The Visible Church

The podcast argues against the belief that the church is an invisible, spiritual union of all believers. The scriptural data contradicts this idea. Baptism, considered the Christian equivalent of circumcision, serves as the initiation ritual that gives the church an identifiable membership. Jesus also established a hierarchical structure within the church, appointing leaders such as the apostles, resulting in the ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons. The ordination process through the laying on of hands makes membership in the hierarchy objectively verifiable. Obedience to ordained leaders further reinforces the visible nature of the church. Jesus himself refers to His church as a visible institution in Matthew 16 and 18, indicating Peter as its leader and giving him authority in the church.