Purpose and vision for church

Christian Scientists are well aware that Mary Baker Eddy expected her Church to embrace the world. Her heart of pure love spoke plainly when she wrote, “. . . in hope and faith, where heart meets heart reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 207). All who love Christian Science want to reverse downward trends of recent decades.

A few years ago the Board of Directors committed to working with the whole membership to reestablish the normal expansion of Mrs. Eddy’s Church. We understand that a revitalized Church will result naturally from more expansive spiritual healing. Mrs. Eddy wrote that “Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing” (Science and Health). That is our goal.

We also are taking to heart her promise that “the prosperity of Christian Science largely depends” on the Sunday lesson (Church Manual, p. 31). This has helped us appreciate that spiritual healing unfolds from deepened spiritual understanding, which in turn grows out of dedicated study, prayer, and alertness. We are working diligently through the periodicals, lectures, Field and Annual Meeting themes, and other messages to stir the natural affection of us all for the Christ, Truth, and its inevitable healing effect.

Even before our dedication to this goal, divine Love was apparently unfolding one means through which it was to be forwarded. About five years ago, a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, broke new ground by inviting the entire Board to visit their membership to answer questions about our conduct of church business. It was a candid, sometimes raw, meeting. But it was of immense help to us. It encouraged us to strive to be transparent. We learned we could think through some issues more carefully and communicate more clearly. We understood better why some members were disturbed and how we could help. At the end, there were plenty of tears in the room, including ours. The gentle, loving spirit of the transforming Christ did a marvelous thing that day.

More invitations to visit the Field soon arrived. To date we have held 234 meetings on six continents, building on the importance of Church, healing, and unity. The Board has been enriched beyond measure, and many tell us they are more comfortable with Mother Church activities. Trust and respect are being strengthened, suspicion and distrust are lessening. We know this spirit of mutual love is essential as our Church moves forward together.

One ongoing commitment we see as central to the growth of healing is recognizing the majesty of Christian Science. It is the universal, divine Science God has revealed to save the world from sin and its consequences. This truth of perfect God and perfect man destroys the beliefs that underlie sickness, warring, and death. Every student of this Science comes to cherish these stirring words of Mrs. Eddy: “Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, p. 177).

Another commitment we cherish is to be awake to and nullify both the obvious and the subtle hidden opposition to Christian Science. Jesus warned, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” If people stroll numbly past Reading Rooms or ignore our Church’s powerful periodicals and lectures, we can be alert to nullify every secret, hateful influence on human thought and free all people to express their rightful attraction to the incomparable good that Christian Science represents for them, their loved ones, and the world.

A third commitment we cherish is to more clearly recognize the role of Mary Baker Eddy. She is vastly more than an important historical figure. We understand she was the one prepared and chosen by God to receive the promised Comforter and make it available to the world. She performed her work with incredible fidelity. We pray to follow her example of devotion to the Christ.

It is our privilege to join all of you who love Christian Science in fulfilling the holy, healing purpose of this majestic discovery.

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