let me making you smarter. Well, let me let me let me share an example of something let me share an example of something let me share an example of something that I'm working on. I I'm uh team that I'm working on. I I'm uh team that I'm working on. I I'm uh team preaching uh with another guy. And you preaching uh with another guy. And you preaching uh with another guy. And you think about this, if you're a church think about this, if you're a church think about this, if you're a church that has team preaching, maybe you have that has team preaching, maybe you have that has team preaching, maybe you have two people or three people on your two people or three people on your two people or three people on your preaching preaching team. I I I preaching preaching team. I I I preaching preaching team. I I I co-preach, tag team preach with another co-preach, tag team preach with another co-preach, tag team preach with another guy, and we picked a book of the Bible guy, and we picked a book of the Bible guy, and we picked a book of the Bible that we want to preach through and we that we want to preach through and we that we want to preach through and we have very specific themes that we really have very specific themes that we really have very specific themes that we really want to highlight from this specific want to highlight from this specific want to highlight from this specific book of the Bible. And we have a certain book of the Bible. And we have a certain book of the Bible. And we have a certain number of weeks that we want to be able number of weeks that we want to be able number of weeks that we want to be able to get it done in. And I literally I to get it done in. And I literally I to get it done in. And I literally I went into Claude and I said, you know, went into Claude and I said, you know, went into Claude and I said, you know, this is what our this is what we want to this is what our this is what we want to this is what our this is what we want to do. This is our goal. These are the do. This is our goal. These are the do. This is our goal. These are the themes that we want to highlight. Make a themes that we want to highlight. Make a themes that we want to highlight. Make a suggested calendar for how we would suggested calendar for how we would suggested calendar for how we would break up this text to be able to hit all break up this text to be able to hit all break up this text to be able to hit all of the themes that we want to hit in the of the themes that we want to hit in the of the themes that we want to hit in the major pieces of text in this this book major pieces of text in this this book major pieces of text in this this book of the Bible in the number of weeks that of the Bible in the number of weeks that of the Bible in the number of weeks that we want to get it done in. And in a we want to get it done in. And in a we want to get it done in. And in a matter of like 4 seconds, I have a matter of like 4 seconds, I have a matter of like 4 seconds, I have a starting point. Now, we may not do it starting point. Now, we may not do it starting point. Now, we may not do it exactly the way that Claude delivered it exactly the way that Claude delivered it exactly the way that Claude delivered it to us, but we now actually rather than to us, but we now actually rather than to us, but we now actually rather than starting with a blank piece of paper and starting with a blank piece of paper and starting with a blank piece of paper and going, "Okay, now let's go through this going, "Okay, now let's go through this going, "Okay, now let's go through this and let's do the let's get the the comb and let's do the let's get the the comb and let's do the let's get the the comb out and start doing the fine tooth comb out and start doing the fine tooth comb out and start doing the fine tooth comb of the text and figure this out." Chat of the text and figure this out." Chat of the text and figure this out." Chat GBT or Claude gave us a a really good

GBT or Claude gave us a a really good GBT or Claude gave us a a really good starting point so that we can actually starting point so that we can actually starting point so that we can actually massage that for and it again saved us massage that for and it again saved us massage that for and it again saved us an hour, couple of hours so we can an hour, couple of hours so we can an hour, couple of hours so we can actually get to the point which is actually get to the point which is actually get to the point which is deciding who's going to preach on which deciding who's going to preach on which deciding who's going to preach on which topics and break it down and then we'll topics and break it down and then we'll topics and break it down and then we'll write our sermons and you know we we write our sermons and you know we we write our sermons and you know we we won't let Claude write the sermons for won't let Claude write the sermons for won't let Claude write the sermons for us but at least Claude has kind of given us but at least Claude has kind of given us but at least Claude has kind of given us some direction in terms of that us some direction in terms of that us some direction in terms of that planning calendar. So planning and planning calendar. So planning and planning calendar. So planning and scheduling is another thing that um I scheduling is another thing that um I scheduling is another thing that um I did I did this for another quick note did I did this for another quick note did I did this for another quick note here. I did this for a church. Uh they here. I did this for a church. Uh they here. I did this for a church. Uh they needed a sort of a six-w weekek needed a sort of a six-w weekek needed a sort of a six-w weekek preparation plan leading up to Easter. preparation plan leading up to Easter. preparation plan leading up to Easter. At the time that this episode is At the time that this episode is At the time that this episode is released, we're just past Easter. But released, we're just past Easter. But released, we're just past Easter. But about two two and a half months ago, I about two two and a half months ago, I about two two and a half months ago, I was like, "Okay, this is the situation was like, "Okay, this is the situation was like, "Okay, this is the situation of the church. This is who the staff of the church. This is who the staff of the church. This is who the staff people are. These are the things that people are. These are the things that people are. These are the things that they want to prioritize leading up to they want to prioritize leading up to they want to prioritize leading up to Easter. Can you create like a six-w week Easter. Can you create like a six-w week Easter. Can you create like a six-w week game plan on how they can prepare their game plan on how they can prepare their game plan on how they can prepare their building, prepare their ministry teams, building, prepare their ministry teams, building, prepare their ministry teams, prepare their marketing, and what would prepare their marketing, and what would prepare their marketing, and what would that look like?" And boom, in a matter that look like?" And boom, in a matter that look like?" And boom, in a matter of seconds, I had a detailed plan for of seconds, I had a detailed plan for of seconds, I had a detailed plan for what could be done week by week in the what could be done week by week in the what could be done week by week in the six weeks leading up to Easter to make six weeks leading up to Easter to make six weeks leading up to Easter to make sure that this church was prepared for sure that this church was prepared for sure that this church was prepared for all the things that they wanted and all the things that they wanted and all the things that they wanted and needed to be prepared for. It's needed to be prepared for. It's needed to be prepared for. It's simplifies so much. Yeah. and chatbt simplifies so much. Yeah. and chatbt simplifies so much. Yeah. and chatbt just released maybe even today which it just released maybe even today which it just released maybe even today which it won't be by the time you this is won't be by the time you this is won't be by the time you this is published but uh the ability to add a published but uh the ability to add a published but uh the ability to add a knowledge base to uh your chat GBT uh uh knowledge base to uh your chat GBT uh uh knowledge base to uh your chat GBT uh uh um u you know a team group and so that um u you know a team group and so that um u you know a team group and so that you can add some specific knowledge you can add some specific knowledge you can add some specific knowledge about yourself when you're uh and your about yourself when you're uh and your about yourself when you're uh and your your group or your church uh based off

