How Church Leaders Are Using AI (And What Concerns Them Most)

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping how organizations work, communicate and create content. Churches are beginning to explore these tools as well, with many leaders weighing both the opportunities and the potential risks.

New Barna research from Technology for Missional Impact: State of Church Tech 2026, produced in partnership with Pushpay, suggests that while some churches are experimenting with AI, most leaders are still in the early stages of understanding how these tools may shape ministry. The findings reveal a church landscape marked by curiosity, caution and discernment.

Pastors Use AI More than Their Churches Do

The report shows that a majority of church leaders say they use AI at least once a month, however, just a third (33%) say that their church is currently using AI in any part of its ministry or operations. 

Yet curiosity is growing. Some churches are beginning to test AI tools for practical ministry needs, such as administrative tasks, content creation or communication support. Others are watching the technology develop before deciding how—or whether—it fits within their ministry context.

For many church leaders, the conversation around AI is less about keeping up with technological trends and more about ensuring that new tools serve the mission of the church rather than distract from it.

Plagiarism, Message Integrity Top List of Concerns

Alongside this early experimentation, the research reveals that many leaders are approaching AI with caution. Churches have long valued authenticity, trust and personal relationships—qualities leaders want to preserve as new technologies emerge.

The report highlights several concerns church leaders have about AI. Eighty-three percent say they are concerned about data privacy, while 51 percent worry about plagiarism or maintaining integrity in message preparation. Nearly half (49%) say they are concerned about the potential loss of authenticity in preaching or teaching.

Despite these concerns, relatively few churches have formal policies in place to guide how AI should be used. The report finds that only 5 percent of churches currently have AI guidelines, suggesting that many leaders are still discerning how to approach the technology responsibly. 

Discernment Will Shape the Church’s Approach to AI

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, many church leaders recognize that the conversation is not simply about adopting new tools. It is about leading wisely in a moment of rapid technological change.

For churches, the goal is not innovation for its own sake. Leaders are asking deeper questions about how technology can support the mission of the church while protecting the relational and spiritual foundations of ministry.

Like other technologies shaping ministry today, the question is not simply whether AI will play a role in the church’s future, but how leaders will guide its use in ways that strengthen trust, deepen community and serve the mission of the church.