The failure to engage academic biblical studies with sufficient seriousness involves great danger for the Church. Recent trends in biblical studies suggest that more attention needs to be given to the integration of biblical studies with theology than may be possible within the context of the divinity degree. Ministry and mission in an increasingly secular society may require the Church to invest heavily in ministerial development if its ministers are to properly relate the biblical story of Israel, Jesus and the early church to the critically reconstructed story in a way that is theologically relevant and allows both stories their necessary integrity.