Our Mission
Our mission is to...Strengthen the Body of Christ by providing a comprehensive and collaborative learning environment that mobilizes interns who live and lead with purpose.
Leadership Tracks
What Ministry Leadership Tracks (LT) are currently taking applications?
| | ![*]() | MLT1: Small Group Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to lead small group ministries within a church. |
| | ![*]() | MLT2: College/Young Adult Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to lead a college/young adult age ministry. |
| | ![*]() | MLT3: Missions/PEACE Plan Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to serve as a missions pastor or in career missions. |
| | ![*]() | MLT4: High School Ministry Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to serve as a pastor or lead High School Ministry. |
| | ![*]() | MLT5: Junior High Ministry Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to serve as a pastor or lead Junior High Ministry. |
| | ![*]() | MLT6: Worship (Creative Arts) Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to serve as worship leader or part of the worhip team. |
| | ![*]() | MLT7: Purpose Driven Leadership - This leadership track is for those who desire to learn about Purpose Driven Ministries and are interested in leading a Purpose Driven Church. |
What type on internship programs do you offer?
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2 year internships are full-time (40 hours) and include housing*
*housing is offered to single interns only; married interns are responsible for their own housing
1st Phase: Do I qualify?
Who is the average applicant?
Our applicants are typically students that have recently graduated with their college degree and are looking for further training before they begin their careers in ministry. They all have had some prior experience working in ministry.
What are the minimum requirements to be considered for an internship?
We require that all applicants have a college degree and some prior ministry experience. However, if you feel you have a unique situation, contact us and we will discuss it.
Can international interns apply?
Yes! We have enjoyed having interns from Australia, Germany, and Switzerland! We encourage international applicants to apply. The only variation to the application process is that international applicants must apply for a Religious Worker’s Visa (R1) from the American Embassy in their country. This can be a lengthy process depending on the country, so we recommend international applicants apply for our internship program 9 months before their potential start date.
Who decides what adult leadership track is best?
One emphasis during the application process is to assess your SHAPE (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, experiences) in order to help direct you to the area that is best for everyone. The selection is a 360 degree process made up of 1) the potential intern based on their desires and preferences; 2) the ministry track leader; and 3) the AIM Leadership Team.
Where will I spend my time?
You will be interning in one of our adult ministry tracks during your internship. Each adult ministry track has a specific and shared developmental pathway to help you advance in your ministry and may differ depending on whether you are a full-time intern or a part-time intern. The specific learning will offer you hands-on training targeted at increasing core competencies for that area. The shared learning pathway will offer you a time of training with other interns targeted at learning and applying the fundamental principles from The Purpose-Driven Church and The Purpose-Driven Life. In addition, you will receive among other things, a broad view of the other ministries within Saddleback and a purpose rotational emphasis through each purpose team.
Who will supervise me?
You will be supervised by two primary people…1) The ministry track team leader and 2) the Interns in Ministry team. However, during your internship you will receive senior level coaching from selected pastoral staff members.
Can I work and be an intern at the same time?
Our full-time internship offers many things to you (mentoring, coaching, skill training, strategic thinking, collaborative learning, etc.) that will help shape you and your ministry. The full-time internship requires a 40-50 hour work week, which would make it unmanageable for you to take on a part-time job during your internship. We want you to have the energy, time, and focus to make the most out of your internship as well as balance the other top priorities in your life.
Can I pursue an advanced degree?
Yes! Saddleback has a partnership with two seminary programs: 1) Golden Gate Baptist Theological School(www.ggbts.edu) which offers classes that work around a full-time youth worker's schedule. Meaning, you will be able to take up to two classes per semester on the nights that don't conflict with your ministry schedule. 2) Rockbridge University (www.rockbridgeu.org) which offers an online approach to taking seminary classes. You are welcome to attend any seminary part-time during your internship, but these are two that we would encourage you to look into.
When can interns start?
As soon as approved applicants have required support raised.
What are the admission requirements for the Interns Ministry?
Complete AIM application, bachelor’s degree, a desire to play a leadership role within a church.
Benefits
Personal Benefits: In short, you will advance personally through the mentoring portion of our program; you will advance spiritually through the educational and relational portions of our program; you will advance relationally through the shepherding of people and team coaching sessions; and you will advance vocationally through our specific and shared learning tracks.
