Easter service was...."AMAZING!" Our lord has conquered all.....he has Risen Happy Easter to all. read more

Saddleback Church - Easter Service - Churches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The venue and music, and all of the offerings are amazing. Yes. But I left the church. I had a concern and a question for pastor Andy about something he preached about, and he even said during that service that if anyone had a question, they could ask him. I tried and I couldn't get ahold of him. So he says one thing and does another. Only his office got back to me after I emailed a few times and they didn't even answer my questions properly. They didn't connect me with Andy. I also noticed Andy was political. Things he sometimes says and especially things he posted on his Instagram. Politics is a big no in a church. He says he is not being political but again - he says one thing and does another. And he sometimes preaches in a way that divides people and drives them away. He says one day he will stand in front of our God and will have to answer His questions, so he says he tries to live by the Bible. And yes, he will have to answer one day. I hope he tries to be a good Christian and maybe just needs to learn what it really means and what Jesus would do. Very disappointing and sad. Hopefully that will change one day. read more

I came to visit the 11am service two weekends ago. I have watched sermons online from the Bay Area, but never attended in person. While I was in town with a friend, we decided to check out the church. The facility was huge, like a college campus. I didn't know they had Mandarin Service too as I saw a sign that pointed the path to Mandarin Service that was toward a tent. My friend and I went to the English Service and they had a guest speaker. During announcement, they mentioned Mandarin Service was celebrating Lunar New Year. That perk my interest to go take a look after English Service. I am amazed by the facility. A beautiful campus. There is coffee station and prayer station. After service, you can go up to the front to ask for prayers. Overall, if I am in town in the area, I would come back to visit again. read more

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I've been a long time member and although I am Rick Warren's generation, I still enjoy Andy Wood sermons. I think it's wonderful that he has a heart for younger people in the church as well, but I still feel that there are plenty of opportunities for the older generations to be involved in community and service. I cannot emphasize enough that there are so many ministries opportunities here and that is such an advantage of a larger church like this- I thank God for our community at Saddleback read more

Saddleback Church is my home church since 2002 after I read the book 'Purpose Driven Life's by pastor Rick Warren. A lot of things have changed yet its love for people and community never waivered. I felt the welcome as I walked from the parking lot to the worship center. In addition to Kid's Sunday school classes & students services, it also has a family room for family to worship together, and a Mandarin Community venue on Sunday at 11am. As families struggling during the government shutdown, Saddleback launched its Love Local initiative to provide food for those in need. I'm thankful for my church's willingness to step up to meet needs of the community. read more

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This church is the worst neighbor I have ever had. They are completely unaware that there are homes in the area that do not want to hear the awful wailing noise that is blasted at an unhealthy and extremely rude level. NOT EVERYONE IS CHRISTIAN AND WE ALL DESERVE TO ENJOY OUR OWN HOMES IN PEACE. Was "Love thy neighbor" a joke? I can't open my windows to enjoy some fresh air without hearing all the noise from this place. I have had to leave my home from the noise level, it makes the dishes in my cupboard rattle. Even if I have all doors and windows shut with my headphones on I cannot enjoy the peace of my own home. YOUR NOT A CHRISTIAN IF ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOU AND YOUR CHURCH This place and the people here are why I will never set foot in a church ever again. read more

Haven't gone to Saddleback Church in about a year and a half. I'm aging myself, but I went to Saddleback back in 1986, when they were at Trabuco high school's gymnasium. One thing about being a member, which I was (and apparently most likely still am even though it's not my Sunday church)... Well firstly, we had to sign an agreement (church code of promise behavior) saying / indicating that "we're not going to speak ill of our Christian brethren church members),, because they are also on the road to being the best they can be. it was like a membership, commitment / oath we signed. To begin with, celebrate recovery, and many programs that help our community, regardless of Church status. For example, the food pantry, Saddleback Church's PEACE Center offers services such as career coaching, legal aid provided by licensed attorneys, and programs for parenting etc. my daughter even took guitar lessons there! Tonight was a very enjoyable experience. read more

