AI sermon prep
Generate research and outline content with AI.
Create prep notes from the library AI modal or grounded prep in the editor, with optional proposal review.
Quick start
- From the library, click AI note → choose Sermon prep — or open a note and click Generate grounded prep on the Prep tab (beta).
- Enter a Title or topic and optional Keywords.
- Choose Tone, Sermon length, and Bible translation.
- For grounded prep, add Passage references (e.g.
Romans 8:1-4). - Review privacy findings if prompted, then Generate.
- Review the proposal and apply blocks to the Prep tab.
You should see prep content appear in the editor after you apply the proposal.
Deep dive
Library AI note (prep mode)
AI note on the library is always available (not beta-gated). From Sermon notes library:
- Click AI note
- Under What should AI create?, select Sermon prep
- Fill topic, keywords, tone, length, and Bible
- Click Generate
WorshipDeck creates a new note with prep content and opens the editor. Scripture references are drawn from your selected translation.
Grounded prep (beta)
Generate grounded prep appears on the editor Prep tab only when aiSermonPrepBeta is enabled for your church. From the editor Prep tab:
- Click Generate grounded prep (when enabled for your church)
- Enter topic, keywords, and Passage references
- Preview church-memory context — sources WorshipDeck may use for grounding
- Complete privacy review if sensitive content is detected
- Generate a prep proposal
Grounded prep retrieves relevant church content (scripture, prior notes, etc.) before proposing outline blocks.
Tone and length options
| Tone | Style |
|---|---|
| Expository | Verse-by-verse explanation |
| Pastoral | Pastoral care and application |
| Teaching | Instructional |
| Evangelistic | Gospel-centered |
| Devotional | Reflective |
| Encouraging | Uplifting |
Sermon length: 10, 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes — guides how much content AI generates.
Proposal review
When grounded prep returns a proposal:
- WorshipDeck shows proposed prep blocks
- Select which blocks to keep
- Apply with Replace prep (
replace_prep) or Append prep (append_prep) - Applied content autosaves like manual edits
Stale, expired, or superseded proposals cannot be applied — regenerate if needed.
Privacy review (shared pattern)
If WorshipDeck detects sensitive pastoral content, the AI request returns HTTP 428 and shows Review sensitive pastoral content before sending data to the AI provider:
- Sources are excluded by default
- Check only sources you are authorized to include
- Click Continue with privacy choices to acknowledge and retry
This step may appear for library AI notes, grounded prep, speech generation, and presentation generation. Speech and presentation articles link here instead of repeating the full flow.
Bible translations
Preferred translations come from Church general settings. Your personal default is in Bible settings. Pick language and translation in the modal.
Tips
- Add Keywords for application points, series themes, or congregation context.
- Use Passage references in grounded prep when you know the primary text.
- Review AI prep as a starting outline — edit freely before generating speech.
Troubleshooting
Generate grounded prep is missing
- This feature is beta-gated. It may not appear for all churches yet.
Generation failed
- Check your connection and retry.
- Confirm your church has AI credits — see Billing.
Privacy review keeps appearing
- Complete the review step and confirm which sources to include before continuing.
Prep content looks generic
- Add more specific keywords and passage references.
- Try grounded prep instead of the library quick-generate flow.