Wayne H. McDonald is the fifth oldest of eight children born to the late Bishop William H. Sr. and Mother Faye McDonald. His father served as the Prelate of the Kansas East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ for over 29 years. Bishop McDonald also served as the National Assistant Secretary for the Board of Bishop.

Brother McDonald moved to Denver, Colorado in 1963 where he joined Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ, under the late Bishop C.E. Morgan who served as National Treasure, and later Pastor Samuel Feaster. He is a veteran of the United States Army, he served as a Combat Medic during the Vietnam War. During his tenure in the U.S. Army, he was severely wounded in combat and suffered life-threatening injuries as he tried to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. Through God’s grace and mercy, he made a full recovery after being in and out of the hospital for 16 months. He attributes the 91st Psalm (verse 7) as his compelling source of encouragement while on the battlefield and during his recovery. He was honorably discharged and was awarded the Purple Heart.