Majority of Pastors Use AI in Ministry Amid Concerns and Caution, New Research Finds
Only 13% of pastors don't use AI at all, with brainstorming, biblical research, and graphic design among the most common uses
New research from Barna Group, in partnership with Gloo, reveals that most pastors are already using AI in ministry — only 13% say they don’t use it at all. Part of the 2026 State of the Church series, the findings show that at the same time, 71% of pastors describe feeling cautious about AI, and 40% say they feel conflicted about the technology — shaping not just whether they use AI, but how they allow AI into their ministry work.
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“Pastors are predominantly using AI for behind-the-scenes work — as a thought partner, a visual aid,” said Daniel Copeland, Barna’s Vice President of Research. “They’re using it to prepare for ministry, not to replace what happens when they're actually with people.”
