Artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of most Americans’ daily routines—from predictive search and chatbots to content creation tools—and its influence is only growing. Yet with innovation comes unease. Barna’s research shows that 42 percent of U.S. adults describe AI as “concerning,” while 35 percent call it “exciting.” Parents, in particular, express concern about AI’s impact on their children’s ability to think critically and discern truth in an algorithm-driven world.
The Future of Digital Discipleship
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Church leaders aren’t immune to this tension. Though only 28 percent of Christians feel hopeful about AI’s potential for good, a strong majority of pastors (77%) still believe God can use it. Many ministries already rely on AI for administrative tasks—such as marketing, attendance tracking and communication—but remain cautious about employing it for spiritual responsibilities like sermon writing or counseling.
That caution can be healthy. As pastor and tech expert Kenny Jahng reminds leaders, “AI is like a hammer in the toolbox, not a doctrine in the pulpit.” Used wisely, AI can serve the Church’s mission without supplanting it. The challenge is ensuring that technology remains a tool for transformation, not a substitute for discernment.
Establish What You Believe About Technology
Before making technology decisions, your church must answer deeper questions of identity and theology. What do you believe about the role of technology in discipleship? What biblical principles will guide your approach? Barna’s research shows that 74 percent of Christians see the value in their church offering a digital resource hub, yet only a fraction of churches have articulated a theology of technology to undergird such efforts.
Transparency about these boundaries invites trust and open dialogue within your congregation. As Nona Jones cautions, “Because these tools are designed by people who are susceptible to sin, we must approach them with eyes wide open.”
Developing a concise statement of your church’s convictions—rooted in stewardship and wisdom—will give clarity to staff, volunteers and congregants. This document doesn’t need to be long (one or two pages is sufficient), but it should ground your digital ministry in the truth of scripture.
Lead with Discernment and Hope
The rise of AI represents one of the most significant shifts of our time—but it doesn’t change the Church’s timeless mission. As new tools emerge, pastors have an opportunity to model what faithful innovation looks like: approaching technology with both curiosity and conviction, using it to serve people rather than replace them.
When guided by Scripture and grounded in prayer, AI can become a catalyst for creativity and connection, helping leaders steward their time, expand their reach and amplify the gospel. But without discernment, it risks distracting us from the very relationships that form the heart of discipleship.
The Church’s greatest contribution to the digital age isn’t technological mastery—it’s spiritual wisdom. By leading with discernment and hope, pastors can help their congregations navigate an AI-shaped world with clarity, compassion and confidence that transformation still happens best through human connection and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Technology is changing how people connect, learn, and grow in their faith—and churches can’t afford to be left behind. Join us for a free webinar, hosted by Barna Group and Subsplash, on how to disciple more effectively in today’s tech-driven world. Register now.
