Our Story

In the latter part of 2000 God began planting the seed for Coastal Community Church.  Leadership from Tidewater Community Church and Bay Rivers Community Church met to explore the idea of bringing these two church families together.  Though the concept seemed favorable to both, the timing was not right, and no action was taken.  One year later, in November of 2001, the new pastor of Bay Rivers, Shaun Brown, and Pastor Derek Evatt of Tidewater began praying together for God's direction concerning both churches.  God began nurturing the seed that was planted one year earlier.

Through much prayer and many hours of discussion, leadership from both churches discerned that God's direction was to come together as one church.  On February 3rd, 2002, both churches voted on a proposal to come together and take part in a new church start on the Peninsula.  Both churches voted unanimously to accept the proposal.

Pastors Shaun Brown and Derek Evatt became the founding pastors of Coastal Community Church.  On March 3rd, 2002, the first Coastal Celebration Service was held at Grafton Middle School.  The first service was filled with excitement and anticipation.  Approximately 243 people were at the first Coastal Service.

God has continued to bless Coastal's impact on the Peninsula and across the world.  Since moving from Grafton Middle School to a permanent facility, Coastal has grown even more, but the work is not done.  We strive to use all the resources and tools God has given us to develop authentic followers of Jesus Christ.