Article June 2, 1997 Issue

A pastor that preaches all-encompassing Love

Beverly Ann Erickson

A church's personal pastor often serves in the capacity of spiritual advisor to his or her congregation. How is this work accomplished in the Church of Christ, Scientist, by an "impersonal pastor"—the Bible and the Christian Science textbook by Mary Baker Eddy?

Mrs. Eddy, who designated these books as pastor of the Church she founded, explains, "Your dual and impersonal pastor, the Bible, and 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' is with you; and the Life these give, the Truth they illustrate, the Love they demonstrate, is the great Shepherd that feedethh my flock, and leadeth them 'beside the still waters' " (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 322). The impersonal pastor turns one to God and to His word, illustrating man's unbroken relation to the One who is ever-present Life, Truth, Love.

An experience I had, showed me how all-embracing these preachers are. They fulfill the promise God makes in Jeremiah: "I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (3:15). At the time, my husband and I were on an overseas flight surrounded by people from many nations. I found their dress, social customs, and way of praying interesting. Some of the passengers were using open spaces in the airplane to pray publicly. I was thinking about the differences between us, realizing we would be partners in flight for many hours.

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