Welcome to Saddleback Church

Our Leadership

Pastors Andy and Stacie Wood

Pastor Andy Wood and his family moved to Orange County in the summer of 2022 to follow God's call to lead Saddleback Church. Pastor Andy has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches around the world. Andy and Stacie have three kids: Caedmon (17), Sammy (15), and Karis (10).

Online Community

We exist to urgently lead people to say “yes” to Jesus and his purposes for their lives.

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. 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!

Born and raised in Southern California, Charissa Goulard has been part of Saddleback Church her entire life. She interned for two summers with the Groups and Ministry teams before officially joining the Saddleback Online Community in 2021. Now, as the Online Community Pastor, she loves leading a church family that spans across the world.

Charissa is passionate about helping people grow in faith, no matter where they are. She loves that the Online Community brings together people from different nations and backgrounds, creating a space where everyone can belong and experience God’s love.

Her favorite Bible verse, John 16:33, continues to guide her in life and ministry.

Outside of her role at Saddleback, Charissa and her husband, Byron, enjoy trying new foods, going on hikes, and playing games with friends. They also love hosting game nights and making great memories with the people around them.

Pastor Charissa

Our volunteer-led Saddleback Gatherings, called Extensions, help connect people to Jesus, Saddleback Church, and each other. These gatherings create spaces where lives can be changed, burdens can be lifted, and hope can be found.

Campus Pastor Charissa Goulard