Pastor Ronnie Goines grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, in a single-parent home where money was tight but faith ran deep. Neither of his parents graduated high school, but he dreamed bigger. Determined to break cycles, he became the first in his family to earn a college degree—studying Finance at Louisiana Tech University, where he also served as president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a leader in the NAACP.
After college, Ronnie worked in business and finance with companies like Prudential Preferred Insurance and Brinks Corporation, and served honorably in the Army National Guard. But it was faith that called him higher. He earned his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary and later a Doctorate from Southern Methodist University, stepping fully into ministry and leadership.
In 2008, he founded Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington, Texas—a thriving community built on love, service, and truth. He also started Dr. R.W. Goines STEM Academy and All Things Inc., blending faith, education, and empowerment to help others build better lives.
His impact goes beyond the pulpit. Pastor Goines is a missionary to six countries, a partner with domestic violence centers, and the only living person in Arlington history to have a street named after him.
Known for his integrity, energy, and love of good food and good people, Pastor Ronnie Goines lives out what he teaches—faith in action, purpose with passion, and a life built on service, gratitude, and grace.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I spend the first hour in prayer, reflection, and a little stretching. I believe how you start sets the tone for how you finish. After breakfast—usually something simple but good—I look over my notes and schedule. I spend part of the day writing or preparing messages, meeting with my church staff, and checking in with leaders at Dr. R.W. Goines STEM Academy. I also make time for people—conversations, mentoring, or visiting someone in need. What keeps me productive isn’t doing more; it’s doing what matters most.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, everything starts with prayer and observation. I pay attention—to people, to patterns, to what God’s showing me through circumstances. I’ll jot down thoughts in a notebook, sit on them a while, and then start planning step by step. When I founded the STEM Academy, it came from seeing how kids in my community needed exposure to science and leadership grounded in faith. I don’t rush vision. I let it breathe, and then I build.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m encouraged by how faith spaces are finally addressing mental and emotional health. When I first started preaching, people were afraid to talk about depression or anxiety in church. Now we’re having those conversations, and I think that’s powerful. Healing isn’t just spiritual—it’s emotional, relational, and mental too.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I take naps. Sounds funny, but I mean that. Rest is a weapon. I used to feel guilty for slowing down until I realized even Jesus rested. A short nap or a walk clears my head and helps me think better, lead better, and love people better.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush your growth. When you come from poverty, you feel like you have to prove yourself fast. I’d tell that younger version of me, “God’s timing is perfect. You don’t have to run ahead to matter.” Everything that’s meant for you will come when you’re ready, not just when you want it.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe failure can be divine. When I lost a job years ago in Louisiana, I thought it was the end. But that moment sent me to Texas, where I found my calling and started my church. Sometimes losing is the only way you’re forced to move into your next season.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Observe. I’ve learned more by watching than by talking. Whether it’s how people lead, love, or handle pressure—observation teaches you wisdom without the scars. Take notes on life; it’s the best classroom you’ll ever have.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I pause. I take a nap, eat something good, and pray. I ask God if I’m still doing what He told me to do. If the answer’s yes, then I get back to work. If not, I adjust. Either way, I keep moving. Stillness helps me see what busyness hides.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Relationships. I don’t burn bridges, even when people disappoint me. My career—from business to ministry—grew because I built trust. Whether it was at Prudential Insurance, in the Army National Guard, or as a pastor, people want to follow someone they believe in. Integrity is the best strategy there is.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Getting let go from that job in Louisiana was painful. I had a family to support and no plan. But that failure forced me to leave my comfort zone. Moving to Texas was scary but necessary. The lesson? Sometimes you have to lose what’s familiar to find what’s meant for you.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a mentorship café—literally, a place where professionals volunteer an hour or two each week to mentor students or young adults over coffee. No agenda, just wisdom exchange. The world doesn’t need more talk shows; it needs more talk time.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Evernote. I use it for sermon ideas, meeting notes, and random thoughts that hit me in the car. It keeps me organized and lets me pull up notes anywhere. I’ve probably written half of my books starting in Evernote.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Measure of a Man by Gene Getz. It’s a book about character, not career. It shaped how I see leadership—as something that starts at home. For podcasts, I enjoy The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. It’s practical and challenges how I think about ministry in a modern world.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bear on Hulu. It’s about leadership under pressure, humility, and the chaos of building something meaningful. I see a lot of ministry in that kitchen—everyone trying to make something great together despite the mess.
Key learnings
- Rest and reflection are vital for long-term productivity and clarity.
- Observation is one of the most underrated tools for personal growth.
- Failure often redirects you toward purpose rather than away from it.