Did you know that the SBC website has church job listings throughout the country? Some of those vacancies could use a little extra advertising, so I’ve taken it upon myself to highlight one every once in a while (with a little humor mixed in).
The First Baptist Church of Des Moines is looking for their next pastor. No, not that Des Moines. It might be dangerous living that close to Dave. I’m talking about the one in New Mexico. Never heard of it? Well, that may have something to do with its population, which currently stands at about 128 people. The county — about half the size of New Jersey — had 4,549 people, but hey, it was only the 4th least populous county in New Mexico. The church describes itself as “mature,” “elder-led,” and located in a “tiny, rural, northeastern NM, ranching community.”
You should not be surprised that this vacancy is bi-vocational. FBC Des Moines is offering $1200 a month, plus a parsonage. Since cattle ranching seems to be the big business in Des Moines, presumably one of the congregants could hire you as a ranch hand to make up the other half of that bi-vocational calling.
For specific qualifications, the church seeks an applicant who is friendly, outgoing, and male. He should also model “strong Biblical teaching, with expository preaching preferred.” Note that preferred implies some level of topical preaching may be tolerated, but I don’t think that means you can go all Andy Stanley on them.
What can I say about the location? It’s been a little difficult to find out much beyond what I’ve already told you. Trip Advisor had some photos and reviews. The town boasts a Mexican and American restaurant. The burritos look fantastic, though I’m not sure whether they qualify as Mexican or American (believe it or not, this is a debated issue in my Spanish-speaking circles). Another traveler who gave it five stars was most impressed by the cleanliness of the restroom, of which he provided a photo. The town is also right next to a chain of extinct volcanoes, so … hiker’s paradise?
I realize a bi-vocational pastorate in the middle of nowhere won’t appeal to many (I grew up in a different part of nowhere, so I can say that). I recommend someone single, perhaps in their early 20s, who could commit to a year or two, just like the short-term missionaries who serve with the International Mission Board. In the context of an elder-led church, this might be the opportunity for someone to learn and grow under the oversight of wiser, older men.
If you feel God is calling you to serve at First Baptist Church, you can find information on how to apply here. Tell them you heard about it on SBC Voices, and drop me a line if they call you to serve. God bless.
I find it interesting how these posts show the wide range of places that SBC churches are looking for pastors.
I spent a little time with friends in Santa Fe and told the Lord I would be GLAD to relocate there. Love that town.
I just hope that while I’m down here preparing for a hurricane (which may have – PRAISE GOD – shown signs of turning out to sea), Andrew doesn’t post a job from Southern Hills in Sioux City.
If the position is ever truly vacant, I might post it. ;-). I really like learning a little about each church and community and seeing people comment who’ve either been there or know someone who has.
Des Moines is a nice, rural America small town. I was raised just 50 miles from there. Good people, good place to live out old American values while preaching the word of God. If it is anything like other small towns in northern NM, you would probably be furnished a lot of beef from the ranchers and some produce from local farmers. If I did not already have a small town pastorate, I would be interested. Would be a great place for a semi-retired pastor.
While Des Moines is in a very remote part of New Mexico, it’s on a highly-traveled road from Texas to Colorado, smack dab in between Clayton and Raton. Have driven it many times on our way to see family in Colorado Springs. Serra Grande and Capulin provide some nice scenery in the midst of the high desert.
A bi-vo could actually work in Raton, less than 35-40 minutes away from the church field, so rustling cattle doesn’t necessarily have to be the “other” job.
A listing like this is a reminder that even rural communities with sparse populations need the gospel and personal discipleship. Fortunately, they are on God’s radar and he is quite capable of calling a faithful undershepherd who can fill this role.
Over the years, I’ve visited with hundreds of retired preachers and their widows who served in little towns like this. To a person, they have been grateful for the privilege of ministering in these situations, even at great sacrifice. As one told me years ago, “We measured our ministry in flesh and blood, not dollars and cents.”
John, hopefully the new pastor at Des Moines will not try to earn extra money “rusting cattle”. Cattle rustlers can get hung for that! Now if he took up cattle wrangling, that would be an honorable profession.
Rustling, not rusting. That’s what I get for trying to be funny when correcting someone else!
No sweat, brother. I’ve seen brown cattle out there so maybe those are the ones that had some iron supplements in their diet before some spring rains.
(FWIW, I picked rustling intentionally. The creative writer in me sometimes can’t help myself.)
This is a very remote area of NM, right next to the TX panhandle. I’ve traveled it several times in the last 15 months on the same route John describes. Last year on the way to the Dallas convention we drove through a terrible hail storm very near Des Moines.
One thing I can say very positively about NM…a good state convention. I have good friends pastoring within an hour or so of that area, and it’s exactly that sort of family who will likely end up at this church….bi-vo, ranchers, etc… wonderful people. And NM’s disaster relief folks are really good.
We’re just starting a pastoral search in beautiful North Wilkesboro, NC. It’s not Des Moines, NM, but our beautiful church has a cow pasture right next to the parking lot. “Cattle Rustlers” are welcome here. 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/mtnvalleybaptist/
Another Des Moines is a suburb of Seattle near the Seattle Tacoma Airport. They probably need a church planter or two.
I spent 14 long months in Clayton, NM in the late 90’s. Michael the Arch Angel would have to pick me up and drop me at Des Moines. NO way man.
I googled jobs in Des Moines NM (to cover the bi-vocational need) and it looks like Truck Drivers are greatlly needed. I got some of that experience – been a few years (ok a ferw decades). Not sure how that would work with being home on weekends and having time to do bi-vo work. But intereting ministry opportunity.
My wife was born and raised in Clayton NM and I have traveled that highway many times. GREAT people, and not far from the NM Rockies!
I truly hope you are seeking to help and not mock these churches who are searching for a shepherd. As I wrote previously, small church pastors do a service far beyond the megachurch men who preach but never pastor. I remember my dad having to wire and hang ceiling fans in one town for his second job. I am sure that he did as much ministry as he did electrical work that summer. He also was in as many homes per capita as the TV ministries are today and was more personally influential.