Stepping Out of the Boat

Hi everyone,

I’ve wanted to start a weekly blog for some time now—somewhere to reflect on the Sunday sermon, share what God has been speaking to me about, and highlight anything important happening in our church family. I hope this will be a space where we can journey together, share what God is doing, and encourage one another in faith.

It was a real joy to welcome Alex Rayment this past Sunday. His message challenged me in a way I wasn’t expecting, and I hope it did for you too. He spoke from Mark’s Gospel, calling us to step out of the boats that keep us from fully following Jesus.

Alex’s message made me stop and think: what are the things that keep me from fully trusting Jesus? He used a powerful image of ‘stepping out of the boat’—a call to leave behind anything that holds us back from a deeper walk with God.

The Four Boats Jesus Calls Us Out Of

In Mark 1:16-20, Jesus calls his first disciples from their fishing boats, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Immediately, they left everything and followed him. What boats do we need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully?

1. The Boat of Significance

We often find our identity in what we do—our careers, achievements, or how others see us. Fishing wasn’t just a job for the disciples; it was their identity. Yet Jesus called them beyond what they knew into something greater. He calls us, too, to find our identity in him, not in what we accomplish.

2. The Boat of Security

In Mark 4:35-41, a storm rages while Jesus sleeps in the boat. The disciples panic, but Jesus remains at peace. How often do we cling to financial stability, job security, or control as our safety net? Jesus teaches us that true security is found in him alone, even in life’s storms.

3. The Boat of Safety

In Mark 6:45-52, Jesus walks on water while the disciples struggle against the wind. The sea symbolised chaos and fear, yet Jesus walked over it. Whether it’s fear of failure, loneliness, or uncertainty, Jesus invites us to step out and trust him completely.

4. The Boat of Surrender

In John 21, after Peter denied Jesus, he returned to what felt familiar—fishing. But Jesus met him there, not with judgement, but with grace. He didn’t disqualify Peter; instead, he restored him. Surrendering isn’t just a moment; it’s a lifelong practice of trusting God with every part of our lives.

Over the past year, God has repeatedly nudged me to step out of my own boats—especially significance, security, and safety. Each time, I’ve seen his love and faithfulness meet me in unexpected ways. Now, I feel him calling me again—this time, to surrender more deeply, more completely.

What boat is God calling you to step out of today?

If you missed Alex’s sermon, you can listen to it here: Watch the Sermon

Looking Ahead

This Sunday, we’ll be hearing from Shirley as she shares a prophetic word from Jeremiah 17:7-8:

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."

God has been doing something incredible in Shirley’s life over the past 18 months, and this Sunday will be a celebration of that transformation. We have the privilege of hearing her testimony and witnessing how God has been at work in her life.

I’d love to catch up—whether to chat about the sermon, share what God has been speaking to you about, or simply enjoy a coffee together. I’m keeping Thursdays free for meet-ups, so invite me round for lunch or let’s grab a coffee. Drop me a message (07889 874440), and let’s make it happen!

See you on Sunday!

Pastor James