Pastor Ryan Rice Sr. is a native of New Orleans. He received his Bachelors of Arts Degree from Dillard University, where he studied Mass Communications graduating Magna Cum Laude. After studying Mass Communications at Dillard University, Ryan proceeded to utilize his skills for communications by working in Corporate Communications, as well as, Training and Development. Ryan excelled in his career was named Employee of the year in 2005. After sensing a vocational call to ministry, Ryan went on as a children's pastor at a large multi-campus church in Baton Rouge, La. In 2014, Ryan and his family moved back to New Orleans to plant Connect Church in the community of Algiers, where he grew up. Currently Ryan is pursuing an MA in Apologetics from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Ryan has a passion for expository preaching and has served as a speaker at the 2017 Southern Baptist Pastor’s Conference. He has also been a speaker at both local and national events, from universities and seminaries. He is on the speaking team of the national refresh conference hosted by Sherwood Baptist . He has led training for the Send Network and serves as the SEND CITY Missionary with the North American Mission Board in New Orleans. He also serves on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Leadership Council. Ryan has been married for 16 years to his wife Seane' and they have four children: Ryan Jr., Brayden, Reagen and Bailey.