Church leaders across the United States are increasingly embracing modern technology to connect with their communities and enhance their mission. According to a recent report by Pushpay, a financial services company for churches, many religious organizations are now leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency.
The 2025 State of Church Tech report, which surveyed over 1,700 church leaders from various denominations and ministry sizes, revealed significant trends in the adoption of technology within religious institutions. One of the most notable findings was the rapid growth in AI usage, with 45% of respondents now using AI – an 80% increase from the previous year. Most church leaders are utilizing AI for communication-based tasks such as content creation, editing, and graphic design generation. However, 18% reported using AI to develop sermons, raising interesting questions about the intersection of technology and religious practice.
The report’s findings align with recent statements from religious leaders about the role of technology in modern society. Earlier this month, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV discussed AI during his first address to the College of Cardinals, noting that it poses “new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labor.” This statement underscores the complex relationship between technological advancement and religious values.
Gruia Pitigoi-Aron, Pushpay’s chief product officer, explained that church leaders are not using technology to replace human elements of worship but rather to amplify their mission and create community. “The most tech-forward churches are starting to think of tech not just as operational or administrative. They see it as part of the mission,” Pitigoi-Aron told Business Insider. The use of livestreaming, which became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to be a significant tool for church leaders, with nearly 90% of surveyed churches reporting that they live-streamed worship services or events.
Technology has also transformed how churches handle donations. The report noted that online giving remains the most popular digital solution among churches, with 70% of leaders believing that technology has increased generosity in their congregation. There’s also growing interest in non-traditional giving methods such as cryptocurrency and stock donations. While only 10% of surveyed church leaders currently accept cryptocurrency, 39% believe it will become strategically important to their church within the next two to three years – representing a 44% increase from 2024.
The adoption of modern technology extends beyond financial transactions. The report mentioned that QR codes are being used more frequently to engage community members and drive viewers to next steps through simple scans or taps. Over half of the surveyed church leaders reported increasing their technology budgets over the last two years, indicating a sustained commitment to integrating technology into their operations.
As religious institutions continue to navigate the digital landscape, they face both opportunities and challenges. While technology offers new ways to connect with congregations and expand their reach, it also requires careful consideration of its impact on traditional religious practices and community dynamics.
