The Fellowship of Ailbe, or simply the Fellowship, derives its name from an Island stop-over where Irish missionaries came to be refreshed. What makes this 6^th century retreat a symbol our 21^st century Fellowship is that its members—active pastors and chaplins—glean from patterns of spiritual formation and missional engagement that arose through Patrick’s (early 5^th century) work among the Irish and extended by his followers throughout Europe into the 10^th century.

Fellowship members are those of an evangelical persuasion, committed to the full trustworthiness of the Bible.  As a passage into long-term participation, each undertook a yearlong study of Biblical themes that were complemented by the literary legacy left by Patrick and his followers. Guided by the tutelage of the Fellowship’s Principal, T.M. Moore, they examined the Celtic distinctives through the lens of Scripture and not the other way around. In doing so, they deepened their understanding of the disciplines of grace including how mutual relationships were vital.

In studying Patrick’s legacy, they recognized that this era of Church history saw one of the greatest Kingdom expansions that transformed the decaying culture of post-Roman Empire Europe, so much so that one historical novelist describes their work as having “saved” civilization. In looking beyond the quirky ideals associated with the Celtic spiritual traditions, their study of the impact of these Irish missionaries did not uncover a mystical formula but rather one of practices that fostered transformation.  As Jesus modeled, the followers of Patrick valued not living for themselves but for proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom to every person and extending it into every sphere of culture. This year-long study reshaped Fellowship member’s convictions of what the Lord Jesus can do today through embracing similar practices.

Here are five distinctives that has helped recalibrate my own spiritual formation.

1. Cultivating soul friends. As were the followers of Patrick, we pursue developing soul-friendships. Friendships vary as to the level of trust and transparency, and often relationships in our culture are passive, insisting nothing of one another. Rather, Fellowship members see themselves as brothers in the Lord who are there for one another.
2. Peering through the thin veil. We would not describe ourselves as mystics but we do walk by faith that the unseen reality of Jesus Christ’s exalted rule is real and powerful. Often, evangelicals have a defeatist faith with little sense of God’s involvement in their sphere of life. We are not dualist but rather strive to live with the truth that only a thin veil exists between  the seen and unseen.
3. Being self-governed by a personal rule. Habits are essential for cultivating the inner self and growth is a grace-enabled work.  Often, evangelicals are spiritually lazy in cultivating the inner life and are easily shaped by culture’s values. Instead, we aspire for “all of the blessings” we have in Christ Jesus, and we have entered into a covenant relationship to encourage one another in fulfilling our personal rule.
4. Influencing others as servant shepherds. In our own local callings, we exercise our shepherding roles patterned after the Gospel accounts of the Lord Jesus’ ways.  Evangelicals today are talking more about the loving leadership of Jesus Christ, and we want to encourage a renewal of  sacrificially giving ourselves away with no expectation of what is in it for us.
5. Working toward one’s own legacy. Though we vary in skill and productiveness, we are both students and teachers. As did the Irish missionaries, we share a love for ongoing learning as well as stewarding our gifts and opportunities. This means we strive to be in prayer for and actively seek to include others.  We know that when the Lord calls us into His presence, we will come as stewards.

The above may not be a great revelation to you, but we are a bit obsessed about the Celtic literary legacy given to us by those who lived passionately for the glory of the Lord. If you are interested in discussing with a Fellowship member more about his experience with the Fellowship or if we may encourage you in your own spiritual journey, I invite you to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..