Senior Ministry Strategist
For nearly 40 years, Rick Vilardo has served in ministry as an entrepreneurial leader, teacher, and visionary coach. Rick has served in a variety of ministry settings including pastoring youth at a large metropolitan church, lead-pastoring a rural congregation, and founding two separate congregations during his career. He has a passion for prayerfully and strategically building God’s church and positioning it to thrive and fulfill its distinctive calling. Crafting and sharing meaningful and insightful guidance via teaching, preaching, leadership development, and coaching, enables Rick to serve churches and individuals as they grow to their fullest potential in grace, depth, faith, and visionary impact.
Rick’s ministry has led him to share his gifts of visionary leadership and coaching beyond the local church setting, as well. He has served as a Growth Plus consultant, helping churches envision their futures and strategically plan to achieve their goals, and as a consultant for two national capital stewardship firms, where he utilized his knowledge and experience to strengthen a variety of faith-based organizations. His expertise in strategic planning, stewardship campaigns, and capital acquisitions has empowered scores of nonprofits to exceed their goals while staying true to their vision, mission, and core values.
Rick’s leadership gifts also extend to public service. He was twice elected to four-year terms as a member of his local Board of Education, leading it as President for three separate years, as well as serving on the leadership team for the regional association of Board of Education members. Additionally, he is a member of his local Rotary Club and Ministerial Association.
Rick received his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Cincinnati. He also holds two postgraduate degrees – a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, OH. In addition, he has completed several Doctor of Ministry degree courses at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School at Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL.
Rick resides in Westerville, OH with his wife of 35 years, Cynthia. Together, they have two sons -- Anthony and Stephen, both currently in college. Rick’s favorite pastimes include traveling with family, reading, running, tennis, guest preaching, and playing in the backyard with the family’s German shepherd, Luna.