your group or your church uh based off your group or your church uh based off of your use of chatbt of your use of chatbt of your use of chatbt uh which is really cool but I want to uh which is really cool but I want to uh which is really cool but I want to mention mentioned something, Bart, that mention mentioned something, Bart, that mention mentioned something, Bart, that you're saying you're saying you're saying um about like the the the uh asking CHBT um about like the the the uh asking CHBT um about like the the the uh asking CHBT to break up your sermon stuff and and go to break up your sermon stuff and and go to break up your sermon stuff and and go kind of going back to what else am I kind of going back to what else am I kind of going back to what else am I hearing from pastors and um one thing hearing from pastors and um one thing hearing from pastors and um one thing that I do hear when when there's there that I do hear when when there's there that I do hear when when there's there there's a group there's a a group of there's a group there's a a group of there's a group there's a a group of people who are saying things like when people who are saying things like when people who are saying things like when you say oh church people can use AI and you say oh church people can use AI and you say oh church people can use AI and their media thought goes to the worst their media thought goes to the worst their media thought goes to the worst possible case way that that it could be possible case way that that it could be possible case way that that it could be used and they say, "Well, I rely on the used and they say, "Well, I rely on the used and they say, "Well, I rely on the Holy Spirit. I don't I don't need to do Holy Spirit. I don't I don't need to do Holy Spirit. I don't I don't need to do that." But and this is where where I I that." But and this is where where I I that." But and this is where where I I you know I I love what you just said you know I I love what you just said you know I I love what you just said because I would this is what I would say because I would this is what I would say because I would this is what I would say when when a pastor was typically if you when when a pastor was typically if you when when a pastor was typically if you were typically going to do that task you were typically going to do that task you were typically going to do that task you just did by breaking up uh you know a just did by breaking up uh you know a just did by breaking up uh you know a 8-week sermon series by topics and by 8-week sermon series by topics and by 8-week sermon series by topics and by weeks you know how would you typically weeks you know how would you typically weeks you know how would you typically do it and what I'm going to guess is you do it and what I'm going to guess is you do it and what I'm going to guess is you would not sit down and say let's pause would not sit down and say let's pause would not sit down and say let's pause and let's fast and pray over this next and let's fast and pray over this next and let's fast and pray over this next day and a half and just really seek the day and a half and just really seek the day and a half and just really seek the Lord to lead us of which theme I should Lord to lead us of which theme I should Lord to lead us of which theme I should do and which do and which do and which week and and maybe sometimes like there week and and maybe sometimes like there week and and maybe sometimes like there there there's a time and a place for there there's a time and a place for there there's a time and a place for that, but typically you're going to that, but typically you're going to that, but typically you're going to okay, open up your calendar. Um I I like

okay, open up your calendar. Um I I like okay, open up your calendar. Um I I like that that that theme. I'm going to do it that that that theme. I'm going to do it that that that theme. I'm going to do it that week. And it's a functional that week. And it's a functional that week. And it's a functional decision. It is not this like fasting decision. It is not this like fasting decision. It is not this like fasting over which cereal you're going to choose over which cereal you're going to choose over which cereal you're going to choose to have breakfast that morning kind of a to have breakfast that morning kind of a to have breakfast that morning kind of a thing. And so that's what I'd say is thing. And so that's what I'd say is thing. And so that's what I'd say is leaning into AI. There are it's like leaning into AI. There are it's like leaning into AI. There are it's like there's there's there's 95% of ways that you can use it that do 95% of ways that you can use it that do 95% of ways that you can use it that do not take away from the Holy Spirit. And not take away from the Holy Spirit. And not take away from the Holy Spirit. And there's like a 3 to 5% ways that you there's like a 3 to 5% ways that you there's like a 3 to 5% ways that you should probably not use it that possibly should probably not use it that possibly should probably not use it that possibly could take away from the Holy Spirit. So could take away from the Holy Spirit. So could take away from the Holy Spirit. So as long as you stay in that as long as you stay in that as long as you stay in that 95% you're totally good. Well, I mean, 95% you're totally good. Well, I mean, 95% you're totally good. Well, I mean, you know, back in the day did you go to you know, back in the day did you go to you know, back in the day did you go to the Google to look up stuff? Well, at the Google to look up stuff? Well, at the Google to look up stuff? Well, at what point did you think, oh, it's what point did you think, oh, it's what point did you think, oh, it's probably okay. I can go to Google to probably okay. I can go to Google to probably okay. I can go to Google to look up stuff before Google was look up stuff before Google was look up stuff before Google was invented, right? So, it's the same invented, right? So, it's the same invented, right? So, it's the same thing. It's like you're going to just thing. It's like you're going to just thing. It's like you're going to just move into this because it's more move into this because it's more move into this because it's more efficient to work with to to some efficient to work with to to some efficient to work with to to some degree. You know, you might you might degree. You know, you might you might degree. You know, you might you might pull out your your Charles Spurgeon pull out your your Charles Spurgeon pull out your your Charles Spurgeon books and see how Charles Spurgeon books and see how Charles Spurgeon books and see how Charles Spurgeon preached that that book of the Bible and preached that that book of the Bible and preached that that book of the Bible and how he broke it up, right? We we've all how he broke it up, right? We we've all how he broke it up, right? We we've all we've all been influenced by different we've all been influenced by different we've all been influenced by different things. I think I I want to pivot to things. I think I I want to pivot to things. I think I I want to pivot to another sort of topic here, another another sort of topic here, another another sort of topic here, another question, David, because I think we're question, David, because I think we're question, David, because I think we're we're kind of treading in this area, we're kind of treading in this area, we're kind of treading in this area, which is the point of ethics. So when it which is the point of ethics. So when it which is the point of ethics. So when it comes to AI, what are you sort of seeing comes to AI, what are you sort of seeing comes to AI, what are you sort of seeing as some ethical framework for churches, as some ethical framework for churches, as some ethical framework for churches, what what are some of your pro tips that

what what are some of your pro tips that what what are some of your pro tips that would actually help churches guide their would actually help churches guide their would actually help churches guide their staff on how and when to use AI and when staff on how and when to use AI and when staff on how and when to use AI and when not to? Yeah. What I would say is the not to? Yeah. What I would say is the not to? Yeah. What I would say is the the biggest picture is you as a human the biggest picture is you as a human the biggest picture is you as a human should always maintain your authority should always maintain your authority should always maintain your authority over what you're creating. Your over what you're creating. Your over what you're creating. Your ownership, your authority. Um, never ownership, your authority. Um, never ownership, your authority. Um, never kind of publish something that you don't kind of publish something that you don't kind of publish something that you don't own what it is. And when I mean by own, own what it is. And when I mean by own, own what it is. And when I mean by own, I mean like you're you're saying this is I mean like you're you're saying this is I mean like you're you're saying this is me, not just AI AI generated. It's the me, not just AI AI generated. It's the me, not just AI AI generated. It's the idea that AI should always assist you idea that AI should always assist you idea that AI should always assist you and not do things for you. And that's and not do things for you. And that's and not do things for you. And that's probably the big picture ethical probably the big picture ethical probably the big picture ethical framework is we always want to encourage framework is we always want to encourage framework is we always want to encourage our church staff to uh make sure that AI our church staff to uh make sure that AI our church staff to uh make sure that AI is assisting you, not doing things for is assisting you, not doing things for is assisting you, not doing things for you. I'll stop there to say that's you. I'll stop there to say that's you. I'll stop there to say that's probably as big of a circle as I can probably as big of a circle as I can probably as big of a circle as I can draw for an ethical framework. Okay, draw for an ethical framework. Okay, draw for an ethical framework. Okay, Jason, do you have any thoughts on that?

