A Creative Collision: Shift Worship Sponsors AI & the Church Hackathon Hosted By Gloo

In a world where technology is reshaping our future, innovation has never been more critical. Shift Worship recently had the incredible opportunity to sponsor AI & the Church Hackathon, hosted by Gloo in Boulder, Colorado. The event attracted an astonishing 41 diverse teams, each showcasing their creative prowess in the field of using artificial intelligence for the Church’s benefit. The hackathon was a testament to the immense potential of AI and how to use it for good. For those who want to relive the excitement, we've included a link to the video of the event!

A Surge of Creativity

With 41 teams in competition, the hackathon was a whirlwind of creative energy and innovation. Participants ranged from seasoned AI experts to aspiring students, each contributing their unique expertise and perspectives. The main goals? To use AI for good, and meet the needs of the church.

The Nine Winning Products

The hackathon concluded with an awards ceremony that celebrated the most groundbreaking AI solutions. Below, we highlight the nine winning products, each a testament to the power of AI to help the church grow and prosper.

1. Best Overall Value to the Ecosystem: Basil Tech

Details: Basil Tech created an app called ‘Kidechisms’, which provides a unique tool that educates children with spiritual information. The app can also assist parents with implementing the foundation of biblical doctrine as well as Christian practices.

2. Best Tech: Innov8 Reach

Details: Innov8 developed a personalized AI advertising experience that helps organizations connect to churches with unmet needs.

3. Best Generative AI Tool: Pastors.ai

Details: This team created an AI Voice Chatbot that responds to questions based on pastor teachings and voices. The Chatbot allows questions and communication to be met in a more intimate and comforting way.

4. Best Product Design: Bible Mate

  Details: Say hello to an AI Bible Study! This tool was created to help individuals study the bible with real-time answers to questions, advice, and increased biblical knowledge.

5. Best Storytelling: Marriage Score

Details: Marriage Score created an AI-based app that is designed to answer questions submitted by each spouse, create customized challenges, and generate conversational responses.

6. Best In Category ‘Streamlining Church Administration’: Deep Space Robots

Details: This team developed a web app called Accord.us. This app allows pastoral teams to build, schedule, and manage volunteer teams with ease and efficiency.

7. Best In Category ‘Equip The Church’: Alpha International

Details: Alpha International created a chatbot within their app, Beta. With the intent of providing support and opportunities, the chatbot reduces time and investment for those practicing the Alpha Course Material.

8. Best In Category Intimacy with God: Servant.io

Details: This team designed an app that assists users while they are dealing with personal struggles. Using AI, behavioral data can be u sed to reveal new growth opportunities.

9. Best In Category Beyond Boundaries: Biblechat.ai

Details: Creating an AI platform, AiForTheChurch.org- this team enabled Christian organizations to align custom LLMs to their biblical doctrine.

Relive the Excitement

If you missed the AI hackathon, or if you simply want to relive the excitement of the event, check out the video of the hackathon here. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness the innovative solutions and creative energy that unfolded during the event! Shift Worship would love to thank Gloo for allowing us to sponsor this amazing event that is using technology to advance and better the church!   *All images are from the Hackathon event hosted by Gloo.