New Study Reveals Key Tech Trends Shaping The US Church
NEW YORK — Technology is no longer just a convenience in church life — it’s quickly becoming a critical engine driving engagement, connection and growth in U.S. faith communities.
Those are the key takeaways from Pushpay’s 2025 State of Church Technology, which found that 86% of U.S. church leaders believe digital tools plays a vital role in fostering deeper connections within their congregations.
The study, released on Wednesday, surveyed more than 1,700 church leaders across the country. The results paint a compelling picture of how churches are embracing digital tools not as a replacement for human interaction, but as a catalyst for authentic relationships and spiritual growth — especially in a time when loneliness has surged.
“This year’s State of Church Tech report offers more than just statistics and data — it’s a window into the evolving mindset of church leaders,” said Pushpay CEO Kenny Wyatt. “We see overwhelming consensus that technology plays a critical role in ministry, and I’m encouraged by the way churches are approaching it. More and more leaders view these tools as an avenue to enhance, not replace, the human relationships that are so central to the church.”
Here’s a look at the report’s key findings:
— 70% of church leaders say technology has increased generosity within their congregation.
— Communication remains the top challenge ministry leaders hope technology can better address, cited by 51% of respondents.
— Only 10% of churches indicated they are leveraging cryptocurrency today—however, 39% of church leaders believe cryptocurrency will be strategically important to their church in the next two to three years, which is a 44% increase from last year.
— Church management software adoption rose 4% year over year, with 86% of churches now using ChMS. Mobile app adoption also increased, with 67% of churches using an app, up 2% from last year.
— Concerns about the financial cost of adopting new technology fell 9%—the first reported decline since the report’s inception.
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AI helps grow discipleship
With loneliness reaching epidemic levels in the U.S., churches are relying on technology to bridge the emotional and spiritual gaps. According to the report, churches are four times more likely to say technology reduces loneliness rather than increases it.
Live streaming has proven to be especially impactful, with 86% of church leaders saying it enhances discipleship. While the pandemic initially drove the widespread adoption of live streaming, its effectiveness has cemented its place in ongoing ministry strategy. As a result, 87% of churches continue to stream worship services — a trend that rose 6% year-over-year.
Artificial Intelligence is also making significant inroads in church life. Nearly half (45%) of church leaders say they currently use AI — an 80% increase from last year’s findings. The report highlights that AI tools are most commonly used to streamline operations, including drafting emails and creating social media content.
Despite adoption of AL, church leaders remain cautious it regarding theological development. Fewer than 25%, the report said, are using generative AI to write sermons or devotionals, reflecting a boundary between operational innovation and spiritual discernment. Still, AI’s future in the church looks bright: 45% of leaders say AI will be strategically important to their ministry in the coming years.
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Cheaper tools and bigger tech budgets
For the first time in the annual study’s history, concerns about the financial cost of technology have decreased — falling 9% compared to last year.
The shift, the report added, is reflected in spending behavior: 52% of church leaders reported an increase in their technology budgets, while only 10% said there had been a decrease.
At the same time, the report also highlighted a notable shift in church engagement trends, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.
Millennials are twice as likely to join a church that embraces technology, and 46% of churches have seen increased engagement from this generation. Gen Z follows closely, with 39% of churches reporting increased participation, alongside 32% from Gen X.
“For the next generation, faith isn’t just preached — it’s played, practiced and posted,” said Justin Lester, Senior Pastor at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. “When churches embrace technology like gamification and immersive learning, we’re not just reaching Gen Z — we’re discipling them in their native language.”
Clemente Lisi is the executive editor of Religion Unplugged.