Article January 3, 1931 Issue

Orderly Church Business Meetings

CLAUDE MYLES

Throughout all her works the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, makes it abundantly clear that students of Christian Science should do all things well. She does not draw hard and fast lines between what is termed purely metaphysical work and so-called material work. The business meetings of a church are sometimes unnecessarily prolonged, and valuable time is wasted, because the members have not sufficiently acquainted themselves with the business on hand or with the Church Manual. And not infrequently delay is caused at church meetings because a member is not familiar with the by-laws of his own branch church.

In the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. XXIII, Sect. 1) it is stated, "Each Church of Christ, Scientist, shall have its own form of government;" hence it is not only the privilege, but the duty, of every member of a branch church to study carefully and thoroughly not only the Church Manual, but also his branch church by-laws, in order that he may gain a sound and practical knowledge of church government. This, coupled with some knowledge of the rules governing the procedure of debate, would assist in equipping such a member for active church work, and in making him a helpful unit within his own field.

All members should do earnest mental work before each church business meeting. This preparation includes the turning to God for unfoldment and guidance, for this alone can qualify one for active participation in the conduct of church affairs. This results in the saving of time, the elimination of unnecessary questions or speeches, and of the sense of personality. It also promotes the harmonious transaction of every item to be dealt with by members.

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