The following is excerpted from an online article posted by 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.
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.
Christian Media: Influence and Tension
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.
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.
Source: Barna
https://www.barna.com/research/state-of-the-church-2026-trends/