About Us: 

The story of our birth begins just a short drive from Wadsworth in downtown Akron. In the early 1990s, well regarded Senior Pastor of The Chapel, Knute Larson, eager to continue the church’s legacy of planting non-denominational Bible churches in NE Ohio, initiated a focus group on the area west of Akron. Throughout 1993 some 30 people gathered to build relationships and grow in faith in the now mothballed University of Akron, Martin Center, adjacent to The Chapel.  Known then as the Southwest ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship), the group readied itself to become a freestanding church. January 23, 1994 marked the first public worship service held in the library of the old Wadsworth High School, lead by founding Pastor Bill McClure. The church was formally born as Valleyview Chapel.

As the congregation grew our present parcel of land was purchased in 2001 followed by nearly 18 months of volunteer labor clearing the land for construction. The church worshipped together for the first time in our own building on December 8, 2002 and experienced a season of growth under the leadership of pastor Pete Drury.

As individuals often struggle through ups and downs in the formation of mature character, Valleyview was no exception. Weathering a trying season, bolstered by the care and leadership of Interim Pastor, Kevin Seager, the church found strength and support from her parent congregation, The Chapel in Akron.

Through an extended period of evaluation and discernment, we became again fully part of The Chapel as the Wadsworth Campus. Simultaneously, we welcomed our current pastor, Zac Derr, on October 31, 2010.