This question is raised occasionally, both from internal and external supporters of Buckner International. It is a good question; yet, it poses a false dichotomy as well. Buckner has been a ministry serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors, founded in Dallas, Texas, since 1879. We have never wavered or changed our mission. From the early beginnings in a house rented at the corner of Junius and Haskell streets near downtown Dallas to care for the first three children who were orphaned, Buckner focused on the same mission. Our mission is to follow the example of Jesus by serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors.
We are a ministry run like a business. By that I mean we used the best business principles to demonstrate the highest level of stewardship, management, administration, and outcomes as a nonprofit organization. Rather than generate a profit like a business, we generate outcomes for those we serve. We collaborate with donors who want to make a transformational difference in the life of a child or family. We serve seniors in senior living communities and while these services are paid for by residents and members, we also provide charitable care for those who outlive their resources through an application process.
As a ministry we strive for excellence but not perfection. No business is perfect and the same goes for nonprofit organizations. Excellence, on the other hand, is achievable. Even on our best day, we can discover ways we can improve. As a matter of habit, I like to start our work with the end in mind. I shared this same insight with the Forbes Nonprofit Council. What is the preferable future for Buckner ministry? What does excellent service look like? When we encounter problems, obstacles, or setbacks, we quickly work to recover, improve our practice, and seek ways to mitigate those situations.
Jesus once taught about management and finance saying, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30). In other words, start with the end in mind. We must remember Jesus was a carpenter by trade and when he recruits team members (disciples) he enlisted two brothers who owned a fishing company, and he recruited Matthew, an IRS agent. He organized a group of leaders who would conduct a mission with him and even provided for succession of his leadership in their mission.
Nonprofit ministry uses the best business principles to achieve excellence. Those we serve deserve the best from us.
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