New research from the Barna Group finds that nearly a third of practicing American Christians believe spiritual advice from artificial intelligence is as trustworthy as guidance from a pastor. In a November 2025 survey of 1,514 U.S. adults, 30 percent said they somewhat or strongly agree that AI advice “is as trustworthy as advice from a pastor.” Among practicing Christians, 34 percent agreed, compared to 29 percent of non-practicing Christians and 27 percent of non-Christians. Support was higher among younger generations, reaching 39 percent of Generation Z and 40 percent of millennials.
Barna reported that AI is influencing everyday spiritual habits, with four in 10 Christians saying AI has helped with prayer, Bible study, and spiritual growth. More than 41 percent of Protestant pastors surveyed in December said they use AI for Bible study preparation.
“At the same time, many church leaders acknowledge uncertainty,” Barna researchers wrote.
The findings also show growing engagement with Christian media and a significant increase in AI use across church ministries in recent years.