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Still love this church however it stinks they don't offer infant baptisms so I have to find a new church to baptize my baby. Also they got rid of the family parking area next to the kids church area so I had to park far in the parking lot with all my littles and baby's which is a hassle when you have to take them through a busy parking lot with lots of cars .. might have to find a new church because of this because it's not safe walking through all that parking jam with a bunch of kids. I hope they bring back the family parking area :/ read more

A phenomenal place for the year starting to search for Jesus or you've been a long time follower Plenty of space inside and outside, there is also ample space for kids and even pets outside Not to mention all of the incredible community activities that happen year-round I have yet to find another place like Saddlback Church. read more

I have been part of Saddleback Church family for 11 years . I found all the love and the awakening of faith I needed to grow in Christ. Learned and keep learning through the word of Christ and my family in Christ. Saddleback welcomes everyone! Come as you are, if you are willing to open your heart, learn listen and change your life through Jesus Christ, this is your place. read more

Was a member for over 10 years and was hopeful about Andy Wood and his wife. He posted political posts which caused a huge wave of strife as Rick Warren always shared why this should never be done as it's very alienating. I was always proud that this church stayed out of politics as we wanted to open our doors warmly to all seekers. I addressed this concern and only one campus minister took the time to address it with me. I used to be deeply embedded and employed at a church years ago.. the writing is on the wall as to what type of man this new pastor is.. he refused to remove his post despite it being so polarizing and harmful. I'm sad to say I left the church. It's been very upsetting to say the least.. this church is not for what it used to be. The church never helped me in speaking to any of the elders despite my requests... I was 10% tithing at the time too. All I can do is throw my hands up. I volunteered at this church, took the classes, lead small group and workshops.. didn't just attend worship. Some day the pastor will have to answer as to why his ego made him drive away people from their home church and/or closed opportunities to share the gospel just because he refused to take down his post. I know there are others who left for the same reasons. What happened to the thoughtful "leaders" of my church? Truly sad. read more

Have not been there for quite a few years.. I found that Rick was homophobic in many of his talks.. politics was always around and had political literature just outside the door where they sold cd's at the time..They had a younger man forgot what his specific job was but he did deliver some fairly good jokes. Another one of the talkers was his brother or brother in law he was not a all inspiring actually a downer. had good entertainment tho.Money money was their mantra so I have not been back.. never will as have many better places to go on a sunday.. read more

It's ok but they do have sacraments. They have group ministries and it was ok. They do a lot of activities

This is a great church. We have attended many times over the years in our travels. Solid teaching. Exciting worship. We were traveling with our dog and were delighted to learn they allow dogs on their patios during worship. They even gave us a bag of dog treats. read more

Saddleback Church - Churches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Awesome church! They are not talking about prosperity gospel but they make you to focus to Christ! read more

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Visually a nice place but too isolated. Nobody cared to take initiative at all. Hard to find parking here if you don't come early. I mean, best they offer is free coffee & water. Most important is the word, which is just good but application in action could improve. Like physically showing by actions out of the building & off church. Poor connection to be coming. read more

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Beautiful church with incredible worship and bright sermons but don't ask for help from the rich elite there you won't get a penny well maybe a penny but not real help they'll tell you if we give to you everyone will want. Bad answer when you're asking for a traumatic brain injury. Find a church that doesn't care about the community but gives to all the foreign countries is not a church But looking for praises from others is sin. read more

Love this church family, Love the community and the pastors we would always come whenever we can cause it's quite far from where we live

