New State of the Church research released this month by Barna Group and Gloo shows only 4 percent of churches possess a formal written policy related to artificial intelligence (AI) use.

Meanwhile, previous State of the Church research shows American Christians outpace other Americans when it comes to adopting AI for work.

These two trendlines reveal a concerning gap.

Usage without guidance

On one side of that gap, more pastors and employees are using AI tools for everything from sermon preparation and social media graphics to meeting transcripts—and more.

On the other side, the lack of a policy means they may be less aware of the potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with these activities, exposing their churches to unnecessary dangers and potential legal liabilities.

Good news–a policy offers hope

The good news? A thoughtful, well-crafted policy can educate and direct pastors, church leaders, and volunteers. It’s why Church Law & Tax, part of the Gloo family of brands, recently released its first version of a customizable “AI Use in the Church Workplace” policy template.

The even better news? Just like the tools people have needed to work and keep God’s creation after humanity’s fall in Eden, AI is a tool. Used properly, AI can aid humanity in work that honors, glorifies, and serves God. Churches possess a unique opportunity to set a high standard for the ways AI furthers these redemptive, God-honoring purposes.

These seven reasons explain why all churches should prioritize creating their own policy–now.  

Reason #1: No policy is still a policy—and that’s risky.

Staff and volunteers are likely already using AI for church-related work. Without a policy guiding them, their behaviors are shaping the church's policy by default. That’s risky for numerous reasons. They may not realize certain AI tools expose sensitive data or infringe copyrights owned by others, and what they don’t know can expose a church to liability. And, because ignorance of the law is no excuse, adopting a policy moves away from ignorance, and shifts toward awareness and safety.

Reason #2: Make AI work for your church, not the other way around.

Church Law & Tax’s policy template draws from evolving legal standards around the country, as well as insights from attorneys, privacy experts, universities, and tech consultants. All these sources consistently agree: Most AI tools will access and use information submitted to train their large language models (LLMs), meaning sensitive information could be incorporated into future model training or accessed through data breaches unless opt-out settings are applied. A sound policy formalizes the vetting, screening, and adoption of AI tools to ensure the church fully controls how its information is used and protected.

Reason #3: Addressing sensitive data.

This is closely related to Reason #2 and the kinds of information submitted to a tool. A good policy will outline acceptable and unacceptable uses of church-approved AI tools by staff and volunteers, giving special cautions to anything involving confidential and private information, including donor records, prayer requests, counseling notes, or employment matters. States like California, Virginia, and Colorado have expanded consumer protections related to AI tools and personal information. Some states also pay close attention to employment actions, including potential AI biases affecting hiring and firing decisions. Failing to comply with statutes and regulations can result in fines, lawsuits, or regulatory action. 

Reason #4: Setting a good example.

With Christians outpacing the average American when it comes to using AI tools, a church policy can model healthy, ethical, and transparent AI uses by staff and volunteers. In turn, that example can disciple the congregation and surrounding community. One way is by requiring human review of AI-generated materials to, among other things, verify accuracy and rule out copyright infringement. Disclosing when AI was used to create any materials for church services, websites, and social media is another. Strictly prohibiting uses of AI tools to create harmful or offensive outputs is still another. Setting and following these kinds of practices can show others how they can do the same.

Reason #5: Stewarding resources well.

An AI use policy stewards church resources well in several ways. One way involves ensuring any proprietary assets owned by the church—including sermons, songs, graphics, or dramatic productions—aren’t carelessly given away. Another way is through securing adequate insurance coverage that makes sure AI activities, and the unique risks associated with them, are adequately covered if a claim ever arises. Yet another way is to ensure your staff and volunteers know the church’s approved AI tools available to them, and the ways they can use them together to maximize their effectiveness as a team.

Reason #6: Strengthening good governance.

Churches consistently run into legal troubles when they do not establish and follow good governance practices. Formally setting and administering a strong AI use policy reinforces good governance habits and fosters a healthy culture by providing pathways for good communication, clarity, and consistency. Toward those ends, an AI policy should include a process for staff and volunteers to directly contact the person or team who oversees the policy. This allows a way to report potential violations, as well as address changes with existing church-approved tools or identify new AI tools for review and future approval. Lastly, the policy sets annual training so that all staff and volunteers who use church-approved AI tools get much-needed updates and refreshers, ensuring policy compliance remains an ongoing priority.

Reason #7: Affirming the church’s faith and mission.

An AI use policy allows the church to reiterate its mission, and within it, how technologies like AI can be used as a tool to advance it. It also creates a spiritual framework that affirms the human relationship to God and work.

AI should aid humans, not replace them. It’s a prime opportunity for churches to reinforce the concept of imago dei, the human dignity that comes with work God has ordained, and the responsible ways tools like AI can accomplish that work.