Housing Benefits: For single interns only. Upon final acceptance, all interns will receive assistance from the intern coordinator to secure housing during the internship. Please note, all intern housing is a gift from the members of Saddleback Church and require all interns to fully comply with housing polices and procedures. Host homes will provide a room, bathroom and food. Interns who are married must find their own housing. One bedroom apartments in the area run about $1200 - $1400 a month.
Educational Benefits: Because leaders are learners, we strongly recommend that all interns advance their education through seminary. We offer two seminary options for you to choose from...Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (www.ggbts.edu) or Rockbridge Seminary (www.rockbridgeseminary.org). Both of these schools are highly endorsed by Saddleback and will help further your educational career. Seminary education is optional for all interns.
Does Saddleback give benefits to interns?
Saddleback currently does not offer any benefits to interns at this time. However, we have developed strategies to help interns attain affordable benefits and we partner with our interns to make sure they are covered.
Other Facts
Will I be paid as an intern?
NO. We strongly believe that if God has called you to this internship, He will provide the way for you. Interns are fully responsible to raise their own support during their internship. All approved interns can receive coaching on support raising through the internship program. Please check out our ABC's of support raising to help you get started. We do require that 100% of your monthly support is set and that you have 2 months of your monthly support need raised prior to starting your internship. See our sample budget for help.
Special note – All interns are responsible to pay their own taxes each year.
Is a married person eligible for the internship?
Absolutely! The only additional challenge would be providing your own housing. However, if your spouse works, his/her income might provide the added financial resources. If your spouse does not work, you are required to raise additional housing support.
Where is Saddleback? Who is Saddleback affiliated with?
We are located in Lake Forest, California, a suburb of South Orange County. We are in between Los Angeles and San Diego. Saddleback Church (www.saddleback.com) is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. For information regarding Saddleback's theological beliefs, please see the page, "What We Believe."
Are there any job guarantees after the Internship?
There is no guarantee of employment at Saddleback or outside of Saddleback after your internship. Though we have hired a few interns over the years, it is not our goal to accept interns so that we may hire them when their internship is up. We feel extremely confident that your 2 year investment with us will open many doors for you and we will definitely be here to help you with your next steps.
If you are applying for the internship beginning in:
| January 2008 we must receive your application by August 31, 2007 |
| May/June 2008 we must receive your application by January 7, 2008 |
| September 2008 we must receive your application by March 21, 2008 |
4th Phase: What does Saddleback believe?
Who is Saddleback affiliated with?
Saddleback Church (http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/) is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. If you decide to apply, please review the information outlining our theological beliefs below:
What does Saddleback believe?
1) About God
God is the Creatouor and Ruler of the Universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26,27;3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
2) About Mankind
We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are all the supreme object of God’s creation. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
3) About Eternity
We were all created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God. John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15 (Hell); Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27 (Heaven)
4) About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
5) About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
6) About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace of God that gives us this security. John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5
7) About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of Salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:1; Galatians 5:25
8) About the Bible
The Bible is God’s word to all mankind. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. II Timothy 3:16, 1:13; Peter 1:20, 21; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
Can I still have an internship if I don’t agree with Saddleback’s theology?
We require all interns to have the basic beliefs outlined above. Beyond these basic Christian beliefs, you will not have to hold the same denominational values as the Southern Baptist Convention, but we ask that you will respectfully comply with these denominational values during your internship with us.
What are the standards that interns must abide by?
Saddleback has outlined standards for living above reproach for all Saddleback staff. Since interns are considered staff, they will be held to the same standards. We are required to sign a covenant including the following commitments:
- 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 commit only to dating another believer (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:
Saddleback staff may not:
| 1. Ride alone with a married person of the opposite sex.* |
| 2. Go to lunch alone with a married person of the opposite sex.* |
| 3. Kiss or show questionable affection with a married person of the opposite sex.* |
| 4. Visit anyone of the opposite sex alone at home.* |
| 5. Counsel the opposite sex alone.* |
| 6. Discuss marriage or sexual problems with the opposite sex.* |
| 7. Have a member of the opposite sex spend the night.* |
| * Excluding family members of the opposite sex. |
5th Phase: How do I apply?