Jason, do you have any thoughts on that? Jason, do you have any thoughts on that? Well, uh, yeah, I mean, I think it's Well, uh, yeah, I mean, I think it's Well, uh, yeah, I mean, I think it's really important. I think this is kind really important. I think this is kind really important. I think this is kind of a pretty big pulling in time with AI of a pretty big pulling in time with AI of a pretty big pulling in time with AI and churches is drawing the line of our and churches is drawing the line of our and churches is drawing the line of our policy and what we believe and what policy and what we believe and what policy and what we believe and what we're going to be okay with. Which, by we're going to be okay with. Which, by we're going to be okay with. Which, by the way, I'm just going to encourage you the way, I'm just going to encourage you the way, I'm just going to encourage you all, that's probably going to evolve and all, that's probably going to evolve and all, that's probably going to evolve and change as this thing changes. It's not change as this thing changes. It's not change as this thing changes. It's not like, isn't this AI thing pretty cool? like, isn't this AI thing pretty cool? like, isn't this AI thing pretty cool? It's like a microwave. No, microwaves It's like a microwave. No, microwaves It's like a microwave. No, microwaves really haven't advanced over the years. really haven't advanced over the years. really haven't advanced over the years. Few features here and there. It still Few features here and there. It still Few features here and there. It still heats up food or water. AI is not that. heats up food or water. AI is not that. heats up food or water. AI is not that. AI clock still flashes when your power AI clock still flashes when your power AI clock still flashes when your power goes out. They haven't ever solved that goes out. They haven't ever solved that goes out. They haven't ever solved that problem. problem. problem. AI is changing daily and it's going I AI is changing daily and it's going I AI is changing daily and it's going I mean a year from now is going to be mean a year from now is going to be mean a year from now is going to be completely different than today. Like completely different than today. Like completely different than today. Like you're going to go like well that was so you're going to go like well that was so you're going to go like well that was so ancient a year ago. We remember that ancient a year ago. We remember that ancient a year ago. We remember that cloud thing we used to use. Who knows cloud thing we used to use. Who knows cloud thing we used to use. Who knows where it's going? So I think I think the where it's going? So I think I think the where it's going? So I think I think the idea is let's have some some policies idea is let's have some some policies idea is let's have some some policies that give our teams freedom to use AI in that give our teams freedom to use AI in that give our teams freedom to use AI in a in a good manner like you were saying a in a good manner like you were saying a in a good manner like you were saying David like it should assist you not do David like it should assist you not do David like it should assist you not do everything for you kind of a thing but everything for you kind of a thing but everything for you kind of a thing but just recognize that our policy is going just recognize that our policy is going just recognize that our policy is going to have to get updated probably every to have to get updated probably every to have to get updated probably every once a quarter or like twice a year once a quarter or like twice a year once a quarter or like twice a year simply because this thing is not going simply because this thing is not going simply because this thing is not going to stop developing and who knows what's to stop developing and who knows what's to stop developing and who knows what's going to be a year or two from now.

going to be a year or two from now. going to be a year or two from now. Yeah. And I'll let some other thoughts Yeah. And I'll let some other thoughts Yeah. And I'll let some other thoughts on this idea is that um in this age in on this idea is that um in this age in on this idea is that um in this age in this next age of of this next age of of this next age of of AI, what's going to matter to our AI, what's going to matter to our AI, what's going to matter to our churches is transparency and churches is transparency and churches is transparency and authenticity. authenticity. authenticity. And so we want to make sure that that And so we want to make sure that that And so we want to make sure that that that again an ethical framework when it that again an ethical framework when it that again an ethical framework when it comes to the use of AI is that we are as comes to the use of AI is that we are as comes to the use of AI is that we are as authentic and transparent about what authentic and transparent about what authentic and transparent about what we're doing when as possible. And and we're doing when as possible. And and we're doing when as possible. And and kind of like to your what you just said, kind of like to your what you just said, kind of like to your what you just said, Jason, is that every church should reook Jason, is that every church should reook Jason, is that every church should reook at their information and technology at their information and technology at their information and technology policies and and make sure that they're policies and and make sure that they're policies and and make sure that they're updated. Yeah. Yeah, cuz what I would updated. Yeah. Yeah, cuz what I would updated. Yeah. Yeah, cuz what I would guess is, and I I found this from guess is, and I I found this from guess is, and I I found this from talking to churches, most churches don't talking to churches, most churches don't talking to churches, most churches don't have any kind of information and techn have any kind of information and techn have any kind of information and techn technology policy. So, if you have one, technology policy. So, if you have one, technology policy. So, if you have one, great. You're doing awesome. You're in great. You're doing awesome. You're in great. You're doing awesome. You're in like the top 10% of churches. But we like the top 10% of churches. But we like the top 10% of churches. But we need to have things that talk about need to have things that talk about need to have things that talk about plagiarism. And and and what I would say plagiarism. And and and what I would say plagiarism. And and and what I would say on that note is it's not only about AI.

