As we close out 2025, it’s fitting to take a cue from the Psalms and reflect on God’s faithfulness in our ministries. For Computer in Ministry (CIM), Aaron and I have looked back at where we stood last year compared to today, and it’s clear that God’s hand has been at work, not just in our ministry, but in all the ministries we partner with, both long-standing and new.
While we could call this “The Year of Camera Installs”, with many more already planned for next year, I prefer to think of 2025 as the year of teaching. This newsletter marks the beginning of that journey, alongside numerous webinars and conference speaking engagements designed to empower ministries with technology.
2025 was also the year AI went from experimental to everyday. ChatGPT reached 800 million weekly active users, and Microsoft Copilot doubled its user base. Among church leaders, AI adoption increased by 80%, yet only 24% have a formal strategy for using AI in ministry. This gap highlights the need for intentional planning and guidance as AI becomes a normal part of ministry life.
With AI’s normalcy, data privacy, and more importantly, data stewardship, became a mainstream conversation. Concerns about who owns and can use our data led more governments and organizations to seek greater control, moving away from reliance on large corporations
Unfortunately, 2025 also saw a significant increase in cybersecurity threats targeting churches and ministries. Nonprofits experienced a 35% year-over-year increase in email attacks, and more than 70% reported attempted or successful cyber incidents. This trend underscores the urgent need for stronger defenses.
Following the Psalms’ example, we don’t just look back, we respond to God’s faithfulness by taking action. At CIM, we will continue to trust in God’s provision as we seek to empower frontline ministries through technology. Cybersecurity will remain a top priority. As Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT), has warned, more powerful AI models will make cyberattacks an even greater threat. To help combat this, CIM will ensure all staff are using multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems by the end of the first quarter. (MFA can block over 99.2% of account compromises.) We’ll also offer more cybersecurity training for staff and volunteers, making sure everyone is equipped to stay safe online.
Personally, I will continue to focus on what it realistically looks like to use AI in ministry from an ethical, biblical, and theological perspective. I’m updating my presentations on “AI in the Church” and will release them as video(s) for everyone to use, along with a sample policy on AI usage. We’re also working on best practices for protecting your data when using any system. Stay tuned for these resources, they’ll be available soon, and I encourage you to reach out if you have questions or want to share your experiences.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has responded to our newsletters. My prayer is that 2026 will be a year of deeper communication, not just from us to you, but hearing more from you as well. Please share your stories, questions, and ideas; together, we can continue to advance the mission.
Happy New Year,
Jonathan Meester, VP & Chief Technologist, Computers in Ministry
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