Today’s blog comes from the Church Solutions Podcast, Episode 493, as host Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy sat down with Kenny Wyatt, CEO of Pushpay, a leader in church technology solutions. In a very dynamic and interesting discussion, they go in depth on how the use of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way ministries connect, gather, and reach out to their people.
From Giving Platforms to Central Church Tech
Pushpay started as one of the initial pioneers in the field of donor management, introducing churches to mobile giving. It later branched out into the integration of church management systems (ChMS) as well as streaming and apps, including one of the highest-recognized streams, Resi, in the ministry market.
Today, Pushpay is helping more than 15,000 churches globally—both small churches and large multi-site ministries—bring technology and ministry intelligence together to better have churches know their flock.
Introduction to AI for Ministry: Wiser Insights, Easier Tools
Kenny explained how Pushpay is currently applying artificial intelligence to get church data into action. Pushpay recently introduced a suite of AI-based tools that get the ministry team working better.
An new capability is natural language searching—where pastors or staff can just ask the system questions, such as:
“Find all men under the age of 35 that have joined the past six months and reside in the ZIP code 80010.”
What previously would have needed intricate database querying can be accomplished in simple English, immediately providing results that inform church leaders to act—such as inviting someone to an event, following up on new members, or spotting people who require pastoral care.
Unlocking the Potential of Content with AI
Pushpay is also deploying AI on streaming content, particularly via Resi. With hundreds of thousands of hours of event and sermon content stashed in archives, the new AI tools can:
• Create sermon briefings and small group discussion questions automatically
• Conceive social media segments and messages to facilitate outreach
• Convertd previous sermons into devotional guides or studying material
It enables churches to leverage their current content the most and reach the ministry further online and beyond the weekend.
Embracing Data as a Host Civilization
Wyatt underscored that AI is not replacing human connection, but rather supplementing pastoral care. For instance, if a regular giver is stopped-contributor or stopped-attend, the system can raise that shift as potential indication of the life event—such as the loss of a job or family problem—toward the pastoral follow-up.
“The end of the day,” Wyatt explained, “our goal is that churches get to know their sheep better.”
By applying technology responsibly and morally, Pushpay confirms that confidential information keeps on being secure as it supports ministry leaders making decisions on valuable insights.
AI Adoption Is Sped Up in the Church
Pushpay’s recent State of Church Tech survey revealed that 45% of pastors are already applying AI in some manner in their ministry—up 80% from last year. Most are beginning small, applying AI to write notes, compose emails, or aid in sermon outlines. But as comfort levels increase, AI’s saving power on burnout and boosting efficiency comes into focus.
“Pastors are recognizing that AI is not there as replacement ministry—but as ministry assist,” Wyatt commented.
Some Key Stats: A majority of U.S. church leaders believe technology is playing a vital role in enhancing connection within their communities (86%).
- Amid the loneliness epidemic, Pushpay’s report reveals that churches are four times more likely to say technology reduces loneliness than increases it, underscoring the vital role digital tools play in fostering community. Live streaming in particular has emerged as a key driver of engagement, with 86% of surveyed leaders agreeing that this service enhances both participation and discipleship.
- 45% of church leaders currently use AI, up 80% compared to last year’s findings, reflecting that the use of AI in church operations has moved from early-adopter to mainstream status.
- 45% of leaders also believe that generative AI tools will be strategically important to their ministry over the next two to three years.
- While use cases vary, the majority of churches are using AI to improve operational efficiency, and over 40% of respondents cite applications like generating and editing emails, social media content, and imagery.
- Fewer than 25% are leveraging AI to create sermons or devotionals.
- 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 (ChMS) 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.
- More than half (52%) of church leaders reported an increase in their technology budgets, while just 10% reported a decrease.
- These insights are derived from the responses of more than 1,700 church leaders across the country, all of whom are actively leveraging technology to cultivate meaningful connections.
The Future: Customized, Morally Defensible, and Profound
In the future, Wyatt envisions AI-assisted churches transitioning from data-based to relationship-based interactions. Envision being able to personalize communication by the way that a person was introduced to your church—via livestream, social, or in-person visit—so that all interactions feel more opportune and personal.
The trick, Wyatt emphasized, is to do it on theupright basis: “We need to ensure that things don’t get creepy. It is not people-tracking—its better service.”
Big or Small, All Churches Can Benefit
Even with larger churches having more information to play with, Wyatt was adamant that AI and wise ministry tools aren’t exclusive to the megachurches. Even a congregation of 100 people can be helped by knowing who is missing, who is new, or who is in need of special care.
“The same technology that works with a 10,000-member church can work with a 100-member church,” he explained. “It’s just working with the tools that you have, loving your people.”
Connect with Pushpay: For more information on Pushpay’s new AI-based ministry tools, go to Pushpay.com or contact kenny.wyatt@pushpay
Connect with StreamingChurch.tv: For more information just go to StreamingChurch.tv or email, support@StreamingChurch.tv
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