Religion & Peace

Recent church technology trends reveal a striking shift: more faith communities and leaders are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) not as a replacement for ministry, but as a tool to strengthen it. 

Once reserved for tech companies and research labs, AI is now becoming part of church life. Pastors and ministry leaders across denominations are discovering how generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can ease workloads, improve communication, and free up time for what matters most: caring for people and advancing the mission of the church.

A Faith-Informed Vision of AI 

At the 2024 G7 summit, the late Pope Francis called AI the dawn of a “cognitive industrial revolution.” He stressed that the Church welcomes innovation – so long as we remain cognizant that technology serves humanity, not the other way around. 

AI’s success, he argued, should be judged not by profit but by whether it protects human dignity, strengthens our shared humanity, and improves quality of life — especially for the vulnerable. Many religious leaders today echo this vision. The question is no longer if churches should engage with AI, but how to do so ethically, purposefully, and faithfully.

AI Adoption Is Growing Across Faith Communities

This technological shift in church leadership is the most significant since the advent of the printing press, which democratized access to scripture. Today, AI is transforming ministry in similar ways. 

The 2025 State of Church Technology Report highlights: 

• 45% of church leaders now use AI – an 80% increase from last year.
• 86% believe technology enhances connection in their communities. 
• Nearly half say digital tools have deepened faith among congregants.
• 70% report greater generosity supported by technology. 

Support is strong: 91% of church leaders say they welcome AI in ministry, according to the 2025 State of AI in the Church survey. Still, fewer than 25% use it for theological content, such as sermons or devotionals. Instead, most lean on AI for administrative, communication, and discipleship support.

The Hartford Institute for Religion Research also notes a consistent trend: ministries that adopt digital tools often report higher spiritual vitality and optimism than those that don’t. As The Continuing Impact of Technology on Congregations puts it, “there seems to be an interesting association between technology use and measures of congregational thriving.”

From Efficiency to Impact: How AI Is Being Used 

For most ministry leaders, AI functions as a quiet, behind-the-scenes partner – helping with operations, communication, and outreach in practical ways while freeing up time for people-centered work. 

Common uses in ministry include: 

• Administrative tasks: streamlining emails, scheduling, and reports
• Content creation: newsletters, bulletins, and social media posts
• Community engagement: visitor follow-ups and milestone recognition  
• Research & planning: sermon prep, biblical study, and event coordination 

For example, a bivocational pastor who once spent hours each week on announcements, volunteer scheduling, and website updates can now automate those tasks – gaining more time for visiting congregants, studying scripture, and leading worship. Especially for small or understaffed churches, AI can feel like an extra set of hands.

Far from a distraction, thoughtful use of AI helps nurture thriving faith communities. The NYT reports that some pastors have even used AI to translate livestreamed sermons in real time or answer scriptural queries “like a fleet of newly trained seminary students,” instantly pulling relevant passages. 

What Americans Think About AI 

A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that most Americans see AI’s potential but remain more cautious than enthusiastic about its growing role in society. 

While they value AI’s ability to make life more efficient, they are wary of its impact on creativity, trust, and relationships. Americans are far more comfortable with AI in practical, task-oriented roles – such as analyzing data or detecting fraud – than in personal or intimate areas of love, relationships, or faith. 

In fact, 73% say AI should play no role in advising people about their faith in God. The data also reveals most Americans believe it’s very important to know whether content is human- or AI-generated, yet many doubt they can reliably tell the difference.

Ethical and Spiritual Considerations

AI in ministry raises profound questions: How can technology be used responsibly, in ways that align with theological convictions and the dignity of every person? How do leaders ensure that automation supports, rather than undermines, the human relationships that are the heartbeat of faith communities? How do they guard against errors, overreliance, or the erosion of pastoral authenticity?

The risks are real. In one case, the NYT reported that an AI-generated sermon fabricated a quote attributed to the medieval philosopher Maimonides — convincing enough to go unnoticed to many listeners. 

To meet these concerns, faith leaders using AI must draw clear boundaries: 

• Transparency: Be open about when and how AI is used. Congregants deserve to know. 
• Theological integrity: Always fact-check, refine, and contextualize AI outputs to ensure accuracy. 
• Relational primacy: Use AI to lighten the workload, never to replace the sacred human work of ministry. 

Both society and the church see AI as helpful for lifting burdens, but not as a substitute for the uniquely human and spiritual dimensions of life. This tension mirrors ministry practice today: churches are embracing AI to support operations while leaving the sacred heart of ministry to people. 

The church has navigated new technologies before — from the printing press to radio, television, and the internet. Each raised questions about authenticity, authority, and community. AI is simply the newest frontier.

Preparing Ministry Leaders for a Changing Future

The embrace of AI in ministry is not about replacing shepherds with machines — it’s about giving shepherds more time to tend the flock. AI’s promise lies not in automating the sacred but in helping leaders live their calling more fully.

AI can shift a minister’s workload toward the mission that first called them into service. But doing so requires wisdom, discernment, and preparation.  At Hartford International University, the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program equips clergy, chaplains, educators, spiritual practitioners, and nonprofit leaders to wrestle with the complexities of technology, ethics, culture, and ministry. Students engage real-world challenges to develop the theological depth and ethical clarity to integrate new tools in ways that enhance spiritual life without compromising the integrity and sacred trust of ministry.

Tags: AI in ministry