Pat Gelsinger Takes Charge at Gloo: Harnessing Technology for Faith
In an exciting move for the intersection of faith and technology, Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO of Intel, has stepped up his involvement with Gloo, a prominent technology platform dedicated to serving the faith community. Transitioning from investor and chairman to executive chairman and head of technology, Gelsinger is poised to make a significant impact on how technology can be harnessed for positive change within the Christian ecosystem.
Gloo, based in Boulder, Colorado, is on a mission to connect over 100,000 churches and organizations with resources that align with their values. With Gelsinger at the helm, the company aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that supports and uplifts the faith community. Gelsinger has been involved with Gloo for nearly a decade, and now, he’s ready to dive deeper into the operations and technology aspects that will shape the future of faith-based initiatives.
“We’re thrilled that Pat is expanding his role with Gloo,” co-founder Scott Beck expressed in a recent interview. “His extensive experience in technology and passion for faith will help us build capabilities that serve the vast faith ecosystem effectively.”
The U.S. faith community is vast, encompassing around 450,000 churches and nonprofits. Yet, many have been slow to embrace digital technology. Gloo aims to change that by offering tools and insights that empower churches and organizations to leverage technology in meaningful ways. Gelsinger believes that the faith community must not fall behind as AI continues to evolve rapidly.
“The faith ecosystem has been hesitant to engage with social media and internet platforms, which has had negative consequences,” Gelsinger noted. “We cannot afford to make the same mistake with AI. This technology has the potential to be a force for good, and we need to shape its development accordingly.”
Gelsinger envisions a world where AI can enhance Bible translations, help contextualize sermons, and even improve social networking within faith communities. He believes that in the next two decades, AI will become integral to every aspect of human life, much like the internet did in the 1990s. “Just as the internet changed everything, AI will too,” he explained. “We need to be proactive in shaping how it integrates with our lives and faith.”
One of Gloo’s ambitious plans under Gelsinger’s leadership is to create the world’s first vertical industry cloud specifically for faith and flourishing. This cloud will allow churches and organizations to build applications on trusted and transparent AI models, ensuring that the technology aligns with biblical principles.
Gelsinger also emphasizes the importance of community in this endeavor. “We believe that relationships catalyze growth,” he said. “Technology should serve to enhance those relationships, not replace them.” This philosophy underpins Gloo’s mission to foster unity within the faith ecosystem while respecting its diverse denominational views.
As Gelsinger steps into this expanded role, he aims to establish a Trust Council to address the ethical implications of AI and technology. “We recognize the risks that come with these advancements, and we want to manage them responsibly,” he stated. “Our goal is to shape technology as a force for good, and that requires open dialogue and community involvement.”
Scott Beck echoed this sentiment, urging faith leaders to embrace technology rather than shy away from it. “Our message is simple: lean in,” he encouraged. “We have a responsibility to shape and use technology for good, and we can only do that together.”
For those in the faith community who may be hesitant about the integration of AI, Gelsinger reassures that technology itself is neutral. “It’s how we use it that determines its value,” he said. “Our objective is to ensure that technology serves the flourishing of every individual on the planet.”
As Gelsinger takes the reins at Gloo, the potential for innovation at the intersection of faith and technology is immense. With a commitment to harnessing AI for positive impact, Gloo is set to empower churches and organizations to thrive in a digital age. For more information on Gloo and how to get involved, visit their official website at Gloo.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, the faith community has a unique opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating how to use innovation for the greater good. Gelsinger’s expanded role at Gloo is a promising step in that direction, and it will be exciting to see how this journey unfolds.