New Research Reveals AI Becoming Spiritual Authority for Americans

Barna Group and Gloo study finds AI shaping spiritual habits, with many seeing it as trustworthy as a pastor

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new study from Barna Group and Gloo has found that nearly one in three U.S. adults, and two in five among Gen Z and Millennials, say spiritual advice from AI is as trustworthy as advice from a pastor. The research also revealed that AI is shaping spiritual habits, with roughly four in ten practicing Christians saying AI has helped them with prayer, Bible study, or spiritual growth. However, only a small minority of pastors feel comfortable teaching on AI.

Why it matters

As AI becomes more integrated into people's daily lives, the research highlights the growing influence of this technology on Americans' spiritual and religious practices. This raises questions about the role of traditional religious authorities and how churches and faith leaders can adapt to this shifting landscape.

The details

The research, released at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) International Christian Media Convention, found that in addition to becoming a spiritual authority, AI is also shaping spiritual habits. About four in ten pastors report using AI for Bible study, and one-third of practicing Christians say they want guidance from pastors on how to navigate AI. However, only 12% of pastors feel comfortable teaching on the topic.

  • The research was released at the 2026 NRB International Christian Media Convention.

The players

Barna Group

A leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture, based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Gloo

A leading technology platform for the faith and flourishing ecosystem, providing values-aligned AI, resources, insights and funding so people and communities flourish and organizations thrive. Gloo is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Daniel Copeland

Barna's vice president of research.

Scott Beck

Gloo co-founder and CEO.

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What they’re saying

“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 their pastor. There's a real opportunity here for pastors to disciple their congregants on how to use this technology in a beneficial way, especially as pastors remain among the most trusted guides for integrating faith and technology.”

— Daniel Copeland, Barna's vice president of research (BusinessWire)

“As trust in mainstream media has declined in recent years, it's encouraging to see that confidence in Christian media remains relatively high. What a privilege to release these findings at an event full of Christian broadcasters and leaders who can return to their respective cities inspired to continue to do the important work they are doing to help people flourish and communities thrive.”

— Scott Beck, Gloo co-founder and CEO (BusinessWire)

What’s next

New State of the Church research on trends in Faith and AI will be released monthly. Learn more at stateofthechurch.com.

The takeaway

This research highlights the growing influence of AI on Americans' spiritual and religious practices, raising important questions about the role of traditional religious authorities and how churches and faith leaders can adapt to this shifting landscape.