Church of Jesus Christ Expands in Central Florida with New Leadership

St. Cloud, Florida, USA - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on the move in Central Florida, reflecting remarkable growth among its congregations. Recently, a significant regional reorganization was announced, leading to the creation of a new stake and changes in leadership that will help guide the expanding community. These updates were shared during recent Church conferences by Elder Eric D. Bednar and Elder I. Raymond Egbo, highlighting the Church’s continuous development in the area.

According to Positively Osceola, Warren L. James has been appointed as the new stake president of the St. Cloud Florida Stake. This newly formed stake encompasses congregations in Narcoossee, Canoe Creek, Hickory Tree Branch, St. Cloud, Ellsworth, Kissimmee, and Pleasant Hill. For James, this marks a homecoming of sorts; he served as a full-time missionary in Florida from 1988 to 1990 and made Osceola County his home again in 2022, alongside his wife, Michelle.

New Leadership and Expanding Communities

In tandem with the formation of the St. Cloud Stake, the Church has also established the Citrus Ridge Florida Stake, drawing from portions of the Orlando West, Orlando South, and St. Cloud stakes. This new stake will provide leadership for congregations in areas such as Lake Toho, Buena Ventura, Citrus Ridge, Lake Wilson, Davenport, Four Corners, and Hunters Creek. Pediatric dentist Dr. Jonathan Gooch has been called to lead this new stake, stepping into a role that underpins the commitment to community and growth.

The Winter Garden Florida Stake will now encompass areas that were formerly part of the Orlando West Stake. Gary Hansen continues to serve as president of this restructured stake, which now includes Avalon, Bear Bay Branch, Buena Vista, Hamlin, Horizon West, Johns Lake, New Independence, Lake Louisa, and Lake Reams. These transitions are crucial for the Church as it adapts to a burgeoning membership across Central Florida.

As of April 5, 2025, the Church boasts approximately 176,000 members in Florida, with over 25,000 members in 64 congregations located in Central Florida. This growth mirrors the broader expansion the Church is experiencing globally; according to a report from the Church’s newsroom, membership worldwide surpassed 17.5 million by the end of 2024, symbolizing an uptick of more than 250,000 members from the previous year.

A Look at Overall Growth

The Church has amassed an impressive number of church units, which now includes 3,608 stakes, 31,676 wards and branches, and 450 missions globally. The dedication of new temples further showcases this growth, with 14 temples dedicated in 2024 alone, including the newly opened Tallahassee Florida Temple. This effort to establish additional sacred spaces complements the church’s commitment to its members and their spiritual needs.

Overall, the statistical growth reflects the steadfast dedication of both congregants and leadership. By 2023, the Church had dedicated 186 temples worldwide, and efforts to increase this number are ongoing, with 59 temples currently under construction and additional ones announced.

The expansion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central Florida is not just a local development; it underscores a broader trend of growth and community engagement that defines this active and vibrant faith community. It’s remarkable to witness how these changes not only influence congregational structures but also strengthen the spirit and connectivity among members. With dedicated leaders like Warren L. James and Dr. Jonathan Gooch at the helm, the future looks bright for Latter-day Saints in Central Florida.

In the ever-evolving landscape of faith and community, the Church’s latest initiatives reflect a solid commitment to growth, community service, and gathering of its members.