on that note is it's not only about AI. on that note is it's not only about AI. What it's what AI is pointing out is What it's what AI is pointing out is What it's what AI is pointing out is that we are deficient in even defining that we are deficient in even defining that we are deficient in even defining what is plagiarism in general. So for what is plagiarism in general. So for what is plagiarism in general. So for example, if a pastor and this is this example, if a pastor and this is this example, if a pastor and this is this would be in that like 5% uh area that would be in that like 5% uh area that would be in that like 5% uh area that you should not do. If a pastor takes an you should not do. If a pastor takes an you should not do. If a pastor takes an Oswald Chambers sermon or which they Oswald Chambers sermon or which they Oswald Chambers sermon or which they wouldn't do, you know, an Andy Stanley wouldn't do, you know, an Andy Stanley wouldn't do, you know, an Andy Stanley sermon, we'll do Andy Stanley, an Andy sermon, we'll do Andy Stanley, an Andy sermon, we'll do Andy Stanley, an Andy Stanley sermon and preach it as if it Stanley sermon and preach it as if it Stanley sermon and preach it as if it was their own, which has nothing to do was their own, which has nothing to do was their own, which has nothing to do with AI, that is wrong. Yeah. So whether with AI, that is wrong. Yeah. So whether with AI, that is wrong. Yeah. So whether somebody does something like that with somebody does something like that with somebody does something like that with AI or without AI, it's wrong regardless. AI or without AI, it's wrong regardless. AI or without AI, it's wrong regardless. So we need to make sure that our So we need to make sure that our So we need to make sure that our churches have look think about those churches have look think about those churches have look think about those things. We make sure we have policies things. We make sure we have policies things. We make sure we have policies that value transparency, authenticity, that value transparency, authenticity, that value transparency, authenticity, ownership of what is created and and we ownership of what is created and and we ownership of what is created and and we just kind of reiterate those things just kind of reiterate those things just kind of reiterate those things like, hey, we shouldn't plagiarize or like, hey, we shouldn't plagiarize or like, hey, we shouldn't plagiarize or things like copyrighted characters. As a things like copyrighted characters. As a things like copyrighted characters. As a church, we want to be cautious if we're church, we want to be cautious if we're church, we want to be cautious if we're going to use a Disney character on the going to use a Disney character on the going to use a Disney character on the screen or how do we use a copyrighted screen or how do we use a copyrighted screen or how do we use a copyrighted character? What does the law allow or character? What does the law allow or character? What does the law allow or not allow? Yeah, that has nothing to do not allow? Yeah, that has nothing to do not allow? Yeah, that has nothing to do with AI, but it AI makes it easier for with AI, but it AI makes it easier for with AI, but it AI makes it easier for us to use copyrighted characters. So, it us to use copyrighted characters. So, it us to use copyrighted characters. So, it kind of it it brings that already issue kind of it it brings that already issue kind of it it brings that already issue to the surface in a way we've never had

to the surface in a way we've never had to the surface in a way we've never had it uh uh emphasized before. Yeah, that's it uh uh emphasized before. Yeah, that's it uh uh emphasized before. Yeah, that's that's a really good point. And I think that's a really good point. And I think that's a really good point. And I think you've you've said this, you and I have you've you've said this, you and I have you've you've said this, you and I have had many conversations about this over had many conversations about this over had many conversations about this over the last year or two and and you've the last year or two and and you've the last year or two and and you've talked about churches not necessarily talked about churches not necessarily talked about churches not necessarily needing to come up with a specific AI needing to come up with a specific AI needing to come up with a specific AI policy, but an information and policy, but an information and policy, but an information and technology policy because in in reality technology policy because in in reality technology policy because in in reality we like we don't refer to our phones as we like we don't refer to our phones as we like we don't refer to our phones as smartphones anymore. They're just smartphones anymore. They're just smartphones anymore. They're just phones. Every phone is smart. So when phones. Every phone is smart. So when phones. Every phone is smart. So when they're all smart Oh, there goes the they're all smart Oh, there goes the they're all smart Oh, there goes the dog. Yeah. David's uh his artificial dog. Yeah. David's uh his artificial dog. Yeah. David's uh his artificial intelligent dog is is barking in the intelligent dog is is barking in the intelligent dog is is barking in the background now. It's a real dog. Um we background now. It's a real dog. Um we background now. It's a real dog. Um we just refer to phones as phones now. They just refer to phones as phones now. They just refer to phones as phones now. They don't have to be referred to as don't have to be referred to as don't have to be referred to as smartphones because they're all smart. smartphones because they're all smart. smartphones because they're all smart. Eventually, all AI is just going to be Eventually, all AI is just going to be Eventually, all AI is just going to be kind of probably lumped into technology kind of probably lumped into technology kind of probably lumped into technology in general. And we're not going to see in general. And we're not going to see in general. And we're not going to see AI as a separate type of technology than AI as a separate type of technology than AI as a separate type of technology than everything else that we have. Right? I everything else that we have. Right? I everything else that we have. Right? I think you know things like you you use think you know things like you you use think you know things like you you use AI when you speaking of phones when you AI when you speaking of phones when you AI when you speaking of phones when you use facial recognition to unlock your use facial recognition to unlock your use facial recognition to unlock your phone but you don't think about that as phone but you don't think about that as phone but you don't think about that as AI you call it facial recognition or a AI you call it facial recognition or a AI you call it facial recognition or a cool feature on my phone that allows me cool feature on my phone that allows me cool feature on my phone that allows me to unlock my phone without having to to unlock my phone without having to to unlock my phone without having to punch in a password or a keyword right punch in a password or a keyword right punch in a password or a keyword right so uh I I think that that's a really so uh I I think that that's a really so uh I I think that that's a really good point and you've David you've good point and you've David you've good point and you've David you've you've you've talked about this a lot you've you've talked about this a lot you've you've talked about this a lot and I I do want to mention that for and I I do want to mention that for and I I do want to mention that for those of you who are listening to this those of you who are listening to this those of you who are listening to this if you have questions about how to put if you have questions about how to put if you have questions about how to put that information and technology policy