Let me preface this review by saying that I am not a believer in any organized religion. I have friends who attend this church and I attended several services and events over the years while Pastor Rick was in charge. I felt that Pastor Rick was rather disingenuous because all of his sermons were video recorded and I never met him in two years. I wanted to confront him regarding something he said in one of his sermons, but he was never there in person... only on video. I started coming to this church because I know how to fix things and one of my friends who is a member asked me to make some repairs that had been ignored for years. I was happy to help and though I made repairs to several things at this church; I never charged for my services. I began attending the Chinese services because my friends at the church are Chinese, but I preferred to just hang out in one of the break rooms after finishing with repairs but soon discovered the deaf group. I'm not deaf, but I really enjoyed the deaf group. They were very engaging and extraordinarily genuine people. None of the parishioners in the church pressured me to become because they valued me for me... but I was told by one of the officials that if I didn't become a member, perhaps I shouldn't come around anymore. I chose to not come around anymore and that was okay with me. What happened recently, prompted me to write this review. One of my friends who attends this church crossed lines in our friendship and I ended it. This person lives in my neighborhood and everyone knows her. Immediately after I ended our friendship, she went from being seen walking the neighborhood everyday to not being seen at all for five weeks; all the while, her car didn't move from her carport. One of my neighbors suggested that he thought that she may have died. I call Saddleback Church to ask them to check up on her and that cared about her so much that they told me to contact the Police department! They couldn't be bothered to check up on one of their parishioners, though I'm sure that they enjoy her weekly tithings. This is one of several reasons why I don't believe in organized religion. That's another subject, but I think that this church places more value in your money than they do in you personally. read more

Rick Warren established a strong Bible centric CHRIST praising church body. Now, so few verses of Scripture are used in church messages. Many concepts being presented do not use Scriptural context. It is so much more political and judgmental. I hope and pray things will improve. read more

What a difference a pastor can make ! This new pastor is no Rick Warren for sure, not even close. We were last here the week after Pastor Rick retired, and we were dismayed by the new pastor and his wife. So disappointed in fact that we did not return again until today. We decided to try again, since we missed the church so much. Never again. We couldn't follow his " message ", he lacked that charisma that made me want to hang onto every word, I found myself thinking about chores, what to make for dinner ect. We drove out from the Inland Empire, 45 minutes away for at best, mediocre sermon. read more

In a day and age where Jesus is needed more than ever... If you find yourself struggling, feeling hopeless, helpless and are wondering why you may be here... Or...you're just wanting to learn a bit more about Jesus, the Son of God... Please, head over to Saddleback Church Lake Forest or one of their many campuses! You can also listen on line...but, I'll be honest...when you worship with "community" your heart will stir and "feel" His presence! Truly thankful to Pastor Rick Warren & Kay, for ALL they have done...and for Pastor's Andy and Stacie Wood...for continuing the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Lastly, we are ever so grateful for our "small group" and always have room for more to join us! ~Karen & Mike S. read more

Beautiful church and I love that they are dog friendly. Worship songs are the best and they make you feel welcome.

"Dream Big Dreams!" This church is celebrating 40 years since its founding in South Orange County. I've heard Rick Warren speak before, but each time I marvel at his ability to connect with the audience. Whenever I visit South Orange County, I like to come visit this church again. It is even larger than it was before! Saddleback is launching a small group series, and the message today was all about "Dreaming Big Dreams." My wife tells me her dream is having 300,000 members in her Facebook Cat Group. I responded that I didn't think that's what the minister meant. In the patio area, they have lots of representatives to help the small life groups get started. They even have one area with tech support, for group leaders who are having technical difficulties. Today, my wife and I hung out in the Family Pavilion. It's a covered area with playground sets for toddlers. They have TVs are so you won't miss out on the message. Parking is not too tough for us today. We parked in the upper parking lot. After we walked over to the worship center, I noticed they have a shuttle. When I get older, I might have to take the shuttle, but I'm way too young for that now. The one thing I always notice at Saddleback is how many friendly people they have who just want to talk to you and help you out. These folks have T-shirts with "I can help." Even if you aren't really a churchgoer, it's worth coming here to check out and see what it's all about. read more

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Love this church. It has ministries for every need...support, Bible study, students, kids.

