US Practicing Christians Adopt AI at Higher Rate Than Pastors, Barna Research Shows

A Barna study published in August 2026 reveals that practicing Christians in the US adopt artificial intelligence at higher rates than pastors and the general public. While 44% of practicing Christians use AI frequently in their personal lives and 39% use it at work, only 16% of pastors use it often personally and 24% professionally. Although 33% of practicing Christians desire pastoral guidance on AI, only 12% of pastors feel prepared to provide it, highlighting a significant gap in church leadership preparedness.

Christian AI adoption rates

• ▪The Barna study published in August 2026 found that 39% of practicing Christians in the US use AI "often" or "very often" in the workplace, compared with 26% of adults nationally.
• ▪According to a Barna study published in August 2026, 44% of practicing Christians in the US use AI "very often" or "often" in their personal lives, compared with 31% of US adults overall and 29% of non-practicing Christians.

Pastor AI usage gap

• ▪A Barna survey published in August 2026 found that 16% of US pastors use AI "often" in their personal lives, while 33% use it "sometimes" and 45% use it "not very much" or "not at all."
• ▪The Barna survey published in August 2026 showed that 24% of US pastors use AI "often" or "very often" for work, compared with 39% of practicing Christians.

AI applications among Christians

• ▪The Barna research published in August 2026 indicates that US practicing Christians primarily use AI for everyday tasks such as finding information, learning tasks, seeking advice, following news, and improving writing.
• ▪According to Barna's August 2026 research, about one-third of practicing Christians in the US used AI for spiritual guidance or Bible-related questions during the previous month.
• ▪The Barna study published in August 2026 found that nearly half of practicing Christians in the US would trust AI with matters relating to their spiritual growth.

Church leadership preparedness challenge

• ▪Barna's August 2026 research found that 33% of practicing Christians in the US want guidance from their pastor on navigating AI, but only 12% of pastors feel prepared to provide it.
• ▪Daniel Copeland, Barna's vice president of research, warned in August 2026 that church leaders risk underestimating how embedded AI technology has already become in the lives of their congregations.

1 source