Tangible Results of Daring Faith

Engaging the community and creating a culture of acceptance has been a big part of Saddleback’s history. Our campuses make it a priority to offer an approachable atmosphere that invites people to feel welcome and build friendships in order to learn and grow. Setting the stage for this connection to God and his people are our facilities, patios, and family areas that express a warm and friendly environment.

These common spaces are a tool to reach communities for Christ, and provide a positive first impression that is fun, casual, and authentic. Three of our campuses reflecting this hospitality through architecture and design are Anaheim, Irvine South, and San Clemente. They recently broke ground on campus renovations to help beautify God’s house. It’s only because of our ongoing commitment to Daring Faith that we are able to accomplish these outreach projects.

Through Daring Faith contributions and campus volunteers, Saddleback Anaheim just completed construction of its new Ministry Center. The 2,100 square foot area provides additional space for Support Groups, Counseling Ministry, SHAPE Guide Sessions, and Volunteer Central. This bright and beautiful facility will serve as the mid-week ministry hub for Saddleback Anaheim.

“After 5 years, Saddleback Anaheim will now be able to provide care through the launch of their Counseling Ministry and Support Groups,” says campus Pastor, Jeremiah Goley. “Without the commitments to Daring Faith, our campus would not have been able to launch these critical ministries.”

Saddleback Anaheim is on a mission to share hope with people in North Orange Country. This new space opens doors for them to accomplish that mission. With the completion of the Ministry Center, they have now entered the planning phase for the build-out of Anaheim’s local PEACE Center.

Echoing their efforts is Saddleback Irvine South that will be upgrading their front entrance as a place of fellowship. From July through mid-August, they’ll be refurbishing the patio with palm trees, planter boxes, and shaded rest areas where people can gather and connect. Since the campus is located in a warehouse-like structure, the design team has been faced with the challenge of converting a blacktop parking lot into a SoCal oasis.

As the first point of visibility, the aesthetic transformation is critical to reach the community, explains Campus Pastor Kevin Nguyen. “The patio is part of the identity of Saddleback and the lifeline to the church,” says Kevin. “We want it to be a place of fellowship, where people can come and feel part of our family.”

Making this vision a reality are Valerie Sparks on landscape design and Jack Sowin, an engineer helping oversee construction. Providing valuable contacts is John Fong who served as liaison between the campus and local contractors. Among them is Ryan Sauers who built the Irvine South PEACE Center, and is now a leader on the patio project. As stewards of Daring Faith funds, the entire team has helped negotiate agreements that will save Saddleback money, time, materials, and supplies.

The grand unveiling is slated for the last week of August, followed by plans to revamp the building interior starting in September. Until then, there is a great need for volunteers willing to offer their time and talent to help maintain the grounds as a form of worship. “We are constantly looking for more people to beautify the campus,” says Kevin. “From gardeners and construction experts to handy-workers and cleaning crews, we are always looking for help.”

Equally thankful for Daring Faith commitments is the Saddleback San Clemente family who has designated a portion of funds to upgrade the campus exterior. For years, a patio has been the most important feature lacking on campus, thus limiting their ability to offer a culture of community and fellowship. Slated for September completion, the new patio experience will include permanent shade structures and a seating area for visitors and guests. 

According to Corrie Bowman, Adult Ministry Pastor at San Clemente, “This will make a huge difference for our first impression team and will provide a much more enjoyable experience for all of our first time visitors, and members.” 

Also in the works are plans to renovate the San Clemente Worship Center, by upgrading the lighting, sound system, stage area, flooring, and over all design. By significantly improving the patio and worship experience, first time attenders will be welcomed with an inviting atmosphere that can potentially turn visitors into members.

From patios and ministry space to worship facilities and PEACE Centers, all of these Daring Faith projects are only possible because of the sacrifice of our Saddleback family.

“Members that made a Daring Faith pledge, did so without any promise of tangible improvements at these campuses,” says Corrie. “But by trusting God, and the leadership of the church, they will have grown in their faith.”

To see the results of YOUR faithful giving at Saddleback Anaheim, Irvine South, and San Clemente, visit www.saddleback.com/locations for service times and locations.