Category Archives: leadership

The Power of an Hour

06 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Church, Church Leadership, emergency room, leadership

≈ 14 Comments

According to Christianity Today, 85% of churches are dying. That statistic was given before COVID. Imagine after COVID! We won’t know the full impact of this season for some time but we can see it unfolding before our eyes.

I’ve said it before, “I LOVE THE LOCAL CHURCH.” Yes, all of them (that preach the Word of God). It takes many kinds of churches to reach many kinds of people!

Unfortunately, many churches continue to remain closed or hold services outside or not at all. And frankly, according to national surveys many churches will simply not reopen whenever they may be “allowed” to.

I was talking to a pastor friend of mine (whom I had encouraged to open when we did in June) who, 14 years ago, started his church. He shut down his church as Covid hit and has not reopened. During these past 9 months of closure, he’d been calling some members to see how they were doing and found out most of them have been going to churches that are OPEN! He has just made the difficult decision to close down his church permanently. This is a very common story across the spectrum of churches in the United States.

One thing we know God hasn’t said is, “Church, sit back, relax, wait for this Covid thing to pass, don’t worry about my mandate to meet together, (Hebrews 10:25) just wait until your Governor says it’s OK to meet again. People can go to Hell while you wait for permission to obey my instructions.”  So how can the church actually grow during this season? We have to remember the power of an hour together on Sunday! 

During these unprecedented times, we need to be MORE loving! We need to be MORE courageous as Churches. Learning to love and accept people where they are is how we will grow Christ’s church. People need hope. And, let me tell you, people are looking for churches who will follow God over Government. We cannot forget the power of an hour together on Sunday!

During this Covid season, 199 people have taken the step of outward obedience to Christ and have been baptized at Skyline Church. 

While I continue to receive hate mail, phone calls, and text messages from pastors and their staff whose churches are closed or meeting minimally, I can tell you, it doesn’t matter to me. It’s sad, but when lives are being changed during a season like this, keep the hate mail and calls and texts coming. It’s only affirmation that they may be feeling a sense of conviction from the Lord and perhaps they’ve forgotten the power of an hour together on Sunday.

They’re not going to get me to do what they’re doing, which is, in my opinion essentially hiding. I want them to open fully and do what we’re doing because, as I’ve said before , we all benefit when all churches are open. The kingdom grows when we’re all in it together. 

One pastor told me, “We’re watching you guys, letting you take the hits from the county, you’re the tip of the spear we want to see what happens to you.” Well, bro, we’ve been fully open for six months and I can tell you that what is happening is lives are being changed. 

People need their church to be fully open! Suicides and mental health issues continue to rise. We need to help people. An open church helps people. An online or even outdoor service has minimal to NO effect. I’m not saying if you’re having outdoor services that it’s useless, it’s just not helping as much as some churches may think. It’s a constant reminder to people that things are crazy. People need a sense of calm and even an hour to escape. When they sit outdoors week after week, it’s a reminder of how depressing things are. And this weekend there’s a 90% chance of rain in San Diego. What are you going to do, shut down the church because of rain?  Don’t underestimate the power of an hour together on Sunday. Go ALL IN.

People need some sense of normalcy even if it’s just an hour on Sunday INSIDE their church building.  The church should be leading, especially in these moments. 

While some churches sit back and wait for their marching orders from “NebuchaNewsome,” we will continue to storm the gates of Hell! THAT gets me fired up! Think about it. Every single one of those 199 people who were baptized experienced Jesus and made a decision not only follow Him, but to announce it when they weren’t supposed to according to the Governor!

Along with that, we’ve had 1,337 decisions for Christ and Commitments to join the church! All during a time when we should be shut down due to a supposed virus that has a survival rate of 99.998%! Are you picking up what I’m putting down? The flu kills more people year in and year out. You’re more likely to die from a lightening strike than Covid. I could go on and on.

Every one of those people who made a decision for Christ has a story that matters to God. We say it all the time, “Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.”

We want them to know that their story matters to us too. And as a church we want to love people BEFORE they make a decision for Christ. Just like you and I, newcomers are NOT perfect. They have fears and concerns and hang ups and habits and need the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.  When churches are open, they are more likely to receive this love and power. Don’t underestimate the power of an hour together on Sunday!

I can’t imagine missing out on these life-change stories had we listened to the Governmental mandates to not hold services. If you’re a church leader who happens to be reading this, don’t you see how this is the devil’s perfect plan? To have you not hold services, not impact people, not have salvations and baptisms, not give the Word of God in the House of God? 

