Some years ago, our church was confronted with problems like church work not being fun, not too many visitors, not many testimonies, too many empty chairs in Sunday School. The need became felt among our members to honestly ask, Do I really live Christian Science? Am I really understanding what I read about it? Do I really believe what I say about it? Do I really know what my church is? Do I know who God is? Do I know who I am?
Those questions, earnestly considered, make one go on one’s knees and stay quiet and listen for answers. Going forward in this way was very much in the spirit of Mary Baker Eddy’s words about the importance of knowing ourselves before we can effectively minister to others (see Science and Health, p. 453).
It was a wonderful phase for our church—there was less talk about Christian Science and not as many “busy” actions. To me, it felt as though we came honestly to the point where we saw what was in our thoughts—and that it was not always good. That thinking showed itself in human will, pride, attempts to dominate, self-righteousness, discouragement, false accusations, envy. It was not comfy to allow all this to be seen and felt. Still, there was this deeply felt desire to live Christian Science, to really go to God.
I must say there were times when I was in tears, and I know others were too. But there was always a conviction that what we were doing was good and constructive—that now was the time to really embrace Church, first for oneself, and then for the community and finally for all mankind. I experienced these moments like a new birth of Church within me. More and more I felt this wonderful rousing, purifying, elevating, comforting, healing activity that is called Church, and other church members felt it too.
What was the practical result? An atmosphere of deeper understanding for each other, more humility, more spiritual understanding, more respect and openness for each other’s inspiration and individual demonstrations, more generosity, less human will, quicker willingness to forgive and forget, more patience and less harsh criticism, more real love for all. It enabled us gently to question, or to rebuke where necessary, without offending someone or encountering hurt feelings, and to keep a healing atmosphere. Yes, hearts opened to welcome the Christ, and we saw the wonderful work that God does when this happens.
Church work became more fun, new members joined, seekers found our door, and there were healings during our meetings and services. And this continues today. We have interesting, inspiring testimonies on Wednesdays, and our Sunday School took another room from our church, as well as our boardroom, because there were so many kids. Some of them come without their parents—they have found us on their own and just love it, and their parents allow them to come. Yes, church is wonderful.
Sometimes we’re asked about what we’ve done in our church. Humanly, we have really not done too much! We haven’t made changes organizationally or in how we do the services. But we have allowed Church to transform our hearts and our spirit individually. And that has transformed our church experience.
