Chipp Builder Series: Empowering Faith-Based Organizations Using AI with Don Barger
Don Barger of the International Mission Board is using Chipp internally and externally to expand the mission of his faith-based organization. Learn how in this interview and join Don at Chipp Con.
Meet Don Barger, the innovation director at the International Mission Board (IMB) who's showing how organizations can use AI to expand their reach. With 27 years of experience and time spent across Peru, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Virginia, Don brings valuable cross-cultural expertise to his work.
Don's approach to innovation is refreshingly practical. When someone says something isn't possible, that's precisely when his problem-solving instincts kick in. This curiosity has led him to create effective AI tools that are helping faith communities worldwide, all without traditional coding skills.
Making AI Accessible Through Community Learning
One of the most valuable insights Don shared was his approach to getting teams excited about AI technology, especially in traditional organizations like the IMB. Rather than focusing on formal training programs, Don advocates for a community-based learning approach with "lunch and learn" sessions where team members showcase tools they've built in just five minutes, then discuss how they're using AI in their work.
For Don, the value of AI goes beyond just efficiency. It's about creating more meaning in your work by focusing on what brings you joy while letting AI handle repetitive tasks. His practical advice for learning AI is wonderfully accessible: it's similar to training a dog. You won't master it by watching videos, but by trying, getting it wrong, and adjusting until something clicks.
Breaking Language Barriers with AI
Another fascinating application Don discussed was how AI is helping bridge cultural divides through translation capabilities. As someone who has lived and worked across multiple countries, Don recognizes the transformative potential of real-time translation tools like Poly Glossier, which allows audience members to scan a QR code and instantly receive translations of a speaker's words on their phones.
This capability transforms what was once a logistical and financial challenge. Previously, hosting a training session in 5-10 different languages required expensive translation services. Now, AI makes multilingual communication accessible and affordable, opening new possibilities for global organizations to connect across language barriers.
Innovative Applications: FaithBot, Bible Pictures, and More
Don's creativity comes alive in the various applications he's built using Chipp. One of his most successful creations is FaithBot, an NFC-enabled chatbot that answers questions about the Bible using scripture references. Users simply tap their phone to the NFC card to instantly access the bot, which has already attracted 14,000 users.
Don also shared some other tools he ccreated such as Bible Pictures, which generates images for Bible passages in various styles, and Coffee Coach, an interactive chatbot that guides users through brewing methods, bean selection, and troubleshooting with a touch of humor. These practical applications show how domain-specific knowledge combined with AI can create useful tools for specific communities.
Join Us at Chipp Con!
We're thrilled to announce that Don Barger will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Chipp Con in July! He'll be sharing his practical wisdom and demonstrating how anyone can build innovative AI solutions without technical barriers.
Register for free at www.chipp.ai/chippcon and join us in Fargo. If you're interested in trying Don's applications or getting templates for your own projects, reach out to Don or Scott, and they'll help you get started.