(Revised October 27, 2020)
“Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.” (Psalm 107:23-24 NIV84)
I’ve been listening to some old, classic audiobooks lately. I have loved the adventure and excitement of Treasure Island and Moby Dick. Both books stirred my imagination regarding sailing on the high seas.
But, there is a real-life adventure I’m even more excited about — pulling up anchor and setting sail with the newly formed M28 Alliance. We have been working hard to build the structure of M28 for almost two years now. And, in July of 2020, the charter members signed off on the documents, commitment and vision for M28. We are ready to set sail!
I think it’s important for anyone interested in joining M28 to understand the course that got us to this point. I believe the best way for me to tell the story is by using a word picture or analogy of the M28 Alliance being like an old, wooden sailing ship…think “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Using this illustration, let me take you on a journey through the past, present and future of this new movement of God. I believe it will help you
understand where we are going.
The Past
Many of the current M28 Alliance pastors were part of a different “ship” called the S.S. GCC (Great Commission Churches). Some of the pastors in the Mountains West Region (MWR) have sailed together on the S.S. GCC for 10, 20, 30 or 40-plus years. They saw God do amazing things through their churches and ministries. They were united in spirit and purpose and shared common beliefs and values while on world mission at sea.
Sadly, for many, the captain and officers of the S.S. GCC felt convinced that the S.S. GCC ship had run its course. With a vote of many leaders (in June of 2020) the old battle-tested ship was steered into harbor so that the crew could be offloaded and the ship dismantled.
Realizing the direction the ship was heading, and after much prayer and council, the MWR crew asked for (and received) permission to depart the GCC ship in 2018. An unexpected and tragic boiler explosion actually confirmed and expedited the departure of the MWR pastors.
Rowing their lifeboat to shore, the MWR pastors were sad, but confident in their decision. They trusted that somehow God had good in it for everyone.
The Present
The crew of the MWR reached shore and began the hard work of rebuilding. After enduring much heart-searching and long hours of discussion, the pastors firmly decided that God wanted them to stay together. They determined to maintain their mission to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ and help churches disciple the nations.
Building a new church movement ship would not be easy. But, the crew and officers, spurred on by their love for God and the Great Commission mandate, began working together to create a new vessel.
Working diligently, the superstructure of the ship was erected. The frame was assembled using the solid oak timbers of the Statement of Faith and Articles of Association. Using iron bolts forged in the fires, the M28 Covenant secured the ship’s cohesion. Next, the precious cargo of Core Values was carefully loaded into the cargo hold where they would be carefully stewarded. Finally, the white sails of the Biblical Understandings were proudly raised into the stiff wind of cultural opposition. The great wooden main mast (in the form of a cross) was crowned with a huge red and white banner whipping wildly in the wind. The majestic flag was embroidered in gold with the words: “Jesus Is Lord!”
After a year and a half, the crew was assembled and the ship was commissioned. It was time to head out to sea.
The Future
All sailors long for the open sea. This is also true of the pastors who crew the S.S. M28 Alliance. There is now much excitement and anticipation as they get ready to launch the ship and embark on their undertaking together.
The leaders of M28 long to feel the salt-water spray in their faces as they work together for the cause of their Captain. This group of seasoned sailors can’t wait to make disciples of the nations. Working together, they are committed to call courageously, equip strategically and support lovingly, all those who desire to join their company. These men don’t just want to accomplish a mission together, they are looking for others who will lock arms, lean into the spray and wind, and be willing to die together if the Captain requires it.
The seamen on the M28 understand that a journey like this will present many difficult challenges. The poop deck with need to be cleaned. First-aid will need to be administered. Shipmates will desert or turn back. Holes will need to be plugged and the unforgiving elements will test them all. In fact, everyone will be stretched to their limit.
But, each man knows that eventually (after many rough seas, freezing nights and blistering hot days) they will finally reach the Celestial Port — beaming with resplendent light and filled with joyful saints gathered from every tribe, tongue and nation.
And then they’ll see Jesus, their great Admiral and Captain! He will greet them and their worn out, tattered ship. He’ll stretch out His hand to pull them ashore. At last they will hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done. Now enter your rest!”
Time To Sail
With God’s help, the men of M28 are now ready to “pull up anchor” and leave the safety of the harbor. Motivated by the fact that there is a dying world in need of a Savior, they push off from shore.
Their faith is sure. They believe that God will help them strive together as one man to accomplish the mission and experience the thrill (and adventure) of serving the great Captain of their souls – Jesus Christ.
If you want to join us, know it won’t be easy. We like to say, “Hard to get in, easy to get out.” Our goal is world conquest. We are committed to working together to reach the world and disciple the nations.
Are you with us? Go, man your post…it’s time to sail!
God bless you all — I look forward to the journey.
Bill Young
Director, M28 Alliance
Addendum: (October, 2020):
I realize that no metaphor is perfect, and trying to paint a picture of a personally emotional experience can be difficult. I want to assure you that I love all my dear GCC brothers and sisters and always will. My personal experiences throughout this transition have been shared by many leaders, but not all – and therefore might be misunderstood by some. I also recognize that some leaders from the former S.S. GCC might compose a different narrative of these events. Regardless, I am so thankful to God for the glorious work that he did in my life through the wonderful people within the old GCC ship.
You should know that I am still united in spirit and purpose with former GCC leaders and dearly love the saints I have labored with for decades. That will never change. In my illustration, I am speaking mainly about the “structure” or organizational decisions made regarding the grand old GCC ship — which has now been officially dissolved. Although I am sad that the organization has been dismantled, I am confident that as we move out to sea on the S.S. M28 Alliance, we will someday join forces with many former GCC churches and leaders and together experience amazing adventures and victories for King Jesus!