People say this church is fluffy, but I think the pastor is just really adept at calling people out without being condemning. You leave feeling happy and empowered and not condemned or in trouble. Some people want their religion to feel condemning haha. The season I'm in makes me grateful to have a church that is beautiful and lovely. Rooted was EXCELLENT and I've done a million Bible studies. I did it online too and it was great. Been coming here for over 2 years now!! Just wish they did more corporate prayer - like before the message started. read more

Just a review on my most recent experience, not leaning towards bad review, nor really good Not family friendly My family and I went to the 1130 service but a week ago as we're walking in one of the helpers/volunteers handed my 3 1/2 year-old son a toy car. Of course, my son took it. This is it important a little bit later on in the story. I'll make it short and quick. I one moment of the service. My son was making a little too much noise with that toy car and because his brother had left to go use the restroom immediately calm down and that was the end of it About 10 seconds later. Another volunteer comes up to me telling me that we'll just be the last of his hand from mind you. He's already sitting down my lap , Completely quiet you which I just tell her. Yes as you can see. He's calm. Then she says well I've been at the very Front and I've already heard him multiple times. At this point, I can't help get defensive because no you have not. I don't know who you've heard but no you have not. My son hasn't made no more noise than someone yawning or putting their coffee cup down. I'll let it be known that can't be true. This was his first noise out and it was completely put out in literally 15 seconds. Which mind you you guys were the one who keep him a toy at the beginning of the Service I felt extremely comfortable after this and extremely unwelcome. How are you guys going to argue over normal human noises? In fact, I would've been argue that many adults there are making louder noises than my son, when and part of the fact you guys were the one who handed him a toy. I don't know What You Were Expecting and to come up to Me telling me that you've been hearing him over 20 feet away. It's just completely a lie and I'm not gonna except that coming from anyone anywhere. Needless to say, I will never be coming back, and I can not te that. This is probably just a bad experience with a specific volunteer. Not the whole church itself. However, it just being one of the first times. This is the impression that I have, and I know, there's a better fir elsewhere that actually welcomes everybody of all ages and not just tries to keep a certain image up I was almost forgetting, just to put the cherry on top. I left the service early because of how uncomfortable I felt. I felt as if my son couldn't sneeze without her. Trying to find any reason to kick us out of the area. And when I did leave literally the front door guy shakes his head at Me. I am just appalled with this behavior. Literally do Better read more

Beautiful place with friendly people. Happy that my son was able to go to the church he originally called home. Good acoustics for the music. 3 areas to worship on the campus. They have a few coffee and food establishments on campus. It's pretty self contained with everything. Recommend you go and see it for yourself. read more

See all

I attended on 7/19/26. It's a beautiful church with kind people. That for me was where the positives ended. The service was hosted by Christine Caine, in which she tied numbers 27 to the women's suffrage movement. Instead of making it about what it's actually about: God's character, his justice, and his attentiveness to the needs of his people. She instead took us on a nonsensical journey of women's suffrage. Based on the Bible, Christine Cain should not have an authoritative teaching position over men. Based on her teachings today, she should not have that over women either. She is misguided, and I pray that she finds a firmer foundation in Jesus instead of progressive politics. This rebuke is from somebody who loves Jesus and thinks the word of God is authoritative. I will pray that your church finds a more biblical outlook. Maybe just stick to the Gospel instead of very incoherent ramblings. It's been a long time since I've been in a church service where I felt challenged by the Holy Spirit to get up and walk out in the middle of the service risking embarrassment in which I did. I hope you take this rebuke seriously from someone who loves Jesus and and loves you. read more

I love Mariners Church! We started attended during Covid times when in our immediate area of South OC didn't feel comfortable with attending church in person. I really appreciate the diversity at Mariners, the large campus with different areas you can choose to worship indoors or outdoors. I love that during each holiday they have different photo ops areas and events to enjoy after Saturday night service. They have Saturday 4pm, 5:30pm service and Sundays 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am. My 11 yo just got baptized at Mariners through his own wishes this past summer! My 16 yo has been attending here with his friends over the past years and has volunteered in the kids ministry this past year. I love that both my boys are growing with different leaders they are exposed to. What I love most is personally is the amazing worship sessions inside the chapel as the acoustics are incredible. I love the worship nights they host and how they have different ministry's for everyone. Lastly, I like that I don't feel obligated to connect with people. People are definitely friendship and welcoming but not pushy. I love pastor Eric's messages, they are personable and relatable to me. This is the most beautiful church I have ever been to. read more

