Don Barger, director of innovation and artificial intelligence for the International Mission Board, received the 2026 Excelerate Award from Missio Nexus during the Mission Leaders Conference, Sept. 24 in Orlando, Florida.

According to Missio Nexus, a network of mission-focused organizations and churches, the Excelerate Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and creativity in advancing missions through innovation. Barger has earned a reputation for identifying emerging technologies and applying them to ministry challenges, helping pioneer the use of artificial intelligence in global missions while promoting a biblically grounded approach to innovation.

Don Barger, left, IMB director of innovation and artificial intelligence, receives the Excelerate Award at the Missio Nexus Mission Leaders Conference in Orlando, Florida. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and creativity in advancing missions through innovation. Photo provided

Barger said receiving the award was both surprising and encouraging.

“I realized it was an affirmation not only of my work, but of the work our entire team has been doing,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see the IMB recognized as an organization willing to invest in innovation, think creatively and explore new ways to reach the nations.”

Barger has served with the IMB for 29 years in a variety of roles. He was involved in church planting and led indigenous work in Mexico and Central America. Most of his work as a missionary focused on oral learners and Bible storying.

Long before artificial intelligence became mainstream, Barger and his team began examining its potential for missions. IMB team members developed a framework to guide appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI in ministry settings.

One principle that continues to shape that framework is Barger’s conviction that “souls should care for souls.”

“We do not use AI for counseling or to replace human spiritual care,” Barger said. “Instead, we use AI to handle tasks that free people to spend more time ministering directly to people.”

While much of his work centers on technology, Barger emphasizes that innovation extends far beyond technical advances. He defines innovation as a willingness to ask new questions and explore new approaches while remaining faithful to biblical truth.

“Too often the response is, ‘That’s not how we’ve always done it,'” Barger said. “Innovation that advances the Great Commission begins by asking new questions and exploring new possibilities.”

Barger noted that Christians have a long history of embracing new tools to support gospel ministry, from the printing press to broadcasting and healthcare advances. As artificial intelligence continues to generate discussion among ministry leaders, Barger encourages both optimism and discernment. He points to AI’s potential to improve communication, accelerate training and remove barriers that can hinder ministry efforts. At the same time, he cautions leaders to recognize the limitations of AI and ensure people remain responsible for ministry decisions and engagement.

“Every tool throughout history has been capable of both good and evil,” Barger said. “The opportunity is to use AI for redemptive purposes.”

Barger’s work includes developing faithbot.tools, a collection of AI tools designed for evangelical Christians. Throughout his career, he has advocated using technology not as an end in itself, but as a means of strengthening ministry and supporting relationships.

Looking ahead, Barger hopes his greatest contribution will be encouraging future mission leaders to think creatively while remaining committed to God’s mission.

“I hope mission leaders develop a mindset of curiosity,” he said. “Instead of simply accepting, ‘This is how we’ve always done it,’ I want them to ask, ‘How might we do this better?'”

For Barger, innovation is ultimately about stewarding available tools in ways that help advance the Great Commission. His message to mission leaders remains simple: stay curious, think creatively and use every appropriate tool to help reach the nations with the gospel.