Pastors Embrace AI for Scripture Interpretation Despite Misinterpretation Fears — Gloo Holdings, Inc.

Event summary

94% of pastors fear AI misinterpreting scripture, but only 5% believe AI should avoid contested passages.
42% of pastors want AI to show multiple interpretations side-by-side, while 32% prefer citing scholarly disagreement.
Research conducted by Barna Group and Gloo as part of the 2026 State of the Church series on Faith & AI.
Surveys included 1,514 U.S. adults and 442 U.S. Protestant pastors, with margins of error of +/- 2.0% and +/- 2.8% respectively.

The big picture

The research highlights a strategic tension between the fear of AI misinterpretation and the potential for AI to aid in theological understanding. Gloo's partnership with Barna Group positions it at the forefront of integrating AI into faith-based communities, a market with significant growth potential. The findings suggest that AI could become a critical tool for fostering critical thinking and community dialogue within religious organizations.

What we're watching

AI Adoption: How Gloo's AI platform will evolve to meet the nuanced needs of religious leaders seeking balanced interpretations.
Market Differentiation: Whether Gloo can sustain its position as a leading technology platform for faith-based organizations amid growing competition.
Regulatory Dynamics: The pace at which regulatory frameworks will address the use of AI in religious and theological contexts.