From Google to AI: Is It Time for Churches to Make the Switch?

Google has long been the go-to search engine for just about everything. But with the rise of AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, it might be time to reconsider how we find and share information within the church. Here’s a key insight: as of 2024, 25% of tech insiders now use AI more than Google. And that trend is only going to grow.

 What Does This Mean for Church Leaders?

- AI Is Streamlining Research: With tools like ChatGPT and Claude, pastors can quickly gather information for sermon prep or theological studies. These platforms offer more conversational and context-specific results than traditional search engines.

- AI Improves Efficiency: Need to write a blog post, create a newsletter, or research sermon ideas? AI tools can do the heavy lifting, freeing you up to focus on the spiritual side of your ministry.

 A Growing Trend:

- While Google still dominates with 131 billion visits per month, AI-powered platforms are rapidly catching up. In fact, 8% of people now use ChatGPT as their default search engine—a significant jump from 1% just a few months ago.

 Should Your Church Make the Switch?

Not entirely. Google is still useful for many types of searches, but when it comes to contextual and conversational queries, AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are becoming indispensable. They’re especially helpful for pastors who need quick, nuanced answers to complex theological questions.

By embracing these tools, your church can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of AI’s growing capabilities.