Amazing Grace

It's one thing to go to a packed Angel Stadium and see folks from hundreds of churches, as I did in 1969 and 1985 during the Billy Graham Crusades, but it's another thing altogether to see the stadium packed with people from just one church - mine. Saddleback Church celebrated their 25th anniversary in a big way this afternoon by renting out the stadium and filling it with thousands of the church's members. Your humble blogger sat with his small group up in the view section above home plate - great seats for baseball and a worship service.



The stadium was nearly full, a very impressive crowd. I've been at the stadium before when it was full like this, and it seemed like fights broke out every few minutes (though not during the Billy Graham Crusades). This was probably the easiest day stadium security has ever had.



The stage was set in the infield with stage center out at second base. They used the stadium jumbotrons and brought in a massive sound and lighting stage.



The service started with a medley of worship songs that were led by current and past Saddleback worship leaders. Greetings were brought from a representative of the Billy Graham organization, former Orange County Supervisor Gaddi Vasquez, who now heads up the Peace Corps, brought greetings from President Bush, and Michael W. Smith was brought out to do a special song.

The Purpose Driven Church model has always been illustrated using a baseball diamond, with Membership at home plate, Maturity at first, Ministry at second, Missions at third, and Magnification on the mound. It was only fitting that the staff of each division took the field in their respective positions and were introduced by stadium announcer Dave Morgan, the voice of the Angels, who is also a Saddleback member and was baptised this past Easter.

Pastor Rick led off by reading the original vision of the church, which he delivered as part of his very first message on March 30, 1980. It is truly amazing how this vision, delivered to 60 people who were pretty much complete strangers at that point, has come to fruition over the past 25 years. You can read the original vision here.

Rick then introduced the Global P.E.A.C.E. plan which will send teams from Saddleback and thousands of other churches to countries throughout the world. He also gave a three-point goal for the future of the church: Global expansion, total mobilization of the church members, and radical devotion of every believer (moderates need not apply). He also introduced the "Angel Stadium Declaration" which represents the commitment that should be the goal of every member. You can read it here.

As each person entered the stadium they were given a packet of materials, and in that packet was a two-sided sign. On the blue side it said "MY LIFE CHANGED!", and was used early in the service by those service in various ministry capacities in the church, or who had accepted Christ at Saddleback. There was a sea of blue throughout the stands.

The red side said "WHATEVER IT TAKES!", and Pastor Rick asked those who were committed to do whatever it takes to do God's will to stand and hold their sign up for all to see. It was pretty impressive.



The service ended with communion and the entire crowd holding hands and singing Amazing Grace. Back in the church's younger days they would have new member banquets each month, and they would always end with the singing of that great hymn. Kay Warren (Rick's wife) reminded us that one day we'll be together in heaven with millions of other believers singing praises to God. It was a very moving moment.

It was a great day, and the future is very bright for the ministries of Saddleback Church.