Practicing Christians Adopting AI Faster Than Their Pastors, Survey Finds
A new survey released in August 2026 found that practicing Christians are using artificial intelligence tools at a higher rate than the pastors who lead them. Researchers say the gap reflects a broader pattern in which congregants encounter new technology through work and daily life before church leaders address it from the pulpit.
A survey released in August 2026 found that practicing Christians are adopting artificial intelligence tools at a faster rate than their pastors, raising questions about how churches are preparing members to think about the technology.
The research, reported by Premier Christian News, found that regular churchgoers are using AI for tasks ranging from writing and research to personal decision-making. Many pastors, by contrast, have been slower to engage with the tools or address them in sermons and teaching.
Researchers said the gap reflects a pattern common with new technology: congregants encounter it first through work and daily life, while church leaders take longer to develop theological frameworks for addressing it.
The findings come as AI use has expanded rapidly across professional and personal settings. Some Christian thinkers have raised concerns about the effects of AI on human creativity, relationships, and moral reasoning. Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, warned publicly that technology can "rot the brain" and urged Christians to guard their minds.
Others have pointed to potential benefits, including tools that help people study scripture, prepare sermons, or reach people who might not otherwise engage with faith communities.
The survey did not specify which AI tools were most commonly used or how congregants were applying them. Church leaders and theologians are increasingly being called to address the topic directly in their teaching.
