When the Christian Science Board of Lectureship was established by Mary Baker Eddy in 1898 it consisted of five English-speaking members, all living in the United States. This lecture year (July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009) there are 54 lecturers living in 18 countries throughout the world. Among this group we have members who speak 15 different languages. These individuals represent a wide range of experience and a broad diversity of backgrounds. But one thing they share is their desire to fulfill Jesus' commands to "preach the gospel to every creature" and to "heal the sick" (Mark 16:15 and Matt. 10:8). This past year lectures were given in 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about the current lectures and how to contact them, enjoy a visit to www. churchofchristscientist.org/lectureplanning/lectures. jhtml.
Although the Board of Lectureship has grown over the decades, the purpose of every lecture remains true to the original requirement in the Church Manual "to include in each lecture a true and just reply to public topics condemning Christian Science, and to bear testimony to the facts pertaining to the life of the Pastor Emeritus" (p. 93). Among the blessing that so many have experienced from telling the truth about Christian Science among those who have previously been skeptical, and a return to church by some members who had left, as well as fresh insights and inspiration gained by longtime members. This past year there were about ten percent more lectures given than in the previous lecture year.
In addition to lectures being given in different languages and countries, they take place in a diversity of venues including youth camps, retirement homes, juvenile detention centers, drug courts, prisons, academic conferences, health expos, high school and college classrooms, care facilities, adult Sunday School classes of different denominations, and interfaith events.
