Podcast Summary

UnSeminary Podcast – Episode: "Stop Starting from Scratch: How AI Is Changing Sermon Prep"

Host: Rich Birch
Guests: Jon-Michael Sherman & Eric Smith (Co-Founders, Sermon Done)
Date: March 19, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Rich Birch sits down with Jon-Michael Sherman and Eric Smith from Sermon Done, an AI-powered sermon preparation platform designed specifically for pastors and church leaders. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sermon prep—saving pastors time, enhancing research, improving delivery, and providing robust media tools—all while maintaining theological fidelity and the individuality of each pastor's voice. The episode also addresses common concerns about AI in church contexts, offering practical guidance for hesitant leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin & Vision of Sermon Done (03:56)

• Founding Story:
  Jon-Michael explains the journey began at a pastoral conference where diverse approaches toward AI in ministry revealed a significant gap—many pastors were not leveraging these tools.
• Big Idea:
  The aim was to create an "AI operating system for pastors" assisting with everything from research and annual preaching calendars to transforming sermons into discipleship resources.
• Listener Feedback:
  The platform’s continued development is shaped by direct input from pastors, resulting in features tailored to real-world ministry needs.

“I know the pressure of that Monday morning feeling, what am I going to do? The page is blank again. … You really never have to start from scratch anymore.”
— Jon-Michael Sherman (05:29)

2. New Features Driving Sermon Prep Efficiency (07:01)

• Sermon Writer:
  Write sermons directly in the platform, with an AI assistant on hand for real-time feedback, cross-references, and suggestions.
• Integrated Slide Builder:
  Right-click any sermon content to instantly create slides for weekend services.
• Memorization Tools:
  Features to help pastors internalize sermons for dynamic delivery, including an option to practice or preach directly from the platform.
• Deep Research:
  A standout feature using 23 specialized AI agents to compile exhaustive (20,000+ word) research reports on passage or topic—something previously only accessible through expensive custom research services.

“It’s like having 23 master- or doctorate-level assistants that are going out and researching these different areas for you and then delivering the report back.”
— Eric Smith (09:27)

3. Media Tools: Sermon Clips & B-Roll Video (12:18)

• Sermon Clips:
  Instantly generate viral vertical video clips for social media by pasting a YouTube sermon link into the platform, helping sermons reach beyond Sunday.
• B-Roll & Audio:
  Enhance clips with custom church b-roll, stock footage, and soon, royalty-free audio.
  Allows showcasing your church’s unique environment or enhancing the emotional impact of messages.

“It acted like a doctorate-level homiletics coach, in a sense, … These are things you repeat. These are themes that you repeat. It was just spot on.”
— Jon-Michael Sherman (21:20)

4. Core Experience & Pastor Profiles (15:58)

• Graphic & Media Creation:
  Generate sermon and event graphics in seconds—with up to 100 per month in the entry-level plan.
• Personalization:
  Users build a pastor profile specifying theological tradition, preferred Bible translation, and preaching style. The AI then customizes responses and suggestions accordingly.
• My Library:
  A content repository where pastors upload past sermons, podcasts, theological papers (audio, video, text), enabling the AI to offer context-aware feedback, self-analysis, and content reuse.

“Being able to build on what you've already said … and pull up all the past content that you've said in the past is remarkable.”
— Jon-Michael Sherman (20:24)

Addressing Concerns: Is Using AI in Sermon Prep Okay? (24:58)

• AI as a Natural Progression:
  Eric reassures that AI is simply the next step in using technology (like Google or Amazon) to speed up processes; it doesn't replace spiritual discernment or devotion.
• Integrity & Conviction:
  Trusting pastors to use AI ethically, as a support rather than a shortcut.
• The Role of Prayer & Preparation:
  Emphasis remains on spiritual preparation: “None of us ever want to get away from praying, seeking the Lord, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us.”
• AI as a Tool, Not the Designer:
  The value is in how AI sources and organizes materials, leaving room for human leadership to contextualize, internalize, and deliver.

“No pastor we know is just using AI and then stepping up on the platform and then using it to preach. They're using it to research… wrestle with statements, create clips, or turn sermons into discipleship resources.”
— Eric Smith (26:57)

Jon-Michael’s Take: Navigating Pride & Tech Adoption (30:45)

• Phases of Adoption:
  Humorously describes the church’s typical skeptical-to-accepting path with new tech (from 'demonic' to 'standard practice').
• Pride & Generational Shifts:
  Encouragement to see AI as a humble servant of the message, not a threat to the messenger.

“We have this treasure, the gospel. It's in a jar of clay. … AI is just a tool. We are just messengers and ambassadors of Christ.”
— Jon-Michael Sherman (32:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Deep Research:
  “Imagine having 23 master level or doctorate level assistants that are going out and researching these different areas for you and then delivering the report back.”
  — Eric Smith (09:27)

• On Sermon Clips:
  “We want your sermon to keep preaching beyond Sunday.”
  — Jon-Michael Sherman (12:46)

• AI Adoption Journey:
  “When new tech comes into the church world, we go through five phases: ‘It’s demonic… I use it secretly… we all use it…’”
  — Jon-Michael Sherman (30:46)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Founding Story of Sermon Done: 03:26–05:39
• What’s New: Time-Saving Features: 07:01–10:52
• Deep Research Explainer: 09:27–10:52
• Media Tools (Sermon Clips, Graphics, B-Roll): 12:18–15:16
• Personalization, My Library, and Pastor Profiles: 15:58–22:29
• Uploading and Using Audio/Video in My Library: 23:10–24:58
• Addressing AI Skepticism in the Church: 24:58–35:39
• Closing Thoughts & Encouragement: 37:13–39:47

Takeaways for Pastors & Leaders

• AI Can Save Time for What Matters:
  By automating research and media creation, pastors can reinvest their energy in spiritual growth, sermon delivery, and personal connections.
• Theologically Sound & Personalized:
  The Sermon Done platform aligns outputs with a pastor’s own voice, theology, and preaching style—moving beyond generic AI assistance.
• Media Tools for Modern Ministry:
  Emphasizes leveraging digital platforms and social media to extend the impact of Sunday sermons throughout the week.

Final Encouragement

• Try It Out:
  The guests encourage pastors—even those skeptical—to try the platform with an open mind (promo code “rich20” was mentioned for a discount).
• AI Is Here to Stay:
  “No one here is going to be replaced by AI, but maybe you might be replaced by someone who knows how to use AI well.”
  — Jon-Michael Sherman (38:46)

For more information or to try Sermon Done:
sermondone.com
(Use code "rich20" for a discount)