2024 Men of the Year: Ryan Goeden

With more than 15 years of experience as a leader in Missouri churches, Ryan Goeden admits it was intimidating to be elected seven years ago as lead pastor at New Life Church in Springfield. Then 31 years old, Goeden says he was younger than every member of the staff and church board, noting New Life was struggling both financially with a $70,000 deficit and in attendance.

“To start changing the climate and turning the ship around, I wanted to instate a clear, simple vision: to change the atmosphere, fix the finances and love the people,” he says.

Goeden became hypervigilant with finances by routinely running a report of every dollar spent, making the worship experience more enjoyable by adding perks such as free coffee, and helping people know Jesus better by starting a preservice prayer meeting to corporately pray for the church’s needs.

“By remaining laser-focused on these three items, I was able to confidently lead the staff, board and members of the church in a positive direction,” he says.

In his lead pastor role, Goeden also has turned attention to community projects that would have a local and global impact. Those include the church raising $20,000 to eliminate school lunch debts at several Springfield schools as well as providing $30,000 for children in Myanmar to access food resources.

“Last year, New Life Church provided $20,000 to purchase Christmas presents for Ukrainian refugees,” he says. “We wanted to love and provide a hand up to these families who have endured unimaginable conditions and life transitions.”

Bill Powers, principal of Kickapoo High School, is a member of New Life’s congregation. Powers also is a board member at the church, noting he has witnessed firsthand Goeden’s leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to improving New Life and the Springfield community.

“Throughout his tenure as both a youth pastor and lead pastor at New Life, Pastor Goeden has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bring people to help know Jesus better, foster inclusivity and inspire positive change in our church and the surrounding area,” Powers says, noting Goeden consistently seeks out opportunities to uplift and support individuals and organizations within the community. “His compassionate nature, genuine concern for others and unwavering integrity make him an exemplary role model.”

Goeden says being a leader is a relentless pursuit to finish what he starts while also having a vision that is bigger than himself.

“Our team dreams and discusses future plans, then once we have landed on a direction, it is my responsibility to keep it in front of us until the goal is achieved,” he says.

Aside from his New Life role, Goeden has served since 2020 as a presbyter for the Southern Missouri Ministry Network, where he oversees 30-plus churches in the greater Springfield area to provide support and accountability to pastors in Assemblies of God churches.

“I mentor local pastors in the area and meet with them to brainstorm ways to help generate atmosphere, streamline systems, lead board and staff members, design sermon series and assimilate guests,” he says.