that information and technology policy that information and technology policy in place. David is a great resource for in place. David is a great resource for in place. David is a great resource for you on that. And I'm sure I'll I'll give you on that. And I'm sure I'll I'll give you on that. And I'm sure I'll I'll give out your phone number here. Uh well, you out your phone number here. Uh well, you out your phone number here. Uh well, you can you can check the show notes for his can you can check the show notes for his can you can check the show notes for his email address and feel free to send him email address and feel free to send him email address and feel free to send him an email and I'm sure he'd be happy to an email and I'm sure he'd be happy to an email and I'm sure he'd be happy to get on a Zoom call and talk through with get on a Zoom call and talk through with get on a Zoom call and talk through with you uh what what he might be able to you uh what what he might be able to you uh what what he might be able to help you with in that in that regard. Um help you with in that in that regard. Um help you with in that in that regard. Um let's kind just for the sake of time uh let's kind just for the sake of time uh let's kind just for the sake of time uh move to the future a little bit here, move to the future a little bit here, move to the future a little bit here, David. What looking ahead um what what David. What looking ahead um what what David. What looking ahead um what what are you excited about today as emerging are you excited about today as emerging are you excited about today as emerging AI capabilities? What do you AI capabilities? What do you AI capabilities? What do you believe the church has potential of believe the church has potential of believe the church has potential of using in the near future that's really using in the near future that's really using in the near future that's really going to make a difference uh in in going to make a difference uh in in going to make a difference uh in in their in their technology use? Big their in their technology use? Big their in their technology use? Big picture is we're moving away from what picture is we're moving away from what picture is we're moving away from what can AI do and what can't it do and we're can AI do and what can't it do and we're can AI do and what can't it do and we're moving to it imagine it can do anything. moving to it imagine it can do anything. moving to it imagine it can do anything. So then what do we want it to do? what So then what do we want it to do? what So then what do we want it to do? what would be most helpful to us. So, in this would be most helpful to us. So, in this would be most helpful to us. So, in this next uh uh bit of road, it's really next uh uh bit of road, it's really next uh uh bit of road, it's really going to come down to us as church going to come down to us as church going to come down to us as church leaders beginning to imagine what are leaders beginning to imagine what are leaders beginning to imagine what are the most tedious tasks that we wish the most tedious tasks that we wish the most tedious tasks that we wish would take less time or that we want to would take less time or that we want to would take less time or that we want to automate. And those are conversations automate. And those are conversations automate. And those are conversations we're having right this second. Uh, and we're having right this second. Uh, and we're having right this second. Uh, and if you're listening to this show and you if you're listening to this show and you if you're listening to this show and you have thoughts on, man, here's a task I have thoughts on, man, here's a task I have thoughts on, man, here's a task I wish I wish I didn't have to do or I wish I wish I didn't have to do or I wish I wish I didn't have to do or I wish it took less time, reach out to me.

wish it took less time, reach out to me. wish it took less time, reach out to me. Reach out, put comments in our in our Reach out, put comments in our in our Reach out, put comments in our in our podcast and um, reach out to me and I podcast and um, reach out to me and I podcast and um, reach out to me and I would love to talk with you about that would love to talk with you about that would love to talk with you about that because we're working on that right this because we're working on that right this because we're working on that right this second. And I'll give you one specific second. And I'll give you one specific second. And I'll give you one specific example. We're working on a voice example. We're working on a voice example. We're working on a voice agents, which is a fancy way of saying a agents, which is a fancy way of saying a agents, which is a fancy way of saying a super smart voice bot that can call super smart voice bot that can call super smart voice bot that can call people. And imagine this um if you for people. And imagine this um if you for people. And imagine this um if you for like Easter and Christmas, imagine if like Easter and Christmas, imagine if like Easter and Christmas, imagine if you have uh in your your your database you have uh in your your your database you have uh in your your your database all these people and and some people all these people and and some people all these people and and some people maybe like forget like you kind of you maybe like forget like you kind of you maybe like forget like you kind of you could evangelize your database of people could evangelize your database of people could evangelize your database of people by just calling every single one of them by just calling every single one of them by just calling every single one of them and saying, "Hey, Jason. Um, this is an and saying, "Hey, Jason. Um, this is an and saying, "Hey, Jason. Um, this is an AI volunteer for uh uh First Church of AI volunteer for uh uh First Church of AI volunteer for uh uh First Church of Texas. And uh I'm calling you just to Texas. And uh I'm calling you just to Texas. And uh I'm calling you just to see if you're if if your family was see if you're if if your family was see if you're if if your family was planning on attending Easter with us planning on attending Easter with us planning on attending Easter with us this year. We would love for you to come this year. We would love for you to come this year. We would love for you to come and and and actually while I have you on and and and actually while I have you on and and and actually while I have you on the phone, is there anything that you'd the phone, is there anything that you'd the phone, is there anything that you'd like to pray for or anything that I like to pray for or anything that I like to pray for or anything that I could pass on to the church staff about could pass on to the church staff about could pass on to the church staff about your family? Um I'm just here to help.

your family? Um I'm just here to help. your family? Um I'm just here to help. And imagine what would happen if every And imagine what would happen if every And imagine what would happen if every Christmas and Easter you began began to Christmas and Easter you began began to Christmas and Easter you began began to lean into that kind of technology. Um or lean into that kind of technology. Um or lean into that kind of technology. Um or if you have like these these lists of if you have like these these lists of if you have like these these lists of people that that attend an event and you people that that attend an event and you people that that attend an event and you could automate some followup emails to could automate some followup emails to could automate some followup emails to those people that just keep them keep those people that just keep them keep those people that just keep them keep them knowing what's going on in your them knowing what's going on in your them knowing what's going on in your church. And you didn't have to write all church. And you didn't have to write all church. And you didn't have to write all of these emails, but some of them were of these emails, but some of them were of these emails, but some of them were automated auto automatically created and automated auto automatically created and automated auto automatically created and sent out. That would save a church a lot sent out. That would save a church a lot sent out. That would save a church a lot of time. Yeah. Um I could talk for a of time. Yeah. Um I could talk for a of time. Yeah. Um I could talk for a long time about where we could go and long time about where we could go and long time about where we could go and then we could dream about the far future then we could dream about the far future then we could dream about the far future where a a pastor could go on vacation at where a a pastor could go on vacation at where a a pastor could go on vacation at some point and have uh an some point and have uh an some point and have uh an AI version of himself preach a sermon AI version of himself preach a sermon AI version of himself preach a sermon that he wrote using the Holy Spirit. But that he wrote using the Holy Spirit. But that he wrote using the Holy Spirit. But a a uh the Holy Spirit in the hologram. a a uh the Holy Spirit in the hologram. a a uh the Holy Spirit in the hologram. Huh. Yeah. Yeah. You could, it is a Huh. Yeah. Yeah. You could, it is a Huh. Yeah. Yeah. You could, it is a matter of time before a pastor could matter of time before a pastor could matter of time before a pastor could write the sermon and then a uh a write the sermon and then a uh a write the sermon and then a uh a hologram version of him or on the screen hologram version of him or on the screen hologram version of him or on the screen or something um that was generated and or something um that was generated and or something um that was generated and using his voice could could uh could using his voice could could uh could using his voice could could uh could preach that sermon while if he has to go preach that sermon while if he has to go preach that sermon while if he has to go on vacation one week but write wrote the on vacation one week but write wrote the on vacation one week but write wrote the sermon in advance. um that's nearly sermon in advance. um that's nearly sermon in advance. um that's nearly possible now and basically it is possible now and basically it is possible now and basically it is possible now but that's where things possible now but that's where things possible now but that's where things like transparency and authenticity will like transparency and authenticity will like transparency and authenticity will come into play because we're saying hey come into play because we're saying hey come into play because we're saying hey everyone um this is how we did this

