Mariners Church Irvine — Attraction in Irvine

This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine of let it shine!

I promise we did not sing that song here today. Wowsa! I can't think of words to describe this place but maybe "the promise land" or "heavenly". This campus has a multiple buildings for school, recreation, grass areas, chapel, and a rock concert arena that would put most college campus and production events to shame. This is in my favorite area and place that I dream to live one day. Located in between Irvine and Newport Coast. Holy molly! This is where I want to live fo sho. Please excuse any unintentional puns that come across in this review.

How and why am I reviewing a church? This is not the strangest place I have reviewed. Put a first time check-in to a church. I went to the 11 am service because I was visiting with some friends. I am just an observer not a customer so I cannot comment on a true experience, but the service was very entertaining and moving. If you are not moved, wow you have a cold heart. I am glad that so many people were happy and full of joy. The seats are better quality than college lecture halls. I didn't notice any bibles in the seating area. That was odd to me, but I guess you should bring your own bible. I only saw one person with a bible out of thousands. The free coffee really helped because I was super sleepy, but I felt alive and refreshed afterwards. Why is the weather so perfect here seriously? Mariners is truly a great place for anyone looking to join.

I am not giving a low rating for the Mariners Church. I will not critique or question the methods of this church or peoples beliefs. That is just none of my business. This place is truly amazing! Serious, just visit here once. You will be speechless. However, according to it's rating a 4 star is "I'm a fan" and a 5 star is "As good as it gets". I'm not saying I had better, but for a first time. I am amazed but I will have to go again and/or become a member for I can truly give it a high ranking. As far as first impressions goes this...

The sermon from the pastor last Sunday (Steve Bang Lee) was superficial, watered-down, toxic, and weak. He started the sermon discussing being jealous of people "who have it together". Instead of talking about self-reflecting ways to bear new fruit and taking responsibility that this is your problem of jealousy his sermon was about "nobody has it together and religious performance" which is why you shouldn't envy those people. Also, it was kind of weird sitting in a Christian church on the day of Pentecost and the pastor does not even acknowledge the day.

The sermon was normalizing a lot of toxic behavior and he quoted and summarized an atheist professor as an example of proof that we all experience hating people who "have it all together". I did not learn anything and there was no spiritual depth to his message. I've heard high school pastors at Mariners give more depth and more convicting messages about this topic. It's great he gave the congregation an opportunity to stand up to accept Christ, but I hope they get other pastors who take their job seriously. His demeanor was not convincing and was demeaning when in the middle of his sermon he blamed the congregation for not being more engaged by saying "that woke you up, welcome to Mariner's Church!" If you're going to preach something on the surface level that everyone has heard before (he was talking about Nicodemus and John 3:16 story) at least be convincing, maybe people will pay attention. I miss Pastor Eric, Pastor Kenton, Pastor Jared, and Pastor Eric H.

The worship leader this last Sunday was amazing! He is very in touch with the congregation and it's needs during worship. The choir in the back is kind of a distracting performance because some of the people were making facial expressions where it looks like they are in pain.

Amazing prayer warriors on the prayer teams ❤️ Outreach is...

Due to the pandemic, I had been worshiping online at home for a while, but at the recommendation of a friend living in Irvine, I went to Mariners Church for the first time two weeks ago. After hearing the message of the Lord through the pastor, Eric Geiger, I was deeply moved by grace and decided to continue to worship in this church. But, just two days ago, it was Easter, I went to church with more joy. As I was walking toward the chapel, a white man grabbed me and took me to the side of the building. Then he told me he would inspect the bag I was carrying and had me open my bag. I opened my bag and showed him what was inside and explained all the contents in the bag. There was a wallet and keys inside the bag. After checking my bag, the man said something on a black thumb-sized walkie-talkie plugged into his shirt and left.

I was very embarrassed and offended by what happened in an instant. To be honest, I even thought I experienced racial discrimination. Of course, I couldn't even concentrate on worship. I don't know why this happened to me. It's not that everyone's bags are checked at the entrance, like in an amusement park like Disneyland. Why did they only check my bag? Is it Satan's hindrance to stop me from going to church? Anyway, I won't go to this church anymore.

For reference, the person who checked my bag was a Caucasian man wearing glasses who looked to be in his late 50s to early 60s. He was about 5'9" tall and was wearing a polo shirt. There were also two uniformed police officers standing at the entrance of the building, but the man did not appear to be a police officer.

This church needs to change the procedure of the physical security check system.

I give five stars to the church and the pastor's sermon. But considering what I've been through, it's not worth giving even one star.

I should look for another church around...