AI sermon speech
Generate spoken sermon manuscripts from prep or topic.
Use AI to draft sermon speech from prep content or create a new speech note from the library.
Quick start
- Library: AI note → Sermon speech — enter topic, tone, length, Bible → Generate.
- Editor: Write prep content, set tone/length/Bible on the Prep tab, click Generate speech from prep.
- Review privacy choices if prompted.
- When beta proposal review is on, review the full speech and apply it to the Sermon tab.
You should see sermon manuscript content on the Sermon tab after generation completes.
Deep dive
Library AI note (speech mode)
From the library AI note modal:
- Select Sermon speech under What should AI create?
- Enter topic, keywords, tone, length, and Bible translation
- Click Generate
WorshipDeck creates a new note with sermon tab content filled in and opens the editor.
Generate speech from prep
Generate speech from prep always appears on the editor Prep tab (not hidden by beta). From the editor when prep content exists:
- Set Tone, Sermon length, and Bible translation in the speech settings panel
- Click Generate speech from prep
- Complete privacy review if shown (same HTTP 428 pattern — see AI sermon prep)
- Review the speech proposal (beta) or receive direct sermon content (legacy flow)
- Apply using one of the proposal actions below (or accept the direct write on legacy)
Prep content must not be empty — the button stays disabled until you have written or generated prep.
Beta vs legacy API
| Mode | When | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Proposal (beta) | aiSermonSpeechBeta enabled | POST …/speech-proposals → review full speech, then apply |
| Legacy | Beta off | POST …/generate-speech writes Sermon tab content directly and switches to that tab |
The button stays visible either way; beta only changes which API and review UI you get.
Privacy review
Uses the shared pattern documented in AI sermon prep. Sources may include prep text, current sermon draft, title, and instructions. Click Continue with privacy choices after selecting authorized sources.
Speech proposal review (beta)
When aiSermonSpeechBeta is enabled:
- AI returns a full proposed sermon manuscript
- Review the speech
- Choose an apply action (defaults to Replace speech):
| Apply as | What it does |
|---|---|
| Replace speech | Overwrites this note’s Sermon tab with the proposed speech. If speech already exists, you confirm before applying. |
| Append to speech | Adds the proposed speech after whatever is already on this note’s Sermon tab. If the tab is empty, it writes the proposed speech only. |
| Create separate draft note | Creates a new sermon note with the proposed speech (title like Original title — Speech draft). This note’s Sermon tab is left unchanged. |
Relationship to prep
| Starting point | Best for |
|---|---|
| Library speech mode | Quick first draft from a topic alone |
| Speech from prep | Manuscript that follows your research and outline |
See AI sermon prep for prep generation.
After speech is ready
- Edit the Sermon tab manually for tone and timing
- Generate presentation for slides
- Attach to service when working from a workspace
Tips
- Generate speech only after prep reflects your intended structure.
- Try a shorter Sermon length first, then expand manually.
- Read aloud after generation — AI drafts benefit from pastoral editing.
Troubleshooting
Generate speech from prep is disabled
- Add content to the Prep tab first.
Speech proposal review never appears
- Proposal review is beta-gated (
aiSermonSpeechBeta). The generate button still appears; your church may use the legacy direct-generation flow.
Privacy review blocked generation
- Select authorized sources and click Continue with privacy choices, or edit prep to remove sensitive details. See privacy review in AI sermon prep.
Sermon content is off-topic
- Regenerate with clearer prep, or edit keywords and tone before retrying.
AI credits exhausted
- Check Billing and Usage and limits.