A start-up with limited resources driven by a vision. The co-founders think big. They collaborate with others. They bootstrap. They eventually get traction. They go from two people serving a few people to impacting thousands in Vancouver and beyond. They hit a series of growth milestones over 30 years. Are they ready to go public?

No, this is a church we are talking about—Coastal Church, Vancouver, BC, founded by Pastors David and Cheryl Koop. The story of Coastal Church over the past 30 years would resonate with any entrepreneur.

Dave and Cheryl Koop were recipients of the ELO Entrepreneurial Leaders Award in 2019 in recognition of their service to the Christian community. They have been steadfast supporters of the ELO Forum Vancouver, as part of their commitment to impacting the business community. They have been an example of innovation in action—regularly trying new initiatives to further their mission. We asked Dave to recount the role of innovation in the history of the church.

1. What were some of the challenges of Coastal’s early years and how did it secure its building?

“Coastal Church, like many church plants, faced significant challenges in its early years, especially in finding a suitable location. The church initially rented space in various venues, including schools, community centers, and hotels. After years of temporary locations, the Sheraton Landmark Hotel became Coastal’s home for seven years, offering stability despite occasional relocations.

The biggest challenge during this time was the high cost of renting space in one of the most expensive areas in North America. However, we discovered that desperation fuels innovation, pushing us to pray more, dig deeper, and look for solutions we never thought possible. Coastal Church sought a permanent location, and that search eventually led to the First Church of Christ Scientist building on West Georgia Street. This solution didn’t come easily—it required both prayer and negotiation. The breakthrough came when Coastal convinced the developers that demolishing a church in the heart of the city would not go unnoticed.”

2. What are some lessons you have learned about innovation and growth?

“Innovation played a crucial role in Coastal’s growth, especially in an area where only 3-5% of people attend church. Early on, Coastal tried conventional methods such as phone campaigns and mailers. These strategies, however, were largely ineffective in a city like Vancouver.

An extended season of prayer and fasting led to a strategic shift—focusing on small groups to combat loneliness, a common issue in high-rise living. These groups provided busy urban dwellers with community and connection, often serving as an entry point for discovering a faith in Jesus Christ. This pivot shows that innovation is not just about adopting new technology or programs, but about meeting the unique needs of the community.”

3. What are some examples of innovation at Coastal Church?

“Over the years, Coastal Church implemented several innovative initiatives. First, there is our Preschool Program: Recognizing a need for affordable childcare in high-rise communities, Coastal created a preschool. This initiative not only served families practically but also opened the door for deeper engagement with young families. Second, we launched “Business by the Book” which was aimed at professionals working in the downtown core, this program helped people integrate their faith with their professional lives, creating a space for believers to connect. Third, we started Eden Café, in partnership with Message Trust, Coastal launched the Eden Café as a ministry hub in the Downtown Eastside, offering spiritual care and practical help to those in need. These programs reflect how churches can think creatively to meet everyday needs and serve as a spiritual presence in their community.”

4. What are some biblical principles of innovation?

“Innovation in ministry is grounded in several biblical principles. First, there is Focus. Churches must remain focused on the harvest and the commission Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19-20. The day the church loses its focus on sharing the gospel with the least, the lost and the lonely it will become secular and pragmatic, focusing on outcomes rather than staying true to the teachings of Scripture. Second, there is Hospitality. Romans 12:13 reminds us to "practice hospitality." Churches in high-rise settings, where people often feel isolated, must create spaces for connection and community. Third, there is Faithful Presence. Tim Keller speaks about the importance of being a "faithful presence" in the city. This means addressing local issues like affordable housing or social justice while staying grounded in the gospel. Fourth, understanding context is important. Urban churches must "exegete" their communities, meaning they need to understand the specific challenges and opportunities in their context.”

5. Can a non-innovative church grow?

“In complex urban environments, growth without innovation is difficult. Dr. Ray Bakke, an urban missiologist, highlights how cities constantly evolve, and churches must adapt accordingly. Without innovation, a church risks stagnating and becoming irrelevant in a rapidly changing world and it is only a matter of time before you have a congregation of grey hair.”

6. How do you treat failure?

“Coastal has failed on numerous attempts, but innovation involves risk, and not every venture will succeed. From every failure, we could refine our approach, making future efforts more successful. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we may plan our course, "the Lord establishes our steps." Trusting God’s guidance and staying faithful, even through setbacks, is more important than achieving immediate success.”

7. How do you discern God's will in innovation?

“Discerning God’s will in innovation requires prayer, fasting, and careful alignment with biblical principles. Churches should seek wise counsel from experienced leaders and be attentive to “God’s fingerprints”—those small confirmations that show that the Holy Spirit is guiding the process.“

In conclusion, growing churches are typically entrepreneurial churches—they stay focused on their mission, but they are flexible in terms of how to achieve their objectives. Entrepreneurial thinking means trying new things, taking risks and working with failure. As Coastal Church demonstrates, a commitment to innovation can propel a church forward in terms of impact and effectiveness. As society changes, so too must churches and, indeed, all organizations that wish to remain relevant and effective.