"Raising his eyes and seeing a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread to feed these people?'" (The New English Bible, John 6:5)
In the feeding of the crowd gathered to hear Jesus' words, a boy's lunch was ready to be multiplied into ample food for all, including the disciples. Like the boy who came prepared for whatever the day might demand, a lecturer's role is to come prepared with a message ready to be multiplied by the touch of Christ, Truth. Every disciple, every church member, takes part in distributing the baskets, then partakes as well—"and they did all eat, and were filled." The members host the meal, serve it, and eat with the guests. Afterward they continue to help their guests with the same care they took in preparing for them.
Christian Science lectures are intended to be introductions to a vast subject—what Mary Baker Eddy herself calls "the great subject of Christian Science." The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 339. Whatever their individual style or theme, these lectures can help us introduce our neighbors to the same deep spiritual resources that are bringing healing and new life to us as members: Science and Health and the Bible. And whether we take the lecture to our guests or they come to us, we're all fed by the one and only bread of Truth and renewed by the same water of Life!
All through the year the members of branch churches and societies are intently praying for their surroundings, consciously enveloping their neighbors in the Christ message with an unselfish, healing love. A lecture can then bring this ministry of Christian caring into special public focus. Whatever its specific subject, the lecturer's presentation should lead the listener or viewer to glimpse the true nature and possibilities of Christian Science. This always includes the crucial need to reply to issues and questions that stand in the way of the public's understanding of Christian Science, and faithfully to present, as Mrs. Eddy expressed it, "facts pertaining to the life of the Pastor Emeritus." Manual of The Mother Church, Art. XXXI, Sect. 2.
These requirements go far beyond lip service. In accepting appointment to the Board of Lectureship, lecturers commit themselves to the high standards for this work outlined in Mrs. Eddy's published letters and comments, as well as in Articles XXXI and XXXII of her Church Manual. There is always room for improvement, and the Board of Lectureship is expected to be working constantly for it. Every lecturer feels keenly the demands of this high calling and will spare no effort in fulfilling them.
A lecture is most effective when church members approach it from the start as an opportunity to think and pray together about urgent issues to be addressed, coming right out of needs their neighbors have. In other words, really to "sponsor" the lecture in their hearts and lives. In the days and weeks following the lecture, they're ready to help answer questions and show how Christian Science has helped them.
A new lecture year is about to begin. Churches and societies will soon be receiving the specific information they need to start making timely lecture plans. This will include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those available to serve under the provisions of Article XXXI, Section 1, of the Manual. Of course, lectures available in media form will also be listed. New broadcast lectures will continue to be announced during the year as they are released for use.
Although any member of the Board of Lectureship is prepared to talk with you about a lecture you would sponsor, we do need to ask that you contact only one lecturer at a time per event. As in selecting a practitioner, choosing a lecturer should be a process of prayer and individual guidance.
In talking with a lecturer, you should be prepared to discuss what your church feels the lecture can accomplish for your community. As part of the give-and-take in working with a lecturer, churches often find it helps to know what particular subjects lecturers have been working with or are considering developing for the future. These would include not only problems a lecture can address and help heal but the spiritual facts that provide real answers. Included in the lecture mailing is a flexible list of subjects furnished us by the lecturers themselves. This is intended to be a snapshot view of work in progress and is not an exhaustive listing. It will be updated as the year progresses. We hope you'll find it helpful in deciding which lecturer you wish to call. Through prayer and discussion, the lecturer and church arrive at the right subject for each lecture event.
If you're located in an area where there are other branch churches or Christian Science Societies, we hope you'll let them know about your plans as they develop. Sharing information gives churches an opportunity to use their resources more efficiently, as well as to support one another's work.