Remember, Scripture tells us that we are not unaware of the devil’s schemes. He’s always operated with the same game plan. Page one of his playbook has always been to divide and conquer, isolate people, give them a sense of hopelessness, make them feel lonely and depressed, then he can really go to work.  Think about it, if he can get the church to stay closed, his job is so much easier. And, just look at the statistics, he is really going to work on people. 

When we get to Heaven, I’m convinced God is not going to say, “Did you obey your Governor during the 9+ month lockdown while people committed suicide and fell into relapse of drug and alcohol abuse?” Or might He say, “Did you have the courage to continue to follow me and focus on reaching the lost, helping the hurting, and giving people hope during a hopeless time?”  

It has always taken courage to be a pastor, but perhaps never more than in these days and times. Don’t underestimate the power of an hour together on Sunday. 

As we hear about churches shutting down, remaining closed, and struggling to survive during this time of COVID, we grieve the continued lack of understanding of the importance of being FULLY open as a church, regardless of what the Governor might say. 

There are a couple of things that are certain. Churches will not grow if they remain closed during Covid. But, churches may indeed experience growth if they decide to walk in obedience and courage and be fully open. Don’t underestimate the power of an hour together on Sunday!

Praying Politics

02 Friday Oct 2020

Posted by in leadership, Uncategorized

≈ 7 Comments

As Bible believing Christians, we believe in the importance of voting. We knooow politics-everyone-off. But the 2020 elections are quickly approaching, and as a pastor, my goal is to make sure you have the information you need to make the most informed decision you can. As Christians we can’t bury our heads in the sand and pretend this is a taboo topic and ignore our responsibilities.

Skyline Church will be providing resources for those who are looking for clarity and biblical understanding of the candidates and issues during this time. To be clear, I am not looking to create division. I recognize that every political party is likely represented in God’s church all over the nation. No matter what party you identify with, we can pray for our leaders and the 2020 election. We may not have unity across our nation on a variety of topics, but surely we can have unity and agreement when it comes to the biblical mandate to pray for our political leaders. 

1 Timothy 2:1-3 says 

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. 2 Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. 3 This is the way our Savior God wants us to live” (Mes).

Notice, it says to pray “especially” for rulers and their governments… Today, I want to encourage you and lead you in some prayers as we prepare our hearts and minds to confidently vote. When Jesus said to pray…even for our enemies…(Matthew 5:44) He didn’t say it would be easy, but, as Christians, it is required. You may be on the opposite end of the issue from a candidate, you may not vote for them, but you can pray for them. Would you say these prayers along with me. 

God,
Thank you for your Word that guides us in how to live. We praise You for this resource as it reminds us in 1 Timothy 2 to pray for our governmental leaders, those in authority, and those who carry the weight of high responsibility. Your Word also gives us peace of mind to know that You are in control. We can be still and know that You are God, You are exalted among the nations and in the earth. We delight ourselves in You and have many things to be grateful for in this trying season. Most importantly, we thank You for Your Son Jesus, who paid (in full) for our sins so that we may be reunited with You.

[Take a few minutes to specifically express things you’re are thankful for.]

God, 
We ask you to have mercy on us, forgive your people, and cleanse us from sinfulness. Help us to forgive each other, and pray for one another.

 [Take a few minutes to ask God to specifically forgive your actions, the actions of others, and political actions you believe violate God’s will for His people.] 

God, 
We pray that You would bless, guide, and protect voters, government leaders, first responders, news/media outlets, and those with strong influence in our nation. 

Bless them with divine wisdom as they navigate the hurdles you know are ahead. 

Give these people discernment to know when to go against the tide, courage to stand for Your principles, and integrity to lead Your people well.
Be their Rock when others rise against them and grant them protection against what they cannot see. 

We pray that You would lead us to vote for the right candidates. You already know the outcome of this election. You are our refuge and fortress and we trust in You. We pray that whoever is elected, that they would, among other things …
Fight for the freedom and rights of Your people. Fight for the unborn. Fight for religious freedom. And unselfishly fight for our City, State, and Nation.
We pray that our faith would grow exponentially during this season. Allow our depth and understanding of Your love towards us to grow each day. 
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Stayed tuned at SkylineChurch.org for more resources on how we can vote with our faith in mind. 

As a spiritual shepherd, I’m relentlessly dedicated to sharing God’s truth with you. At Skyline Church, I am teaching a series called Time Out, that speaks to the relevance of the book of Revelation. I’m sensitive to those who are checking out church for the first time, however this is a topic that you’re not going to hear in churches very often. When you tie this sermon series into what it going on in 2020, we can see how important the book of Revelation is, especially as we educate ourselves in preparation to vote.

