2025 has been a profound year for the Church in many ways, but especially in how evolving technology has impacted the formation of community in supporting God's work. As we look back over our work this year, we see not just a string of "how-to" posts and technical articles, but a growing story of ministry adapting to a changing world while holding fast to a timeless mission. 
 

Below, we share some key takeaways from 2025, lessons we believe churches can carry forward into the new year. 
 

1. Technology & AI are not "the future" — they're the "present" of ministry 

Our article, Why Technology and AI Matter More Than Ever underscored a pivotal shift: younger generations are engaging with faith digitally, through short-form content, chat, livestreams, on-demand devotions, and hybrid church experiences. The Church must be wise in how it meets them in these ways. 
 

Through pieces like How Churches Are Using AI to Enhance Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Navigating Data Security with AI and other Applications, many churches began experimenting not just with adopting new tools, but imagining what faithful, value-driven ministry looks like when supported by innovative, ethical technology. 

Technology, including AI, is a core part of ministry today. When handled intentionally, it can help churches meet people where they are, communicate clearly, and build discipleship pathways that resonate with the generations of "digital-natives."  
 

2. Security & Stewardship Matter — Data Is Sacred 

As churches adopt more technology, 2025 reinforced a hard truth: with greater connectivity comes greater vulnerability. Our Top 5 Cyber Threats Churches Face in 2025 exposed how churches are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals seeking to exploit trust, relationships, and infinite goodwill. 
 

Earlier in the year, in Three Critical Things You Must Be Doing to Protect Your Church Today, we offered concrete, simple steps to bolster protection: enhanced security through strong passwords and MFA; implementation of robust, formalized staff training and awareness; and the thoughtful application of multi-layered security approaches.  Because the majority of breaches occur through the human error or oversight of our own teams, taking these steps is crucial. 

As churches rely more on digital tools for outreach, administration, and communication, they also carry the responsibility to protect members' data and treat digital security as an act of ministry. Wise stewardship means caring for what's entrusted to us: financial resources, personal data, and relational integrity. 
 

3. Community-Driven Ministry Within a Digital Framework 

This year wasn't just about technology and systems; it was about people and mission. In How AI is Helping Ministry Leaders Get Back to the Mission, we recounted stories of leaders whose burdens were eased by AI, allowing them to spend more time on what matters most: relationships, discipleship, care, prayer, and gospel work. 
 

Additionally, articles on church-management processes, such as Does Your Check-In Process Inadvertently Detract from Your Ministry Values and Goals? reminded us that technology should bolster, not erode, the church's core identity as a welcoming, grace-filled, relational community. 
 

Technology should never replace community; to the contrary, it works best when it community, but when it undergirds and extends meaningful connections. When digital tools free up time, enhance clarity, and support human connection, ministries can offer deeper belonging, more effective outreach, and richer discipleship. 
 

4. Budgets, Priorities & Long-Term Planning Are Vital 

 Given the increased use of technology in church ministry in 2025, we continued to emphasize that wise and practical technology decisions require intentionality and stewardship. In How to Ensure You Are Not Wasting Your Ministry Technology Investments and Taking the Pain out of Church IT Budgeting: A Scalable Framework for Executive Pastors, we explored how to evaluate technology tools, plan budgets, and make strategic, not reactive, decisions. 

When resources, staff capacity, and volunteer support are limited,  churches must make technology decisions guided by faithful stewardship.  Wisdom dictates investing in systems that truly support the mission, protect people, and serve the church beyond the immediate moment or circumstances. 
 

Being prepared is a vital part of good stewardship. Operating from a solid budget framework, implementing a complementary technology "road map", and cultivating a long-term perspective aid in advancing the ministry rather than draining it. Thoughtful preparation positions technology investments to serve the church and its people for years to come. 

5. Ministry Is Always About People — Technology Is a Means, Not an End 

As it relates to technology, one truth stands at the core of our belief and our mission--at the heart of every article, tool, warning, strategy, roadmap, service, product, or recommendation are People.  Pastors, parents, volunteers, children, families, and community members are all seeking purpose, connection, forgiveness, hope, healing, and belonging.  These people and these ends are Enable's mission. 
 

So, whether it's using AI to streamline VBS or administrative work, implementing cybersecurity to protect vulnerable data, refining check-in processes so first-time visitors feel welcomed, or helping church leaders preserve their time and emotional energy, the goal is never technology for its own sake. The goal is ministry and changed lives. 

Looking Forward: How 2025 Prepares Us for 2026 

Let's step into 2026 with clarity. We know very well that technology is not divine or supernatural, but it does provide great possibilities to enable and enhance ministry.  Let's appreciate its power and potential as well as its risks and shortcomings.  Let's enter the new year with hopeful confidence that God can use all the tools at our disposal to build His Church, draw people in, foster community, and bring healing and life to many.