John Hinze began his ministry at First Baptist Church on June 14, 2009. Pastor John and his wife, Marcia, the former Marcia R. Jordan of Artesia, have returned to East Central New Mexico from Carlsbad, where he had been pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church for the past 11 years.
Previously Hinze served as pastor of Mayhill Baptist Church, 1990-96; pastor, New Testament Baptist Churrch, Portales, 1985-90; assistant Baptist Student Union director, ENMU, 1988-90; youth and outreach director, Forrest Heights Baptist Church, Clovis, 1983-85; and associate pastor, Sioux City (Iowa) Baptist Church, 1981.
Pastor Hinze was licensed to the gospel ministry by Forrest Heights, Clovis, in 1984 and ordained by New Testament, Portales, in 1985.
The Hinzes have been married since 1982. They have two grown children, Alyssa Rae and Jordan Edward, and two granddaughters Elizabeth and Atley, a grandson Ethan Anthony.
Pastor John loves to be involved in the community so currently he is the chief of rural one fire department for Quay County, and the chaplan for Tucumcari police deptartment. He also loves to help the ranchers work their cows so he spends several days a year riding his horse Wyatt and getting to know people he may not otherwise meet in his daily duties.
Pastor John loves serving the Lord in New Mexico and wants to give a personal invitation to anyone to come and visit First Baptist and he says, "I know you will feel the love and fall in love with the people just like He has."
Sue came back to work for First Baptist church on November 6th, 2003, She has worked for First Baptist Church off and on for 18 years. Her husband's name is Harold, they have lived in Tucumcari since 1965. They have 3 kids all of who graduated from Tucumcari High School. Sue works on Monday's and Tuesday's of each week. Watch out on Monday mornings when the tellers count the money, She will say "count it again and Show me the Money".
Carolyn came to work at First Baptist on September September 2, 2014. She is the full-time church Secretary. Carolyn works on the audio and visual team as well as teaches Sunday school. She is married to Christopher and they have two sons, Ryan and Dennis. During the spring you can find her at the baseball field.