Meet Our Pastor

Dr. Jonathan D. Richard

Lead Pastor

Pastor Jonathan is a native New Mexican, born and raised in central New Mexico. He has been the Pastor at First Baptist Church since May 2008. At the age of seven, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized by his grandfather, who was also a Southern Baptist minister. He is a graduate of Moriarty High School and the University of New Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He also has a Master of Theological Studies Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gateway Seminary of the SBC. In addition to serving as our pastor, Pastor Jonathan has served as the President of the Central Baptist Association (2013) as well as President of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico (2015 & 2016). He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Pastor Jonathan is married to his high school sweetheart, Jamie. They were married in 2005. They have two sons, Titus and Silas. When not ministering to the people of Estancia, the Richard’s enjoy traveling, camping, playing golf, and spending time with family.