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. This reorganization reflects continued growth and strengthens local leadership across Central Florida, the church’s leadership reports.
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.
Here are some changes around the congregation:
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 or near Lake Tohopekaliga, Buenaventura Lakes, Citrus Ridge, Lake Wilson, Davenport, Four Corners and Hunters Creek. Jonathan Gooch, a pediatric dentist, has been called to serve as the new stake president. He and his wife Celeste settled in Celebration about 12 years ago 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.
St. Cloud Florida Stake—this stake 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. James earned a degree in Public Emergency Services Management from Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, and in 2022, he retired as a fire chief after 30 years of combined service with various fire departments throughout the Salt Lake Valley. From 1988-90, President James served as a fulltime missionary in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission. In 2022 he and his wife Michelle were able to fulfill the goal off moving to Florida full time.
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.