See all

I had a really disappointing experience of Mariners Church. The first time I ever came, the pastor talked for nearly 20 minutes about how they didn't hit their financial quota (mind you, they had received at least $10 million dollars which were displayed in progress charts on the screens). The pastor then went on to say "For some of you in here, donating $1 million is so small it's like donating $10. We need this to build our new expansion of the campus" When I come to Church, I want to worship Jesus. I don't want to be given a lecture on the Church's financial position. To me, it felt like the leaders of the Church were ungrateful for the tens of millions of dollars they already received and were fully money driven, but I brushed it aside and tried my best to overlook this first impression. I continued giving Mariners a chance and some of their worship services were really good. Later on, I joined Rooted with my fiancé. We asked to be placed in the same group so we could experience it together. The staff was very rude to us hearing our request and immediately said this wasn't allowed, we had to be married to be in the same learning group. So we left and didn't go back to another Rooted session as it completely rubbed us the wrong way. Finally, at one of the services we attended, we were through the Cleansing of The Temple story in the Bible. This story talks about how Jesus drove merchants and money changers out of the Temple in Jerusalem. People had turned this sacred space into a bustling, profitable marketplace, which Jesus declared that his Father's house should be a house of prayer for all nations, rather than a place of business. However, the Pastor brought in a counterargument saying "Well isn't Mariners Church doing the exact same thing that Jesus said not to do?" Given they have bookstores, cafes, a boutique, etc. on their campus? And the Pastor rebuttals his counterargument with "Well no, because we don't sell anything while service is going on". Through my multiple negative experiences of Mariners, I'm really sad to say that I can no longer support attending this Church for the time being. I pray that this Church will be better. read more

Pleasantly surprised by this megachurch. They're very organized and well resourced but also stick to teaching the Bible. Would go again! read more

See all

money money money moooney...head pastor acts like the ceo of a fortune 500 company. placates to the audience.. communion only once every few months. the music is ok but very kindergardenish read more

Amazing church and campus. This church can seat a lot of people comfortably. They have cushioned stadium seats and a great sound system. The atmosphere here is electric. Lots of young people in the church so it's growing. I really enjoy my time every time I come here. Happy Yelping! read more

See all

Love this church, it's so amazing, Eric & the music is outstanding ,, uplifting & spiritual, thank you Mariners church

I so Love this church i love what i do , operating camera. Hopefully i can rejoin choir . The cafe - bookstore is so relaxing to shop and have a cup of coffee . read more

I've always loved this church, which is why it was so disappointing to be asked to leave on Easter Sunday. Our toddler made a few soft-spoken sounds during the service, and we, along with others, were asked to leave because of it. What made it even more disheartening was that I had brought my elderly father all the way from over half an hour away, only for us to be escorted out shortly after arriving. It was a deeply discouraging experience on a day meant for celebration, community, and grace. I could understand if my toddler had been throwing a tantrum or truly disrupting the service, but that wasn't the case. Most of the people around us actually found it refreshing and sweet--our child was very quiet and only made a few soft sounds. It was especially disheartening because it was the first time attending for two of our family members, and unfortunately, their experience left them feeling disappointed. The staff blamed the pastor and said he doesn't like any noise. My recommendation would be to have no children allowed in the main area so to not to be felt abandoned. read more

I feel very welcomed at this church. Everything is organized! From the parking to being seated in the worship center. I feel comfortable here. read more

Our family of 4 loves Mariners Irvine! Our 7 and 3 year old LOVE their kids classes/ministries. My daughter has a huge blast every summer at their VBS. Their kids ministries are 10 out of 10! My husband and I love Pastor Eric and his style of teaching. We also love the other Pastors. Mariners culture is welcoming and kind. Worship at Mariners is amazing! Thank you to all the Worship teams! We love praise and worship inside the main building before church services, I feel the Holy Spirit overwhelmingly every time We love that there is Saturday evening and Sunday morning services. Mariners constantly holds fun family events so that you can meet other families that attend. Thank you Mariners and every leader/server, we love and appreciate you all. read more

Great church, pastor Eric is a masterful communicator & teacher. He is "cooler" then your avg bear. He a southern dude we are lucky to have. I have been going here 13 years. The congregation is diverse, both ethnically & politically...for example, I am a liberal dem and no one has killed me yet. haha. read more

Unwelcome to be here despite a nice campus. Poor set of procedures set by staff & ushers. Too much hypocritical actions such as discrimination based on how I dress up nor look. In addition of insult, preaching was too hype along with rest of service. Worship blasting loud with many lights displayed yo distract. Pastoral team don't care to reach out helping if in need. Rather, all be money over people. So many problems to list out. The top plus rest of them working needs to take responsibility and repent. More surely an actual show and business than a real church alone. read more

Mariners Church - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California

The best church in the OC! Amazing worship, kids group, small groups etc. I started going there 30 years ago and it's been amazing.

