A new study from pushpay finds the use of AI has increased by 80% across all ministries in churches, but only for specific tasks.
The researchers note, “While adoption (of AI) has increased, leaders remain reluctant to rely on AI for pastoral content. Last year’s report revealed that less than one quarter of AI users applied the tool for developing devotionals, sermons, or ideas for pastoral care; that pattern still holds true today. The vast majority of AI use cases revolve around content generation and editing of communication materials like emails, imagery, and social media posts.”
While they mostly leverage AI to enhance operational efficiency, the research shows that church leaders overwhelmingly used AI to meet their communication needs.
The researchers pointed out that many of those called to lead churches began serving long before AI rose to prominence and pursue their vocation out of [a] desire to lead through the Holy Spirit. As such, AI’s role in spiritual leadership is still being approached with trepidation. But, once the message is ready to be shared, leaders are taking advantage of this next-gen tool to spread that message widely and swiftly.