As churches across the United States increasingly embrace technology, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ministry is gaining momentum. A recent report, the State of the Church Tech 2025, compiled by Pushpay in collaboration with Engiven and Checkr, reveals that while AI adoption has surged by 80% among churches, pastors remain cautious about using this technology for sermon preparation and spiritual content.
This comprehensive study, which surveyed around 8,000 church leaders, highlights that AI is primarily being utilized for operational tasks rather than for crafting devotionals or sermons. In fact, less than a quarter of those who use AI apply it to develop pastoral content, a trend that has remained consistent over the past year. Instead, church leaders are leveraging AI to enhance communication, focusing on generating and editing materials such as emails, social media posts, and other outreach efforts.
The hesitance among pastors to rely on AI for sermon preparation stems from a deep-rooted commitment to spiritual leadership. Many church leaders, who have dedicated their lives to serving through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, approach AI with a degree of skepticism. As one researcher noted, “These patterns aren’t necessarily surprising.” The desire to maintain authenticity in spiritual leadership often leads to a preference for human-generated content when it comes to the heart of ministry.
Interestingly, while AI might not be the go-to tool for sermon writing, it is being embraced to amplify the reach of messages once they are crafted. Church leaders are finding innovative ways to use AI to disseminate their teachings more widely and efficiently. This reflects a growing recognition of the potential that technology holds for enhancing ministry outreach without compromising the essence of spiritual communication.
In a related development, Gloo, a technology platform focused on connecting faith communities, has recently expanded its leadership team. Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO of Intel, has taken on a more active role with the aim of shaping technology, particularly AI, in ways that align with positive Christian values. Gelsinger emphasizes the importance of the faith community engaging with technology to ensure it serves the greater good. He warns against the pitfalls of past hesitations in the tech space, urging churches to actively participate in shaping the future of AI.
The State of the Church Tech 2025 report also reveals that a significant majority of church leaders—86%—believe that technology enhances connection within their communities. This statistic underscores the potential for AI and other digital tools to foster deeper relationships among congregants, even as the tools themselves are approached with caution.
Kenny Wyatt, CEO of Pushpay, expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “This year’s report offers more than just statistics and data—it’s a window into the evolving mindset of church leaders.” He noted that there is a growing consensus on the critical role of technology in ministry, with leaders increasingly viewing these tools as a means to enhance, rather than replace, the vital human relationships at the core of the Church.
As the dialogue around AI in ministry continues, it’s clear that while technology can provide significant support in operational efficiency and outreach, the heart of the Church remains firmly rooted in personal connection and spiritual authenticity. For church leaders, the challenge lies in finding the right balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining the integrity of their pastoral mission.
For more insights into the intersection of technology and faith, you can explore the full State of the Church Tech 2025 report on Pushpay’s official website.