Community Ambassadors Ministry

Saddleback Church is always looking for new ways to reach the community and invite them into our church family. This month our Outreach Team launched Saddleback’s newest ministry, Community Ambassadors.

This mighty effort to help fill God’s house equips volunteers to reach new people in the community and invite them to church. Under the direction of Pastor of Community Outreach and Campus Experience, Jim Dobbs, and Community Outreach Coordinator, Walmer Landaverde, the idea came about when Walmer—a former real estate agent—noticed a dramatic influx of new residents relocating to Orange County.

His research showed that in the past 90 days alone, 353 homes were purchased within a two-mile radius of Saddleback Lake Forest. That area includes Baker Ranch, Portola Hills, and Foothill Ranch—the focus zone of the Community Ambassador pilot program. With nearly 3,000 new homes being constructed, and 85% already sold before completion, the opportunity to reach more people for Christ has never been closer to our doorstep!

After recruiting 20 Community Ambassadors, the Outreach Team launched the program with a smile, a gift, and an invitation for neighbors to visit Saddleback Church, explains Walmer.

“Our Ambassadors went door-to-door to new neighbors and simply gave them a gift,” he says. “We knew that if we welcomed them with open arms, God would take care of the rest.”

The welcome gift is comprised of a camper’s mug, a copy of Pastor Rick’s book, What on Earth Am I Here For?, a promotional card for upcoming Saddleback events, and tokens for free coffee and free offers from local businesses. To date, 480 welcome gifts have been assembled by Volunteer Central and delivered by Community Ambassadors.

These efforts have led to new families visiting Saddleback Church to experience the warmth and friendship on a greater scale. Not only does the ministry engage new people in the community, but it also empowers our own members to serve right where they live on a local level.

Making up the Outreach Ministry map are 413 tracts (neighborhoods) with between 53 and 300 homes in each tract. Ambassadors within those tracts are assigned a designated section of homes where they can connect with new neighbors. Once someone new moves into an area, the assigned Ambassador is sent a notification to welcome that person to the neighborhood.

 Community Ambassadors are currently needed in neighborhoods throughout Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita. The goal is to expand the ministry into Rancho Santa Margarita and other surrounding areas.

 In order to reach these growing regions, the Outreach Team is in need of 433 Ambassadors by the end of the year. Those wanting to volunteer must have completed Class 101 and live in those neighborhoods where they serve. Each Ambassador will be given training and materials to reach people in that specific area.

“The Community Ambassador Ministry positions Saddleback Church for exponential growth,” says Walmer. “In Lake Forest and Mission Viejo alone, we have 6,000 new families that could be reached if we just had the volunteers. This is a great serving opportunity for small groups and our own Saddleback leadership teams to live by example.”

To learn how you can help meet our Daring Faith “F” goal through the Community Ambassador Ministry, visit www.saddleback.com/outreach.