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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A
SADDLEBACK INTERN?

Internship Gallery 1 Internship Gallery 2
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Intentional Training

Interns receive training through workshops, conferences, & events.

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Networking with Interns and Staff

Interns are an important part of our church – we are better together.

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Thoughtful Observation

Interns serve closely with our staff to observe seasoned leaders and experts.

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Experience-Based Learning

Interns' learning is practical, not theoretical.

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Regular Coaching and Mentoring

Interns meet regularly to review work and provide feedback.

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New, Modified Goals

Interns set goals to get the most out of their time with the team.

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Significant Projects

Interns work on projects that matter. We want them to be part of something big.

Part-Time (Fall Spring or Summer Internship)

As a part-time intern at Saddleback, you'll receive hands-on training while serving alongside experienced pastors and seasoned professionals in their respective fields. As a part-time intern, you'll gain valuable experience that will help you develop your vocational and leadership skills for your future, wherever God is calling you! Part-time interns commit to a minimum of 15-20 hours per week for the semester (spring, summer, or fall).

Full-Time (Year-Long Internship)

As a full-time intern at Saddleback, you'll receive hands-on training while serving alongside experienced pastors and ministry leaders. Develop the real-world experience and leadership skills that you'll need for the next stage of your ministry. Interning at Saddleback provides a unique perspective into vocational ministry. Full-time interns commit to serving between 6 months to 1 year, typically serving full-time hours.

Internship Opportunities

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who Is The Average Applicant?

For part-time interns, our applicants are college students who want vocational skill training in a ministry setting; part-time interns do not necessarily need to feel called to vocational ministry, but will be gaining skill training in a ministry setting. Full-time interns are typically individuals that have recently graduated with their college or seminary degree, have some ministry experience or work on a church staff, have demonstrated a potential for leadership, and are seeking to become a ministry leader or church planter. You must be over 18 years old to intern at Saddleback Church.

What Are The Minimum Requirements To Be Considered For The Program?

Full-time interns: We require that all applicants have a college degree and some prior ministry experience. We are looking for individuals who have been called to ministry leadership or planting a church. However, if you feel you have a unique situation, let's discuss it!

Part-time interns: We require that applicants be currently enrolled in college or university or be a recent graduate (graduated within the last five years).

Who Will Supervise Me?

Interns are supervised by two primary people: our Intern Program Minister and the intern's direct supervisor of the team they are serving on.

Can I Work And Be An Intern At The Same Time?

Part-time interns may be able to work part-time hours while they intern. However, full-time and church planting interns may not, as these are full-time leadership development programs. The many things offered to you (mentoring, coaching, skill training, strategic thinking, collaborative learning, etc.) that will help shape and prepare you for ministry will require a 40-50 hour work week, which would make it unmanageable for you to take on a part-time job. We want you to have the energy, time, and focus to make the most out of your internship as well as balance the other priorities in your life.

Can I Go To School And Be An Intern At The Same Time?

Yes! Our internships are geared toward current college students, recent graduates, or grad students. We would love to work with you to accommodate your school schedule as you intern. For full-time interns, we offer academic partnerships with the following schools: Rockbridge Seminary, Gateway Baptist Theological Seminary, and Vanguard University. Saddleback interns are able to receive school credit through their internship at Saddleback.

When Can I Start?

Full-time internships tracks begin each September, January, and May, with exceptions.

Part-time internships tracks occur each: Summer (May-August), Fall (September - December), and Spring (January - April), with exceptions - we work hard to accommodate students' school schedules.

What Is The Admission Process?

  • Submit application
  • Interview with Intern Program Manager
  • References checked
  • Interview with team that you're interested in learning from
  • Theological Interview with Saddleback pastor

Does Saddleback Give Benefits To Participants?

Saddleback does not offer benefits to interns. We will ask for proof of health and auto insurance before your internship starts.

Will I Be Paid As An Intern?

No. We strongly believe that if God has called you to this program, He will provide the way for you. Interns are fully responsible to raise their own support during the program. One of the prerequisites to leadership is being able to cast a vision and have others support it.

Is A Married Person Eligible For An Internship?

Yes! We want your internship to benefit you AND your spouse! Your spouse will need to have a brief theological interview with a pastor as part of the application process.

What If I Have Children?

You are still eligible for the program.

Where Is Saddleback?

We are one church in many locations! Our central campus is located in Lake Forest, California, a suburb of south Orange County. To see the location of all of our campuses, visit saddleback.com/locations.

Do I Need a Car?

Yes. Saddleback Church is one church in many locations. Participants could be assigned to various campuses throughout Southern California and work differing schedules based on each ministry's unique needs. Each participant is responsible for providing for his or her own transportation. A car is a requirement.

Do I Need a Laptop?

Yes. Each participant is required to have a laptop computer to use during the duration of the program.

Are There Any Job Guarantees After The Program?

There is NO guarantee of employment at Saddleback or outside of Saddleback after your program.

Can I Still Have An Internship If I Don't Agree With Saddleback's Theology?

We require that all interns pass an interview given by a pastor on staff that covers areas of biblical knowledge and their faith journey. We ask that you would respect Saddleback's beliefs during your internship, found here.

What Are The Standards That Participants Must Abide By?

Saddleback Interns are asked to sign a behavioral covenant and abide by it for the duration of their internship; our staff are held to these same standards to help us to live above reproach and serve our congregation well. This includes the following:

Commit to refrain from activities that could cause a new believer to stumble such as: abusing prescription drugs, consuming alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs; or engaging in gambling of any type.

Commit to sexual purity, and only dating other believers (if single).

Commit to living above reproach: this includes completely avoiding situations that may lead to temptation or may appear compromising.

Some examples that the staff has outlined are:

Driving alone with a married person of the opposite sex.
Going to lunch alone with a married person of the opposite sex.
Kissing or showing questionable affection with a married person of the opposite sex.
Visiting anyone of the opposite sex alone at home.
Counseling the opposite sex alone.
Discussing marriage or sexual problems with the opposite sex.
Having a member of the opposite sex spend the night.
(Excluding family members of the opposite sex.)

What About International Applicants?

If you are an international student studying at an American educational institution with a student visa, you are eligible for an internship at Saddleback Church. Pairing grad school or a seminary education along with an internship will provide you a rich learning experience.

Will I Be Guaranteed To Start The Month That I Apply For If I Get My Application In On Time?

Due to uncontrollable variables, sometimes the application process can take some time. You are not guaranteed a start date. If the process isn't complete by the starting month you applied for, you will be given the option of deferring to the next starting period, or withdrawing from the process.

Who Pays For The Cost Of My Visit To Saddleback?

If you decide to visit Saddleback Church, you are responsible for the cost of your visit, whether or not we accept you into the program. We would encourage you to fly into John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA), because LAX is more than an hour away. Other near-by airports include Ontario and Long Beach.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact icon Lisa Birle Mail icon Lisab@saddleback.com