As the date approaches for the next admission into membership with The Mother Church, it is well to remember that membership, as provided for in the Manual of The Mother Church, is one of our Leader's loving provisions for the spiritual welfare and progress of every student of Christian Science. The student who has not yet availed himself of the privilege of church membership may well consider the vital importance of taking this step.
Likewise the student who is already a member may profitably consider whether he is taking full advantage of the opportunities for spiritual growth and demonstration which active participation in the work of our movement affords. Each member will do well to ask himself the soul-searching questions indicated by our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 496): "Am I living the life that approaches the supreme good? Am I demonstrating the healing power of Truth and Love?" Mrs. Eddy adds: "If so, then the way will grow brighter 'unto the perfect day.' Your fruits will prove what the understanding of God brings to man."
Church membership has a twofold purpose. First, through prayerful support of the activities of Church established by our Leader through the Church Manual, and active participation therein, the member furthers his own spiritual growth; he deepens his understanding and increases his ability to demonstrate the teachings of Christian Science. Second, he helps to extend and make available to others the manifold blessings of this Science. As we let our light shine, our neighbors will be drawn to this healing truth. They will receive its illumination and share its benediction, and in turn will avail themselves of the rich benefits of church membership.
