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February 23, 2026

Museum of the Bible Names 2026 Pillar Award Honorees Advancing Bible Engagement

The Pillar Awards honor individuals and groups who showcase the museum’s three pillars of History, Narrative and Impact to help people engage with the Bible worldwide
Museum of the Bible Names 2026 Pillar Award Honorees Advancing Bible Engagement

Washington, D.C., February 23, 2026 — Museum of the Bible hosted its fourth annual Pillar Awards to celebrate prominent individuals who embody Museum of the Bible’s mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible through its history, narrative and impact. The evening featured special musical guests and this year’s award winners. 

 The gala was held on Friday, February 20, at the museum and recognized the following:  

History:

  • John Lennox, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, President of OCCA — The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics

Narrative:

  • Jeff Cavins, Co-host of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, author of the Great Adventure Bible study series 
  • Father Mike Schmitz, Co-host of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, director of youth ministries and chaplain at the University of Minnesota-Duluth 

Impact:

  • Henrietta Mears (posthumously), Christian educator and author 
  • Joe Gibbs, NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of "Joe Gibbs Racing" NASCAR Team 
  • Bill and Gloria Gaither, Gospel Music Hall of Famers, Founders of Gaither Music Group 

The Pillar Awards were hosted by Apologetics Canada's Wesley Huff, featuring entertainment from Big Daddy Weave. Other special guests included Dr. Carlos Campo, President and CEO of Museum of the Bible, and Steve and Jackie Green, Co-Founders of Museum of the Bible.  

“We’re honoring leaders, teachers, artists and scholars who have carried the Bible into culture and changed lives with its truth,” said Dr. Carlos Campo, Museum of the Bible president and CEO. “The Bible does not only inform us, but it also transforms us. It changes the way we love, changes the way we lead, changes the way we serve. We celebrate the truth of that Bible; preserved through history, proclaimed story and proven through changed lives.”  

Honorees are selected by a committee of Museum of the Bible leadership and representatives of the Board of Directors based on their positive global influence through their talent, ideas and platforms.    

The criteria for the History award include reinforcing the Bible’s history — past, present and future — by discovering, preserving, sharing and making the Bible accessible to the generations. Nominees for the Narrative award bring the stories of the Bible to life through cultural mediums. Finally, the Impact award recognizes extraordinary impact among those who communicate the Bible through their public platform.  

   

About Museum of the Bible 

Museum of the Bible invites all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the stunning 430,000-square-foot museum showcases rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history and immersive experiences exploring the Bible. In addition to its educational programs, exhibits and experiences, Museum of the Bible hosts the beautiful 476-seat World Stage Theater. To learn more, visit museumoftheBible.org.  

Contact: Kellie Koch, Public Relations Manager, press@mBible.org