Churches Increasing AI Use, Sermons Still Off-Limits

A new survey from Pushpay’s 2025 State of Church Technology report reveals that AI adoption in churches is on the rise, with nearly 45% of U.S. churches now using artificial intelligence in their daily operations—up from just 25% in 2024. However, the vast majority of church leaders continue to resist using AI to craft sermons or other core spiritual content.

Instead, churches are leaning on AI for more administrative and creative support. Forty-seven percent use AI to generate images and graphics, while 44% use it for social media content. Smaller percentages apply AI to small group materials (21%), educational content (19%), or sermon development (18%). The report suggests this hesitancy is rooted in a deep commitment to spiritual integrity, noting that most pastors still rely on the Holy Spirit for message creation.

Despite these boundaries, church leaders are embracing AI once the message is complete, using it to help distribute content efficiently across digital platforms. Live streaming continues to play a major role in church engagement, with 87% of churches still broadcasting services online—a habit that took root during the COVID-19 pandemic and has shown lasting value.

The survey also highlighted broader trends in church technology:

• 70% of leaders say digital tools have increased generosity within their congregations.

• 10% currently accept cryptocurrency, though 39% believe it will be strategically important in the next few years.

• 52% of churches have increased their tech budgets, compared to just 10% reporting cuts.

Pushpay CEO Kenny Wyatt called the findings “a window into the evolving mindset of church leaders,” emphasizing that churches are using technology to enhance—not replace—human connection.

For more details, refer to the original article on Crosswalk.