Why should one have a high view of the visible church and its ministry? The short answer is, Because this is what the Bible requires. Jesus said 'I will build my church.' He charged the disciples to baptize their converts into the church and in the process teach them all of his commandments (Matt. 16:18; 28:18-20).

Bible texts not only transform one's personal life, but also shape one's outlook on the church-its ministry and mission. In Texts that Transform: Church and Ministry, Terry Johnson shows how the Bible determines our understanding of such things as a Christian's calling in general, the specific role of the minister, the shape of public worship, the content of the church's public services, and the character of the day on which those services are conducted. Why do we do what we do in life and ministry? Because these are the things that the Bible - the word of God - directs us to do.