A Christian Science church in a western city has been experiencing an increase in membership after a period of years during which the number of applications for membership had been decreasing. It was found that within the immediate field of this branch church were many individuals who attended the services, loved Christian Science, and wished to express their gratitude for the benefits received. But they had hesitated to seek membership in a Christian Science church because they had not felt that they could meet the financial obligations which they had understood were involved in such membership. A change was brought about in the method of reminding members and prospective members of the privilege and duty to support the church financially. They were told of the amount needed to cover the expenses of the church activities and the upkeep of the church property, and were encouraged to agree to contribute what they could and to increase the amount as circumstances would permit. They were also told that their contributions were a matter of demonstration, rather than of requirement. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of applicants for membership in this branch church; the obligations of the church are being met more readily, and the activity and progress of the members furnish proof of their sincerity.
Usually the members of a branch church or society wish to know the amount that is necessary to carry on its activities and meet any indebtedness which it may have incurred. Such information is helpful to them in determining the amount of their contributions. Some branch churches have presented to their members, either in a business meeting or by written communication, a statement of the expenses and obligations of the church. Other churches have found helpful a method whereby each one in attendance at a membership meeting writes on a slip of paper an amount which he expects to contribute regularly. The slips are not signed, and they are destroyed as soon as the total of the amounts so written has been ascertained. Various methods have been adopted for affording the individual member an opportunity to state his expectation of what he can do in support of the church activities, without his obligating himself to give a certain amount. Experience has shown that subscriptions volunteered in this way are usually met, and the members make their contributions spontaneously and joyously.
A Church of Christ, Scientist, consists of individuals who are endeavoring to put into practice the teachings of Christian Science as applied to human affairs. Those who recognize the benefits attendant on such endeavor naturally wish to be associated in an organization which encourages growth in the understanding and demonstration of Christian Science.
