A Third of Christians Trust AI Over Their Pastor for Spiritual Advice, Explosive New Study Warns

One in Three Christians Say AI Gives Spiritual Advice as Good as Their Pastor, Shocking New Barna Study Reveals

Nearly a third of practicing American Christians now believe that spiritual advice from artificial intelligence is just as trustworthy as guidance from a pastor, according to a sweeping new study from the Barna Group.

The research, conducted as part of Barna's "State of the Church" initiative in partnership with Gloo, surveyed 1,514 U.S. adults in November 2025 and 442 Protestant pastors in December 2025. The findings paint a startling picture of AI's growing role in the spiritual lives of believers.

Thirty percent of all U.S. adults now "somewhat" or "strongly" agree that spiritual advice from AI is as trustworthy as advice from a pastor. Among practicing Christians, that number actually rises to 34%, higher than both non practicing Christians (29%) and non Christians (27%).

The generational divide is even more striking. Among Gen Z and Millennials, two in five hold this view, signaling a seismic shift in how younger believers approach spiritual formation.

"Though the majority of practicing Christians remain the most cautious about embracing AI as a spiritual tool, their views are shifting and remain largely uninformed" by pastors.

That warning came from Daniel Copeland, Barna's vice president of research.

Roughly 40% of practicing Christians say AI has already helped them with prayer, Bible study, or spiritual development. Meanwhile, 41% of pastors admit to using AI for sermon preparation.

Yet a glaring disconnect remains. One third of practicing Christians say they want guidance from their pastors on navigating technology, but only 12% of pastors say they feel comfortable teaching on the subject.

Pastor Ray Miller cautioned against AI becoming "another type of idol pulling at our attention," urging believers to maintain a "slow interactive relationship with God."

Barna Study Finds Alarming Rise in Christians Turning to AI for Faith Guidance Over Pastors

The data was released at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in 2026, underscoring the urgency of the issue within evangelical circles.

The study also found that 61% of Americans engage with Christian media, suggesting a vast audience is already consuming faith based content through digital channels, making AI's encroachment into spiritual life all the more significant.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let me be blunt: a chatbot cannot shepherd your soul. No algorithm has ever wept with you in your darkest hour, laid hands on you in prayer, or stood accountable before God for your spiritual wellbeing. The fact that one in three Christians cannot tell the difference between silicon and a shepherd is not a testament to AI's wisdom. It is an indictment of our churches' failure to disciple. Pastors, this is your wake up call. If a machine can replace you in your congregation's eyes, then something has gone terribly wrong in your pulpit. The answer is not better technology. The answer is deeper relationship, bolder preaching, and an uncompromising return to the Word of God. Satan has always been content to offer counterfeits. Do not let artificial intelligence become the golden calf of this generation.

Take Action

• Talk to your pastor this Sunday about the role of AI in your spiritual life and ask your church leadership to address this issue from the pulpit.
• Read the full Barna State of the Church 2026 report to understand the data and share it with your small group or Bible study.
• Commit to replacing 15 minutes of daily screen time with prayer, Scripture reading, or conversation with a trusted Christian mentor.
• If you use AI tools, bring your questions to a pastor or mature believer for verification rather than accepting AI generated spiritual advice at face value.
• Support organizations equipping churches for the digital age. Visit www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support Christian communities worldwide.