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Pictured from left to right: Elder Isaac K. Morrison, Elder Shayne M. Bowen, President Jonathan Gooch, President Carlos Palomino (first counselor), President Adam Zern (second counselor), Brother Jayson Burtoft (executive secretary) .
The St. Cloud Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been undergoing some leadership changes heading into 2023, with Dr. Jonathan Gooch taking over as stake president.
Gooch, who ended his six-year calling as Lake Toho Ward Bishop last year, now will serve over all eight congregations in Osceola County, taking over for outgoing President Ryan Munns.
Munns served as stake president for nine years, seeing the creation of the St. Cloud Stake and the expansion of the church’s presence in Osceola County, an experience that he says is one of the most memorable of his time as president.
“To see the growth of the church congregations and the ability to help so many more people is super rewarding, Munns said. “Being a part of a church that has a pretty big footprint in Osceola County and seeing how many good partnerships and how many wonderful organizations are out there willing to help the community — that’s been a really remarkable and rewarding opportunity.”
Now that Munns is leaving his position as stake president, he and his family are looking forward to their next calling. “We’re headed to Paris, France on another assignment for the church, to be mission leaders of a mission of about 158 missionaries,” he said.
“It’s just part of the process of being a member of the church. When asked to serve, we just go and do it.”
As for Gooch, he said he is approaching his new role with a humble and positive attitude.
“There’s a lot of responsibility and it is not something you plan for, so it was a bit shocking at first,” he said. “The nice thing about this is that, despite our lack of experience or knowledge, the way the Church works is nice. The Lord is very forgiving, so, if we put forth our best effort, he usually makes up for the rest.”
This attitude, and the care he shows for the community, is what suits him for the position, Munns said. “What you’ll find with President Gooch is that he’ll always be looking to do what Christ would have him do and he’ll always be looking to see how he can help his neighbor, and that’s a pretty remarkable thing. “He’s got that innate kindness that helps him in his profession and that’s going to be extremely helpful as he moves into this assignment.”
So far, Gooch has led the stake in a blood donation service project and gets to meet with stake missionaries before they leave on their missions, both of which have been positive experiences for him in his new role.
“I am excited to learn from all of these members because of their past experiences,” he said. “It actually is a wonderful chance for me to learn and not just teach. To feel of their spirit, to see how their focus on the savior has changed their lives and blessed them.”
Munns said that one of the most important things he learned during his time as stake president is to get out in the community and see the greatness in the community. “I’m confident that President Gooch and his leadership of the St. Cloud Florida Stake is going to do that very thing,” he said. “He’s going to be out there and [he and his staff will] prioritize getting out there and associating, rubbing shoulders and seeing how we can collaborate as a church with other churches and organizations, because there’s just so much good that’s out there.”
