We know very little about Patrick (aka Saint Patrick) and his work in Ireland. What we know is primarily found in two of his writings: Confessions and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus. What we think we know is primarily myth and unsubstantiated by scholarship. Ruth Tucker described him as “one of the most misrepresented figures in church history” (From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, 37).
In his book, Missionary Monks: An Introduction to the History and Theology of Missionary Monasticism, Edward L. Smither notes that Patrick’s missionary methods involved at least six components:
He began his work in new areas by making alliances with local tribal or political leaders.
He practiced itinerant preaching.
He took new believers through a period of instruction before they could be baptized and become part of the local church.
His preaching addressed the island’s sin of slavery.
His teaching included that suffering and persecution were part of the Christian life.
He used a team approach to ministry.
We have much to learn from Patrick. Take some time this month to do so.
Here are two resources to help with your understanding of Patrick and his apostolic labors in Ireland:
“Who was St. Patrick?” (Strike the Match podcast of my interview with Dr. Ed Smither)
Free PDF of Patrick’s Confessions
