Churches are not known for being trendsetters when it comes to embracing technology. However, a new study released by The Barna Group shows that during the past five years, Protestant churches have been incorporating technology into their ministry efforts at a brisk pace. The study indicated that serious double-digit growth has occurred in relation to the use of websites, large-screen projection systems, electronic fund transfer, satellite broadcasting technology, and the use of e-mail blasts for congregational communication. During the same period, a decreasing percentage of churches have used “pew Bibles” in their sanctuaries.

Church Websites

Nearly six out of every ten Protestant churches (57%) now have a website. That is up from just one-third of all Protestant churches in 2000, an increase of 68%.

Since 2000, the greatest increase in the use of church websites is evident among mainline Protestant churches (up 79%, to 70% of mainline congregations); ministries in the South (increased by 87%, up to 56%), and churches pastored by Baby Boomers (doubled, with websites now in 65% of the churches they pastor).

Interestingly, churches pastored by a Baby Buster were the ministries most likely to have a church website in 2000, but there has been no increase in the percentage of Buster-led churches that have a website in the last five years.