Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor

First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

A Pastoral Calling Where Faith, Family, and Community Flourish

Position Summary

The Senior Pastor serves as the primary spiritual leader of the church and is responsible for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching biblical truth, providing pastoral care, and offering vision and leadership in partnership with church staff and the Deacons. The Senior Pastor will shepherd the congregation, equip believers for ministry, and lead the church in fulfilling the Great Commission through evangelism, discipleship, and missions in alignment with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist Faith and Message.

About the Church

We are a Christ-centered Southern Baptist church committed to the authority of Scripture, the Great Commission, and making disciples locally and globally. Our congregation of 400 is actively engaged in missions throughout the world, operates a vibrant and well-established children’s & youth ministry, supports a large and thriving Spanish-speaking service, a diverse music ministry, and is focused on serving the community since 1971.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a clear calling from God to pastoral ministry and exhibit spiritual maturity, humility, and a vibrant prayer life. He will be passionate about evangelism, discipleship, global missions, and will possess a shepherd’s heart for people of all ages and backgrounds.

He will have experience leading a church, guiding long-term ministry strategy, and stewarding resources wisely. The candidate will hold a Master of Divinity (or equivalent) degree and have experience serving as a Senior Pastor or in a comparable leadership role.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school, or extensive ministry experience with a relevant degree.
Ordination in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) or able to be ordained as an SBC Pastor.

In agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message.
Minimum of three years of pastoral ministry experience.
Demonstrated leadership in staff supervision, strategic planning, and church administration.
Biblical qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–4.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relational skills.
Proficiency in computer and ministry-related technology.

Key Responsibilities

Preaching and Teaching

●        Preach and teach biblically sound, well-organized, Christ-centered sermons and lessons during weekly worship services on Saturday nights, Sunday mornings, and Wednesday gatherings.

●        Lead Bible studies that challenge, edify, and encourage spiritual growth.

●        A commitment to teaching the full counsel of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

●        Foster a culture of passionate worship and biblical literacy within the congregation.

Evangelism and Discipleship

●        Lead the congregation in fulfilling the Great Commission by reaching the lost and the unchurched.

●        Promote personal evangelism and discipleship that leads to spiritual maturity and application of biblical truth in daily life.

●        Encourage the development of small groups, Sunday School, and leadership training.

Vision and Leadership

●        Provide spiritual and strategic leadership to the church.

●        Uphold the doctrines, constitution, and bylaws of First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho.

●        Ensure the church maintains a strong focus on ministry and missions.

●        Collaborate with church leadership to develop and implement long-term ministry goals.

Pastoral Care

●        Provide shepherding, encouragement, and support to church members and families.

●        Visit the sick, elderly, homebound, and bereaved.

●        Offer confidential counseling in life events and seasons of crisis, including premarital counseling.

●        Be available for pastoral emergencies as needed.

●        Partner with the Deacons in overseeing the care and nurture of the church body.

Ordinances and Pastoral Duties

●        Administer Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

●        Conduct weddings, funerals, and baby dedications.

●        Provide spiritual leadership in significant church and family milestones.

Administration and Church Operations

●        Serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of church committees and organizations.

●        Provide guidance and oversight to Deacons, committees, and ministry teams.

●        Supervise Associate Pastors, the Spanish Ministry Pastor, church staff, and volunteers.

●        Maintain appropriate office hours and accessibility to the congregation and community.

●        Represent the church to visitors and those seeking information or assistance.

●        Oversee church discipline and provide leadership in conflict resolution.

●        Ensure continuity of worship and ministry during periods of absence by arranging qualified leadership.

Life in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Rio Rancho is one of New Mexico’s most desirable communities, offering a rare balance of natural beauty, livability, and cultural richness. Nestled along the high desert just northwest of Albuquerque, the city is framed by sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains, expansive skies, and unforgettable sunsets that have become a hallmark of life in the Southwest.

Residents enjoy a high quality of life marked by safe neighborhoods, well-maintained infrastructure, and a strong sense of community. Rio Rancho consistently attracts families and professionals seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing access to urban amenities. Housing remains affordable, commutes are manageable, and the city is known for its clean, organized, and welcoming environment.

The region’s outdoor lifestyle is a major draw. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Rio Rancho provides year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, running, and exploring nearby national parks, forests, and cultural landmarks. The climate is mild, with four distinct seasons and far fewer weather extremes than many parts of the country.

Rio Rancho also sits at the crossroads of rich cultural diversity. The area reflects deep Hispanic and Native American heritage, with strong ties to Latin American culture, art, food, and traditions. This diversity shapes community life and creates meaningful opportunities for multicultural ministry, outreach, and relationship-building.

Located minutes from Albuquerque, residents have easy access to a major international airport, universities, healthcare systems, and arts and entertainment—while still enjoying the calm, family-oriented atmosphere of a smaller city.

Interested candidates can submit resumes electronically to:  [email protected]

To apply for this job email your details to View email address on jobs.sbc.net