Survey Shows AI Usage Is Rising in Churches, But Sermons Still Off-Limits for Most

Michael Foust

Audio By Carbonatix

By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com

Nearly half of U.S. churches have incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day operations, although the overwhelming majority remain reluctant to use it for developing content such as sermons, according to a new survey. The findings by Pushpay were part of its 2025 State of Church Technology report, which covers such topics as AI and live streaming. Pushpay is a digital platform used primarily by mission-driven organizations to facilitate online donations. See full report here.

“Churches, like virtually every other organization in 2025, are riding the wave of enthusiasm for artificial intelligence solutions,” the report said.

AI usage increased significantly over the past year, from 25 percent of churches using it in 2024 to 45 percent today. Pushpay projects next year’s rate will be approaching 60 percent.

“However, while adoption has increased, leaders remain reluctant to rely on AI for pastoral content,” the report said.

Churches say they use AI for creating images and graphics (47 percent) and generating social media content (44 percent). Far fewer use AI to develop small group content (21 percent), educational materials (19 percent), or sermons (18 percent).

“Those called to lead in the Church -- many of whom began serving long before AI rose to prominence -- pursued their vocation out of desire to lead through the Holy Spirit,” the report said. “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.”

Meanwhile, the report found that 87 percent of U.S. churches stream their services online -- a trend that grew exponentially during the pandemic.

The report also found that:

-- 70 percent of church leaders say technology has increased generosity within their congregation.

-- 10 percent of churches say they are leveraging cryptocurrency today -- but 39 percent of church leaders believe cryptocurrency will be strategically important to their church in the next two to three years.

-- 52 percent of church leaders report an increase in their technology budgets, compared to only 10 percent who report a decrease.

“This year’s State of Church Tech report offers more than just statistics and data -- it’s a window into the evolving mindset of church leaders,” said Kenny Wyatt, Pushpay CEO. “We see overwhelming consensus that technology plays a critical role in ministry, and I’m encouraged by the way churches are approaching it. More and more leaders view these tools as an avenue to enhance, not replace, the human relationships that are so central to the Church.”

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

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