Okay we have all heard the saying 1 person is a mistake 2 people a coincidence but 3 you might want to start looking into what people are saying because something is going on. 1)The Aquarian stated that Pastor Rick Warren got it wrong with choosing Andy as his successor. about Pastor Andy making a political post . 2)Christian Hunter states that the church does not care about the poor unless your giving to the church and supporting there mission 3)Brandon Carey states that Saddleback pastors and members turn there back and are snobs when people are going thru rought patches. 4)Susie . states that they will reject you if you are going thru problems and won't be there for you. They will talk bad about you to other churches and try to ruin your life. I don't know any of these people I attended since 2000. But then things started to change After Andy became pastor of Saddleback. Andy Woods was a pastor at Echo Church in San Jose California https://julieroys.com/former-staffers-expose-bullying-rick-warren-successor-andy-wood/ . But Saddleback did not care but still hired him. It should be good to know that in order for them to care about you you need to become a member of the church to defend the church at all cost. So if someone is saying something bad you need to do what you can do make it look like it is not true. Pastor Andy has a secretary named l.... who is abusive when she writes and rude and has turned people away she has even threaten me and my well being and told me to watch my back. the Baptist convetion separated themselves from Saddleback Ranch Church because of Andy. You can verify all Ok with that said I have experienced at Saddleback since Andy has gotten there 1)Andy did write a post on his views about where he stands and endoring the magas then after 8 hours he took it off 2)He started a campaign and put pressure on people to give to it then he turned around and spoke and showed the congregation that he spend 6 hours in a chair that he and his son got tattoes Then he brought up a pastor who made a joke if he should also go and get one. He wanted to spend the money on a swing. 3)My husband got let go because he was taking care of a child who is autistic and a wife who is ill and going under medical treatment his supervisor gave him the days off then fired him. He should have been covered under HMLA when I brought it to there attention l said Andy sen writtenly harrass me with saying that I better watch my back and take a different path or else. That I was putting there staff and members in danger. When they were the ones who threaten me and my family they also reminded me that I had to follow the pact I made with them. 4)Each time they brought someone up to speak it was a person with money and had the Disney look. When I asked what about the true that are poor and have truly gone thru things and concured because of Jessus they wrote back to me and was very abusive. 5)I have a service animal because as I said before I have a disability each time I attended the other church staff treated me as thou I was the plague they would send security to watch me like a hawk the pastors and other church workers gave me the dirty looks. 6)I am Native American and wanted to go on a mission trip but I was told God had told them I was not fit 7)I wanted to join a sports team that was open to everyone but then the leader told me No your not needed or wanted here. 8)I wanted to help with greeting but the lead usher told me no your not going to volunteer with your service animal . 9)I was going to Anaheim campus and t the pastor that use to work idea of me starting a ministry I did and things were going good it was growing but then Andy found out and without no warning they sent notes to everyone that they were not needed anymore When I found out I was hurt. 10) I belong to a funeral ministry there but after the first day I got a phone call asking me if I was trying to get experience in the mortuary field when I said yes because I wanted to be able to get a job in that field. I was told to go away and not come agai read more

Went here for years but unfortunately Rick Warren and the new Pastor has gotten off base biblically. God will hold them accountable. If you want to learn the Bible and receive good teaching go somewhere else. read more

OH my! What a wonderful experience to get you into the spirit of Christmas! And so organized! Thank you Saddleback Church! It was beautiful! read more

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Fabulous place to find community and heal ! Come as you are - come to know Jesus in a real way . You will find a place where You belong . So much love and healing here . All ages and stages of life welcomed . read more

Why so hard to find the service times online. Is it a secret? I challenge anyone to go online an try to figure out when a service is. It can't be done in under twenty minutes. If you had just moved to the area and you wanted to try out this wonderful church you'd heard of you would get very frustrated. I would think that should be the number one click link on the home page of a church. Isn't a church service their main thing. I give up. Update: Oh I found it, if you click on "learn more" on "come worship with us" it takes to to the service times. My advise: change it to "service times" for the rest of us morons. Lol read more