I want to invite you to come to Skyline Church in person at any of our three campuses, or to watch this series online. Share it with friends and family. And stay tuned for more resources in the next few weeks. Stay in God’s Word and stay in prayer. God bless. 

Church is ESSENTIAL

10 Thursday Sep 2020

Posted by in emergency room, leadership, mission, Uncategorized

≈ 22 Comments

If you’ve been to any of the Skyline Church campuses, you’ve probably heard me recite our purpose statement, “Helping people find and follow Jesus seven days a week.” That’s because the pastors, staff, volunteers, and members believe that the idea of “faith” is more than a weekly check mark on our to-do lists. We believe that following Jesus isn’t just for Sunday mornings, but a transformation from old to new life that can be built upon daily. It is unequivocally essential. 

At Skyline Church, we emphasize FINDING people because Jesus did. We see it all throughout Scripture but especially in Luke 19:10 where Jesus said, “I have come to seek and save the lost.” Another phrase you may have heard around Skyline is, “NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED.” In other words, everyone is welcome! No one needs to clean up their life, put on a tie, or have it all figured out to walk through our doors. That includes you! It includes that difficult family member, co-worker, driver that cut you off yesterday, and yes, it even includes Raider fans (I really had to pray about that one). 

In Luke 15:7, Jesus says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Found people find people. Once people are found, it’s imperative to teach them. Not every church reaches and teaches people the same way. It takes a lot of different churches to reach different kinds of people. But here, this is how we do it … SEVEN days a week! We’re relentlessly dedicated to teaching the truth in love, sharing the relevance of scripture, and passionately spreading the Good News of Jesus with others in our community. Every week we want to make sure people have hope to cope. Whether it is through our various worship services, small groups, classes, online devotionals, or providing meals, we’re here for our community. These are just a few of the reasons why Church is Essential. 

Vice vs. Virtue 
When the health mandates shut down churches but left other places open, they delineated that liquor stores, strip clubs and casinos were “essential,” but churches were not. In other words, the things that tend to be vices in our culture were OK, but the thing that teaches virtues was not. The things that could ruin your life should remain open, but the thing that could save your life was mandated closed. It was a clear Vice vs. Virtue statement. The Bible gives a stern warning to those who make these kinds of statements: 

“How terrible it will be for people who call good things bad and bad things good, who think darkness is light and light is darkness …” 

Isaiah 5:20 (NCV)

I’ve written previously about the tragic and massive increase in drug and alcohol relapses, overdoses, suicides and abuses caused by the lockdown. These tragedies continue today as our Governor refuses to make the necessary changes in the health orders to allow churches to fully minister to those in need. 

While the mandates have changed slightly, and limited attendance is now “allowed” these mandates are a blatant disregard for the centrality and essentiality of the church in the life of our culture. Many people need church, millions of people across our great country attend church every weekend, and even every day. The connections made to the Word of God and to the family of God, the practical help received and the hope that is given infuses energy to, at a minimum, get through another week. For the vast majority of church goers, it is indeed ESSENTIAL.

Hypocrisy 
These facts are completely lost on Governor Newsom whose self-interest is put before his constituents. Instead of serving those in the state he leads, he is causing great harm to those he has sworn to serve. His hypocrisy continues to be revealed on a seemingly daily basis. After announcing in May that he would be taking a pay cut of 10% and leading the way as all state workers would be taking that cut, he did NOT take a pay cut and received his regular pay while all the state workers took the actual pay cut.[1] When he was called out for not taking the cut, his spokesperson said it was an “oversight.”  

Another “oversight” has to do with the wineries Newsom owns or is a shareholder in. While his wineries remain open, he has mandated that other wineries be closed.[2]At least one quality a leader must have is credibility. Credibility includes integrity which means a leader should be void of hypocrisy. Governor Newsom has lost his credibility.  

Governing officials are called “Public Servants” and they are sworn in to among other things lead the way in sacrificially serving the public good. I think Governor Newsom believes the Public should serve him. The point being, these supposed Public Servants[3] act as though they are above the rest of us. They can continue to live their lives the way they want, free from all restrictions, while the foolish peasants obey and get in line. These mandates are especially frustrating in light of the actual Covid numbers. 

The Reality of Covid Deaths
Newsom has said he is doing what is best for California. We are expected to believe this. Just like we are expected to believe the numbers of Covid cases and just like we are expected believe the number of deaths because of Covid and on and on … When will people realize this is not about safety?

