JHM TEAM |
|
Katie Edwards | Jr. High Pastor |
Junior High Students are my favorite humans on the planet! I’ve been doing Jr. High Ministry here at Saddleback for 20 years and I am convinced it is the most important ministry in the church…however I could be just a tad biased. My heart for each student in JHM is that they would fall more in love with Jesus and build authentic relationships with peers, mentors, and the church. Through small groups, the weekend church service, serving, and fun, I would love to see every student grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. I have not only seen thousands of junior highers over the years experience the life changing love of Jesus, but I have seen that life change in my own teenagers as well. Side Note: The best thing in my life is my family…I have been married for 17 years…and I am the mom of Abby (15), Ella (12), and Cooper (4). I really hope you will take some steps to get involved in JHM. My team and I will do whatever we can to help you connect to the church and Jesus. Can’t wait to meet you!
*Katie oversees all things junior high at our Lake Forest campus.
*Katie oversees all things junior high at our Lake Forest campus.
|
Megan Bagnall | 8th Grade Girls Pastor |
Originally from the Chicago burbs, after graduating I found myself living as a nomad all over the Midwest. Now that I’m living in Southern California, I go outside as much as possible enjoying the weather! My role on the JHM team is to equip and recruit leaders (looking to volunteer? Email me!!) and oversee all things 8th grade girls. I love helping new students feel at home in our ministry and challenging current students to take the next step, finding ownership in our JHM family. I find excitement in traveling the world and spending my free time at the ocean. These are a few of my favorite things: musicals, bundt cake, exploring and trying new things, Galaxy soccer games and people that can make me laugh.
*Megan oversees all things 8th grade girls, as well as volunteers, interns, and internation peace.
*Megan oversees all things 8th grade girls, as well as volunteers, interns, and internation peace.
|
Mikayla Mollica | 7th Grade Girls Pastor |
I’ve grown up attending Saddleback Church ever since I was five years old and feel so lucky to get to work at such a wonderful place that made such a big impact on my life! Junior highers are some of my absolute favorite people because they are easily the funniest, corkiest, and most real! I oversee the weekend program at JHM along with weekend events! A few of my favorite things are tacos, singing loudly in the car, frozen yogurt, and playing games!
*Mikayla oversees 7th grade girl, as well as our weekend services and impact program.
*Mikayla oversees 7th grade girl, as well as our weekend services and impact program.
|
Bryce Kelley | 8th Grade Guys Pastor |
When I was a junior in high school, I started volunteering with JHM and discovered how much I truly love youth ministry. I recently graduated from Concordia University in Irvine, majoring in mass communication! Since I grew up at Saddleback, I absolutely love being able to work here and influence student’s lives, just as mine was impacted from when I was in JHM and HSM. I love hanging with junior high guys and being involved in their lives. My biggest joy is seeing students own their faith, and then watching them become a part of the church. Some of my favorites include taking naps, eating grilled cheese, adventuring to new dessert places, and watching San Diego Chargers. If I don’t know you yet, come find me in JHM!
*Bryce oversees all things 8th grade guys, as well as summer camp, life groups, and student leadership.
*Bryce oversees all things 8th grade guys, as well as summer camp, life groups, and student leadership.
|
Matt Heer | 7th Grade Guys Pastor |
God called me to be a youth pastor when I was 13 years old, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’m originally from Indiana, and studied youth ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University, where my love for junior high ministry began. I think junior high students are the coolest and love watching how much students grow (in every sense of the word!) in these couple years. I oversee the weekend program at JHM, and absolutely love what I get to do! I love drinking iced coffee, being outside, and eating Chipotle. I’m always down to grab some food and hang out, so come find me!
*Matt oversees all things 7th grade guys, as well as our weekend services and winter camp.
*Matt oversees all things 7th grade guys, as well as our weekend services and winter camp.
|
Grant Frum | JHM Associate |
During my middle years of college, I figured out that I wanted to do something with students. I started leading a Life Group with JHM guys and that helped solidify my decision of where and how to serve. I recently graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Sociology. Being involved with the church and recently volunteering with JHM has grown my love for junior high students. Watching them grow up and be a part of the church is a really cool thing that is an honor to experience. Some of my favorite things are playing sport, being competitive, eating, and going to the beach. If you like any of those, I am your guy.
*Grant serves as team support, along with assisting Katie Edwards.
*Grant serves as team support, along with assisting Katie Edwards.
|
Montana Kleppe | Intern |
My journey in ministry started in Rwanda my senior year of high school when Katie Edwards encouraged me towards full-time ministry. I had just started going to Saddleback a few years prior and this was my first big step into growing in my faith. Shortly after, I went to college at Azusa Pacific University and majored in Liberal Studies with a concentration in special education. Last summer I did a summer internship with JHM and that is where the calling to go into full-time youth ministry was solidified. I love burritos, target, nature, and coffee, but my favorite thing is getting to hang out with our junior highers. I believe junior highers are the absolute best and have so many things to teach me!
*Montana serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 8th grade girls.
*Montana serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 8th grade girls.
|
Troy Sullivan | Intern |
I’m a native to southern California and I’ve been coming to Saddleback Church my whole life. I started serving in JHM during my senior year of High School and ended up falling in love with youth ministry! There really is nothing better to me in life than seeing students develop a relationship with Jesus. I grew up attending SSM services, so it’s really cool getting to be a part of something that was so impactful on me as a student. Some fun facts about me: I love Mexican food, hammocking, and surfing!
*Troy serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 8th grade guys.
*Troy serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 8th grade guys.
|
Rachel Parmenter | Intern |
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, youth ministry was always a huge part of my life. But it wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that Jesus really got a hold of my heart and called me to ministry! After I graduated, I started school at Nebraska Christian College as a youth ministry major. I am thrilled to be a part of the JHM team this year, because I think junior highers are the coolest! I love being outside, going to the beach, Italian food, playing sports, and living in southern California I’d love to meet you if I haven’t already!!
*Rachel serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 7th grade girls.
*Rachel serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 7th grade girls.
|
Matt Gaydos | Intern |
Hi, my name is Matt (you can call me Matty if you like) and i’m a Junior at Biola University. I am currently 20 years young and have forever resided in Foothill Ranch California for the entirety of my life. I am currently going into my 5th year serving in JHM and am on my second internship with this ministry. I have a deep passion for Football and Film (yay Rams and yay for cameras) and I love to make people laugh. Some fun facts about me include; I met Justin Bieber in a bathroom in Hollywood, and I play Lacrosse at Biola. I love Jesus and l love using the passions and gifts he has given me to serve students in the same way that some of my mentors did when I was Junior High/ High School. If we haven’t met come say hi to me during one of the weekend services!
*Matt serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 7th grade guys.
*Matt serves as a one year intern, as well as assisting with 7th grade guys.
