Jumpstarter 6 of 10

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Question 6

When Britain fragments and people drift back to old gods, the presbyters argue “there’s no point” talking about Ireland because Britain needs the gospel more; how should a church discern competing needs—local collapse versus foreign mission—without using urgency as an excuse for fear or self-protection?

Another way to ask: The presbyters say Britain needs the gospel more than Ireland because Britain is falling apart. How should a church choose between urgent needs at home and mission work far away without letting fear make the decision?

Direct Answer Based on the chapter, the presbyters discern by triage—protecting the Church at home during national collapse—while Patrick discerns by divine calling and the urgency of the unreached. The tension suggests a church should weigh real local needs, but also test whether “higher priorities” are partly driven by fear, comfort, or a shrinking vision.

Support from Transcript:

Petronius says, “We're struggling just to preserve the Church,” and claims Christianity is “about the only thing that gives the British any sense of unity.”
He notes backsliding: “peasants are turning back to their old Celtic or Roman gods,” making local evangelism feel urgent.
Their conclusion: “There's no point in talking about taking the gospel to Ireland when the people need it more right here in Britain.”
Patrick answers with end-times urgency: “If the world is coming to an end… the Irish need to hear the gospel first.”
The leaders also seem dismissive of mission as unrealistic: “some idealistic scheme to save the pagan Irish.”
Patrick keeps pressing, even when “they continually put him off,” implying institutional delay can become avoidance.

Discussion Follow-ups What signs show “urgency” is actually fear? How could a church pursue home renewal and foreign mission at the same time without using one to cancel the other?

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