AI Features Guide

Learn how to leverage PreachPilot's AI assistance to enhance your sermon preparation and content creation.

AI Features Overview

PreachPilot's AI features help you:

• Generate sermon ideas and outlines
• Create complete sermon series
• Develop content suggestions
• Overcome writer's block
• Enhance existing content

Note: AI features are available with PreachPilot and PreachPilot+ subscriptions.

AI-Assisted Sermon Creation

Getting Started with AI Sermons

1. From your dashboard, click "Create a new sermon"
2. Toggle "AI Assist" ON
3. Fill in the AI prompt fields:
   • Topic/Theme: What you want to preach about
   • Scripture: Relevant Bible passage (optional)
   • Description: Additional context and direction

Optimizing Your AI Prompts

Be Specific with Topics

• Instead of "love," try "God's unconditional love in difficult times"
• Include your congregation's specific needs
• Mention current events or seasonal relevance

Provide Context

• Describe your audience (age, background, spiritual maturity)
• Include church denomination or theological perspective
• Mention special circumstances or occasions

Scripture Integration

• Reference specific Bible passages when relevant
• Include book, chapter, and verse references
• Mention translation preferences if applicable

AI Generation Process

1. Generate Options: AI creates 3 different sermon approaches
2. Review Suggestions: Each option includes:
   • Sermon title
   • Big idea/main message
   • Key scripture references
   • Main point breakdown
3. Select Preferred Option: Choose the one that best fits your vision
4. Create Sermon: Full sermon structure generates with introduction, main points, and conclusion blocks

AI-Assisted Series Creation

Creating AI Series

1. Navigate to "Series" section
2. Click "Create New Series"
3. Toggle "AI Assist" ON
4. Provide series information:
   • Topic: Overall series theme
   • Additional Context: Specific focus or approach
   • Number of Weeks: Series length (2-12 weeks)

Series AI Features

Complete Series Planning

• Generates cohesive multi-week progression
• Creates individual sermon titles and topics
• Provides scripture suggestions for each week
• Ensures logical flow and development

Individual Sermon Generation

• Each series sermon includes full outline
• Main points and supporting ideas
• Suggested illustrations and applications
• Complete sermon blocks ready for customization

Working with AI-Generated Content

Customizing AI Suggestions

Content is Your Starting Point

• AI provides structure and ideas, not final content
• Customize everything to match your voice and style
• Add personal illustrations and experiences
• Modify theological emphasis as needed

Block-Level Editing

• Each AI-generated section becomes an editable block
• Add, remove, or reorder content freely
• Insert additional blocks for stories, prayers, or applications
• Maintain AI structure or completely reorganize

Scriptural Accuracy

• Always verify Bible references and context
• Check translations and cross-references
• Ensure theological consistency with your beliefs
• Add additional scripture as needed

Enhancing AI Content

Personal Voice Integration

• Rewrite content in your speaking style
• Add personal anecdotes and illustrations
• Include congregation-specific references
• Adjust tone for your audience

Cultural and Contextual Relevance

• Update examples for current relevance
• Include local or cultural references
• Address contemporary issues and challenges
• Connect to current events when appropriate

AI Best Practices

Effective Prompting

Topic Clarity

• Use clear, specific language
• Avoid overly broad or vague topics
• Include key themes you want to address
• Specify any particular angle or approach

Audience Considerations

• Mention congregation demographics
• Include spiritual maturity levels
• Note cultural or regional context
• Specify any special circumstances

Theological Perspective

• Include your denominational background
• Mention important doctrinal considerations
• Specify any theological emphasis needed
• Include preferred Bible translation

Review and Validation

Content Accuracy

• Fact-check all biblical references
• Verify theological accuracy
• Ensure cultural sensitivity
• Check for logical consistency

Personal Fit

• Modify language to match your style
• Adjust complexity for your audience
• Include your unique perspective
• Add personal credibility and experience

Practical Application

• Ensure applications are relevant and actionable
• Add specific examples from your context
• Include concrete next steps
• Connect to real-life situations

AI Content Types

Sermon Structures

Traditional Formats

• Three-point sermons with clear progression
• Expository outlines following biblical text
• Topical arrangements around central themes
• Narrative structures following Bible stories

Contemporary Approaches

• Problem-solution formats
• Question-and-answer styles
• Journey or process outlines
• Compare-and-contrast structures

Content Elements

Introductions

• Attention-grabbing openings
• Relevant contemporary connections
• Biblical context and background
• Clear preview of sermon direction

Main Points

• Scripturally grounded teaching
• Logical progression and development
• Supporting evidence and explanation
• Practical life applications

Conclusions

• Powerful summary statements
• Clear calls to action
• Memorable closing thoughts
• Prayer and response opportunities

Troubleshooting AI Features

AI Not Generating Content

Subscription Verification

• Ensure you have PreachPilot or PreachPilot+ plan
• Check subscription status in settings
• Upgrade if necessary for AI access

Prompt Optimization

• Make topics more specific
• Add additional context and details
• Try different phrasing or approaches
• Simplify complex requests

Generated Content Issues

Quality Concerns

• Try generating new options with different prompts
• Use AI content as starting point for heavy customization
• Combine multiple AI suggestions
• Add significant personal content and voice

Theological Accuracy

• Always review AI content for doctrinal soundness
• Cross-reference with trusted theological sources
• Consult with pastoral colleagues when needed
• Modify or replace problematic content

Technical Problems

Generation Failures

• Check internet connection
• Refresh page and try again
• Contact support if problems persist
• Try during off-peak hours

Content Not Saving

• Ensure AI-generated sermon creation completes fully
• Check that sermon appears in your library
• Manually save if auto-save seems delayed
• Contact support for persistent issues

Ethical AI Usage

Content Attribution

AI-Assisted vs. AI-Written

• Clearly understand AI's role as assistant, not author
• Significantly customize and personalize all content
• Add your own insights, experiences, and voice
• Take responsibility for final sermon content

Intellectual Honesty

• Be transparent about AI assistance if asked
• Focus on the collaborative nature of AI tools
• Emphasize your role in direction and customization
• Maintain authenticity in preaching

Theological Responsibility

Doctrinal Oversight

• Never accept AI theological content without review
• Cross-check with biblical sources and commentary
• Consult denominational guidelines and standards
• Maintain theological integrity and accuracy

Pastoral Care

• Ensure AI suggestions serve your congregation's needs
• Add pastoral sensitivity and local context
• Include appropriate emotional and spiritual tone
• Connect content to real pastoral relationships

Advanced AI Tips

Iterative Improvement

Refining Prompts

• Learn from previous AI generations
• Note what prompts produce better results
• Develop your own effective prompt patterns
• Keep records of successful approaches

Content Evolution

• Use AI for initial structure, then develop extensively
• Combine AI ideas with your own research
• Build libraries of customized AI-assisted content
• Create templates from successful AI sermons

Creative Applications

Writer's Block Solutions

• Use AI for initial inspiration when stuck
• Generate alternative approaches to familiar topics
• Explore new angles on traditional themes
• Spark creativity with unexpected connections

Series Development

• Plan long-term teaching calendars with AI assistance
• Generate multiple series options for consideration
• Develop backup plans and alternative topics
• Create cohesive year-long teaching strategies

Next Steps

• Explore Pulpit Mode for AI-generated content
• Learn about export options for AI sermons
• Discover collaboration features for AI content
• Master advanced sermon editing techniques