RESOURCE
Church Tech Check
At Pushpay, we’ve spent the past year studying the state and future of Catholic Church technology. We know the work of stewardship isn’t just balancing budgets. It’s forming disciples and creating meaningful, lasting relationships between pastors and people. Technology plays a critical role in making that possible—especially in today’s landscape.
Across the country, we see pastors, development directors, ministry staff, and parish administrators giving everything they’ve got.
They’re committed, faithful, and often running on limited time and resources. That’s exactly why this conversation matters. Because in 2025, ministry is more relational than ever, and the ability to know your people well is directly tied to how effectively you use technology.
The 2025 State of Church Technology report confirms what many of us have sensed: most Catholic leaders believe in the power of technology. In fact, 52 percent say it’s extremely important to accomplishing the Church’s mission. But there’s a gap between belief and action. The tools that build connection and strengthen formation are too often underutilized. Why? It’s a mix of old habits, limited systems, and real fears about change.
That’s where Pushpay comes in. We are building tools that help Catholic parishes understand their people, reach the next generation, and create smarter systems for giving, communication, and engagement. This report is a roadmap for any parish serious about growth and evangelization. If you’re responsible for development, fundraising, or ministry strategy, this is insight you can’t afford to miss.
The impact tech is having on the Church
It’s encouraging to see how many parishes are already leaning into technology. Catholic leaders overwhelmingly report that digital tools are helping them foster deeper connection (79%), grow generosity (64%), and even nurture faith (44%). That’s not theoretical—it’s happening in real communities, with real people. We see this in action every day.
Yes, there’s more ground to cover in modern times. But the movement has begun, and that matters. The parishes and dioceses seeing growth aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets or flashiest tools. They’re the ones willing to try and willing to learn.
There’s something hopeful about there. Parishes aren’t behind because they lack conviction. They’re simply at the beginning of a new chapter.
AI can help you focus on what matters
It’s been inspiring to watch how quickly parishes are exploring the possibilities of AI. Usage has grown 133% in the past year, and not just in tech-savvy dioceses. From small rural parishes to large urban churches, pastors and staff are using AI to edit bulletins, draft emails, and keep their communities informed through social media. That kind of growth communicates something important: churches are not afraid to try something new if it serves the mission.
This isn’t about replacing the human heart of ministry. It’s about lightening administrative load so that leaders can shepherd the congregation without getting bogged down in the details. When we use tools like AI wisely, we give ourselves more room to do the work only a pastor can do—listen, lead, and love our people well. And as we get more comfortable with these tools, we’ll discover new ways to reach those who’ve drifted, or never walked through our doors at all.
Missing the mark with Millennials and Gen Z
Here’s the hard truth: While Protestant churches are seeing a surge in engagement from Millennials and Gen Z, Catholic parishes are lagging behind. They’re 69% less likely to report increased engagement with Millennials.
That’s not a typo. Sixty-nine percent.
Why? It’s not theology. It’s technology.
Younger people are digital natives. They don’t look for Mass times in a bulletin. They search on Instagram or Google. They don’t fill out paper forms. They scan QR codes. If your parish isn’t showing up in the digital spaces they already inhabit, you will miss opportunities to reach them where they are.
And that’s not just a problem. It’s a missed opportunity. Right now, Gen Z is showing signs of spiritual curiosity and openness we haven’t seen in years. Recent research points to a steady return to church among young adults, particularly Gen Z men. They are not turning away from faith. They are actively searching for purpose, for belonging, for Christ.
The question is whether we are ready to meet them. We know the Church has exactly what they are looking for—the Eucharist, the Gospel, the community they crave. We just need to make sure they can find it.
What’s next
If you’ve felt the tension between what your parish believes about technology and what’s actually happening on the ground, you’re not alone. There’s a reason so many of us are asking what comes next.
The full State of Church Technology report dives into what’s working, where parishes are falling behind, and what real solutions look like—from live streaming and digital discipleship to overcoming the fear and fatigue that often hold us back.
Download the full 2025 State of Church Technology Report and start shaping a digital strategy rooted in mission
