Pulpit Mode Guide

Master PreachPilot's Pulpit Mode for distraction-free sermon presentation and delivery.

What is Pulpit Mode?

Pulpit Mode transforms your sermon into a clean, presenter-friendly view designed for:

  • Distraction-free reading during delivery
  • Large, easy-to-read text
  • Built-in timer and clock functionality
  • Dark and light theme options
  • Full-screen presentation experience

Accessing Pulpit Mode

From the Sermon Editor

  1. Open any sermon in the editor
  2. Click "Pulpit Mode" in the top toolbar
  3. The sermon opens in full-screen presentation view

From the Sermon List

  1. Click the three dots menu (⋯) next to any sermon
  2. Select "Open in Pulpit Mode"
  3. Sermon loads directly in presentation view

Pulpit Mode Interface

Header Controls

Left Side - Navigation

  • Back button to return to editor
  • Sermon title display

Center - Timer Display

  • Current time or countdown timer
  • Large, easy-to-read format
  • Timer controls (for countdown mode)

Right Side - Settings

  • Theme toggle (light/dark mode)
  • Settings panel access
  • Additional configuration options

Main Content Area

Clean Sermon Display

  • Large, readable text
  • Minimal distractions
  • Block-based organization
  • Smooth scrolling navigation

Timer Features

Current Time Display

Always-On Clock

  • Shows current time automatically
  • Updates every second
  • No user interaction required
  • Helps track service timing

Format Options

  • 12-hour format with AM/PM
  • Large, clear display
  • High contrast for visibility

Countdown Timer

Setting Up Countdown

  1. Open Pulpit Mode settings
  2. Select "Countdown time limit"
  3. Set desired minutes (default: 45)
  4. Timer appears ready to start

Timer Controls

  • Play Button: Start countdown
  • Pause Button: Pause timer (shows when running)
  • Stop Button: Reset timer to original time

Timer Display

  • Minutes and seconds format (MM:SS)
  • Visual countdown progression
  • Clear time remaining indication

Settings and Customization

Appearance Settings

Theme Options

  • Light Mode: White background, black text
  • Dark Mode: Dark background, white text
  • Instant switching between modes
  • Settings persist for future sessions

Font Size Control

  • Increase font size for better readability
  • Decrease font size to fit more content
  • Incremental adjustments
  • Optimized for various screen sizes

Display Preferences

Timer Configuration

  • Choose between current time and countdown
  • Set countdown duration in minutes
  • Reset countdown to default time
  • Switch modes anytime during presentation

Word Count Display

  • Total sermon word count
  • Helpful for timing estimates
  • Updates automatically with content changes

Sharing Features

Public Sharing

Generate Share Link

  1. Open Pulpit Mode settings
  2. Copy the provided share URL
  3. Share with team members or guest speakers
  4. Recipients can view in read-only Pulpit Mode

Share Link Benefits

  • No login required for viewers
  • Full Pulpit Mode functionality
  • Theme preferences per device
  • Perfect for guest speakers or team review

Collaboration Use Cases

Guest Speakers

  • Share sermon links for visiting preachers
  • Provide full presentation interface
  • Include all sermon content and structure
  • Allow theme customization per device

Team Review

  • Share with ministry team for feedback
  • Present sermons in staff meetings
  • Provide clean reading experience
  • Enable remote sermon review

Export and Print Options

Available for Paid Plans

PDF Export

  • Client-side PDF generation
  • Maintains formatting and structure
  • Suitable for printing and sharing
  • Preserves sermon layout

Word Document Export

  • Editable document format
  • Compatible with Microsoft Word
  • Preserves block structure
  • Good for further editing and sharing

Direct Printing

  • Browser-based printing
  • Optimized print layout
  • Removes interface elements
  • Clean, professional appearance

Export Process

  1. Open Pulpit Mode settings
  2. Click "Download" dropdown
  3. Choose export format
  4. File generates and downloads automatically

Best Practices for Pulpit Mode

Preparation Tips

Before Service

  • Test Pulpit Mode on your presentation device
  • Adjust font size for optimal reading distance
  • Set up timer preferences
  • Verify share links if using multiple devices

Content Optimization

  • Use clear, concise block titles
  • Include delivery notes in content
  • Format key points for easy scanning
  • Add timing cues in sermon blocks

During Presentation

Navigation Techniques

  • Scroll smoothly through content
  • Use block structure for pacing
  • Reference timer for timing awareness
  • Maintain eye contact with congregation

Technical Considerations

  • Keep device charged or plugged in
  • Have backup plans for technical issues
  • Test internet connection for shared links
  • Consider offline access for critical sermons

Theme Selection

Light Mode Benefits

  • Better for well-lit environments
  • Traditional reading experience
  • Good for daytime services
  • Less eye strain in bright settings

Dark Mode Advantages

  • Reduced glare in dim lighting
  • Modern, professional appearance
  • Better for evening services
  • Easier on eyes in low light

Troubleshooting Pulpit Mode

Display Issues

Text Too Small/Large

  • Use font size controls in settings
  • Adjust for your reading distance
  • Consider screen size and resolution
  • Test before actual presentation

Theme Not Saving

  • Check if using shared link (device-specific settings)
  • Refresh page and reselect preference
  • Clear browser cache if needed
  • Settings save automatically for personal sermons

Timer Problems

Timer Not Updating

  • Refresh the page to restart timer
  • Check that countdown mode is selected
  • Verify timer controls are working
  • Current time updates automatically

Countdown Not Starting

  • Ensure you've clicked the play button
  • Check that countdown minutes are set
  • Reset timer if showing zero time
  • Switch to current time if countdown not needed

Sharing Issues

Share Link Not Working

  • Verify link was copied completely
  • Check recipient's internet connection
  • Try generating new share link
  • Share link works without login required

Content Not Displaying

  • Ensure sermon has saved content
  • Check that sermon is not empty
  • Verify share permissions
  • Try accessing from different device

Advanced Pulpit Mode Features

Keyboard Shortcuts

Navigation

  • Space: Scroll down one screen
  • Page Up/Down: Navigate by page
  • Home/End: Jump to beginning/end
  • Escape: Exit full-screen mode

Multi-Device Setup

Primary Device

  • Main presentation device
  • Full control and editing access
  • Timer and settings management

Secondary Devices

  • Tablets or phones for reference
  • Share links for backup access
  • Independent theme settings
  • Read-only content access

Integration with Worship

Service Planning

  • Coordinate with worship team timing
  • Share estimated sermon length
  • Provide sermon themes for music selection
  • Include prayer and response timing

Technical Teams

  • Share presentation requirements
  • Coordinate lighting for optimal reading
  • Plan for screen sharing if needed
  • Provide backup presentation options

Next Steps

  • Learn about Export and Sharing options
  • Explore Content Management features
  • Discover Subscription plan benefits
  • Master Advanced Sermon Editor techniques

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