I love Mariners Church! BUT, I was so disappointed yesterday night. The employee there came up to me and said "can you keep your toddler quiet?" "Im gonna ask you if can please go to the family room". I was never approached that way specifically during church. I hope they can find new ways the employees can learn how to approach a situation like that. My whole family got up and left during the middle of the services. They should let people know that the main room ISN'T for kids. read more

Be careful what you share in the Rooted bible class. The group facilitators who conduct the groups do NOT keep your information confidential. I was in a group conducted by S.S. and she ended up telling other church employees very sensitive and private information I opened up about in my group. I've been trying to get ahold of HR at the church or the head pastor but have been unsuccessful. I definitely want to know what the HIPAA laws are regarding private information. read more

My husband and I were in search of a church. I attended a Beth Moore event here years ago, and was excited to bring my husband to check it out. We've been here ever since. It's a big church, and yet we feel so connected. The kids program is awesome, and our grandkids can't wait to come every Sunday. They cater to families of all type, and welcome them all. Our Pastor Eric is down to earth, funny, and relatable. The worship music is off the charts. We couldn't be happier! read more

This church is a horrible member of the community. They are a horrible massive noise disturbances daily. They have all out rock concerts everyday while being in a residential area. They simply do not care about how much they disturb their neighbors. They are very selfish people. read more

Mariners is a beautiful church, especially during Christmas. When we came here last week, everything was being set up for their holiday program. Volunteers were setting up for their midweek youth and adult services. The far parking lot had two screens for the kids and their families to watch movies (like a drive-in theater). The outdoor auditorium had the church band set up, and they were playing Christmas music. The lights were wonderful. I've been to the church several times, and the services were good. This church location has a lovely campus. Although people weren't especially friendly, I've heard they have a lot of small groups to get involved in here. Mariners really goes all out for Christmas. This is definitely a church I'd check out if I lived in the area! read more

See all

As I was leaving the church today I just didn't feel good about it, didn't feel loved or welcomed when I left, but at the time couldn't figure out what was making me feel out of place. I got home and reviewed what other visitors had said about Mariners and it clicked! The feeling I had when I left the church was a message from God - don't go back, that's not my church! There was no love sprouting from this church, nor warmth. So many churches say "build big and the people will follow." Not true. Build big and you lose the intimacy and humble purpose and annointedness of the pastors and congregation. I've seen this happen over and over again across many churches in recent decades. To build large is the Disney approach where no one is truly known or found. What I found disappointing about Mariners today in particular was the very cliche "Newport Beach" superficial vibe I felt. There was a lady in front of me welcoming everyone from 30 feet away when I was right in front of her ready to be welcomed - talk about awkward and unwelcomed. They think they are connecting with you but they are just doing their show, not their heart. They don't connect with their own I get the feeling. It's unfortunate but the bigger the church goes, the more it turns out like this. Going back to my small but mighty and loving gospel church. Bye bye read more

My family didn't feel welcome here. Don't come with kids or babies. They will almost right away ask you to leave, block the door so you don't come in with your baby. Almost all staff acted annoyed with our kids, when getting coffee, when walking past the staff, as if they are not used to having any kids in services. read more

Hello - and thank you for reading my review! During the virus (when others shut down) this church was open to share God's Word to His people. I consistently attend and volunteer. The church is transparent and welcoming. I am particularly touched by Pastor Eric Geiger's biblically-based teaching. I encourage those potentially dissuaded by a minority of negative "Yelp" reviews to visit and discover for themselves. God's Word will speak to those who ask. God Bless ... Ken Smith read more

Mariners Church - Saturday's 4:00 pm service ... my favorite! - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Trying to find a church home and visiting churches in the area. I wasn't welcomed, acknowledged, and couldn't even find the main entrance. I had to ask people leaving in the parking lot where to go. Once inside I found a table with a gentleman to get a bulletin. Told him it was my first visit ... he said "ok" and walked away. Music was a great presentation. Sat myself down in the back row. Still no one had spoken to me.... Not one. Left in the middle of service which I've never done in 50 yrs, and I'm an ordained minister. I felt like I was at a concert other than church with a bunch of strangers. Surrounded by thousands but feeling alone. read more

Wonderful community of peopke. I recommend the church. Eric has a solid heart but I wish he were more accessible. It must be difficult to satisfy many thousands of individual requests. We had been trying to reach out to him about a very important issue in the church, and he's never responded despite our involvement in the church our time and devotion. Go and immerse oneself in the wonderful atmosphere. It will heal you. read more

I love the service, the community, the programs they have to help others, and enjoyed serving our church by helping one and other.

