According to a recent study by the Barna Group and Gloo, many Christians believe artificial intelligence (AI) could efficiently handle tasks like organising worship music sets, planning church budgets, and managing administrative duties, with over half of the respondents expressing confidence in AI's capabilities in these areas.
The research also identified online outreach and content creation as potential areas where AI could contribute significantly. However, tasks deeply rooted in personal interaction, such as sermon writing and spiritual or mental health counseling, were strongly preferred to remain human-led.
Steele Billings of Gloo highlighted that while Christians are open to leveraging AI for routine administrative tasks, they value the human touch for ministry activities that require personal engagement.
The findings suggest:
- 53 per cent of Christian respondents see AI as capable or superior in organising music sets.
- Half of those surveyed trust AI with financial advice regarding church budgets.
- 67 per cent endorse AI for administrative roles like scheduling and planning.
- 40 per cent believe AI could more effectively reach broader online audiences.
In contrast, a vast majority prefer human involvement in spiritual (86 per cent) and mental health counseling (84 per cent), emphasising the importance of human empathy and understanding in these sensitive areas.
The study also indicates a generational divide in perceptions of AI's role in creative fields, with younger adults more receptive to AI contributions in art, music, and storytelling than older generations.
This research underscored an evolving relationship with technology among Christians and the general population, balancing ethical considerations with the desire for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. The survey involved 1,072 adults across various demographics, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 per cent.