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US Pastors, Churchgoers Hold Mixed Views on AI Use
Mixed Views on AI Adoption in Churches
According to a Lifeway Research study, U.S. Protestant pastors and churchgoers hold mixed views on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into ministry. While not entirely opposed to it, they have concerns regarding AI's implementation and its potential influence on Christianity. Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, noted that caution is an instinctive reaction to new things among both pastors and churchgoers. He added that the majority of younger churchgoers would welcome sermons applying biblical principles to AI to help shape their perspective.
Current AI Adoption Among Pastors
Less than half of U.S. Protestant pastors report using AI, but fewer are actively avoiding or ignoring the technology. One in ten pastors (10%) are regular users of AI, while a third (32%) are experimenting with it. Conversely, 18% are waiting for better examples of AI's utility, 18% are intentionally avoiding it, and 20% are simply ignoring it. McConnell explained that AI is embedded in many everyday tools, so some pastors may be using it unknowingly, reflecting a typical spread of technology adoption.
Factors Influencing AI Adoption
AI adoption among pastors is more prevalent among younger individuals, those in urban settings, those with higher formal education, and leaders of larger churches. Pastors aged 18 to 44 (40%) and those 45 to 54 (37%) are more likely to experiment with AI compared to those 65 and older (23%). Furthermore, pastors in urban areas are more likely to be regular AI users than those in rural areas, and those with master's or doctoral degrees show higher rates of regular AI use. These findings suggest that education level and ministry environment significantly influence the acceptance of AI technology.
*Source: The Baptist Paper (2026-04-26)*
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