Insights on Tech, Media, and Faith in 2026

February 18, 2026

By The George Barna Group

Reprinted from Barna

As part of its ongoing State of the Church initiative, Barna Group, in partnership with Gloo, is continuing to track several key aspects of Christianity, church life and culture today, including new research on faith and AI, trends in Christian media and indicators of spiritual renewal in the U.S.

In a moment marked by rapid technological change, cultural fragmentation and spiritual searching, these insights offer church leaders and Christian communicators a clearer understanding of where faith is strengthening, where it is straining and where new questions are emerging.

Here is a snapshot of several key trends Barna and Gloo are exploring throughout 2026.

Faith and AI: A Shifting Landscape of Authority

New research examining how Americans—particularly Christians—are using artificial intelligence reveals a notable shift. Nearly one in three U.S. adults say spiritual advice from AI is as trustworthy as advice from a pastor. Among Gen Z and Millennials, that figure rises to two in five.

AI is also influencing everyday spiritual habits. Roughly four in ten practicing Christians say AI has helped them with prayer, Bible study or spiritual growth. A similar proportion of pastors (41 percent) report using AI for Bible study preparation.

At the same time, many church leaders acknowledge uncertainty. One-third of practicing Christians say they want guidance from their pastors on how to navigate AI, yet only 12 percent of pastors say they feel comfortable teaching about it.

“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,” says Daniel Copeland, Barna’s vice president of research. “There’s a real opportunity here for pastors to disciple their congregants on how to use this technology in a beneficial way.”

Future releases will continue examining how AI is reshaping spiritual authority, formation and pastoral leadership.

Christian Media: Influence and Tension

Barna’s research also explores the role of Christian media in a fragmented information environment. According to Barna’s 2025 study, conducted in partnership with The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), findings reveal that six in ten U.S. adults engage with Christian media in some form, and half do so weekly. Two in three view Christian media as valuable and trustworthy—a significant finding in an era of declining confidence in mainstream media.

Yet engagement brings scrutiny. Among heavy consumers of Christian media, 45 percent say the content can be divisive and 40 percent say it sometimes makes Christians “look bad.” These findings highlight both the influence and responsibility of faith-based communicators.

Spiritual Renewal: Signs of Openness Amid Long-Term Declines in Christianity

Alongside technological disruption and media tension, Barna continues to track indicators of spiritual renewal in the United States. Recent data shows rising spiritual openness and commitments to Jesus, particularly among younger generations. Many Americans report a growing hunger for meaning and purpose, and increasing numbers say they are open to spiritual conversations and experiences.

At the same time, long-term indicators of Christian formation, such as consistent church attendance, prioritizing faith in daily life and evangelistic engagement, have not yet rebounded. “The data reminds us that American religion is resetting,” says Copeland. “There are encouraging signs, but the broader story of Christian faith in the U.S. is still unfolding.” The data suggests a complex moment: heightened spiritual curiosity exists alongside ongoing formation challenges.

In the months ahead, Barna will release deeper analysis exploring:

• What is driving renewed spiritual interest and what pastors say they’re seeing within their own congregations
• Whether signs of renewal reflect durable change or temporary curiosity
• How churches can respond to both spiritual hunger and discipleship gaps, especially in light of the role AI is already playing in shaping people’s faith

This tension between openness and formation will remain a central theme of the State of the Church series throughout 2026.

Looking Ahead

These trends represent only the beginning of the research Barna and Gloo will release throughout 2026. In the months ahead, new findings will continue to explore a range of topics related to faith and culture, including how technology is shaping spiritual lives, generational engagement, Christian media influence, and the shifting contours of spiritual renewal across the country.

The pace of change is not slowing. Technology is reshaping authority. Younger generations are redefining engagement. Spiritual openness is rising even as long-term formation remains fragile.

As authority shifts, engagement evolves and spiritual curiosity rises, leaders need a clear view of what is actually happening. Careful, ongoing research will be essential for illuminating both the pressures and the possibilities shaping the Church today and navigating what’s next.

To stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of the Church, sign up for Barna’s email updates and watch for new State of the Church releases in the months ahead.

About the Research