Who We Are

Towel & Basin is a not for profit corporation established to help people and organizations discover their God-given visions, develop to their full potential and achieve excellence in service to God’s world.

Here are responses to some frequently asked questions:

What is your purpose?

Our desire is to see individuals and organizations live lives to their peak potential --“to have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) We understand that this abundant life is evident in joyfully serving others and God’s creation -- imitating Christ’s servanthood of the towel & basin (John 13:4-5) throughout a person’s entire life span.

We are particularly interested in empowering the poor to grasp their God-given capabilities, giving them tools to develop their capacities.

Towel & Basin is also committed to teach and train those called to work and live among the poor to move their ministry beyond merely helping the poor “get by.” Through the development of leaders, our goal is that the poor not only be touched, but also transformed from poverty to sufficiency, from relationships of dependency to self-sustaining, interdependent healthy people and communities.

We accomplish these purposes through training events, networking, consulting, and resource materials.

Where do you minister?

Administrative operations are based in our home office in Nashville’s central city. But Towel & Basin’s ministry extends around the world! By God’s providence, Towel & Basin has served hundreds of leaders who in turn, influence thousands of lives in communities and cities that are home to millions of people. Yet, Towel & Basin’s ministry is not always visible since we are often behind the scene providing support and training to people and organizations -- “serving so others may serve.”

Who are Towel & Basin's staff members?

The principal staff member is cofounder-President, David Best. Other gifted advisers and leaders offer their services to Towel & Basin. We contract for support staff and program personnel as needed for specific projects.

How is your work funded?

Our services are offered on a sliding scale fee based on ability to pay. Often, the individuals or organizations we serve are able to pay expenses only, or just a fraction of the suggested fee. To make up the difference, we rely on gifts from those interested in particular projects. Other sources of revenue are free will offerings from churches, donations from individual ministry partners who faithfully support us, and our published resources. We receive no funds from any government agencies, and our budget is not guaranteed by any local church or denomination.

Do you have a statement of faith?

Towel & Basin’s mission and purpose emerge from the ministry of Jesus. We affirm the Christian faith as confessed in the historic Apostles’ and Nicene creeds. Our organization’s name continuously calls us to follow Jesus’ example and be a “servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

When was Towel & Basin founded?

The ministry was founded in 1984 by David M. Best, Michael R. Estep, and Cecil R. Paul. Towel & Basin was incorporated in 1992 as a Not for Profit Corporation in the State of Tennessee and is tax exempt under the Federal Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).

Would you like to know more?

We invite you to explore our web site to learn more about Towel & Basin. If you are interested in considering Towel & Basin’s services, becoming a partner or just would like to talk personally with someone about the ministry, please contact us.