Most missions—explorations, military actions, rescues, mercy expeditions, and such—require an extensive support system. The primary mission of the Church of Christ, Scientist, is healing, of both sickness and sin. The Church's Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, states in the Manual of The Mother Church, "At a meeting of the Christian Scientist Association, April 12, 1879, on motion of Mrs. Eddy, it was voted,—To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing." Manual, p. 17.
Those who unite with this Church commit to uphold, in prayer and action, this healing mission. Its support system includes a weekly Bible Lesson, periodicals (including this magazine), lectures, Reading Rooms, church services, and Sunday Schools. The community, the world, and the members themselves are the beneficiaries of these activities. The efficacy of the activities of a Christian Science branch church largely depends, not upon the size of its membership, but upon each member's recognition of, and prayer in support of, the church's healing purpose.
Healings, experienced or witnessed, attracted multitudes to Christ Jesus. But much spiritual growth was required of those faithful followers who continued his healing work in establishing the early Christian Church. The work today in furthering the Science of Christianity is no less vital, and it too requires steady spiritual growth.
