Timothy MacDonald has been a Christian Science practitioner and teacher for many years. In a phone call, I spoke to him about what led him to become a practitioner, why he wants to encourage others to consider pursuing this healing ministry for themselves, and some of the lessons he’s learned along the way about what it takes to be a successful practitioner.
Tim, why might it be worthwhile for Christian Scientists to think of themselves as practitioners?
I think it’s tied up with Mary Baker Eddy’s statement in the Manual of The Mother Church: “I recommend that each member of this Church shall strive to demonstrate by his or her practice, that Christian Science heals the sick quickly and wholly, thus proving this Science to be all that we claim for it” (p. 92). Regardless of whether people are ready to be in the public practice of Christian Science or not, we all should be healing others. I don’t think Mrs. Eddy envisioned a movement of patients. She envisioned a movement of healers.
