According to the church, Christian Science practitioners address physical conditions, as well as relationship or financial difficulties and any other problem or crisis.
[2] Practitioners are either "listed" or "unlisted," a designation that refers to a form of international accreditation maintained by The Mother Church, in Boston, Massachusetts.
"[17] Some practitioners no longer give up such cases, although they may change the nature of their prayer, a loosening of standards precipitated by several well-publicized deaths under Christian Science treatment, including those of children.
[19] Primary class is a two-week course that is open to anyone and is a "comprehensive study of the nature of God and man", according to DeWitt John, a Christian Science teacher.
John writes, "The instruction is so deep and absorbing that it often changes one's outlook and leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime.
... [It] has special impact because of its systematic and thorough character and because it is based upon years of actual experience on the part of the teacher in the practice of Christian Science healing.
Each teacher meets annually with the entire association[25] for an all-day lecture designed to renew and further the students' understanding and practice of Christian Science.
[26] An authorized teacher is one who, having had primary class instruction and a minimum of three years' experience as a practitioner, has completed the normal course.