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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Epilogue  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
Bercot doubts a “Patrick for our day” would be a celebrity Christian, but someone unknown “tending sheep…or on his knees…praying”; what does that suggest about where God is likely forming leaders, and what changes would your church or small group need to make if you truly believed God’s greatest work is being prepared in obscurity?
Another way to ask: Bercot says a modern “Patrick” probably wouldn’t be a famous Christian, but someone unknown praying or doing simple work. What does that say about where God forms leaders, and what would your church or small group change if you really believed God’s best work is being prepared in hidden places?

Direct Answer Bercot suggests God is most likely forming key leaders in obscurity—ordinary, hidden faithfulness and intense private prayer—not in public celebrity. If we believed that, our churches and groups would prioritize prayer, patience, and character formation over visibility and impressive ministry profiles.

Support from Transcript:

  • He connects today’s crises to a need for a “Patrick for our day,” implying God still raises such people.
  • He rejects likely candidates: “A famous Christian author or televangelist… Someone heading up a well-known ministry… Not likely.”
  • He says a potential Patrick would be unknown: “I doubt any of us have ever heard of him.”
  • He locates him in hidden places: “off alone tending sheep somewhere or on his knees in his closet, praying to God.”
  • This fits his earlier emphasis on prayer power: Patrick “pound[ed] on the doors of heaven night and day.”
  • It also fits his theme of waiting/training: God molds servants during long, unseen seasons (Patrick’s 25 years; Moses’ 40; Paul’s 10–11).
Discussion Follow-ups Do your group’s priorities reward public giftedness more than hidden prayer? What practical changes would increase time for “knocking on the doors of heaven” and encourage unnoticed believers to be faithful?

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