Pushpay’s 2024 State of Church Technology report reveals 91% of US Churches livestream worship services

Pushpay, a SaaS company in the faith sector, has released its 2024 State of Church Technology report, highlighting the growing trend of churches leveraging technology. The report, based on a survey of over 2,200 church leaders, shows that 91% of churches in the US are currently livestreaming worship services.

Pushpay, a leading SaaS company in the faith sector, has released its 2024 State of Church Technology report, revealing that 91% of churches across the United States are currently livestreaming their worship services. The report, based on a survey of over 2,200 church leaders, highlights the increasing role of technology in churches as they strive to better serve their congregations and address the challenge of declining attendance.

One of the key findings of the report is the prevalence of hybrid church services, which have continued to thrive following their introduction during the pandemic. The report shows that 90% of churches currently offer a hybrid model of ministry, combining in-person and virtual elements. Interestingly, the number of churches considering a move to in-person-only services has decreased by 21% compared to the previous year. Livestreaming has become a critical component of the hybrid-ministry model, with 91% of churches currently livestreaming worship services. Furthermore, 62% of churches believe that livestreaming will play a key role for their church in the coming years, representing a 42% increase from the previous year.

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Molly Matthews, CEO of Pushpay, commented on the findings, noting that churches are continually evolving their use of technology to enhance the church experience and make ministry content and connection available 24/7. This adaptability and innovation are essential as churches seek to engage with their congregants in new and meaningful ways.

The report also highlights the growing interest in emerging technologies among churches. For example, 33% of churches surveyed believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will be a strategically important tool in the next two to three years. Additionally, 11% of churches are already using generative tools, showcasing a willingness to embrace new technologies to enhance the digital experience for their members. However, the report also notes that only 5% of sanctuaries currently offer metaverse services, down from 8% in 2023, indicating that while churches are open to new technologies, they are also discerning in their adoption.

In addition to exploring new technologies, churches are also leveraging technology to facilitate traditional practices, such as tithing. The report found that the use of cryptocurrency donation platforms is on the rise, with 11% of churches using these platforms this year, up from 7% last year. This trend reflects a broader shift towards digital financial transactions and highlights the adaptability of churches in adopting new ways of giving.

Clay Scroggins, a former pastor who contributed the foreword to the report, emphasized the significance of digital tools in modern faith practices. He noted that online churches, digital small groups, virtual staff meetings, and AI-enhanced sermons are not temporary fixes but rather represent a new, permanent fixture in the way churches engage with their congregations.

Pushpay’s State of Church Technology report underscores the increasing importance of technology in churches and the innovative ways in which churches are leveraging technology to enhance their ministries and engage with their congregations. As churches continue to adapt to the changing landscape of faith practices, technology will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of church services and outreach efforts.