Saddleback Church

Ten years of wandering into churches across the country, from tiny wooden chapels to mega-congregations, and nothing’s hit me like Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Seriously, stepping onto this campus feels like walking into hope itself-fifty acres of palm trees, open spaces, and this warm glow that just wraps around you. The main worship center’s massive but not intimidating; it’s like a big family gathering spot where everyone fits, voices blending in worship that lifts your soul right off the ground. And the vibe? Pure joy. No stuffiness, no judgment-just real people chasing real faith. My kid’s been going to their little school programs here, and honestly, it’s magic for him. He bounces out every week happier, talking about Jesus in a way that’s excited, not forced-like he’s found his own adventure. The middle and high school spots are killer too, full of energy without the chaos. Location-wise, it’s perfection: tucked in Lake Forest but feels like a retreat, easy to get to off the 5, with that California sunshine streaming in. If you’re looking for a place where faith feels alive, where kids thrive, and your heart gets fuller every Sunday-get here. Saddleback’s changed everything for us. Can’t wait to see you there.

6 months ago

Since day 1 we felt at home. The amazing staff with a big smile welcomed our family, the delicious cold Coffee, the donuts, the beautiful welcome gift (saddleback mug) and the love of Christ that we have felt and seen first hand by our Saddleback family is beyond belief. Saddleback has done so much for our family. We love the campus, so beautiful, clean, family/pet friendly and Pastor Andy is always on point. We love it here and definitely recommend Saddleback church to everyone.

8 months ago

This Church for years has grown my faith and given strength through the most difficult times ever in my life. Through a traumatic brain injury to now cancer. I go quietly there. I attend for my faith and it has been God who strengthens me. People go in jeans and shorts, or a bit dressed up. All races, wealthy or not. Faith is not about rules, how we look, steps to heaven, race, wealth or politics. They help to give positivity and strength to face life's challenges. To know give our worries, sadness, fears, joy to God. Their community service is outstanding which is how it should be. You can be more involved to help others here or quietly attend as I have done. Faith is a personal journey.

2 months ago

Great message from Pastor Andy Wood this evening. Such a nice evening and the coffee is also good!

2 months ago

Used to love, love, love Saddleback. I learned so much from Rick Warren but sadly, Saddleback has fallen the way of so many seeker friendly churches. In retrospect, it never started on the right track. Saddleback doesn't have a traditional Elder Board which is not scriptural. Paul provides the Biblical structure for churches which includes an Elder board so the senior pastor has accountability and never full power. Another issue is members who never seem to mature. Expository teaching really is the best because members learn the full picture of scripture that way which includes God's AMAZING grace AND His AMAZING holiness. For Christians to mature, they need grace & truth. Topical study teaching is fine very occasionally but only when people study God's word holistically, will they begin to grow and be discipled. I could write a book about some of the members I came across at Saddleback Church who were living with their boyfriend or some other obvious, repetitive sin that they had absolutely no conviction about it because they didn't understand the reasoning behind God's call for holiness in our lives. Of course all churches have people who are perfectly fine with being the boss of their own lives but churches that have expository teaching will cover the topic of holiness consistently instead of one or two times a year. Usually people who want to be the boss leave churches that have the expository model because they yearn for the "love, joy, peace" messages of seeker friendly churches. Seeker friendly sounds wonderful, it's what Jesus sought too but He also taught, "go and sin no more" and "pay Caesar what is due Caesar (essentially, OBEY THE LAW)." When Pastor Rick began to change and talked about how the US shouldn't be building walls, but instead "bridges," I knew it was time to leave. Sadly, Saddleback is now a woke church that primarily only teaches the grace portion of the gospel which is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray for Saddleback, the right leader has an amazing opportunity to turn it all around with solid Biblical teaching and truth!

3 months ago