50 Summer Interns in Training

Saddleback has always believed in training our members to be global leaders in the church and ministry, in business and the community, and in the arts and media—the “T” goal of Daring Faith. That’s why Saddleaback’s Internship Program is such an important part of our church.

This month, more than 50 interns across our campuses committed to serving at Saddleback this summer as a way to glean from ministry leaders in our church. Launched in the early 90’s, this powerful program has always placed a high value on developing leaders through seasonal internships.

Available spring, summer, and fall, internships flow with the rhythm of college students’ school semesters, with additional year-long internships open for college graduates preparing for vocational ministry.

According to Saddleback’s Intern Program Manager, Lisa Birle, “We are a teaching and training church, but our program isn’t only for students who want to be pastors or are pursuing a vocational ministry path. We want to equip leaders wherever God is calling them—the workplace, the medical field, the arts and media, etc. We see an internship as a stepping-stone to preparing them for where God is calling them to lead next.”

With interns serving in nearly every area of our church, ministries range from pastoral care and global broadcasting, to missions and marketing. In the process, interns gain experience through hands-on intentional training, significant projects, networking with other interns and staff, and opportunities to lead.

Although students are offered school credit, the greatest benefits of interning are real-world experience, mentoring from staff, personal and professional growth, and spiritual and character maturity. They also build personal connections, gain confidence in their leadership skills, and clarity in their calling.

“Of course, interning is a ton of fun and an opportunity to contribute to the church in meaningful ways,” says Lisa. “We are a ‘sending out’ ministry aligned with our church’s mission to ‘bring them in, build them up, train them for, and send them out’.”

Part-time interns are typically college students seeking skill training in a ministry setting, while full-time interns are individuals who have recently graduated from college or seminary. Generally, they have some ministry and leadership experience, and are seeking to become a ministry leader or church planter.

All applicants must be over 18 years of age, have an active and growing relationship with Christ, and align with Saddleback’s beliefs. With over 100 interns completing the program annually, the most valuable trait the hiring team looks for is a teachable spirit.

“Interns are primarily here to learn and lead,” says Lisa, “—not to do and file.”

 To find out more about Saddleback’s Internship Program, visit saddleback.com/interns.