Today’s pastors are carrying an increasingly heavy load, balancing spiritual leadership and ministry demands with caring for their own family and personal needs. Many, especially those who are bivocational or leading with a small staff and tight budget, feel the strain of navigating these responsibilities.

Recent research from Barna’s The State of Pastors Vol. 2 reveals a stark reality: One in three U.S. pastors wish they were better prepared for balancing ministry and administration (35%), as well as handling administrative burdens (33%). Additionally, one in five pastors (22%) report feeling underprepared to integrate technology into their ministries.

Some digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), may emerge as practical solutions to lighten pastors’ administrative burdens, freeing them to focus more on preaching (which, Barna has learned, is their favorite part of the job), shepherding and building relationships within their communities. While pastors have differing opinions of the merits and trustworthiness of AI, many are beginning to realize the potential benefits of the technology when it comes to day-to-day needs and less spiritual tasks like marketing, design and administrative planning.

For senior leaders of churches, the question isn’t just about adopting new tools but discerning how technology can support their calling rather than complicate it.