Many Churches Lack AI Policies Despite Pastoral Support

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Did you know that most Protestant pastors in the United States use artificial intelligence (AI), yet most have not created policies, safeguards, or guidelines for its use? According to research from the Barna Group, the “Faith & AI” initiative was conducted with Gloo through its multi-year “State of the Church” endeavor, examining how emerging technologies like AI are influencing religion, life, and ministry.

While church leaders recognize the need for responsible AI practices, the measures that are currently in place within their congregations and churches are concerningly lacking. How do they know? Beyond the initiative, an online survey in December of 2025 asked 442 Protestant U.S. Pastors if churches should guide the use of AI. While 94% said yes, 79% said they currently do not have written policies or informal guidelines. Furthermore, only 4% could report having an official AI policy, and 17% said their church offered informal guidance.

When asked how much guidance should be provided to congregations, opinions were divided: 45% favored a written policy, while 49% said informal guidelines would do just fine. Only 6% said no guidelines were needed.

While this research shows that AI is a familiar tool for family church leaders and their families, it reveals a major gap in effectively aiding them through proper use. To date, only 13% of pastors don’t use AI at all. 36% report using it to research biblical and theological topics, 34% to develop small-group discussions or admin work, and 24% to draft or revise sermons.

According to Daniel Copeland, Barna’s vice president of research, congregants don’t need to be increasingly alarmed: “Pastors are predominantly using AI for behind-the-scenes work—for studying, research, and administrative tasks. They’re using it to prepare for ministry, not to replace what happens when they’re actually with people.”

However, Barna added and clarified that “Guidelines could help ministry teams stay aligned on AI use, and they could bring transparency and build trust with congregants.”

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Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Originally published November 05, 2026.