Latter-day Saint Growth Spurs Leadership Changes in Central Florida

POLK, OSCEOLA AND ORANGE COUNTIES – Following substantial membership growth in congregations across Polk, Osceola and Orange counties, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the formation of a new stake, which is similar to a Catholic diocese. The announcement included several leadership changes for the Church.

Two regional and global Church leaders announced the changes at semiannual Church conferences held in three stakes. Elder Eric D. Bednar, an Area Seventy, and Elder I. Raymond Egbo, a General Authority Seventy, oversaw the reorganization under the direction of the global leadership of the Church. Each stake is comprised of several congregations called wards or branches, typically ranging from five to 12 per stake. The leader of a stake is called the stake president, a volunteer position.

Citrus Ridge Florida Stake

This new stake was created from the Orlando West, Orlando South and St. Cloud Florida stakes. The Citrus Ridge Florida Stake consists of congregations in Lake Toho, Buena Ventura, Citrus Ridge, Lake Wilson, Davenport, Four Corners and Hunters Creek. Jonathan Gooch has been called to serve as the new stake president. President Gooch and his wife, Celeste have three children: Alora (21), Malia (18), and Landon (13). He grew up in Melbourne, Florida, and Celeste in Cocoa, Florida. The couple has lived in various parts of Florida and eventually settled in Celebration about twelve years ago. Professionally, President Gooch is a pediatric dentist with a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Regarding this new responsibility he said, “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we seek to follow Him, serve one another, and share His love with our neighbors and communities.”

Winter Garden Florida Stake

The Orlando West Stake has been renamed the Winter Garden Florida Stake and includes congregations in Avalon, Bear Bay Branch, Buena Vista, Hamlin, Horizon West, Johns Lake, New Independence, Lake Louisa and Lake Reams. President Gary Hansen will continue to lead this stake.

St. Cloud Florida Stake

A new stake president has been called to lead the St. Cloud Florida Stake, which consists of congregations in Narcoossee, Canoe Creek, Hickory Tree Branch, St. Cloud, Ellsworth, Kissimmee and Pleasant Hill. Warren James has been called to serve as stake president. Warren L. James earned a degree in Public Emergency Services Management from Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. In 2022, he retired as a fire chief after thirty years of combined service with various fire departments throughout the Salt Lake Valley. From 1988 to 1990, President James served as a full-time missionary in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission. Following his mission, he maintained a deep love for Florida. He and his wife, Michelle, had long planned to relocate there, and in 2022 they were able to fulfill that goal. President James and Sister James are the parents of two adult sons. With this new calling he remarked, “I am humbled with the trust Heavenly Father has placed in me and I’m very excited to serve our members and neighbors in Osceola County.”

While nearly every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serves in a volunteer Church position, known as a “calling,” the role of stake president is one of the longest-tenured, averaging about nine years. Each president maintains a professional career and, during their personal time, dedicates countless hours to serving Church and community members. As the primary spiritual leaders for the stake, they speak regularly in each congregation, provide training for local leaders, lead missionary efforts and meet with members individually.

For more information contact: Sam Haught, 407-697-8018, sam@wildfl.com