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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A
SADDLEBACK INTERN?

Internship Gallery 1 Internship Gallery 2
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Intentional Training

Interns receive training through workshops, conferences, & events.

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Networking with Interns and Staff

Interns are an important part of our church – we are better together.

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Thoughtful Observation

Interns serve closely with our staff to observe seasoned leaders and experts.

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Experience-Based Learning

Interns' learning is practical, not theoretical.

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Regular Coaching and Mentoring

Interns meet regularly to review work and provide feedback.

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New, Modified Goals

Interns set goals to get the most out of their time with the team.

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Significant Projects

Interns work on projects that matter. We want them to be part of something big.

Part-Time (Fall Spring or Summer Internship)

As a part-time intern at Saddleback, you'll receive hands-on training while serving alongside experienced pastors and seasoned professionals in their respective fields. As a part-time intern, you'll gain valuable experience that will help you develop your vocational and leadership skills for your future, wherever God is calling you! Part-time interns commit to a minimum of 15-20 hours per week for the semester (spring, summer, or fall).

Full-Time (Year-Long Internship)

As a full-time intern at Saddleback, you'll receive hands-on training while serving alongside experienced pastors and ministry leaders. Develop the real-world experience and leadership skills that you'll need for the next stage of your ministry. Interning at Saddleback provides a unique perspective into vocational ministry. Full-time interns commit to serving between 6 months to 1 year, typically serving full-time hours.

Internship Opportunities

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who Is The Average Applicant?

For part-time interns, our applicants are college students who want vocational skill training in a ministry setting; part-time interns do not necessarily need to feel called to vocational ministry, but will be gaining skill training in a ministry setting. Full-time interns are individuals who have recently graduated with their college degree, have some ministry and leadership experience, and are moving toward a career in ministry.

What Are The Minimum Requirements To Be Considered For The Program?

You must be over 18 years old to intern at Saddleback Church.

●       Part-time interns: We require that applicants be currently enrolled in college or university or be a recent graduate (graduated within the last five years). However, if you feel you have a unique situation, let's discuss it!

●       Full-time interns: We require that applicants have a college degree and some prior ministry experience. We are looking for individuals who have been called to ministry. However, if you feel you have a unique situation, let's discuss it!

When Should I Apply?

Please apply AT LEAST the semester before you’d like to intern. For example, summer interns should apply during the spring semester. Fall interns should apply during the summer. Spring interns should apply during the fall semester.

Who Will Supervise Me?

Interns are supervised by two primary people: our Intern Program Minister and the intern's direct supervisor of the team they are serving on.

Can I Work And Be An Intern At The Same Time?

●       Part-time interns may work part-time hours while they intern. Our program seeks to accommodate students' schedules.

●       Full-time interns are typically unable to work outside of their internship. The many things offered to you (mentoring, coaching, skill training, strategic thinking, collaborative learning, etc.) that will help shape and prepare you for ministry will require a full work week, which would make it unmanageable for you to take on a part-time job. We want you to have the energy, time, and focus to make the most out of your internship as well as balance the other priorities in your life.           

When Can I Start?

We are generally flexible, but interns usually start:

●       Part-time internships: Summer (May-August), Fall (September - December), and Spring (January - April), with exceptions - we seek to accommodate students' school schedules.

●       Full-time internship tracks begin each September, January, and May, with exceptions.

What Is The Admission Process?

  • Submit application
  • Interview with Intern Program Manager
  • References checked
  • Interview with team that you're interested in learning from
  • Theological Interview with Saddleback pastor

Does Saddleback Give Benefits To Participants?

Saddleback does not offer benefits to interns.

Will I Be Paid As An Intern?

No. We strongly believe that if God has called you to this program, He will provide the way for you. Interns are fully responsible to raise their own support during the program. One of the prerequisites to leadership is being able to cast a vision and have others support it. 

I’m married. Am I eligible for an internship?

Yes! We want your internship to benefit you AND your spouse! Your spouse will need to have a brief theological interview with a pastor as part of the application process.

What If I Have Children?

You are still eligible for the program.

Where Is Saddleback?

We are one church in many locations! Our central campus is located in Lake Forest, California, a suburb of south Orange County. To see the location of all of our campuses, visit saddleback.com/locations.

Do I Need a Car?

Yes. Saddleback Church is one church in many locations. Participants could be assigned to various campuses throughout Southern California and work differing schedules based on each ministry's unique needs. Each participant is responsible for providing for his or her own transportation. A car is a requirement.

Do I Need a Laptop?

Yes. Each participant is required to have a laptop computer to use during the duration of the program.

Are There Any Job Guarantees After The Program?

There is NO guarantee of employment at Saddleback or outside of Saddleback after your program.

Can I Still Have An Internship If I Don't Agree With Saddleback's Theology?

We require that all interns pass an interview given by a pastor on staff that covers areas of biblical knowledge and their faith journey. We ask that you would respect Saddleback's beliefs during your internship, found here.

What Are The Standards That Participants Must Abide By?

Saddleback Interns are asked to sign a lifestyle covenant and abide by it for the duration of their internship; our staff are held to these same standards to help us to live above reproach and serve our congregation well. This includes the following:

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 only dating other believers (if single).

Commit to living above reproach: this includes completely avoiding situations that may lead to temptation or may appear compromising.

Are international applicants eligible?

If you are an international student studying at an American educational institution with a student visa, you are eligible for an internship at Saddleback Church. Pairing school or a seminary education along with an internship will provide you a rich learning experience!

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact icon Lisa Birle Mail icon intern@saddleback.com