Pastor Ryan Rice Sr. is a native of New Orleans and the lead pastor and church planter of Connect Church of Algiers, which he planted in 2014 in the very community where he grew up. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Dillard University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Following his undergraduate studies, Ryan spent several years working in Corporate Communications as well as Training and Development, where he was recognized for excellence and named Employee of the Year in both 2005 and 2009.
After sensing a clear vocational call to ministry, Ryan transitioned into church leadership and served as a Children’s Pastor at a large multi-campus church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2014, he and his family returned to New Orleans with a burden to see the gospel advance in his home city and launched Connect Church of Algiers, where he continues to shepherd and lead today.
Ryan is currently completing a Master of Arts in Church Planting at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary(expected May 2026). He has a deep passion for expository preaching, leadership development, and seeing healthy churches planted and strengthened. He has spoken at the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference (2017), at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and has served on the national speaking team for the Refresh Conference hosted by Sherwood Baptist Church.
Ryan serves with the Send Network as the Send City Missionary for New Orleans, working to encourage, equip, and support church planters throughout the city. He has also served on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Leadership Council. In addition to his pastoral and leadership work, Ryan is a contributor to publications with David C Cook and has written for ministry platforms such as Lifeway Pastors, equipping leaders with biblical and practical ministry resources.
Ryan has been married to his wife Seane’ for 20 years, and together they are raising their four children. His life and ministry are driven by a deep love for Christ, a commitment to the local church, and a desire to see lives transformed by the gospel..
Rice Family
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