Take a look at the latest CDC charts[4] and you’ll notice that deaths from Covid-19 are actually 6% of the total number of deaths that are being reported as Covid deaths. So, currently we are being told that Covid has caused 174,470 deaths in the United States. Yet, when you dig into the actual numbers on the CDC website you see they have listed that over 94% of those people had approximately 3 other significant health conditions or “co-morbidities.” 

The actual number of deaths caused by Covid is 6% of 174,470 or 10,468. While every death is tragic and we grieve for those families that lost loved ones, this is in NO WAY anywhere near the average number of flu deaths or many other causes of deaths I’ve written about before. According to the CDC, there is NO PANDEMIC. Yet, we’ve shut down our Nation, State, Businesses, Schools, Churches, and Communities and many more people have died from these shutdowns compared to Covid. 

Church is essential, people’s businesses are essential, putting food on the table is essential, schools being open for our kid’s health, well-being and education are essential. Enough is enough, we need to open up fully. Let’s pick up the pieces, hold those responsible for this huge mistake, accountable, and get our lives moving forward.   

Nothing to Fear
You truly have nothing to fear.If you are a fearful person or concerned about the virus and you just don’t believe the actual numbers, by all means wear a mask, you’re welcome at Skyline Church. We won’t judge anyone on the basis of a mask or social distancing or anything else. My job is to shepherd the flock God has given me. That means pointing out darkness and showing the light. Darkness continues to be perpetrated throughout these last six months. Fear mongering continues until people refuse to listen. How many times does theboy have tocry wolf before we ignore that cry? So far, for six months we’ve heard “wolf” folks, there is no wolf. There will continue to be cries of “wolf” from our California Governor and officials, but you can be assured there is no wolf. 

This does not mean there is not some kind of virus called Covid that if it is contrasted by a compromised immune system it could be harmful. If you have a compromised immune system or significant underlying health issues, it is NOT a death sentence, but you should take precautions, not just because of Covid but because of your health in general. The point being, you should do this during flu season too. If your health is compromised, by all means, be cautious. But, that doesn’t mean everyone in the world should wear a mask and social distance from now on and forever.  

Conclusion
What do we do, where do we go from here? I suggest you live your life in freedom and in freedom from fear. Memorize verses like this that speak directly to our current time:

“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked.” 

Proverbs 3:25

“For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.” 

Psalm 91:3

 “Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” 

Psalm 91:6-7

 Put your confidence in the Lord, not in falsified statistics, fear mongering, or in cries of a wolf at the door. Pray that this disaster will be behind us shortly and those who would lead our great state would put the interest of the people ahead of their own. For this is Essential.   

footnotes 

[1]https://nypost.com/2020/08/21/ca-gov-newsom-didnt-take-pay-cut-after-cutting-workers-wages/
[2]http://sjvsun.com/california/sour-grapes-emerge-as-most-calif-wineries-close-while-newsoms-winery-remains-open/
[3]https://www.foxnews.com/us/pelosi-caught-getting-hair-done-at-coronavirus-shuttered-sf-salon
[4]https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm#Comorbidities

Close Down Again?

15 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in emergency room, leadership, Uncategorized

≈ 15 Comments

You’ve probably heard the news from the Governor of California. He has issued an order to close businesses and places of worship again. The County of San Diego has a right to not adhere to this order as San Diego has proven week after week to be one of the safest counties in the United States.  However, it appears our County is deciding to follow the Governor’s order.

I want you to know that we take this very seriously as we take into consideration all factors in conjunction with public health. There are various aspects to public health. There is of course the one that has been focused on since March, the medical side of public health. However, there is also the emotional, economical, psychological, and spiritual health among others that MUST be considered when talking about public health. There is never to be a ONE SIZE FITS ALL program. What has been happening is an all out focus on one aspect of public health to the detriment of the other aspects of public health. 

While we understand the pressures our governmental leaders are under to stop the spread, we must not lose sight of the other health issues that have resulted from the various shut downs and quarantines. Indeed, the intended cure has become a massive public health problem itself.

While we must continue to protect the most vulnerable in our society, we have proven we can do that. As we have helped those who are most vulnerable throughout this pandemic, it is now time to help those who are most vulnerable economically, spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. I believe this is a both/and proposition, not an either/or. We can continue to protect the most vulnerable while opening our businesses, communities and churches. 

