Page 20 - Mariners Church Jubilee Book

1980s
A Season of Change
Millions were frustrated with their Rubik’s Cubes, ET phoned home and Michael Jackson thrilled us
with a new record. A woman was appointed to the Supreme Court, Mount St. Helens erupted and John
Lennon was assassinated.
Through the early 80s, Mariners struggled. Three different senior pastors were hired in as many years,
each with their own vision and plan to reach the community for Jesus. Top leadership differed in values and
direction and ultimately, the church split, with many people leaving with
Pastor Tim Timmons to form South Coast Community Church. Mariners Church
attendance plummeted from 1,200 people to 200. The atmosphere was grim. The Board had to ask itself some heart-wrenching questions. Was God preparing them to close the doors of Mariners forever and move on? Or was God preparing them to continue as a church?
All along, God had His church right where He wanted—humbled and dependent.
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