everyone um this is how we did this everyone um this is how we did this pastor wrote the sermon using the Holy pastor wrote the sermon using the Holy pastor wrote the sermon using the Holy Spirit and we are using technology to Spirit and we are using technology to Spirit and we are using technology to show it to you. Yeah, that one creeps me show it to you. Yeah, that one creeps me show it to you. Yeah, that one creeps me out a little bit. But I will say this, I out a little bit. But I will say this, I out a little bit. But I will say this, I you know, Jason and I, well, all three you know, Jason and I, well, all three you know, Jason and I, well, all three of us had the opportunity uh not too of us had the opportunity uh not too of us had the opportunity uh not too long ago to hang out with a bunch of long ago to hang out with a bunch of long ago to hang out with a bunch of executive pastors at the ex-pastor uh executive pastors at the ex-pastor uh executive pastors at the ex-pastor uh conference. And uh one of the things I conference. And uh one of the things I conference. And uh one of the things I talked to several of these executive talked to several of these executive talked to several of these executive pastors about was utilizing AI uh to pastors about was utilizing AI uh to pastors about was utilizing AI uh to analyze attendance and giving records to analyze attendance and giving records to analyze attendance and giving records to look for anomalies to look for patterns look for anomalies to look for patterns look for anomalies to look for patterns and to be able to do more predictive and to be able to do more predictive and to be able to do more predictive future giving so that they can budget future giving so that they can budget future giving so that they can budget better. I mean, what church doesn't want better. I mean, what church doesn't want better. I mean, what church doesn't want to be I mean, let's face it. If you've to be I mean, let's face it. If you've to be I mean, let's face it. If you've ever been on a staff and been part of ever been on a staff and been part of ever been on a staff and been part of crafting a budget for an upcoming fiscal crafting a budget for an upcoming fiscal crafting a budget for an upcoming fiscal year or calendar year, you know that year or calendar year, you know that year or calendar year, you know that it's basically a guessing game. Like, it's basically a guessing game. Like, it's basically a guessing game. Like, you're you're guessing at what you think you're you're guessing at what you think you're you're guessing at what you think is going to happen. It's very there is going to happen. It's very there is going to happen. It's very there there's very little you can control. But there's very little you can control. But there's very little you can control. But if you actually had data that you could if you actually had data that you could if you actually had data that you could use an AI tool to analyze for you um and use an AI tool to analyze for you um and use an AI tool to analyze for you um and knew how to write the prompts, knew how knew how to write the prompts, knew how knew how to write the prompts, knew how to, you know, use the the tools, you to, you know, use the the tools, you to, you know, use the the tools, you maybe you could get, you know, within a maybe you could get, you know, within a maybe you could get, you know, within a 2% or 3% accuracy rate versus maybe a 10 2% or 3% accuracy rate versus maybe a 10 2% or 3% accuracy rate versus maybe a 10 or 12% accuracy rate. And then you'd or 12% accuracy rate. And then you'd or 12% accuracy rate. And then you'd better be able to budget for staffing, better be able to budget for staffing, better be able to budget for staffing, better be able to budget for facilities better be able to budget for facilities better be able to budget for facilities and maintenance and other things that and maintenance and other things that and maintenance and other things that you need to budget for. So that's those you need to budget for. So that's those you need to budget for. So that's those are some things that I kind of dream of.

are some things that I kind of dream of. are some things that I kind of dream of. Yeah, I I use it for that data analysis Yeah, I I use it for that data analysis Yeah, I I use it for that data analysis stuff all the time. I was just doing stuff all the time. I was just doing stuff all the time. I was just doing that before we jumped on this call. Uh, that before we jumped on this call. Uh, that before we jumped on this call. Uh, hey, speaking of prompts, uh, I use the hey, speaking of prompts, uh, I use the hey, speaking of prompts, uh, I use the term prompt. Can you explain for just a term prompt. Can you explain for just a term prompt. Can you explain for just a second what a prompt is? A prompt is second what a prompt is? A prompt is second what a prompt is? A prompt is nothing more than the instructions or nothing more than the instructions or nothing more than the instructions or the conversation that you have with a the conversation that you have with a the conversation that you have with a large language model like chatbt. It's large language model like chatbt. It's large language model like chatbt. It's what you type in in the same way of what what you type in in the same way of what what you type in in the same way of what you type in the search bar in Google. you type in the search bar in Google. you type in the search bar in Google. That's called what you type in I don't That's called what you type in I don't That's called what you type in I don't know and what you type in the search bar know and what you type in the search bar know and what you type in the search bar in Google but what you put in a a large in Google but what you put in a a large in Google but what you put in a a large language model like chat GBT that's language model like chat GBT that's language model like chat GBT that's called your prompt. Okay. Now this is called your prompt. Okay. Now this is called your prompt. Okay. Now this is one thing that we know to be true is one thing that we know to be true is one thing that we know to be true is that the the better you get at writing that the the better you get at writing that the the better you get at writing prompts the better results you get from prompts the better results you get from prompts the better results you get from the large language model that you're the large language model that you're the large language model that you're using. And not all large language models using. And not all large language models using. And not all large language models are the same. Uh, I've I've used a a few are the same. Uh, I've I've used a a few are the same. Uh, I've I've used a a few different ones and different people find different ones and different people find different ones and different people find different ones that work better for different ones that work better for different ones that work better for certain things, but you I I will give certain things, but you I I will give certain things, but you I I will give you a chance to do a a shameless you a chance to do a a shameless you a chance to do a a shameless promotion here. You and our colleague promotion here. You and our colleague promotion here. You and our colleague Katie Allred recently released a book Katie Allred recently released a book Katie Allred recently released a book called AI Prompts for Church Leaders.

