Sermon Editor Guide

Master the sermon editor to create well-structured, engaging messages with PreachPilot's block-based system.

Understanding the Block System

PreachPilot uses a flexible block system that lets you organize your sermon content into manageable sections.

Block Types Available

  • Introduction: Opening thoughts and sermon setup
  • Main Point: Key teaching points and supporting content
  • Illustration: Stories, examples, and visual aids
  • Application: Practical ways to apply the teaching
  • Quote: Memorable quotes and citations
  • Prayer: Prayer sections and moments of reflection
  • Call to Action: Invitations and next steps
  • Conclusion: Closing thoughts and summary
  • Custom: Create your own block types

Working with Blocks

Adding New Blocks

  1. Click the "+" button between existing blocks
  2. Select the block type from the menu
  3. Enter a title for your block
  4. Start adding content

Reordering Blocks

  • Use the drag handles (⋮⋮) on the left side of each block
  • Drag blocks up or down to reorder them
  • The sermon flow updates automatically

Editing Block Content

  • Click inside any block to start editing
  • Use the rich text editor toolbar for formatting
  • Content auto-saves as you type

Deleting Blocks

  1. Click the three dots menu (⋯) on any block
  2. Select "Delete Block"
  3. Confirm the deletion

Rich Text Editing Features

Text Formatting

  • Bold: Ctrl/Cmd + B
  • Italic: Ctrl/Cmd + I
  • Underline: Ctrl/Cmd + U
  • Strikethrough: Available in toolbar

Lists and Structure

  • Bullet points for unordered lists
  • Numbered lists for sequential content
  • Blockquotes for emphasized text
  • Headings for section organization

Links and References

  • Add hyperlinks to external resources
  • Link to Bible passages
  • Reference other sermons or materials

Sermon Metadata

Editing Sermon Details

At the top of the editor, you can modify:

  • Title: Your sermon's main title
  • Scripture: Primary Bible passage
  • Big Idea: Core message summary
  • Category: Organizational category
  • Series: Associated sermon series

Series Integration

  • Add sermons to existing series
  • Create new series from the sermon editor
  • View series context and order

Navigation and Views

Editor Modes

  • Edit Mode: Default editing interface
  • Preview Mode: See how content will appear
  • Pulpit Mode: Full-screen presentation view

Sermon Outline

  • Collapsible sidebar showing all blocks
  • Click any block title to jump to that section
  • See overall sermon structure at a glance

Advanced Editing Features

Content Templates

  • Use block templates for common structures
  • Save frequently used content as templates
  • Quickly insert standard sections

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl/Cmd + S: Save sermon
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Z: Undo changes
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Y: Redo changes
  • Tab: Indent in lists
  • Shift + Tab: Outdent in lists

Auto-Save

  • Changes save automatically every few seconds
  • No need to manually save your work
  • Version history tracks major changes

Collaboration Features

Sharing for Review

  1. Click the "Share" button in the editor
  2. Generate a shareable link
  3. Share with team members for feedback
  4. Recipients can view but not edit

Comments and Feedback

  • Team members can leave comments on shared sermons
  • Review feedback in the collaboration panel
  • Address suggestions and finalize content

Export and Presentation

Pulpit Mode

  1. Click "Pulpit Mode" in the editor
  2. Full-screen, presenter-friendly view
  3. Large text for easy reading
  4. Timer and settings options

Export Options

Available for paid plans:

  • PDF: Formatted document for printing
  • Word: Editable document format
  • Print: Direct browser printing

Best Practices

Content Organization

  • Use one main point per block
  • Keep blocks focused and concise
  • Maintain logical flow between sections

Writing Tips

  • Write in your natural speaking voice
  • Include timing notes and delivery cues
  • Use formatting to highlight key points

Preparation Workflow

  1. Create outline using block titles
  2. Fill in main content for each block
  3. Add illustrations and applications
  4. Review flow and transitions
  5. Practice in Pulpit Mode

Troubleshooting

Content Not Saving

  • Check internet connection
  • Refresh page if needed
  • Recent changes should auto-restore

Blocks Not Reordering

  • Ensure you're dragging from the handle (⋮⋮)
  • Try refreshing the page
  • Check that you're not in a text editing mode

Formatting Issues

  • Use the toolbar for consistent formatting
  • Copy/paste may lose some formatting
  • Re-apply formatting using editor tools

Performance with Large Sermons

  • Consider breaking very long sermons into sections
  • Use collapsible outline to navigate efficiently
  • Save regularly on slower connections

Next Steps

  • Explore Series Creation and Management
  • Learn about Pulpit Mode features
  • Discover AI content assistance options

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