Community St. Patrick Style
March 14, 2011
by Bill Yaccino
I'm a bit of a church history nut. When I come across stories that are not only interesting from a historical perspective, but also relevant to our current situation, my ears perk up! The story of St. Patrick is one of those stories… and then some!
Perhaps you’re not interested in ancient trivia. Don’t bail out yet! Take a look at the fruit that came from this faithful servant’s ministry and then determine why ALL OF US should be extremely interested in learning more:
St. Patrick’s Ministry
- Lasted 28 years
- In that time he planted 700 churches
- He ordained 1000 priests
- He spoke out against slavery
- He was inclusive of women serving in ministry
NOTE: Please remember that it was roughly 432 A.D. when he did all this! Was he ahead of his time, or what!
Impressive resume, eh? And do you know how he began his ministry to the “barbarians” in Ireland? He was captured as a child and taken as a slave boy. During his enslavement, three profound changes happened in his life:
- He connected with God in a new and real way
- He came to understand the Irish Celtic people
- He came to love his captors
Years later, at age 22, Patrick escaped and went back to his “homeland” of England. Yet Patrick found himself wanting to be back with the people he so loved. In fact, he received word from his former captors inviting him back. Listen to the words of these unreachable people: “We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us” Can you imagine the influence this lad had on “his enemies”? Apparently the reputation of Christ through his life was so attractive, they wanted him back to live among them!
Patrick’s Mission…
Ironically, Patrick did not set up camp (or cathedral) in ways similar to the popular church growth principles of the day. His primary mission was not to preach or to “civilize” or Christianize - rather he was specifically called to be among them once again. He was invited by God to live among them as Christ’s witness. What was so different about what Patrick did?
While the successful Roman church growth model was all about…
- Presentation (of the gospel)
- Decision (to be a proclamed follower of Christ, a Christian)
- Fellowship (in the body of Christ, invited into community)
Patrick turned things upside down and build a community around…
- Fellowship (people were invited in to join the faithful in community)
- Conversation & Ministering to Needs (they were listened to and needs were met)
- Belief & Commitment (they experienced Christian life, then they made a decision to follow Jesus)
I see a visible expression of that Christ-like love for people in the churches across Chicago. Let’s continue to work together as one church - His Church - inviting people into the community of faith so that they can experience what we experience - God in our midst, changing lives, transforming community. Many will be attracted to His ways before they fully “get it” – but they will find themselves hungry for a life lived as servants of the Almighty King.
How about you “slaveboy or slavegirl”? Are you ready to walk among them? Join us on April 7th at the 'Bonfire' so we can do this together!
Peace, strength and joy to you on the journey!
Serving Together,
Bill Yaccino
Executive Director, Christ Together
(847) 281-3370
bill@christtogether.com
