From Silicon Valley to Faith-Driven Innovation: An Exclusive with Pat Gelsinger

When one of America's most influential tech leaders champions AI for the Christian community, it's a story worth your attention.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Pat Gelsinger, former Intel CEO and current Executive Chairman and Head of Technology at Gloo, who's on a mission to ensure artificial intelligence serves—rather than sidelines—the Church. From his early pull to ministry that led him into the tech world, to his vision for "values-aligned AI," Gelsinger shares why he believes we're living through a "Gutenberg moment" that Christians cannot afford to miss.

After leading one of America’s largest technology companies, you've now taken on the role of Executive Chair and Head of Technology at Gloo, a faith-based AI platform.

What drew you to make this transition — and why focus specifically on AI for the faith community?

I’ve always lived my life at the intersection of faith and technology. Early on, I actually felt a strong pull to enter the ministry. But I discovered that my calling was to be a workplace minister in the tech industry seeking to make the lives of everyone on the planet better through technology. AI is the biggest technology shift of our time; it’s a Gutenberg moment. Since AI will profoundly impact people’s lives, it is essential for the faith community to actively shape its development in ways that promote human well-being and serve the common good.

Gloo’s mission is to "catalyze the faith ecosystem through AI and other breakthrough technologies.”

Practically speaking, what does this look like for a typical church, ministry, or Christian organization?

Historically, the Church has been slow to adopt technology, and it has also been radically underserved. Organizations across the Christian ecosystem need access to the right technologies that truly serve their needs. Gloo is filling this gap, by offering a trusted technology platform that connects and meets the needs of the entire ecosystem – from churches, ministries and frontline organizations to the growing network of trusted providers that serve them. At the center of these efforts is Gloo AI, Gloo 360 and Gloo Workspace. From better understanding and supporting members of a congregation to connecting various channels and partners through underlying technology, Gloo is creating the digital backbone that will shape technology for good and help the Church thrive.

Many Christian leaders feel overwhelmed or even intimidated by emerging AI tools.

What would you say to those who are hesitant to explore AI in their ministries or day-to-day operations?

AI is yet another monumental technology shift that is both confusing and scary. Much like the printing press, radio or television, the Church must learn how to shape this technology and ensure it supports our communities instead of harming them. AI is just a tool – it's not inherently good or bad. It’s our responsibility to shape it for good. If pastors and Church leaders are not already familiar with the technology, I encourage them to start small but… get started! Start exploring AI tools, consider joining ministry-centered learning groups, talk with your staff about how to use AI in Godly ways, and follow faith leaders who are exploring the space.

You’ve spoken about the potential for AI to enhance core functions of the Church.

How do you see it transforming areas like pastoral care, discipleship, community building, or evangelism? What excites you most about these possibilities?

AI can be a force multiplier for the Church’s core mission; sharing Scriptures, guiding people towards resources, and meeting people where they are with personalization. It can help with the low-impact work of running a church or faith organization and free up more time for Church leaders to minister to their flock. It can translate and localize materials (and even help with Biblical translations) to help with outreach and evangelism.

One of Gloo's unique differentiators is its focus on developing "values-aligned AI models."

What does that mean in practice, and how do you ensure these systems reflect Christian values and biblical principles?

I’ve always been vocal that technology must support human flourishing and align with human values. It’s not enough to show the absence of harm, you must show the presence of good. A “values-aligned” AI model should be based on human values, and its answers and actions should encourage human well-being.

At Gloo we’re working to build this. Core to that mission is understanding how AI and large language models (LLMs) impact human wellbeing. Based on the work of the Human Flourishing Project of Harvard, Baylor and Gallup, we created the Flourishing AI Benchmark. FAI measures how industry LLMs perform across the seven key areas of human flourishing, which includes faith and spirituality. By better understanding that dynamic, we can work as a community to build standards that will improve AI’s impact on humanity.

Beyond church operations, there’s also potential for AI in Bible translation, theological education, and content accessibility.

How do you envision AI expanding the global reach of Christian resources and training?

This is one of the areas that I find most inspiring.  AI can already translate across hundreds of languages, but we could soon see Scriptures in languages for every person on this planet. There are approximately 7,000 languages with most yet to be conquered—AI will dramatically accelerate our ability to present God’s word to every single language and people group on the planet in text, speech and cultural relevant manners.

I see this also as a huge accelerant to educate every person on the planet. Today, we are close to 70% connected and we’re projected to reach over 90% by decades end. AI will also dramatically improve teacher productivity. With the trifecta of language, connectivity and teacher productivity, we can envision teaching every child on the planet, including all 333 million living in extreme poverty today. This will be the single most powerful way to eliminate extreme poverty.

For accessibility, AI can adapt content for the hearing and visually impaired and those with special learning needs. That’s the work of the Kingdom—so that all can hear the teachings of the Bible.

Gloo frames its annual “Gloo AI Hackathon” as a space to create redemptive technology that supports human flourishing.

What do you ultimately hope to accomplish through these events — and what are you most looking forward to seeing emerge from this year’s hackathon?

Hackathons bring together creators, innovators and dreamers in a powerfully collaborative way. We want participants to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what AI can do in an ethical, faith-driven environment. I’m looking forward to seeing young developers and seasoned leaders come together, fueled by faith, to build technology that will help people flourish. That, to me, is a glimpse of the future of the Church. I can’t wait to explore their builds and use cases.

The Church's AI Moment

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our world, the question isn't whether AI will impact the Church, but whether the Church will impact AI. Pat Gelsinger's vision of "values-aligned" artificial intelligence offers a compelling alternative to the often dystopian narratives surrounding this technology, presenting instead a future where AI amplifies human flourishing and advances God's Kingdom.

From accelerating Bible translation to every language on earth to freeing pastors from administrative tasks so they can focus on shepherding their flocks, the possibilities are as vast as they are inspiring. But realizing this potential requires Christian leaders to overcome their hesitation and engage with AI tools—not from a place of fear, but from a position of faith-driven leadership.

The Gutenberg printing press didn't just change how information was shared; it democratized knowledge and accelerated the Reformation. Similarly, AI's potential to personalize discipleship, expand global evangelism and eliminate barriers to theological education could usher in a new era of Christian impact.

The question that remains is whether the Church will shape this technology or be shaped by it. As Gelsinger reminds us, "It's our responsibility to shape it for good."

Learn more about Gloo's mission to catalyze the faith ecosystem through AI at gloo.com.