“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”  Matthew 28:19-20a

Jesus’ final words, as Matthew records them, are among the most central to historic Christianity. Jesus instructs the apprentices to His way of life (the disciples) to multiply themselves. In some cases, this gets interpreted flatly as: “Go make converts…” In that sense, the principle goal of faith is merely to give to someone a fresh thought on the spiritual life. But, Jesus tells people who have recklessly given up their lives to follow Him to help other people to do the same foolish thing. And, the task has the whole world in view.

Then He instructs His own disciples (the insecure, shallow, power-hungry, people-pleasing, attention-grabbers that they were) to baptize these new apprentices. They’ll immerse these new disciples in water, symbolic of dying to an old life. Then, they’ll be lifted up out of the water soaked in new life with Jesus.

For a lot of us, we wonder how to “disciple” people. What does that really mean? We neither want to seem pushy nor insincere about conveying what life with Jesus is really about. Churches have a number of ways in which people come to understand all of what it means to walk with Jesus. No system is truly perfect. But, the best methods involve discussion, authentic relationships, personal experiences with the practices of discipleship, and (not least) an examination of God’s Word, the Bible. Mariners’ method is called ROOTED. If you are looking to get the clearest picture of what it means to follow Jesus, Rooted is for you. If you are a person taking Jesus’ commission seriously, consider inviting people to join you in a Rooted experience (even if you’ve already been a part of one). Get signed up for Rooted here.

This Sunday, we’ll celebrate, publicly, what life with Jesus is about in baptism. It’s a powerful symbol succinctly telling the story of letting old things go and embracing the Holy Spirit infused newness of life that is given to us in Jesus. If you’ve never been baptized as an adult, consider what is holding you back. Baptism isn’t a gimmick. It’s a powerful public marker, made in the presence of the church family, of the work Jesus has done and is doing in our lives. Email Kim Alexander to let us know if you’d like to be baptized. But, should you show up and wish you had emailed us, don’t worry about it, the water’s fine. We’ll make room.

I cannot think of a better way to illustrate all of what Jesus accomplished during Easter weekend than with Baptism. I am as excited about this coming Sunday as I have been for any since I started at Mariners.

See you Sunday,

Jeff

Click here to check out some photos from our Easter festivities! We loved celebrating with you!

We believe that one of the biggest things Jesus asks us to do is to love and serve our neighbors. Mariners Student Ministries (Jr. High and High School) takes that very literally, and so we go into our communities on a monthly basis to love and serve our neighbors. This month, we will be heading to Vintage Mission Viejo, a senior living home, to hang out with some of their residents. We will play some games, hear great stories, and build relationships as a way of showing Jesus’ love. Join us!

Click here to serve with JHM
Click here to serve with HSM

Questions? Contact Jordan or Hilary.

May 29, 5:30 – 7:30p, no cost
Vintage Mission Viejo
27783 Center Dr, Mission Viejo 92692

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” – Romans 8:11

These next few days mark the culminating event of Jesus’ life and ministry. The gospel accounts of Jesus move at a relatively brisk pace through their initial chapters. There are baffling miracles, incendiary confrontations with religious leaders, radical teaching, and tear-filled moments of compassion. But, at the final week of Jesus’ life, the whole story slows down. Details get richer. Emotion is more clearly on display. There is real pain. There is unmistakable fear and loneliness.

And… There is victory. There is hope.

The hope of Jesus is best on display at Easter. It’s also when the church (the community of people, bound together by a common belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection) welcomes investigative friends and skeptical neighbors. It’s a time when the whole idea of Jesus is evaluated not only on the basis of His claims and the events surrounding Easter, but also on the basis of how the people connected to Him behave.

I heard a story of a couple from Mariners MV who, after moving out of state, was looking to land at a new church. Their plan was to intentionally arrive early at a prospective church and stand in the lobby waiting for someone to talk to them. In none of the churches did anyone ever approach them to extend the warmth of a welcome. Church people were happy to chat, so long as the visitors took the first step. I understand the idea of not wanting to be pushy or overbearing. But, warmth is warmth. It broke my heart. I think often about how much Mariners MV is gaining a reputation for genuinely welcoming people. If ever there was a time for our church community to live this out, it’s this weekend.

Many people you are inviting to Easter will courageously “test the waters” at our church this weekend. They’ll have the same attitude as the comedian, John Fugelsang who said recently,  “I view Jesus much the way I view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of the fan clubs terrify me.” Let’s delight people with the warmth of our community. Look people in the eye. Spot people who are mystified by our bizarre architecture. Smile. Learn to utilize the phrases: “Happy Easter,” “Good Morning,” without fear.

If Mariners is your home church, “own the welcome.”

Own the welcome during the Good Friday Experience (12:30-6). Own the welcome during the Good Friday service at 6. Own the welcome for Saturday at 5p. Own the welcome at the Peep Roast. Own the welcome on Easter Sunday at 9 and 11.

Happy Easter,

Jeff

Come to Easter service on Saturday night and stay for the Peep Roast. Yes, we’ll roast our marshmallow peeps and create the most delicious s’mores!

Saturday, April 19
following the 5p service

Hospitality House provides short-term and long-term housing for those experiencing homelessness and provides ways for them to attain self-sufficiency. Join us for a time of sharing stories, worship, dessert and board games. For more info or to signup contact Maher or 949-769-8278

Saturday, Apr 19, 5:45p
818 E 3rd St, Santa Ana, 92701