At Skyline Church, our goal is to strike a balance between the reality of a virus like Covid existing and the reality of the need for people to have the freedom to worship in church. We have followed all the guidelines and even gone above and beyond to make sure we are safe when we have had services. When many churches and businesses were ordered closed back in March, we knew very well our right to meet and indeed our 1st Amendment right of freedom to express our religion, but, we decided to follow our government’s recommendations to not gather, even when we had the right to. 

As restrictions were loosened we began to gather as permitted by our government. While we recognize the separation of church and state, we were being honoring of our governmental officials as required in Romans 13. While Romans 13 helps guide our consciousness during an uncertain time, we also are to be guided by Acts 5 where Peter and the other apostles were reprimanded by the government for disobeying their governmental officials and stated very clearly, “We are to obey God, rather than human beings.” 

So, this is the importance of understanding context. There are times when we most certainly should obey our governmental leaders. But, there are times when (as God leads the spiritual leaders of the church) we must pause and listen more closely for the voice of God in the midst of uncertain times. I have no doubt that Peter and the Apostles did that and came to the conclusion they came to. 

Therefore, after the Governor gave his update yesterday, we met as an Executive Team, then we met as a staff at Skyline, then we met as a Board at Skyline and I met with leaders of other churches and it is with much prayer and lots of hours of meetings that our leadership team at Skyline Church has decided that WE WILL REMAIN OPEN AS A CHURCH this weekend. 

We have gone above and beyond to make sure we have a safe and clean environment and we will continue to be safe and clean. This is the same for your kiddos. We will remain open for your kids. We are not the only ones remaining open this weekend, there is a tremendous unity among churches in San Diego and while some will close and some remain open, each church has its own good reasons for its particular decision.

I want to emphasize, if you have any concerns about this please stay home. I also want to emphasize, if you’re feeling any symptoms please stay home. Watch our online services which are the same services as we have in person. We believe those who have concerns will stay home and take part in church online and those who feel they need to be at church for their own spiritual health and well-being will be here. We trust YOU and your FREEDOM to decide what is best for you and your family.

We also believe we are contributing positively to the public health, especially the spiritual, emotional, mental, and even physical health side by being out of the house and worshipping our Lord. 

Please RSVP this week at skylinechurch.org. We will also have the outside venue available under the umbrellas but it would probably be a good idea to bring your own chairs. Even going farther than that, you can stay in your car and tune your radio to 89.3 FM to take part in the service that way.
This is such an interesting time folks, but we know and have seen that God is moving and working in the midst of all that is going on. We LOVE you, we are praying for you, and we will see you SUNDAY! 

Here’s to you, Mom!

15 Friday May 2020

Posted by in leadership, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

“A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.” 
–– Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs 31 is a well known section of scripture that serves as a model for a virtuous woman; or busy moms really. 
 
It reads …
“She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
… She sets about her work vigorously; 
her arms are strong for her tasks.” 
–– Proverbs 31:13-17

If a mom stopped reading here and didn’t read through all 31 verses, it would already be enough to wonder if she’s measuring up. But what the Bible doesn’t mention is homeschooling and standing in line at Costco with a mask on, or any of the other myriad of challenges during this quarantine, as well as all of the countless challenges moms have faced over the generations. And the Bible doesn’t have to. It’s message here was the same then as it is now … women are hard working and busy! Especially the moms in our lives. The last thing we want moms to feel when they read Proverbs 31, is guilt.

Whether your kids are grown, you’re a single mom, a mom of a special needs child, you’ve adopted, have a prodigal child, have several energetic kids, or you’re looking forward to becoming a mom … we celebrate you! Thank you for all that you do. We hope you had an amazing Mother’s Day!

Growing up, my mom woke up before dawn and worked three jobs just to try and make ends meet. I believe that kind of hard work speaks to the resilience of moms that are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure their family is taken care of. That’s what moms do. They step up!

You may not be spinning wool and flax, although judging by the many cat and Raider masks I received, I think several of you ARE spinning wool and flax! Regardless of whether you are or not, you’re taking care of your family. We hope to alleviate some of that stress this upcoming Monday as our Skyline Kids Learning Center reopens. There are several new protocols being put in place to insure health and safety for you and your family. We hope that this resource will serve as a valuable asset to moms, first responders, essential workers, and those on the front lines during this quarantine. 

There are more plans in the works at this very moment as we are gearing up and preparing for the reopening of our church doors. Thank you to those who filled out our COVID-19 Survey to help us evaluate our community’s perspective. 

Stay tuned and stay strong. We’ll have more updates for you soon. And in the meantime, make sure you celebrate the moms in your life. 

God bless, 

Jeremy McGarity