Pastor Larry D. Gooden
Pastor Larry D. Gooden II is a dynamic motivational speaker, educator, conference orator, seminar lecturer, and powerful preacher of the Gospel. He serves as the Founder and Senior Pastor of Dominion World Ministries and has dedicated his life to ministry, leadership development, and community outreach.
Pastor Gooden answered the call to ministry in June 1997 and received his license to preach the Gospel in June 1998. After extensive ministerial training, he was ordained in April 2000. Along with his spiritual calling, Pastor Gooden is deeply committed to education. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in 2009 and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Training in 2011.
As an anointed teacher and preacher, Pastor Gooden is known for delivering God’s Word in a powerful, transparent, and practical way that resonates with people from all walks of life. His mission is to demonstrate that God is still accessible and that a strong relationship with Him is attainable. Through his preaching and teaching, he seeks to empower individuals spiritually, mentally, and physically while equipping leaders to break cultural, social, and economic barriers.
With a strong passion for evangelism and discipleship, Pastor Gooden has led outreach teams into the streets of Downtown Phoenix since 1999, serving communities affected by drugs, crime, poverty, and homelessness. Through these efforts, thousands have been fed, clothed, and introduced to the message of Jesus Christ. His life-changing messages have helped restore faith in many believers and inspire them to serve with renewed passion and commitment.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Gooden has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Evangelism and Discipleship and Associate Minister at Progressive Baptist Church. He also served as Chief Financial Officer, Director of Outreach, and Executive Pastor at Full Gospel Word and Worship Center.
In May 2005, Pastor Gooden founded Larry Gooden Ministries and later launched a Mid-Week Bible Service in August 2006. In December 2007, the ministry expanded when he established Dominion World Ministries, where he continues to serve as Founder and Senior Pastor.
In December 2015, Pastor Gooden took his first mission trip to Antananarivo, Madagascar. During his visit, he volunteered with Growing the Nations Therapy Program, which focuses on supporting and developing children with disabilities. He also preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ at local churches and taught chapel daily at a Bible college. Additionally, Pastor Gooden played a key role in launching the CEIM Ambohidratrimo Church by providing extensive leadership training.
Pastor Gooden remains committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping believers for impactful ministry. He is married to Lady Shemekia Gooden and is the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
Lady Shemekia D. Gooden
Elect Lady Shemekia Danielle Gooden is a devoted wife, loving mother, educator, mentor, behavioral therapist, and First Lady. Beyond her grace, compassion, and positive influence lies a powerful testimony of life experiences and trials that have shaped her journey and led her to discover God’s divine purpose for her life. She is a dynamic woman of faith who honors the Lord in both word and deed.
She is highly accomplished in education and service, having attended Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2005 and her Master of Social Work in 2008. With dedication and perseverance, she applied her education in meaningful ways, serving as a Family Case Specialist providing vital support to families and children. She later worked as a Behavioral Health Therapist, specializing in serving youth from birth to age 18, helping them overcome behavioral challenges throughout Maricopa County.
Elect Lady Gooden is a passionate advocate for families and has made a significant impact in communities across Arizona. Her philanthropic efforts include partnering with nonprofit organizations such as the Child Crisis Center, where she supported neglected and displaced children; St. Vincent de Paul and the East Valley Men’s Shelter, where she organized outreach to feed the homeless; and Toys for Tots, where she helped ensure families in need received holiday gifts.
She is the Co-Founder of Dominion World Ministries, where she faithfully serves alongside her husband, Pastor Larry D. Gooden, helping to carry out the vision God has given for ministry. Within the church, she has served as Director of Administration, Director of Children’s Ministry, and Director of Women’s Ministry, where she mentors women of all ages, guiding them toward discovering and fulfilling their God-given purpose.
Amid her many roles and responsibilities, she remains a nurturing and devoted mother to her two daughters, embodying strength, faith, and compassion in every aspect of her life.