#118 Should Pastors use AI to Write their Messages?

In this candid and humorous episode, Pastors Brandon Beals (PB) and Tony Mattar share travel stories, personal updates, and dive into a hot-button issue in ministry: the use of AI in sermon writing. Along the way, they sprinkle in family anecdotes, church news, food debates, and behind-the-scenes stories from decades in ministry.00:00 – Intro & Springfield trip (Convoy of Hope, Hal Donaldson interview, AG headquarters)05:40 – Frozen custard discoveries & food humor10:20 – Shoulder replacement update & building campaign donation14:10 – Sponsor shoutout & Tony’s “DINK life” weekend story19:00 – Family updates, lawyer sister, doctor brother, Morgan’s bunion23:30 – Main discussion: AI in sermon writing (uses, limits, ethical concerns)30:50 – Live AI sermon test & debate on originality vs. commentary use36:40 – Sermon illustrations, story integrity, and past experiences with plagiarism42:00 – Social media food debates, Ezell’s vs. Roscoe’s, Waffle House jokes44:30 – Closing church updates (Seattle campus, Mill Creek remodel, shoulder surgery, football talk)45:20 – Outro