What does the application process entail?
| 1) Applicants must request an application by contacting Allison McCroskey at allisonm@saddleback.net |
| 2) An application will be mailed to you. It is recommended to turn applications in 6 months prior to your potential start date (and 9 months prior if you are international). |
| 3) Your references will be checked. |
| 4) You will have at least two phone interviews including: an interview with the director of interns, Jana Sarti, and an interview with the pastor(s) of the department(s) you are applying for. |
| 5) After your first or second interview, you will be notified whether or not we would like you to plan a visit and to continue with the application process or not. |
| 6) During your visit you will meet with the pastor of interns and the pastor and the team of the department for which you are applying. |
| 7) After your visit you will be notified if we would like to advance you to the final step in the application process and that will be your theological interview with our executive pastor. |
| 8) We will notify you if we would like to extend an offer to you at that time or not. |
| 9) If you are offered the position, then and only then should you start raising support and making plans to come to California |
| 10) Lastly, all applicants are considered “on probation” for the first three months of their internship. |
How will I know where I am in the process?
Allison will notify you after each step has been accomplished. You will be emailed to say:
| 1) That you have been sent an application. |
| 2) That your application has been received. |
| 3) That all your references have successfully been returned. |
| 4) That your interview is set with the pastor of interns. |
| 5) That we have received your flight information for your visit. |
| 6) That you have meetings scheduled during your visit. |
| 7) That you have been scheduled for your theological interview. |
| 8) That you have the position. If you have not received notification, you should assume that step has not been accomplished. |
When does the internship begin and when should I apply?
Internships begin three times a year: January, May and September. The application process takes approximately 5 months to complete based on many variables. It is wise to apply 6-7 months before you would potentially like to start your internship.
Will I be guaranteed to start the month that I apply for if I get my application in on time?
In some cases the process takes more than 5 months as the result of uncontrollable variables, especially in international cases. You are not guaranteed to start during the month you apply for. If the process isn’t complete by the starting month you applied for, you will be given the option of deferring to the next hiring period, or withdrawing from the process.
How many interns apply and how many do you accept?
We received 8-12 applications for each hiring period. How many we hire depends on many factors: the number of openings created after other interns finish their commitment, the need in a particular department, and the amount of physical workspace available in the ministry center. We take an average of 4 interns per hiring period.
Who pays for the cost of my visit to Saddleback?
You are responsible for the cost of your visit, whether or not we accept you into the program. We will provide a host home during your time with us and pay for lunch on the days you meet with our team. All other expenses you will be responsible for. We would encourage you to fly into John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA), because LAX is more than an hour away.
When will I find out if I am approved for the position?
Assuming there are no hold ups in the process, we will be able to tell you one or two months before you’re scheduled to start your internship.
If I am approved for an internship, but there aren’t enough positions open, what happens?
This is common in those situations where the process is delayed by uncontrollable variables. If we accept you into the program, but there are no positions available any longer, we will give you the option of deferring to the next hiring period or withdrawing from the process.
Saddleback's Internship Program emphasizes 4 areas We will EDUCATE you in how to build and lead a purpose-driven ministry
- Participate in our Purpose-Driven Ministry conferences and simulcasts
- Attend our Purpose-Driven Church conference
- Learn from dynamic and innovative church and ministry staff
- Attend national ministry training workshops and seminars
- Enroll in optional accredited seminary classes
We will EQUIP you to live a purpose-driven life
- Be mentored and cared for by Saddleback's staff and church family
- Receive transferable discipleship training
We will EXERCISE and develop your ministry skills
- Receive ownership of significant areas of ministry
- Lead Bible studies and small groups
We will EMPOWER you to succeed in your future ministry
- Develop a strategic plan to train volunteer leaders
- Construct a 2-6 year purpose-driven curriculum
- Plan a purpose-driven ministry calendar
- Form a philosophy of ministry that encompasses the whole family
- Define what a graduate from your ministry will look like
The Qualifications
- Be a growing Christian who believes in the ministry of the local church
- Desire to fulfill the biblical purposes in your life and ministry
- Have prior ministry experience
- Be willing to give at least two years to the ministry of Saddleback Church
- Agree to raise personal financial support
- College degree or career training preferred