Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)

The LCMS purchased land for a new mission church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico in 1992. Seminarian Robert J. Pinta was assigned as Vicar to form and serve the Rio Rancho Mission in 1994. Vicar Pinta was installed in July 1994 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Activity began with door to door canvassing, advertising and visitation of surrounding churches. Rio Rancho Lutheran Mission began holding services at the Mountain View Middle School in Rio Rancho on November 6, 1994. Pastor Pinta was installed as pastor of the mission on July 9, 1995. The first Sunday School Class was held on November 1, 1995, and the first anniversary of the congregation was celebrated on November 5, 1995. The congregation was chartered on July 28, 1996. The congregation extended a call to Rev. Pinta and he was installed on November 24, 1996. The congregation selected the permanent name of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on May 16, 1999. The name was adopted when ground was broken for the new facilities. Groundbreaking for a church building was held on September 9, 2001, and the building was dedicated on April 14, 2002. This congregation had a preschool as well. Rev. Kenneth DeSoto was installed as pastor on September 14, 2008. The closing worship service was held on March 26, 2017.