New Research: 75% of Churches Say Tech Improves Connection<\/h2>\n
The newly released State of Church Technology 2026 report, a collaborative study by Pushpay and Barna, has revealed a significant milestone in ministry digital engagement. According to the data, 75% of church leaders now believe that technology has directly improved the sense of connection within their congregations.<\/p>\n
This shift marks a departure from earlier years when technology was often viewed with skepticism or as a barrier to authentic community. Today, digital tools are seen as vital bridges. The report highlights that "missional technology" is no longer just about back-office operations. Instead, it is about integrating tech into discipleship, worship, and community building.<\/p>\n
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For ministries looking to reach next generation donors and Gen Z members, the data is clear. Churches that intentionally align their technology with their mission report significantly higher engagement rates among younger demographics. These organizations are using church technology solutions not just to broadcast content, but to facilitate two-way conversations and real-time support.<\/p>\n
The AI Revolution: Gloo, ACS, and Grow Ministry Lead the Way<\/h2>\n
The year 2026 has become the year of functional AI in the church space. We are seeing major players like Gloo, ACS Technologies, and Ministry Brands launch sophisticated AI tools designed specifically for the unique needs of religious nonprofits.<\/p>\n
Gloo has expanded its ecosystem with its "Flourishing AI" initiative, which evaluates AI models based on faith-related dimensions like character and spiritual well-being. Meanwhile, ACS Technologies recently launched MinistryPlatform AI, a secure system that allows staff to ask plain-English questions about their data. This helps leaders quickly identify trends in giving, attendance, and pastoral care without needing to be data scientists.<\/p>\n
At Grow Ministry, our own AI-powered CRM takes this a step further. We focus on AI driven donor engagement<\/a> by creating compelling, personalized content that resonates with your specific audience. Our platform helps you automate the heavy lifting of newsletter engagement and social media management, allowing your team to focus on face-to-face ministry. By utilizing a ministry CRM platform built on values-aligned AI, your organization can ensure that every digital touchpoint feels personal and authentic.<\/p>\n Ministry growth is not limited to the digital screen. The physical world of faith-based travel is seeing a historic surge. Recent industry projections indicate that the global faith-based travel market is on a trajectory to surpass $45.6 billion. This growth is driven by a renewed desire for experiential discipleship and historical connection.<\/p>\n Whether it is a pilgrimage to the Holy Land or a mission trip to a developing region, travel remains a powerful tool for spiritual formation. Grow Ministry\u2019s travel services<\/a> are designed to help organizations manage these complex journeys. By combining our travel expertise with our digital marketing suite, we help you promote your trips, manage registrations, and keep in touch with participants long after they return home. This holistic approach ensures that a single trip can lead to years of increased engagement within your organization.<\/p>\n One of the most significant opportunities for ministry outreach in 2026 is the intersection of faith and major cultural events. As we look toward the Super Bowl in 2026, the potential for massive outreach has never been greater.<\/p>\n Sports Media, led by Dan Kost, brings over 40 years of expertise in high-impact advertising. From the Sporttron digital network to their innovative NIL platforms, they provide the infrastructure for faith-based organizations to reach the masses during these "water cooler" moments. <\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.marblism.com\/E_oeWTmiIZi.webp\")
<\/p>\nFaith-Based Travel: A Growing $45.6 Billion Market<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nCultural Outreach: Leveraging Super Bowl 2026<\/h2>\n