Think back to 1988. A small group of 65 people gathered with a big dream. That dream sparked Seacoast Church. The vision was simple. Reach those untouched by traditional church experiences.
Seacoast Church aimed to speak the modern culture’s language. It sought to be a place where anyone could explore Christianity. They could do it at their own pace. The church blended music with practical teaching. This made the Gospel accessible to everyone. It did not matter where they were on their spiritual journey.
Greg Surratt and a team from Northwood Assembly started it all. They met in an apartment clubhouse. In April 1988 public meetings began. They rented a theater. The vision focused on reaching the unchurched in Charleston. The church grew quickly. Its contemporary worship style helped. Support from Northwood Assembly also played a part.
Seacoast’s story involves reaching out. Church founders consulted the phone book. This was nearly 30 years ago. They called nearly 17000 people in Mount Pleasant. They asked why people without a place of worship didn’t attend church. Answers had less to do with belief in God. Time and convenience were bigger factors. This strengthened Pastor Greg Surratt’s vision. He wanted to build a church for people who didn’t go to church.
Today Seacoast Church has multiple locations. These campuses span South Carolina and North Carolina. It also has a thriving online ministry. Weekly attendance totals around 14000 people across 13 campuses.
In 2007 Seacoast Church opened a Dream Center. It provides support to the community. The Dream Center has a Single Parent Ministry. It offers tools and support to single moms and dads. They are welcomed and encouraged.
Seacoast embraces technology. Video sermons connect all locations. SeacoastGO allows members to experience church from anywhere. Music plays a large role. Seacoast Worship creates experiences connecting people with God.
Josh and Lisa Surratt are the co-Lead Pastors. They help Seacoast Church realize God’s vision. They are passionate about helping people find God. They want people to grow their faith. They also want them to discover their purpose and make a difference.
Seacoast Music is the church’s songwriting and recording arm. It creates original music for worship. It serves internally and externally. Seacoast Church offers a Counseling Center. It provides healing and clarity during difficult times. Therapists use a biblically integrated approach.
Seacoast Church began with a simple idea. Make faith accessible. Embrace modern culture. Reach the unchurched. Today it continues to grow. It adapts to meet the needs of its community. It is making a difference in Charleston and beyond.