called AI Prompts for Church Leaders. called AI Prompts for Church Leaders. Can you explain what that is and where Can you explain what that is and where Can you explain what that is and where people can find it? Yeah, you can find people can find it? Yeah, you can find people can find it? Yeah, you can find it on Amazon. and all that basically it on Amazon. and all that basically it on Amazon. and all that basically what we did was we said hey church what we did was we said hey church what we did was we said hey church leader um if you're not sure where to leader um if you're not sure where to leader um if you're not sure where to start for how to uh what kind of tasks start for how to uh what kind of tasks start for how to uh what kind of tasks you can give AI then let us help you and you can give AI then let us help you and you can give AI then let us help you and there's various chapters on all the there's various chapters on all the there's various chapters on all the various different parts of ministry and various different parts of ministry and various different parts of ministry and what we do is we give you the prompts what we do is we give you the prompts what we do is we give you the prompts that the instructions the tasks that you that the instructions the tasks that you that the instructions the tasks that you can give in any AI large language model can give in any AI large language model can give in any AI large language model to kind of get you started to kind of get you started to kind of get you started So, it's a really easy way for a church So, it's a really easy way for a church So, it's a really easy way for a church to just jump in. And that's where um all to just jump in. And that's where um all to just jump in. And that's where um all the chapters go through various the chapters go through various the chapters go through various ministries and prompts that are within ministries and prompts that are within ministries and prompts that are within uh that you can use to help within those uh that you can use to help within those uh that you can use to help within those ministries. It's kind of like a little ministries. It's kind of like a little ministries. It's kind of like a little AI prompts for dummies sort of thing, AI prompts for dummies sort of thing, AI prompts for dummies sort of thing, right? Yep. Yeah. And in fact, our in right? Yep. Yeah. And in fact, our in right? Yep. Yeah. And in fact, our in our cohort, uh we we have an AI cohort our cohort, uh we we have an AI cohort our cohort, uh we we have an AI cohort that that meets and we meet every other that that meets and we meet every other that that meets and we meet every other month. And uh one of the the the guys in month. And uh one of the the the guys in month. And uh one of the the the guys in that cohort, he just bought that book that cohort, he just bought that book that cohort, he just bought that book for everyone on their church staff and for everyone on their church staff and for everyone on their church staff and they're going to go through it to just they're going to go through it to just they're going to go through it to just kind of learn together and think about kind of learn together and think about kind of learn together and think about how they can uh deploy AI within their how they can uh deploy AI within their how they can uh deploy AI within their church ministry. Kind of just starting church ministry. Kind of just starting church ministry. Kind of just starting with the the example ideas that the book with the the example ideas that the book with the the example ideas that the book has for prompts.

has for prompts. has for prompts. Explain this cohort thing that you do. Explain this cohort thing that you do. Explain this cohort thing that you do. What is what is that? What is what is that? What is what is that? Yeah. So, we have a cohort that meets Yeah. So, we have a cohort that meets Yeah. So, we have a cohort that meets every other month or every other month every other month or every other month every other month or every other month we start a new cohort and it's an AI 101 we start a new cohort and it's an AI 101 we start a new cohort and it's an AI 101 cohort. And just saying that there's cohort. And just saying that there's cohort. And just saying that there's probably a lot of people listening, a probably a lot of people listening, a probably a lot of people listening, a lot of churches out there that or lot of churches out there that or lot of churches out there that or somebody on if it's not you, there's somebody on if it's not you, there's somebody on if it's not you, there's somebody on your church staff that you somebody on your church staff that you somebody on your church staff that you want to get started learning how to use want to get started learning how to use want to get started learning how to use AI. And that's what this cohort is for. AI. And that's what this cohort is for. AI. And that's what this cohort is for. It is saying, "Let's start at ground It is saying, "Let's start at ground It is saying, "Let's start at ground zero." Um, you know, some people can't zero." Um, you know, some people can't zero." Um, you know, some people can't even spell LLM and you know, just even spell LLM and you know, just even spell LLM and you know, just joking. But, uh, but but there, you joking. But, uh, but but there, you joking. But, uh, but but there, you know, we're we're learning together. know, we're we're learning together. know, we're we're learning together. This is a brand new thing. And so, what This is a brand new thing. And so, what This is a brand new thing. And so, what we do is we meet every week for a month. we do is we meet every week for a month. we do is we meet every week for a month. Um, and we we'll meet for an hour and we Um, and we we'll meet for an hour and we Um, and we we'll meet for an hour and we start at the very beginning, assuming start at the very beginning, assuming start at the very beginning, assuming you know very little. Um, and we teach you know very little. Um, and we teach you know very little. Um, and we teach you how to use AI effectively. We talk you how to use AI effectively. We talk you how to use AI effectively. We talk about the prompts. We talk about what about the prompts. We talk about what about the prompts. We talk about what kind of tasks you can do. We move into kind of tasks you can do. We move into kind of tasks you can do. We move into image generation, image generation, image generation, um, platforms you should know about and um, platforms you should know about and um, platforms you should know about and and and we kind of end with we we get on and and we kind of end with we we get on and and we kind of end with we we get on a call with you and kind of say, where a call with you and kind of say, where a call with you and kind of say, where does your church go from here? And does your church go from here? And does your church go from here? And that's how we end every cohort. Um, we that's how we end every cohort. Um, we that's how we end every cohort. Um, we we've done it a few times and it's been we've done it a few times and it's been we've done it a few times and it's been it's been so much fun. Um, Katie, you it's been so much fun. Um, Katie, you it's been so much fun. Um, Katie, you already and I do that together. Well, already and I do that together. Well, already and I do that together. Well, there there's a cost to there there's a cost to there there's a cost to that. Yeah, it's $99 for the month, that. Yeah, it's $99 for the month, that. Yeah, it's $99 for the month, which is very low for, you know, we meet

which is very low for, you know, we meet which is very low for, you know, we meet four times and um it's $99. Um you can four times and um it's $99. Um you can four times and um it's $99. Um you can sign up for it anytime. You can just go sign up for it anytime. You can just go sign up for it anytime. You can just go to our website um which uh uh Barb will to our website um which uh uh Barb will to our website um which uh uh Barb will put in in the uh show notes because it put in in the uh show notes because it put in in the uh show notes because it it's AI for churches, but there's it's AI for churches, but there's it's AI for churches, but there's hyphens in it. It's so it's every church hyphens in it. It's so it's every church hyphens in it. It's so it's every church communication uh director's dream domain communication uh director's dream domain communication uh director's dream domain name. It's AI-4-churches.com. Cohorts. Yeah. We'll put it in the show Cohorts. Yeah. We'll put it in the show notes and save you the trouble of trying notes and save you the trouble of trying notes and save you the trouble of trying to figure out where the dashes go. Yeah. to figure out where the dashes go. Yeah. to figure out where the dashes go. Yeah. But we're going to have start our So, But we're going to have start our So, But we're going to have start our So, our next cohort will be started uh in our next cohort will be started uh in our next cohort will be started uh in May. May of 2025. If you're listening to May. May of 2025. If you're listening to May. May of 2025. If you're listening to this in real time, May 2020, May 2025. this in real time, May 2020, May 2025. this in real time, May 2020, May 2025. You can do another one in July, you You can do another one in July, you You can do another one in July, you think? So May, skip June and then do think? So May, skip June and then do think? So May, skip June and then do July. So you do it every other month. July. So you do it every other month. July. So you do it every other month. Okay, cool. Uh that well so your book Okay, cool. Uh that well so your book Okay, cool. Uh that well so your book costs money and the cohort costs money, costs money and the cohort costs money, costs money and the cohort costs money, but you also have a free tool that your but you also have a free tool that your but you also have a free tool that your team has built that is available for team has built that is available for team has built that is available for churches. Tell us a little bit about churches. Tell us a little bit about churches. Tell us a little bit about that. Yeah, it's called Sermon Spark.

