The City Church Encourages Community to Embrace Small Acts of Service

Pastor Ryan Macdonald Shares Why Consistent Kindness and Faith in Action Matter More Than Ever

(Isstories Editorial):- Batavia, New York Jun 1, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – The City Church of Batavia, NY, is raising awareness about the quiet, powerful impact of everyday service. Lead Pastor Ryan Macdonald is encouraging individuals, families, and neighbors to embrace small, consistent acts of kindness as a way to strengthen communities and grow in faith.

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“Ministry doesn’t start with a stage–it starts with showing up,” says Pastor Macdonald. “My first job in church was setting up chairs. That small task taught me that even the quiet jobs matter. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.”

The church is not launching a campaign or program. Instead, it is using its platform to remind people that anyone–regardless of age, background, or belief–can contribute to a more compassionate world simply by starting where they are.

Research supports the importance of these simple gestures. A recent Harvard Health study found that people who regularly help others report higher life satisfaction, lower stress, and better health outcomes. Yet, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 23% of Americans volunteered in 2021–a 17-year low.

Pastor Ryan, who has led The City Church and St. Anthony’s for over two decades, says that real transformation doesn’t happen all at once–it happens over time, through intentional choices.

“Growth isn’t always loud. It looks like patience, generosity, consistency. That’s what we should be paying attention to,” he says.

He encourages people to take action not by doing more, but by being more present–at home, at work, and in their communities.

“You don’t need a title to make a difference,” he explains. “You just need a willingness to serve. Hold a door. Make the call. Say the kind word. That’s where change begins.”

Ryan and his family serve together at The City Church, where his wife Samantha, directs the BIG Kids ministry and their two sons volunteer regularly. For them, service isn’t a separate activity–it’s part of their life.

“We don’t serve because we have to,” he adds. “We serve because that’s how love moves.”

Why It Matters Now
As loneliness and disconnection rise, simple, intentional service can be a powerful antidote. The National Institutes of Health reports that loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, depression, and early death. But even small acts of kindness–like helping a neighbor or offering a listening ear–can significantly improve well-being for both the giver and the receiver.

“God meets people in honest moments, not perfect ones,” says Macdonald. “We’re not asking anyone to do everything. Just do something. Start small.”

What You Can Do
The City Church invites people to look for one way–just one–to serve someone else this week. It could be a kind word to a coworker, checking in on a neighbor, or offering to help a stranger. The goal is simple: make compassion part of your daily routine.

“You don’t have to wait to be ready,” says Pastor Ryan. “Start where you are. That’s enough.”

For more reflections and practical ideas for serving others, visit: www.thecitychurch.com

Media Contact:
The City Church
210 East Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 343-6895
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thecitychurch.com

About The City Church
The City Church is a Christian multi-campus church located in Batavia, New York. Founded in the late 1990s, the church offers weekly worship services, youth and children’s programs, and community outreach. Led by Pastor Ryan Macdonald, the church emphasizes practical faith, family involvement, and service to others.

Media Contact
The City Church
[email protected]
https://thecitychurch.com/
The City Church
[email protected]

https://thecitychurch.com/

Source :The City Church

This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.

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