About Us
About First Baptist Church Raton
A Little History
In the moment, it can often be difficult to perceive how God is working
in our individual lives or within our community. Yet, when we pause
and look back, we can clearly trace His faithfulness woven through
every season. Even when His purposes are hidden, hindsight reveals the
beauty of His providence and the constancy of His care. We see how His
hand has guided us through challenges, sustained us in trials, and
brought us into seasons of victory. Each step of the journey reminds us
that God has never ceased to be faithful to His people. His presence in
our past strengthens our confidence in His promises for the future.
That same story of faithfulness has shaped the life of First Baptist
Church of Raton. What began as a missional effort in 1880 through the
ministry of FBC Las Vegas, and later the Home Mission Society, took
root here in Raton the following year, in September 1881. From those
early days, God’s grace has preserved and guided this congregation.
Except for the first three years after its founding, the church has
remained in the same neighborhood, beginning on the east side of
South 3rd and Rio Grande, later moving to the southwest corner, and
finally settling at its current home on the northwest corner of South 3rd
and Rio in 1949. Each move reflected both growth and God’s continued
provision for His people.
From the days of territorial New Mexico to the present, through the
transitions from a frontier town to a settled community, God’s hand has
never left this church. His Spirit continues to stir hearts, inspire service,
and call new generations to proclaim His name in Raton and beyond. As
we look to the future, our prayer is that God will continue to use this
body of believers to glorify Him and expand His kingdom here in
northeastern New Mexico. If the Lord tarries, may the legacy of faith,
devotion, and gospel witness that began nearly a century and a half ago
continue to shine brightly for His glory. We remain grateful for all that
He has done and are expectant for all that He will yet do.
What shapes our church life
The About page should feel grounded and clear. This section explains the convictions and everyday rhythm that shape the church.
Our mission
To glorify God by helping people know Christ, grow in His Word, love one another, and make Him known.
Our church life
Worship, discipleship, fellowship, prayer, and serving our community with faithfulness and care.
Our pastors
Cory Flanagin
Senior Pastor
Cory was born and raised in Saltillo in Northeast Mississippi. He came to a saving knowledge of Jesus in 1999 and was baptized at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Cory and his wife Cassie met in Kindergarten and were friends throughout school. They began dating their senior year of high school and were married their junior year of college in 2007. Cory and Cassie have been blessed with Four children: Mckinzie, Sadie, Owen and Andrew.
Cory studied and obtained his bachelor’s in political science with a minor in history at the University of Southern Mississippi. He graduated Seminary with his M.Div. in 2019 from Liberty University with a focus on pastoral ministry.
Cory began to realize his call to ministry in 2012, but did not surrender until 2015 where he was licensed and shortly thereafter ordained in 2016. God has given Cory a passion to see people discipled and matured in their faith as well as for a teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
Cory can be reached at cory@fbcraton.org
Ben Campbell
Associate Pastor
Ben was born and raised in Greenville, Texas where he first came to know Jesus and was baptized at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. He and his wife Liz met in college at Stephen F. Austin State University. They were married in April of 2013, and have now been blessed with three daughters – twins Margaret and Dorothy, and Caroline.
He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, taking most of his classes at the Houston campus, and graduated in 2015 with a Master of Arts in Christian Education. After seminary, he served as Director of Student and Worship Ministries at The Church at Alden Bridge in The Woodlands, Texas from 2015 to 2020, when God called him to serve here in Raton.
Ben enjoys: listening to music, playing music, reading, light exercise, feebly attempting to fix things, studying the Bible, ironing, cooking simple meals, praying while walking outdoors, playing with his children, long conversations with friends and family (especially his wife), and working to build up the Church.
Ben can be reached at ben@fbcraton.org
Our Deacons
From left to right.
Angel Samano Sr.
Rich Kuhns
Bob Barber
Ted Kamp
Zach Wainwright
Come worship with us this Sunday.
We would love to welcome you to First Baptist Church of Raton. Whether you are looking for a church home or simply want to visit, we hope you will join us.
Our Beliefs
We adhere to the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833.
Drafted primarily by Rev. John Newton Brown, it emphasized evangelism, religious freedom, and Baptist doctrine, becoming widely used in Northern and Western US churches.