that. Yeah, it's called Sermon Spark. that. Yeah, it's called Sermon Spark. And Sermon Spark is an AI powered sermon And Sermon Spark is an AI powered sermon And Sermon Spark is an AI powered sermon assistant for a pastor. It can help you. assistant for a pastor. It can help you. assistant for a pastor. It can help you. We have tools in there that can help you We have tools in there that can help you We have tools in there that can help you with researching sermon stuff, help you with researching sermon stuff, help you with researching sermon stuff, help you during your writing process, like coming during your writing process, like coming during your writing process, like coming up with sermon outlines to kind of, you up with sermon outlines to kind of, you up with sermon outlines to kind of, you know, get the juices flowing. And then know, get the juices flowing. And then know, get the juices flowing. And then the one thing that people really need to the one thing that people really need to the one thing that people really need to know about is we have the ability for know about is we have the ability for know about is we have the ability for you to create a sermon transcript you to create a sermon transcript you to create a sermon transcript uh from your for from your sermon video uh from your for from your sermon video uh from your for from your sermon video or however you have your sermon or however you have your sermon or however you have your sermon recorded. And what it is for free is we recorded. And what it is for free is we recorded. And what it is for free is we give you a certain amount of credits for give you a certain amount of credits for give you a certain amount of credits for free every single month. And with those free every single month. And with those free every single month. And with those credits, you could create and you could credits, you could create and you could credits, you could create and you could generate a free sermon transcript from generate a free sermon transcript from generate a free sermon transcript from your sermon and then you could either your sermon and then you could either your sermon and then you could either use the tools that are in that in Sermon use the tools that are in that in Sermon use the tools that are in that in Sermon Spark to do stuff with that transcript. Spark to do stuff with that transcript. Spark to do stuff with that transcript. or you can copy the transcript, paste it or you can copy the transcript, paste it or you can copy the transcript, paste it in to somewhere else and do stuff like in to somewhere else and do stuff like in to somewhere else and do stuff like generate blogs, uh, sermon summaries, generate blogs, uh, sermon summaries, generate blogs, uh, sermon summaries, all kinds of stuff. But it's important all kinds of stuff. But it's important all kinds of stuff. But it's important to know that, and what what we're really to know that, and what what we're really to know that, and what what we're really proud of is our sermon transcript proud of is our sermon transcript proud of is our sermon transcript creator is is a is the absolute top creator is is a is the absolute top creator is is a is the absolute top technology that we can offer in regards technology that we can offer in regards technology that we can offer in regards to creating a transcript. Like we're not to creating a transcript. Like we're not to creating a transcript. Like we're not just buming the the YouTube transcript just buming the the YouTube transcript just buming the the YouTube transcript that's not that great from YouTube.

that's not that great from YouTube. that's not that great from YouTube. We're generating a top-notch transcript We're generating a top-notch transcript We're generating a top-notch transcript and giving to churches for free. And so and giving to churches for free. And so and giving to churches for free. And so if you do nothing else, every single if you do nothing else, every single if you do nothing else, every single church in the in in the country should church in the in in the country should church in the in in the country should go to Sermon Spark every single week, go to Sermon Spark every single week, go to Sermon Spark every single week, generate a transcript, and don't let generate a transcript, and don't let generate a transcript, and don't let your sermon just collect dust on a your sermon just collect dust on a your sermon just collect dust on a shelf. generate small groupoup shelf. generate small groupoup shelf. generate small groupoup questions, generate sermon summaries, questions, generate sermon summaries, questions, generate sermon summaries, generate um blog posts that you post on generate um blog posts that you post on generate um blog posts that you post on your church website to generate traffic, your church website to generate traffic, your church website to generate traffic, which you guys talk about all the time which you guys talk about all the time which you guys talk about all the time of of generating content that is of of generating content that is of of generating content that is relevant to your from your sermon that's relevant to your from your sermon that's relevant to your from your sermon that's relevant to people out there. But those relevant to people out there. But those relevant to people out there. But those are things that um every single church are things that um every single church are things that um every single church should do uh using Sermon Spark every should do uh using Sermon Spark every should do uh using Sermon Spark every week. That I think is going to do it. Uh week. That I think is going to do it. Uh week. That I think is going to do it. Uh Mr. Heck, do you have any closing Mr. Heck, do you have any closing Mr. Heck, do you have any closing thoughts here? No, just thanks for thoughts here? No, just thanks for thoughts here? No, just thanks for sharing, David. Really appreciate your sharing, David. Really appreciate your sharing, David. Really appreciate your insight. So, yeah, it's exciting for us insight. So, yeah, it's exciting for us insight. So, yeah, it's exciting for us to have a guy like David on our team and to have a guy like David on our team and to have a guy like David on our team and uh again, for those of you who are new uh again, for those of you who are new uh again, for those of you who are new to the podcast, um we do our best to to the podcast, um we do our best to to the podcast, um we do our best to release an episode on a weekly basis. If release an episode on a weekly basis. If release an episode on a weekly basis. If you haven't yet subscribed wherever you you haven't yet subscribed wherever you you haven't yet subscribed wherever you listen to your favorite podcast, make listen to your favorite podcast, make listen to your favorite podcast, make sure that you do that. If you're sure that you do that. If you're sure that you do that. If you're watching on our YouTube channel channel, watching on our YouTube channel channel, watching on our YouTube channel channel, you can engage with with us there. Make you can engage with with us there. Make you can engage with with us there. Make sure that you subscribe so that uh uh sure that you subscribe so that uh uh sure that you subscribe so that uh uh you so you get notified when when new uh you so you get notified when when new uh you so you get notified when when new uh episodes are available. And if you think episodes are available. And if you think episodes are available. And if you think that this uh podcast would be helpful that this uh podcast would be helpful that this uh podcast would be helpful for somebody else that you know, please for somebody else that you know, please for somebody else that you know, please feel free to share it with somebody feel free to share it with somebody feel free to share it with somebody else. Uh you uh uh know some you know else. Uh you uh uh know some you know else. Uh you uh uh know some you know somebody that we don't know and you can somebody that we don't know and you can somebody that we don't know and you can get this to someone who might be able to get this to someone who might be able to get this to someone who might be able to benefit from the content. So on behalf

benefit from the content. So on behalf benefit from the content. So on behalf of uh David and Jason, I'm Bart Blair. of uh David and Jason, I'm Bart Blair. of uh David and Jason, I'm Bart Blair. Thanks uh again for tuning in to another Thanks uh again for tuning in to another Thanks uh again for tuning in to another episode of the Missional Marketing episode of the Missional Marketing episode of the Missional Marketing Podcast.