New Study Finds Most Pastors Are Embracing AI

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most discussed technological developments of the past decade, raising questions across nearly every profession, including ministry. A new national study from Barna Group suggests that pastors are not avoiding AI, but they are embracing it.

According to the research, only 13 percent of Protestant pastors report that they do not use AI at all. Rather than replacing the work of ministry, pastors are primarily using AI to assist with preparation, research, administration, and communication. The most common applications include brainstorming ideas, researching biblical and theological topics, creating graphics for church communications, generating small group discussion questions, and simplifying administrative responsibilities.

This trend reflects an important reality of modern ministry. Pastors today often wear many hats. Beyond preaching and shepherding their congregations, they oversee staff, manage budgets, coordinate events, maintain communications, and navigate countless administrative responsibilities. Technology that can reduce time spent on routine tasks allows ministry leaders to devote more energy to the work Scripture consistently emphasizes: prayer, teaching God's Word, discipleship, pastoral care, and equipping believers for service.

One of the study's more interesting findings is the growing use of AI during sermon preparation. Approximately one-quarter of pastors now report using AI to assist with writing or editing sermons, nearly doubling from similar measurements just two years earlier. Yet the research makes an important distinction: pastors are generally using AI as a research assistant rather than as the author of their sermons. They may use it to organize ideas, identify theological perspectives, locate historical context, or develop an outline, but the message itself remains the product of the pastor's prayerful study, biblical interpretation, and pastoral responsibility.

That distinction aligns closely with historic Christian theology. Sound biblical interpretation requires spiritual discernment, faithful exegesis, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and accountability to the Church. These are responsibilities that cannot be delegated to a machine. While technology may assist the research process, it cannot replace the spiritual vocation entrusted to pastors.

Queens College of Theology has a similar approach to our AI Usage policy. While the policy is always under review to ensure we are meeting national standards that are appropriate for seminaries, we still believe content curation by AI is a policy violation while utilizing artificial intelligence as an academic support tool remains appropriate. 

Future ministry leaders should graduate not only with strong biblical knowledge but also with the discernment necessary to engage emerging technologies faithfully. Developing ethical frameworks for AI, understanding its limitations, and learning how to use it responsibly will become increasingly valuable skills for pastors serving modern day congregations.