Which society, formed in 1873, eventually evolved into the Personal Ministries Department?

The correct choice is the Missionary Society, which was formed in 1873 and is recognized as the precursor to the Personal Ministries Department within the church. The Missionary Society was established with the goal of promoting missionary work and personal outreach, which aligns closely with the objectives of the Personal Ministries Department. This evolution reflects a shift in focus from a broader engagement in missionary activities to more specialized personal evangelism and community outreach, tailored to support individual members in their own ministries.

The foundation laid by the Missionary Society has been critical in fostering a culture of active involvement in sharing faith and serving the community. This transformation highlights the importance of mobilizing church members for personal ministry, enabling them to take responsibility for sharing their faith in their daily lives and in various contexts.

Other societies mentioned, such as the Health Reform Society, while significant in their own right, focused on health-related initiatives; the Youth Society catered to the younger members; and the Lay Activities Society dealt with lay participation in church functions. Each of these organizations has a distinct mission that does not encompass the specific outreach and evangelistic focus that emerged from the Missionary Society's original purpose.