DALLAS (ABP) — In a move with implications for three Baptist General Convention of Texas organizations, Albert Reyes has been named president of Buckner Children and 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 and 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 and Family Services, Reyes will oversee all of the organization's ministries, both in the United States and internationally. Hall continues in his role 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 and 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.”
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. …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 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.
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— Reported by Scott Collins of Buckner International and Marv Knox of the Baptist Standard.