about BUCKNER

Buckner Fanning Sermons

Buckner Fanning is known throughout San Antonio for his unique, positive and inclusive ministry. In 1959, he came to San Antonio to begin the first of forty two years as Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church.  In that time, the church grew to over 10,000 members and was established as a prime example of how a church gets involved in the community.  Buckner quickly became known for his powerful, dynamic, spiritually uplifting and grace-filled sermons which were taped and sent all over the world. These are the sermons that are featured on this web site.

Through Buckner’s leadership, Trinity created numerous local mission programs to improve the quality of life for countless groups in San Antonio and reached the world with numerous world-wide mission endeavors, including 30 trips behind the Iron Curtain. 

Buckner is also known for his extensive television ministry in which his unique 30 second “spots” were seen, on average, over one million times a week for over 25 years in San Antonio, South Texas, and throughout the world. 
In 1975, Buckner was featured in a nationwide television documentary where he revisited Nagasaki, Japan on the 30th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb. As a Marine in the 2nd Marine Division, Buckner occupied Nagasaki for the first year after the dropping of the bomb. This documentary aired nationally on NBC and received the Gold Medal at the New York Film Festival as the finest religious documentary of the year. Additional one hour television specials were produced, including one highlighting the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor in 1991 featuring Buckner, as a former Marine in World War II, speaking and interviewing Pearl Harbor survivors.


His focus on interdenominational cooperation can be represented by the fact that Trinity was the only Protestant Church in America to have a prayer service for the Pope’s visit to America in 1985.  In addition, he received another honorary Doctorate from the Catholic University of the Incarnate Word and Buckner, Rabbi Sam Stahl and his son Mike have led numerous “Interfaith” trips to the Holy Land as well.

In 1998, Buckner founded the Buckner Fanning Christian School as an inter-denominational Christian school for children K-8th grade. The school continues to flourish as it emphasizes the unconditional love and grace of God and an exemplary education grounded in faith and focused on the future.

Preaching, speaking, and serving throughout the community has always been at the core of Buckner’s God-given calling.  He has preached in churches representing over 10 different denominations, including a monthly “Gospel Brunch” at Gruene Hall.  He continues to speak, raise awareness and support countless non-profit and community organizations.  Some of these organizations include the Baptist Children’s Home, Any Baby Can, South Texas Children’s Home, City Year, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boysville, University of The Incarnate Word, United Way, Oklahoma Children’s Home, Hawaii Baptist Academy, YMCA, Respite Care of San Antonio, Wesley Community Center, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, Leadership Seminar for Texas A & M, Chaplain’s Seminar, Elderly Care Givers, Interfaith prayer service after the remodeling of San Fernando Cathedral, Mental Health Association, Texas  Bar Association and the San Antonio Spurs annual post-game inner-faith service.

​Buckner has chaired events for several organizations such as The San Antonio Food Bank and the Billy Graham Crusades in 1968 and 1998. He has produced video presentations for the Council on Independent Living, Unicorn Centers, Hawaii Baptist Academy, Downtown Youth Center, Orphans for Christ, Ruschlikon Seminary, Flood relief for Wheatly Heights and Respite Care of San Antonio. Buckner has been a board member for the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, Baptist Health System, City Year, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Southern Baptist Mission Board, Baylor University and the Sonterra Board of Development. Several awards Buckner has received include The Tree of Life Award from The Jewish National Fund, One of the Ten Most Influential People in Bexar County, Clergyman of the Year, Family of the Year and The Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future in Philadelphia . Reaching the world with the message of Christ has been Buckner’s passion throughout his life and this website featuring his sermons is one way to continue his ministry long into the future.