A branch Church of Christ, Scientist, is effective as a healing influence in the community in proportion to its members' understanding of the true meaning of Church and their participation in its activity—the stirring and elevating of thought to bring healing to mankind.
At times we may hesitate to accept church responsibility, perhaps fearing that we don't have the right experience or ability or that it will take too much of our time. But we need never fear any activity that results naturally from demonstrating more of our God-given ability and purpose. If church work seems burdensome, uninteresting, or unimportant to us, our real need is to gain a better understanding of the meaning and purpose of our church and our individual place within it.
The definition of "Church" given by Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health begins, "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."Science and Health, p. 583; In reality we can never be separated from that structure because, as God's reflection, we are always at one with Him. Whatever church activity results from the growing understanding of Church must —because it is prompted by divine Principle —be harmonious and fruitful, blessing ourselves and those around us. Our understanding of Church as an idea of omniactive Mind helps rule out idleness, apathy, indolence, stagnation.
