The History of CVC

The CVC story begins with Rick Duncan, the son of a pastor, graduating in 1975 from Vanderbilt University with a BA in Religious Studies.

With a passion and talent for baseball, Rick pursued his dream - playing with the minor leagues in hopes of making it into the majors.  He and Maryanne, his new bride, led an interesting life - enjoying each other and life on the road.  But as He often does, God interjected different plans.

Ministry was laid upon Rick’s heart and he left baseball behind and went to work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Attending and then graduating from Mid-America Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree, he was presented with an offer by the North American Mission Board to start a church plant.  His choices?  Orlando, Florida or Cleveland, Ohio.  Looking for some insight, he tapped a mentor / friend for advice.  The response:  “Anyone can start a church in Florida, but who will go to Cleveland?

So, in 1986, Rick and Maryanne, their son Alan, then age five, with son Ryan on the way, left their home and family in the south and answered God’s call to come to Northeast Ohio.

So what makes CVC different?
Prayer has always been the foundation of CVC.  In the beginning, one other couple met with Rick and Maryanne to pray and seek the Lord’s hand on this new church.  In the first year, Rick went door-to-door searching for insight on why people did not go to church.  The result:  CVC strives to be relevant, friendly, casual, interesting, and interested - in you, not just your money.  The few but faithful followers in the beginning grew and their enthusiasm was contagious.  A church family was formed and the family continues to grow.  However, the basic principles remain unchanged as Rick, Maryanne, and the entire staff of CVC continue to extend love for God, one another, and the world.