Pastor Eric is way too corporate/marketing driven which is very off putting, despite what I'm sure are good intentions. I'll leave it at that. read more

Such a great community! This church is beautiful inside and out. The ministry is so welcoming. Highly recommend checking it out on Saturdays and Sundays! read more

Mariners Church - Chapel and lake - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California

Amazing church! Funny, interesting and inspiring message. Well thought out. Speaker pastor was informative, based out of the bible, funny, entertaining and just awesome. Read quotes from the scripture to support his message. Music was good. Kids classes have a great system for drop off - efficient and secure. Toys snd clean classrooms. Kids area has a cute space the kids go for group lessons and music that has a sound system and lights. Looks like it will be fun for them. They have an interpreter in sign language in the adult area. Sound system on point. Videos of the speaker so you can see better. Simple but modern decor. Clean seats and campus. They have an area for families where you can sit in adult service with your kids if you like. Welcoming booths for info. When I asked where things were, people didnt just point it out they took me to the right location- 3 times. They have sweet high school kids with signs that say we're happy you're here. Chill vibes on how people are dressed. Welcoming people who are volunteers everywhere. Nice crowd of people. Lots of volunteer opportunities and they did a whole drive to being supplies for LA fires recently. When we dropped of items, the guy received them and said THANKS so gracefully. There are buddies for kids with different needs or abilities so their parents can go to church and their child can attend without a worry. Free coffee and donuts hahah. I think they covered every single thing you could ever want expect or need from a church! Overall, 10/10 experience. Love it! read more

This church has changed my life in so many ways. Whoever commented the church needs to take accountability from the top down or isn't functioning well with a long list of problems has CLEARLY never been involved with the people of Mariners Irvine. Everyone from the senior pastors, elders, college team, women's team, rooted, Bible study teams and kids coordinators are total bosses on fire for Christ who spread nothing but love and wisdom. The church is generous, very transparent, and completely Bible-based. They don't create overarching themes and attach scripture to make their point they do deep dives into the word of the Lord mostly by book and they give workbooks to everyone for free to keep. We read each verse and dissect each passage together and pastor Eric is amazing at his job. If you want a church that can give you faith-based relationships, community, and care for your relationship with Christ and wellbeing Mariners is for you! read more

See all

Bible centric church with abundant resources, I am surprised to see other reviewers' complains.

It is an extremely welcoming campus and there is something for everyone. Life groups, support groups, volunteering opportunities and so much more. The weekend sermons are fabulous. Pastor Eric Geiger is one of the most engaging and thoughtful teachers. read more

So grieved by the direction of Mariners church under Eric. It has gone significantly downhill. Cultural references used instead of scripture, the push of tithing money as a priority, and Bible verses used out of context. Eric talks about his High school and college years, nothing about his walk with God as an adult. Unrelatable examples of his life to the Bible when you hear about his childhood when so many need to see how the Bible relates to us as ADULTS TODAY! It is clear he doesn't know what he's talking about. He is very business oriented rather than a steward of the people at the church. It is all about the numbers of who is attending, who signed up for volunteering after his alter call after services. It shouldn't be about that. What about those who are being touched by God, getting set free? This place has become a spiritual graveyard! Please don't go here! It's deceiving seeing all of their services and beautiful campus, but it's truly not enough especially if you desire closeness with God. They have lots of fun events with everyone there still feeling empty and unsure why. The church does not teach repentance upon salvation. Just ask Jesus into your heart and you're in! Not biblical at all!! There isn't any room for the Holy Spirit to move there. It's so sad. No freedom, nobody getting healed, nothing happening except keeping this mega church debt free, as they announced a few months ago. So many are suffering in this inflated economy, the church shouldn't be bragging about things like that. The Rock in Anaheim is a fantastic BIBLE BASED church in the area. Highly recommend it to those looking to understand and use the Bible for today! I'm praying that Mariners church wakes up! read more

The most amazing Church I have attended. Kinda staff, clean and absolutely beautiful. Thank you guys so much. Saturday service at 4pm was great, can't wait to be back with friends and family :)) god bless read more

Great place to Worship! The Truth of the Bible is Taught! Great ministry opportunities!

The church feels like it's run by a marketing team instead of Biblical Intellectuals. Also the music is so loud and poorly mixed. It seems like all those on stage are trying to draw attention to themselves than God. The Pastor (Eric) seems more like a corporate salesman than a Bible Teacher Also, it strange that they want people to volunteer for various outreach ministries but don't have the organizational skill to manage volunteers. read more

This church is just okay. This is definitely a mega church so it's nearly impossible to get connected and plugged. I went to their first Thursday night for young adults and it was the size of a regular church service. If you like churches where no one knows you this is the church for you. read more

Thank you Jesus for Mariners. From Medical school to residency I have been with this church. The messages always inspire and water your growth. Prayer team has helped me with my faith at many junctures others said was impossible. The power of God lives in this place and it will move you. read more

Mariners Church - Chapel - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California