Transformational Impact of Coastal Church in the High-Rise Community of Vancouver, British Columbia

Today there is an emerging mission field that is beckoning the next generation of Christ followers. This mission field is the urban high-rise community. In 1994, Coastal Church was launched in the densely populated city centre of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The church has grown from a fledgling plant to a contributor of the spiritual transformation in the city. This project is meant to help the reader understand the strategies that both worked and failed in bringing sustainable growth and influence to the community.
The outcome of the project, and how leadership both in the church and community were affected, will offer insight to Coastal Church members and those organizations that are interested in urban church planting. Particular attention is given in this project to what is required for a congregation in a multicultural environment and to build relationships with the key influencers within the city. The primary relationship that must be maintained and encouraged is with our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore throughout the study, there is a consistent referral to the importance of prayer.
This study reflects on several keys that influenced the direction and outcome of Coastal Church. These writings, and the classes at Bakke Graduate University helped fashion the Biblical theology that has formed a foundation for the church to move forward in faith. This project also focuses on the demographics and trends, both in the city and the Coastal Church congregation, which influenced the direction of the church leadership. The results of this research is compared with feedback from other leaders in the Vancouver church community to evaluate what has contributed to the church growth to date, and in projecting future steps.
This study hopefully demonstrates that as church leaders answer the call to reach the hurting souls in the cities of the world today, the Holy Spirit is already at work. Here God is faithful to provide all that is needed to build his church and demonstrate his glory.