A great need for the loving, joyful work of Christian Science nursing

How natural it is that Christian Science nursing was brought forth with the teachings of the promised Comforter. This divine idea of Christian Science nursing was revealed to Mary Baker Eddy with her discovery of the divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love. It is a ministry that is impelled by and reflective of the loving law of God and bears witness to the spiritual fact that there is never a time when man is outside of the divine embrace, never a time when man is separated from the love of God.

In founding her Church, Mrs. Eddy established Christian Science nursing as a Church ministry to be brought out in practice by members of The Mother Church. She included the By-law titled “Christian Science Nurse” in the Manual of The Mother Church, revealing a standard to meet for one who represents himself or herself as a Christian Science nurse. Meeting these requirements brings out the right expression and practice of this loving ministry.

“Christian Science Nurse. A member of The Mother Church who represents himself or herself as a Christian Science nurse shall be one who has a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice, who thoroughly understands the practical wisdom necessary in a sick room, and who can take proper care of the sick.

“The cards of such persons may be inserted in The Christian Science Journal under rules established by the publishers” (Church Manual p. 49:7-16).

Understanding and meeting the standard given in this Manual By-law involves the wonderful privilege of working closely with the Comforter, Divine Science. This holy work not only blesses all mankind but results in deep spiritual blessings for the Christian Science nurse, seeking one’s own in another’s good.

Mary Baker Eddy identified a great need in the Christian Science movement for the practical demonstration of divine Love as expressed in Christian Science nursing. The need continues today for members of The Mother Church to be prepared and willing to represent themselves as Christian Science nurses so that this ministry is readily available to those turning to the Christ, Truth, for healing in time of need.

“Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 230:10).