Pastor Ryan Macdonald is the Lead Pastor of The City Church & St. Anthony’s, a multi-campus church based in Batavia, NY. He grew up in the nearby town of Bergen and began his ministry journey as a child, helping set up chairs for outdoor services on his family’s lawn. Over the past two decades, Pastor Ryan has become known for his passionate yet humble approach to leadership, his deep commitment to discipleship, and his heart for empowering the next generation. Alongside his wife Samantha and their two sons, who also serve in ministry, he continues to lead with a focus on faith, family, and community impact. His leadership is shaped by years of hands-on ministry, lifelong learning, and an unwavering desire to grow into the likeness of Christ.
What does being a pastor really mean to you?
To me, being a pastor isn’t about standing behind a pulpit or having a title. It’s about serving. It’s about being available, listening to people when they’re hurting, and walking with them through the ups and downs of life. It’s also about living consistently. My calling is to be a disciple first, and a leader second. If I’m not following Christ in my private life, then what I do in public loses its meaning. A pastor is a shepherd, and shepherding requires patience, presence, and prayer.
You’ve often spoken about consistency. Why is that so central to your message and lifestyle?
Consistency is everything. We live in a time when people are pulled in a hundred directions, where instant gratification often wins over long-term commitment. But growth—real, lasting growth—comes from small, faithful steps taken every day. For me, it’s prayer in the morning before anything else, staying rooted in scripture, and making time for my family no matter how full my schedule gets. These habits don’t just shape my day—they shape who I am. When you show up daily, even when you don’t feel like it, you build something solid. That’s what I try to live and teach.
How did growing up in Bergen, NY shape your early views on faith and community?
Growing up in Bergen was a blessing. It’s a small town, the kind where you know your neighbors and people look out for each other. My family held services on our lawn, and that’s where I first learned the power of gathering together in faith. I was a kid, just setting up chairs, but that moment planted something in me. I learned that ministry doesn’t need to be fancy to be meaningful. It’s about showing up, creating space for others, and being faithful with whatever God puts in front of you.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your ministry journey?
Without a doubt, it was learning not to do everything myself. Early in my leadership, I thought being a strong pastor meant carrying the weight alone. I wanted to be dependable, to prove that I could handle it. But that led to burnout. I had to learn that delegation is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom. Building a team, trusting others, and learning to step back at times was a game-changer for me. Ministry is a team effort. You can’t pour into others if your own cup is empty.
How do you stay grounded when leadership feels overwhelming?
It always comes back to time with God. No matter how busy life gets, I have to make time for prayer and scripture. That’s my reset. I also lean heavily on my family. My wife Samantha and our boys are my anchors. We serve together, we talk, we laugh, and we hold each other accountable. I’ve also learned the value of quiet—stepping away, even briefly, to reflect and breathe. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a walk and listen.
You speak often about empowering the next generation. Why is that so important to you?
Because they’re not just the future—they’re the present. I’ve seen how hungry young people are for authenticity. They’re not looking for a performance; they’re looking for something real. We need to give them room to lead, to ask hard questions, and to find their voice. At The City Church, we don’t just want to preach to the next generation—we want to walk with them. They bring energy, perspective, and vision that the church desperately needs. If we don’t invest in them now, we lose something vital.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Every day starts with prayer. Before I check a single email or respond to anyone, I sit with the Lord. After that, my day shifts depending on what’s needed—preparing messages, meeting with church members, overseeing outreach projects, or working with staff. Evenings are family time. We eat together, talk about our day, and just spend time being present with each other. I also try to keep learning. That might be reading a book, listening to a podcast, or studying scripture more deeply. Every day’s different, but faith, family, and focus always guide me.
You’ve got a passion for real estate. How does that fit into your life and ministry?
It might seem unrelated at first glance, but it’s all connected. Real estate is about creating foundations—helping families find stability and security. That mirrors what I try to do as a pastor. People need spiritual foundations, but they also need practical ones. If I can be involved in helping people in both areas, that’s a win. I also enjoy the process of building something and watching it grow. There’s a lot of crossover between real estate and ministry when you think about it.
What is one thing you believe deeply that others might find unusual?
I believe the most powerful ministry often happens in the small moments no one sees. We tend to focus on big events, large crowds, and social media impact. But it’s the quiet conversations, the check-ins, the prayers behind closed doors that change lives. Jesus spent just as much time with individuals as He did with crowds. We need to remember that. Faithfulness in the small is what prepares us for more.
What advice would you give to someone struggling with consistency in their spiritual life?
Start small. Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one habit—maybe five minutes of prayer each morning—and commit to it. Don’t wait until you feel spiritual. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just start. And don’t do it alone. Find a friend, a mentor, or a group that can walk with you. Consistency is easier when we’re surrounded by people who remind us why we started. Progress beats perfection every time.
What does success look like for you?
Success for me is faithfulness. It’s going to bed each night knowing I gave my best to what God called me to do that day. It’s seeing my kids love Jesus, not because they were forced to, but because they see something real in how we live. It’s watching someone who once felt lost find purpose and identity in Christ. That’s what drives me. Titles, numbers, and recognition fade. But changed lives? That lasts.
Where do you see The City Church & St. Anthony’s in the next few years?
I see us becoming even more of a lighthouse in our region. A place not just where people attend, but where people belong. I want us to keep expanding our outreach, to be a resource for families, youth, and those in need. We’re not here to compete with other churches—we’re here to partner with them. If we stay focused on the mission and continue investing in people, I believe God will keep opening doors for greater impact.
Final thoughts you’d like to share?
Don’t underestimate what God can do with a faithful heart. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be available. Keep showing up. Keep praying. Keep loving people. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’ve been walking with the Lord for years, He’s still working. And He’s not done with you yet.
Closing Reflection
Pastor Ryan Macdonald continues to lead with passion, humility, and a heart fixed on Christ. His story is a reminder that consistency in the small things can lead to transformation in the big things. Through his leadership at The City Church & St. Anthony’s and his life rooted in faith, he challenges us all to live with intention, to serve with joy, and to never lose sight of the power of simple obedience.