For many years Pastor Bucky Dennis had felt a burden and desire to plant a church. He continually sought God’s will if he was to plant a church and if so, for God to direct him in the process and timing. In November of 2005, Bucky was mountain biking in one of his favorite spots on the Newport Coast. As he was praying and asking God about his future, God confirmed that this was “the time” and gave Bucky the calling to help the people of Orange County to find the path to a Christ-filled life. God impressed upon Bucky the Scripture from Jeremiah 6:16: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” The name “Pathways” was burned into his heart as a vision to build a community of disciples that would actually learn to do what Jesus himself said and did.

Pathways has consumed Bucky’s thoughts and prayers and conversations since that time. His wife, family, a group of trusted friends, and the leadership of Mariners Church have been with him in this journey by providing counsel and prayer support along the way. He spent countless hours driving and praying over several cities in Orange County, asking God to impress upon him the community in which to plant Pathways Church. God led him to North Irvine as the place. Bucky sees the development of new communities within North Irvine, the old Tustin Marine Base, and the Great Park area as fertile soil for the Good News of Jesus Christ. In addition, he sees the Tustin Marketplace is a hub of social interaction and a great focal point for new ministry activity. The young people and families that are pouring into this area are seeking the good life, but they need spiritual guides that will help them find the path that leads to true life through being spiritually formed in Christ. Bucky is excited to see God build a Church that will bless their souls, their relationships and train them to build their lives and their homes on the rock of Christ, the only foundation that lasts.

Mariners Church has been a significant part of Bucky’s path with God. Serving as the Family Ministries Pastor for the last 13 years, he has been equipped to do the work of the ministry and lead individuals and families to follow Christ with him. Mariners Church is part of his family and it gives him great joy to partner together with Mariners to plant Pathways Church and reach the north Irvine area with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a daughter church of Mariners Church, Pathways will continue to draw wisdom and support from Mariners in the days ahead.

A new daughter church of Mariners Church, Pathways' mission is to reach north Irvine, Tustin, and the surrounding communities. Pathways was launched in September of 2007.