Ryan Macdonald never set out to lead a church. As a boy in Batavia, New York, his role was simple—help set up folding chairs for Sunday worship on the lawn. But service stuck. Over the next two decades, that habit grew into a calling.
Today, Ryan leads The City Church and St. Anthony’s, a multi-campus Christian community that blends faith, family, and practical outreach. His story is rooted in consistency. He believes the little things—showing up, lending a hand, listening—are what shape communities.
His leadership isn’t confined to Sunday services. Ryan is often found in local shops, homes, and neighborhood events, connecting with people where they live and work. He sees ministry as an everyday presence, not a one-day event.
Family is central to his approach. He and his wife Samantha have been married for over 18 years, raising two sons who share in the work of outreach. Whether it’s a church project or a community clean-up, the Macdonald family does it together.
Ryan’s interest in real estate and small business gives him another layer of perspective. He knows the value of strategy and resourcefulness in making ideas work—whether it’s a renovation project or a grassroots initiative.
His path shows that leadership can start with something as simple as setting up chairs. Over time, those moments of quiet effort build into something larger: a life spent connecting people, strengthening neighborhoods, and living out the belief that presence matters.
Q&A with Ryan Macdonald
Q: You’ve been in ministry for over 20 years. What still motivates you to serve?
I think it’s the people. I’ve seen kids grow up, start families, and then bring their kids into the church. That continuity is powerful. It reminds me that showing up matters, even when it doesn’t seem like much is happening in the moment.
Q: You’ve said you never planned to be a pastor. How did you get here?
Honestly, it started with setting up chairs. I was just helping out as a teenager. But service has a way of shaping you. You start to see needs, and then you realize you can meet some of them. One step led to another, and before I knew it, I was leading.
Q: How do you inspire others without telling them outright what to do?
I’ve learned people respond to example more than instruction. If they see you show up early, work hard, treat people well—they’ll follow that. It’s less about speeches and more about consistency over time.
Q: You’re known for blending faith and practical skills. Can you give an example?
Sure. A few years ago, we wanted to open a community space in an unused building. My background in real estate helped us assess the property, negotiate the price, and renovate on budget. Faith gave us the “why,” but strategy made it possible.
Q: What’s one lesson business has taught you about leadership?
That you can’t just have a good idea—you need a plan. Passion without structure burns out fast.
Q: And one lesson ministry has taught you about business?
Patience. Business moves fast, but ministry taught me to think in seasons, not just quarters.
Q: You’ve spoken about “being in the town, in the homes, at the shop.” Why is that important?
Because that’s where life happens. If people only see you behind a pulpit, they see a role, not a person. Relationships are built over coffee, at the grocery store, in the middle of a school fundraiser.
Q: Have you ever taken a big risk in leadership?
Yes—merging two congregations into one multi-campus church. It was scary. People feared losing identity. But we focused on shared purpose, and now we’re stronger together.
Q: What advice do you give someone starting something new?
Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to learn skills outside your main field. You never know when they’ll come in handy.
Q: What do you hope people remember about your leadership years from now?
That I showed up. That I cared. And that I believed people could do more than they thought they could—because I saw it happen again and again.
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