our story

In 2012, God stirred Matt and Jacinda Lilly, our founding pastors, to plant a new church on the Hibiscus Coast. What began with a few families gathering in homes quickly grew, and by 2013 Coast Vineyard Church was launched. Within months, we outgrew living rooms and began weekly services at Stanmore Bay School, later moving to the Orewa Arts and Events Centre where over 600 people now call Coast Vineyard home.

In 2025, Stanley and Rachel Ross took over the senior leadership of Coast Vineyard. From the start, our heart has been simple: to love God and love people. Along the way, we’ve seen God gather a diverse community—locals and newcomers, people finding faith for the first time, and others returning after years away. Our story is still unfolding as we seek God’s plans for the future. If you’d like to hear more or get involved, join us at a Welcome Lunch. Details are on our Next Steps page.

our vision

Partnering with God in His renewal of all things by wholeheartedly following Jesus and cultivating life-changing community.

what is our church like?

We’re a church that’s all about living the full life Jesus promises (John 10:10). A place where everyone is welcome to encounter God, grow in faith, and discover their unique calling.

We’re relaxed and real, we love to have fun, and we take God seriously (but not ourselves!). Our services are accessible and life-giving, and it’s easy to bring friends along.

At Coast, you’ll find hope, joy, freedom, and friendships that make life better. Everyone gets to play, everyone belongs.

Come and see — this might just be the church you’ve been looking for.

what matters to us?

  • God and Prayer – pursuing Him, hearing His voice, and staying connected.

  • Christlikeness and Character – living with love, integrity, and spiritual fruit.

  • Worship and the Spirit – Spirit-led, wholehearted, experiencing His gifts and power.

  • Care and Mercy – loving the broken, hurting, and disadvantaged.

  • Community and Unity – discipling, building relationships, and honouring the wider Church.

  • Service and Mission – equipping people to serve, lead, and share Jesus locally and globally.

  • Reality and Simplicity – authentic, down-to-earth faith that engages life and culture.

what is the vineyard?

Coast Vineyard Church is part of the Vineyard Churches Aotearoa NZ movement. Find out more about the wider Vineyard story, vision and values here.