Theological university president moves to Buckner post

Posted: 11/17/06

Theological university
president moves to Buckner post

DALLAS—In a move with implications for three Baptist General Convention of Texas organizations, Albert Reyes has been named president of Buckner Children & Family Services, which is being revamped to expand its ministries throughout the United States and internationally.

Reyes, 47, has been president of Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio since 1999. He assumes his duties at Buckner International, the parent organization of Buckner Children & Family Services, Jan. 1.

Both Buckner International and Baptist University of the Americas are affiliated with the BGCT. Reyes also had been mentioned prominently as a possible eventual successor to Charles Wade, head of the BGCT Executive Board.

Buckner International President Ken Hall appointed Reyes to the new position. Hall called the selection of Reyes “one of the most strategic and vital decisions” in the 127-year history of Buckner.

“Dr. Reyes brings a deep understanding of the needs facing millions of orphans and at-risk children around the world,” Hall said. “These are people God is calling Buckner to reach in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Buckner is breaking down traditional geographic and demographic borders that have defined our ministry primarily in Texas for more than 100 years. Albert Reyes is going to lead us to expand our ministry to needy children and families throughout the United States and in even more countries than we currently serve.”

As president of Buckner Children & Family Services, Reyes will oversee all of the organization’s ministries, both in the United States and internationally. Hall continues as president and CEO of the overall ministries of Buckner International, including its retirement services division.

As part of the reorganization, international ministries that formerly operated as part of Buckner Orphan Care International have been combined with domestic programs, and Buckner Orphan Care International will no longer exist as a separate organization.

Buckner Children & Family Services serves more than 120,000 orphans and at-risk children worldwide each year. Its operating budget exceeds $27 million. More than 4,000 volunteers serve in short-term missions around the world with Buckner annually.

Under its new structure, Buckner will emphasize an expanded missions program and seek to partner with more churches throughout the country and internationally.

Reyes led Baptist University of the Americas through dramatic change in its name and structure. Formerly known as Hispanic Baptist Theological School, BUA experienced a 400 percent increase in enrollment since Reyes took over as president more than seven years ago.

Under his leadership, the university earned a certificate of authority from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, allowing the school to grant bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. BUA also attained its initial accreditation from the Association of Biblical Higher Education.

Reyes guided the university to launch a multi-million-dollar fund-raising campaign, setting the stage for construction of a new campus on 78 acres near its current location in San Antonio. Under Reyes, the school’s annual operating budget has increased from $700,000 to more than $3.2 million.

“Buckner has positioned itself as a premier missions organization by engaging the missions passion of Baptist congregations across Texas and the United States,” Reyes said. “Buckner is perceived as an organization on mission with a focus on incarnational ministry to the vulnerable, the abused, the unwanted and the people most in need.

“I believe Buckner’s mission resonates with churches and leaders primarily due to the fusion of ministry and mission.”

Although the Buckner search process is a recent development, Reyes’ move reflects “a heartshift that’s been in the making for about two years,” he recalled.

Reyes served as BGCT president in 2005, and early in that year, he spoke to the BGCT Executive Board about developing a “Jesus agenda,” based on Jesus’ inaugural sermon, recorded in the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

“That Scripture got hold of me and began a shift in my heart to be focused on the groups Jesus mentioned as the agenda for his ministry,” including the poor, prisoners, blind and oppressed, Reyes said.

“For almost two years, that passage has really changed the focus of my heart and mind,” he explained. “I settled Jesus’ issue of bringing ‘good news to the poor’ by what we are doing at BUA: We’re helping poor students get access to educational systems.

“But when the Buckner situation came along, it opened wide the possibilities for fulfilling all of Jesus’ agenda, … doing the gospel for people who can’t care for themselves and are locked out.”

The Buckner position also expands the implications of Reyes’ life mission: “To develop kingdom leaders from my circle of influence to the ends of the earth.”

As a pastor, he had an opportunity to lead people to Christ and to disciple them and develop them as leaders. At Baptist University of the Americas, he has advanced that mission by working with people who already are Christians and helping them grow and mature as cross-cultural Christian leaders.

“At Buckner, I will focus on children at risk,” he added. “When I think of 143 million orphans in the world and their leadership potential, my heart begins to race. It blows my mind.

“Throughout its history, Buckner has earned a reputation for meeting needs, and that is outstanding. I have begun to dream: What if we were to look at the leadership potential of all those children in those countries? What could be the transformational potential of the gospel in their lives for their communities around the world?”

Reyes added leaving Baptist University of the Americas has been difficult, but he intends to maintain a close association with the school. “Buckner will need BUA to continue developing cross-cultural leaders for social ministry in Texas, the United States and the world. I will continue supporting BUA in their future successes.”

Reyes has served in numerous roles with the BGCT and with Baptist-related organizations. He has earned a bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a candidate for the doctor of philosophy degree from Andrews University.

Reyes and his wife, Belinda, have three children.

Reported by Scott Collins of Buckner International and Marv Knox of the Baptist Standard.