Our Purpose
Christian Science Associations are resources for our continuing education—a unique aspect of the Christian Science movement, spurring on and supporting our ongoing development as followers of Christ. Our association offers us a way to come together to share our questions, struggles, learning and spiritual triumphs after working individually in our own areas. The purpose is to have an experience uplifted by the Holy Spirit, divine Love, so that we can be even better healers in the world.
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 14:12 (NIV)
Supporting Christian Healing
There are two core activities that support our shared desire to follow Jesus' teachings and example.
Christian Science Primary Class Instruction
A one-time 12-day immersion course on Christian Science. The class is taught yearly by Tom McElroy, C.S.B., and its core textbook is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, along with the Bible.
Annual Association Meetings
As an extension of class instruction, students gather annually for one day in person to continue growing in their understanding and demonstration of Christian Science. Attendees to our meeting need to have either completed class instruction with Tom or requested to attend as a guest if they completed it with another teacher of Christian Science.
Tom McElroy, C.S.B. Christian Science Practitioner, Lecturer, and Teacher
Our Teacher
Tom McElroy was introduced to Christian Science while growing up in California and found it to be a lifeline of hope and strength through the challenges of his early years. After graduating from college, he worked in the finance industry and volunteered as a chaplain two or three times a week in the Los Angeles prison system, working in men’s and women’s facilities and in a youth probation camp. From the time Tom finished Christian Science Primary class instruction in college, he wanted to work in the public healing ministry. Both the finance world and the prison work provided great opportunities to live the spirit of this ministry and experience its impact in areas of life where it was needed. In 2006, Tom’s love of Christian Science led him to leave the finance world so that he could dedicate himself full-time to the public practice of Christian Science. In addition to his practice, Tom began lecturing in 2007 as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship and continues to do that today. He currently serves as the Manager of the Board of Lectureship at The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA. In 2019, Tom began teaching Christian Science Primary class instruction, and he holds a new class each year.
Our Management Team
The Association is run and managed by the President, an Executive Committee, and the Secretary / Treasurer. The President is the teacher. The Executive Committee consists of members of the association who rotate on staggered three-year terms. The Secretary / Treasurer is also a member of the association, appointed by the teacher.
Current Officers
President & Teacher
Tom McElroy, C.S.B.
Executive Committee Member
Vanessa Ramirez Jasso
Secretary & Treasurer
Grant Adams
Executive Committee Chair
Amy Herr
Executive Committee Member
David Odell
Our Connection with The Mother Church
Organization Status
As with all other Christian Science Associations, the McElroy Association derives its official status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the umbrella of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA. We operate in accordance with the Church Manual and have a set of our own by-laws. We are 100% self-funded and operate independently.
About Christian Science
This Association is dedicated to furthering the cause of Christian Science as taught and discovered by Mary Baker Eddy. It is solely based on the spiritual interpretation of the Bible, especially the teachings of Christ Jesus. You can learn more about Christian Science from ChristianScience.com
The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, MA. Commonly referred to as The Mother Church.