The Christian Leaders Exploratory Foresight Report is a monthly resource from The Futuring Hub for Theo-Futures Research at Acadia Divinity College, equipping church and ministry leaders to navigate complexity with courage, conviction, and creativity. The September 2025 edition explores three timely signals shaping the future of the Canadian Church:
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AI-Enhanced Spiritual Formation – AI-Enhanced Spiritual Formation refers to the intentional integration of artificial intelligence technologies into personal and communal faith practices. This includes AI-powered tools for personalized scripture reading, prayer guidance, sermon preparation, immersive worship experiences, and spiritual mentorship. Current applications range from AI chatbots offering theological insights to affective computing systems tailoring worship music to emotional states.
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Influencers Shaping Public Debate – Personalities and influencers are (both within and outside faith communities), in some countries, are increasingly shaping public discourse on political, cultural, and theological issues. Their reach, amplified by platform algorithms, allows them to set agendas, mobilize real-world action, and redefine who is perceived as a legitimate voice in public and ecclesial life. One-fifth (22%) of our United States sample says they came across news or commentary from popular podcaster Joe Rogan in the week after the inauguration, including a disproportionate number of young men. In France, young news creator Hugo Travers (HugoDécrypte) reaches 22% of under-35s with content distributed mainly via YouTube and TikTok. In the Christian context, influencers range from digital missionaries to celebrity pastors, using platforms to evangelize, build online communities, and address societal issues.
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Gen Z Men Returning to Church – For the first time in modern Western religious history, Gen Z men in the U.S., U.K., and parts of Europe are attending church more frequently than their female peers—a reversal of decades-long patterns. Data from Barna and other surveys indicate rising male identification with Christianity, increased Scripture engagement, and a surge in faith-centric media consumption. This resurgence is especially pronounced in conservative and traditionalist churches, where messages of order, structure, and “meaningful masculinity” resonate.
Combining research, theological reflection, and practical recommendations, the report invites leaders to discern the times, innovate faithfully, and prepare their communities for the transformations ahead.
