Saddleback Church started with two young church planters, a dream, and a map. God gave Pastor Rick and Kay Warren the dream to plant a church for people who didn’t like church, and he led them to Southern California.

Our first service was held on April 6, 1980. Over the next 43 years, we witnessed God perform miracle after miracle as we moved locations, raised money for permanent buildings, launched campuses in California and around the world, and baptized over 50,000 people.

In September 2022, we welcomed Pastor Andy Wood as our new lead pastor.

In May 2023, we took another step of faith by launching our first bilingual extension in Mexico City, under the leadership of Garland and Esther Wong.

As we step into the future, we’re believing God will do more than we could ever ask for or imagine. Our best days are ahead, and we can’t wait to see all the ways God will change lives in years to come!