Accepting the opportunity for Readership in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, brings one to the threshold of a new experience. Spiritual education will be continually broadening his view, awakening his thought to further progress. Fresh discovery of the practical application of spiritual understanding to the affairs of mankind lies before him.
The Reader's primary purpose is to plant himself firmly on the Christ and through consecrated study and prayer let the spiritual illumination of the pastor of his church, the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, unfold in his consciousness to meet the needs of the congregation. As he does this, the sacred message from the printed page will be utilized by receptive listeners.
Reader and congregation work together. Good listening—attentive, receptive, and responsive—comes, at least in part, because the Word is presented meaningfully by the one who reads it. In turn, spiritually alert listening by the congregation affords joyous opportunities for the Reader, calling for active inspiration, refreshing ideas, and uplifting messages. As they yield to the revelation of Mind, Reader and congregation manifest the full scope of the word "listen," which includes the meaning, "to yield to advice." And as the Reader shares more of the unfoldment that comes to him through this listening, the congregation responds to the presence of Mind and regeneration takes place through their spiritual awakening.
