The earliest Celtic and Anglo-Saxon missionary listed is Ninian of Scotland from 360-
432. Tertullian suggests that there were Christians by the end of the second century. There were
three British Bishops at the council of Arles in 314 which might imply earlier missionaries in
these areas.
“Ninian was British, but trained in Rome. He also visited at St. Martins in Tours, France where he was influenced with the idea that a monk should be a missionary.” [1]He went to the Pictish peoples of Scotland. Patrick (389-432) went to Ireland. He had an interesting history being taken by pirates from Northwest England to Ireland where he was sold. Eventually he escaped and went to Gaul where he learned monasticism, and returned to Ireland as a missionary. Palladius was the first missionary to that area, and was sent in 431 by Pope Celestine. David (d. c. 601) went to Wales. “He was known for his asceticism and promotion of monasticism.[2]
At the end of the sixth century there were three kinds of Christianity in the British Isles:
Romano-British Christians, Irish Christians and Iro-Scottish Christians. They are called Celtic Christians.The characteristics of these groups were: cultivated monastic life, associated with clans, characterized by missionary zeal, identified Christian life with penance, and had their own date for Easter. Columba and Columbanus were representative of the Irish monk-missionaries. Columbanus was one of the most learned Latin Christians of his day. [3]
Augustine played an important role although there was a failure of the British Christians to
evangelize their English invaders which proved disastrous to their future. He felt they should except the Roman dating of Easter, administer baptism according to Roman Rite, and evangelize the English. They were resistant to this which led to centuries of conflict.[4]
There were others who did their part: Paulinus, Wilfrid of York, Colman, Theodore of Tarsus who was appointed arch-bishop of Canterbury. “The pride and glory of English scholarship and piety was the venerable Bede (673-735) ...”[5] “…transmitting classical learning to the middle ages by putting it to service in the church, and providing a basis for a new Christian civilization.”[6]
The missionaries strategies were: work under the pope, under protection of local rulers,
challenged superstitions of the people, gave simple, practical catechetical instructions, mass
conversions, organized dioceses with parishes, instituted auxiliary bishops, and established monasteries
as anchors.
Planning was part of their ministries. A strong support system should be in place. Missions is
important which is why Christ gave the Great Commission. At times, we must challenge the practices of society in light of scripture. When witnessing it must be kept simple. Even a child should be able to respond and receive. After receiving Christ they need to be in a church where they will be loved and guided, and be available to them yourself. Become their Christian parent, and be available to answer questions. Bolster them up when they are weak.
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