In 2025, technology isn’t just a helpful tool—it’s become an integral part of ministry. As someone who’s spent more time than I’d like to admit in both numerous staff meetings and deep in the weeds with complex software solutions, I know this transition can feel overwhelming.
And if you’re a pastor reading this who feels a little uneasy about the direction things are going—you’re not alone. I see you. I respect what you do every week. And this article is written for you.
The goal isn’t to replace anything sacred or traditional. It’s to equip you to lead well in a time when expectations have changed and ministry now stretches well beyond the sanctuary.
- Church Management Systems (ChMS) That Work for You
A modern Church Management System (ChMS) can make life a lot easier. These platforms handle scheduling, membership databases, volunteer management, and child check-ins. The best part? You don’t have to be a tech expert to use them.
What I always encourage leaders to look for is simplicity and support. A good ChMS should save you time, not create more admin work. It should play nice with your website, email tools, and whatever else your church uses. And it should feel like a partner in ministry, not just another piece of software.
- AI in the Church (Yes, Really)
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the sanctuary: Artificial Intelligence.
If that term gives you a bit of a theological itch, I get it. AI in ministry doesn’t mean robots replacing pastors or sermons written by machines. It means using smart tools to help you do more of what matters. Things like:
- Auto-generating event reminders or social posts based on your calendar
- Converting your sermon notes into small group guides
- Automating guest follow-ups and prayer request tracking
- Connecting your church management system to all the other tools you use daily
AI doesn’t replace your pastoral heart. It just gives you more time to use it. And if you’re still skeptical, just think of AI like that super-organized church member who volunteers for everything, never forgets a detail, and actually enjoys sending reminder emails.
- Data That Helps You Disciple Better
Modern church software can show you who’s attending (or who’s quietly slipping away), what events are gaining traction, and how your congregation is engaging during the week. This isn’t about numbers for the sake of numbers. It’s about visibility.
When you can see trends clearly, you can lead proactively. Maybe you notice that small groups are growing faster than Sunday School. Maybe young adults are giving more consistently through digital means. Maybe your Tuesday night prayer service is full of first-time guests.
All of that helps you pastor better.
- Repurpose Your Sermon: Don’t Let It Die on Sunday
You pour your heart into a message. You pray over it, preach it, and then—what? It’s gone?
In 2025, there’s no reason your sermon should only live for 35 minutes on Sunday morning.
With a little effort (and some tech help), you can turn that sermon into:
- A blog post on your site
- A short video clip for social media
- A small group discussion guide
- An email devotional
People need reminders. They need truth repeated in formats that meet them where they are. Repurposing your content isn’t lazy—it’s strategic discipleship.
- When in Doubt, Start Small
Maybe all of this sounds great but also a little paralyzing. Where do you even begin?
Here’s my best advice: don’t try to do everything at once. Start with one thing that will serve your church best. Maybe that’s digital giving. Maybe it’s streaming to Facebook. Maybe it’s cleaning up your contact list.
You don’t need to become a tech guru overnight. And you certainly don’t need to change who you are. You just need to be open to tools that help you shepherd people better. One step at a time.
- Virtual and Hybrid Worship Experiences
For many churches, the pandemic wasn’t just a disruption—it was a wake-up call. Virtual and hybrid worship services became a lifeline.
And even though the world has largely reopened, hybrid church is here to stay. People crave flexibility. Parents with young kids, shift workers, those traveling, or folks not ready to step into a physical building all benefit from the option to join online.
The good news? You don’t need a six-camera rig and a broadcast studio to make it work. A stable Internet connection, a decent mic, and a few intentional strategies can make a huge difference.
Tools like pre-service countdowns, real-time chat, and post-service digital connect cards can bring a remote audience into the experience. Done well, hybrid church doesn’t dilute community—it multiplies it.
- Mobile Giving and Online Donations
Today’s giving trends are as mobile as your congregation. And it makes sense: if people are watching your service on their phone, why not let them give from it, too?
Mobile giving apps, text-to-give, and recurring donations are changing the game. They remove barriers and create habits. More importantly, they allow generosity to be an anytime, anywhere part of discipleship.
And let’s be honest—this isn’t just about convenience. Churches depend on consistent giving. Embracing digital giving is about stewarding generosity well in the format people are already comfortable with.
And while we’re at it, don’t overlook the growing use of NFC tap devices—tools that allow attendees to give, register, or engage with a single tap of their phone. Whether embedded in a seatback or worn as a lanyard, they offer a modern, seamless way for people to connect with your church without pulling out a pen or waiting in line.
Technology isn’t the answer to every ministry challenge. But it is a powerful partner. And with the right approach, it can free you up to do more of what God called you to do: lead, love, and serve your people well.
Trey Lavergne is the founder of Church Nerds, Church Note, and Nextap. He helps churches embrace smart, sustainable tech that enhances ministry without sacrificing mission.