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This review is for the "Light of the World" holiday drive-through light show that the church offered during the Covid-19 pandemic in December 2020. I was lucky enough to score free tickets thanks to my best friend who told me to book online asap as soon as they became available again a week after she went. She went the weekend before and I was super jealous and a tad upset that she didn't tell me about it earlier. The photos of the event are a tease as it seems very similar to the OC drive through light show at the OC fairgrounds for $60 a car. Our favorite part about Saddleback, are the kindest people on earth. I felt like we entered the mid west with their kind souls. They greet you with a big smile, hand you free hot coco, and give nice smiles.. just what we need during this depressing pandemic with everything shut down. I felt the excitement just like the Happiest Place on Earth. The staff hands you these super awesome 3D glasses that turn the lights into snowflakes when you put them on. My favorite highlights of the light show: 1. The fun music that transitions into different fun songs with different scenes. 2. The SNOW!!! That was a lot of fun driving through and the smiles on the kid's face were priceless. 3. Being able to sit together as a family in the front while driving slow was a blast. We were eating popcorn and drinking hot coco with our beanies on. 4. Loved the story line and pathway of lights at the end of the show. Very well put together! I am very surprised it was free! They should have put a donations basket out for the church at least. This truly was an amazing experience and I give it five stars from beginning to end. After the light show, we did another drive-through event and saw Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus at the M.V. library. That was a lot of fun cause we could interact with them and have a conversation with them. Shortly after, we had a tail gate dinner at Sonic's and than found a neighborhood street of the most gorgeous Christmas lights I have ever seen. Every single house in the neighborhood had beautiful lights and decorations. What a fun, memorable night!! Thank you for offering this "Light of the World" to the public during these depressing hard times. We had lost a few family members and friends this year, so this really made our night. This light show gave us hope that next year in 2021 will be a more promising year to all. We pray that there will be a light at the end of this Covid-19's tunnel, just like the one at the light show. Happy New Year!! read more

Saddleback Church - Hi Olaf - Churches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I can't say enough about this church, the community and the resources. This is truly a place where you feel gods love. They have so many support systems, they feed hundreds of families with groceries every week. They've helped me while pregnant and when I was laid off from work. They have service on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings to make it easier to attend. I'm moving states and I truly wish I found this church sooner. You won't regret this church choice. I know I didn't read more

I will always give a 5 star review to my home church and how Pastor Rick has blessed our County and the World with his generosity. I have been attending Saddleback following a bad auto accident 2002- and my dear friends brought me there and my life changed - I was re-baptized as a true Christian. Pastor Rick offers everything at the church , classes for all ages and the campus offerers everything you could ever want or need . Food pantry , medical , legal aid , counseling , classes and recovery classes . There is something for everyone. Now skip ahead 2020 it's been a bleak year - most everything online - now Christmas is here and Pastor Rick and so many volunteers have put together the MOST AMAZING Festival of Lights , for everyone to Drive through in their own cars this Christmas . For the month of December, bring your family to Saddleback Church after you go online make reservations to attend FOR FREE -this most amazing event . Young and old will be amazed . You will leave there different then when you arrived . I don't want to say too much and take away from any surprises so go see for yourself. I will share a couple of pics for you . It's not a 5 min short adventure- They made it worth the drive if you come from as far as 45 mins away . You will leave blessed ! read more

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I used to go here for years and years when pastor Rick was the pastor. They used to offer all kinds of classes and services that didnt cost anything, which was great. Rumor is that they have drastically cut staff and that may be the reason why they are now charging for things that used to be free. For example, the woman's biblestudy now has a required $25 registration. This should be optional for people who want to buy a book. But it should not be mandatory, which limits people from biblestudy who cant afford to join. Your ability to attend church classes should never have to revolve around your financial situation. I think with the church being located in rich OC they forgot that still not everyone is well off. A lot of people still struggle just to make the crazy rent prices here and may not have extra funds to be charged to attend church activities. This morning I experienced the latest problem, the poor decision making on the parking lot / driveway project - there has always been entrance and exit lanes side by side so traffic can come and go. But someone had the great idea of making all traffic come in one direction, with all lanes as an entrance to the church with no exit. And in the meantime they have put up a detour sign that directs you right into the 3 lanes of oncoming traffic, which leaves you trapped and in danger. You have to make a u turn in the middle of the lanes where 3 lanes of traffic are now coming at you and go back out the way you came, clear on the other side of the church. Why are they detouring people into 3 lanes of oncoming traffic?! And why do you need all lanes of traffic as an entrance with no exit lane?? Again just terrible planning. Sadly things are not being run well like they used to be. read more

