Pastor resigns from First Baptist

The pastor of First Baptist Church in Portales resigned two weeks ago, and is in the process of searching for another job out of state.

Philip Fike said he left the church because God is calling him to a different area. He said because he is searching for a job out of state, he will not be able to serve as vice president of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico, a titled he’s held for about a year.

First Baptist Church deacon John Pugh would not comment on Fike’s reasons for resigning.

Fike, who has been pastor of First Baptist since 1997, said he was happy to help the church grow by an average attendance of about 200 people attending Sunday services during his stay.

“The church has a lot of genuine loving saints,” Fike said.

Fike said he implemented two types of service, a traditional service during the 9 a.m. Sunday service and a contemporary service at 11:30 a.m.

The traditional service included the singing of old hymns, while the contemporary service included a praise and worship band, including a drummer.

He said he is in conversation with church leaders looking for pastors in Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Utah and Colorado.