Ryan Macdonald: How Vision and Faith Built His Career

Ryan Macdonald grew up in Bergen, New York. His first taste of leadership wasn’t on a stage or in a boardroom. It was in his childhood backyard, where he set up chairs for church services on the side lawn.

“It all started with a simple act of service,” he recalls. “I just wanted to help bring people together.”

That simple act led him to a lifelong calling. Today, Ryan Macdonald serves as the Lead Pastor of The City Church and St. Anthony’s in Batavia, New York. It’s a multi-campus church that serves both its congregation and the local community.

From Small Beginnings to a Multi-Campus Church Leader

A Clear Vision From the Start

Ryan wasn’t born into leadership. He became a pastor the old-fashioned way—through dedication and small steps. Early on, he focused on building discipline as a follower of Jesus Christ.

“Discipline shapes everything I do,” Ryan says. “I want to be molded into the image of Christ every day.”

His approach is simple but effective. He looks for ways to bring big ideas to life through steady work and commitment.

Growing Into Leadership Roles

After years of volunteering, Ryan began taking on more responsibilities within the church. His ability to understand and explain the Bible in a practical way set him apart.

“I love to take something ancient and show how it matters today,” he says.

His style is not flashy. It is clear, authentic, and focused on real-life application. Over time, people began to seek his leadership. He became a trusted voice, not just in the church, but in the wider community.

A Focus on Family and Community

Ryan met his wife, Samantha, at The City Church campus. They have been married for over 18 years and are raising two sons who serve alongside them.

Family plays a central role in his work. He often speaks about faith in connection with family life.

“Ministry doesn’t start on a stage,” he says. “It starts at home.”

This focus on family and community has helped him build strong relationships. He volunteers at the church every week, along with his family. They serve together, setting an example for others.

Building a Multi-Campus Church

Ryan has led The City Church and St. Anthony’s to become a thriving multi-campus ministry. But he doesn’t credit the growth to marketing or flashy programs.

“It’s about staying faithful to the small things,” he explains.

One of those small things is consistency. Ryan believes in showing up, week after week, year after year.

“Big results come from small, faithful actions over time,” he says.

His steady approach has allowed the church to grow in both size and impact. The church now serves many people through worship, outreach, and community projects.

A Passion for Empowering Others

One of Ryan’s greatest passions is helping others grow.

“My goal is not just to preach but to empower others to lead,” he shares.

He has a unique gift for inspiring young people. He often speaks about the importance of faith and personal growth.

In his words, “If we want to change the future, we have to invest in the next generation.”

This mindset has made him a mentor to many aspiring leaders in his church and beyond.

Lessons From Over 20 Years of Ministry

With over two decades of ministry experience, Ryan has learned some key lessons. One of the biggest is humility.

“Stay humble, no matter how much responsibility you carry,” he says.

Another lesson is the importance of perseverance.

“There were times when it felt like nothing was working,” he admits. “But I kept going. That made all the difference.”

His story is not about overnight success. It’s about steady growth through vision, discipline, and faith.

Continuing to Learn and Grow

Ryan also believes in lifelong learning. He values continued education, whether through formal study or personal development.

“We should never stop learning,” he says. “The more we grow, the more we can serve others.”

This mindset has kept him grounded as his responsibilities have grown.

Ryan Macdonald's Journey

Ryan Macdonald’s journey from setting up chairs in his backyard to leading a multi-campus church is inspiring. His story proves that big ideas don’t have to start big.

They start with small acts of service, strong discipline, and a clear vision.

“Stay faithful in the small things,” he says. “That’s where everything begins.”