Great church and an awesome resource of support for people of all ages in the Lake Forest area. They help feed hundreds of families. Good people. read more

About a year ago I would sleep in my car during the weekdays bc the commute from home to work was too long. One night I parked on the Saddleback Church parking lot hoping to find a safe place to sleep and leave in the morning, hopefully unnoticed. Unfortunately, late at night I received a knock on my window asking me to leave. In the middle of the night. Ironic. I even emailed them, asking permission, and they kindly denied the request. I'm guessing the parking lot is reserved for paying members who attend their service on Sundays. They have acres of empty parking lot space, yet no room to help the people in the community. I'm guessing they might've helped, had I provided an offering in the offering basket, but the building was closed. Locked to prevent anyone from entering the comfort and solace of my Father's house. I pray that you will be an example of what a helping hand may look like. A church with abundant resources to help the people in real need. Not just on Sundays, or during your manicured events of "feeding" the homeless once a week, bc people need to eat more often than that. I pray that you may be an example of truly helping the community and people in need. That you may open your doors and resources for the community. Utilizing the proceeds from book sales to help the community as opposed to throwing the money on the ground to secure an acre of OC real estate. May the resources you use the protect and secure your empty parking lot be used to protect and secure the souls of the needy in your community. In Jesus name. Amen. read more

I can't even give this church a 1 star, they are not of god, they are only a church of status. My husband traveled across many states to visit this church as he felt he had a calling to tell his life story. He spent multiple days traveling there and when he arrived, he was met with disgust and asked to leave. In fact he was told by the female pasture when he was getting his phone out to call me to let me know what kind of place it was she basically pushed him out the door and told him to leave the property, that he can make his call off of the property. What kind of church does that? She kept inferring he was homeless and when he told her he wasn't she didn't want to hear it. My thought is, if she felt he was homeless don't you think she should have been more compassionate and helpful? When he left the grounds there was a patrol car that followed him to the bus stop. What the heck, he never threatened anyone and he felt defeated as he really went there as a calling to help others and to give hope by telling his life story and all he has overcame. All I can say is I am glad we do not live in that community as that church is a place of judgement and only god has that right. They should be ashamed of themselves and not be called a church at all, they are simply a elite club working for themselves and not god. read more

At the beginning of 2023 my partner left me and took our 3 year old son. It was the worst experience of my life and I was left in despair. Needing direction and to find the balance between emotional well-being and timely care for my son, I reached out to Saddleback Church wanting to get into their divorce support group. Instead of compassion or mentorship, I was told there was no place for me in this church. Because we were never married (she would never consider marriage), I was told that I Instead of divorce support I needed to repent for the sin of having sex before marriage. Also, there would be no sympathy from this church and that my son was a mistake and never intended by God. As any parent knows, no child is ever an affront to God, and no parent seeking help their child, family, or self should ever be turned away. 2 and half years later I am decompressing from my experience. A part of that is clarifying that this so called church is not a place of Christ. read more

This place is like a giant college campus! Thank goodness I had very clear directions on where to go and how to get there! We were headed to the Refinery and man is this place impressive!! A huge building with the main gathering area for young people to play pool, have a snack, vending machines and music. It's quite appealing and I can see what some of the fuss is about when you hear the name Saddleback church. I can only imagine what the rest of this place is like (haven't seen). Well I didn't actually attend a church service here but rather an event featuring Dr Daniel Amen - you may have heard of the Daniel plan? Any way, he's A licensed psychiatrist who specializes in studying the brain. He was doing a live taping of his presentation and then we could ask questions at the end. I learned so much about the brain and how diseases, conditions, Brain injuries and people with other medical and psychological disorders can be helped simply with diet and proper supplements. He had many stories and testimonials from actual clients, some of them famous, showing images of their brain before and after their treatment. read more

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I have always loved and respected Rick Warren as a pastor, husband, dad, and all around wonderful person. I thing about this particular church that I find unsettling is the constant referring to the Saddleback Church... the Saddleback Church, this the saddleback church that... it puts an unhealthy emphasis upon the name of the church, and takes away from the real church... the church of Jesus Christ, our Lord. read more