One of the difficulties faced is creating an ecclesiological rubric that can receive broad acceptance. Positively, there is broad acceptance of Scripture as at least theologically informative. This being the case, a clear a modest Scriptural basis should broaden acceptance. Negatively, there are vastly different definitions of the four marks of the church, especially “catholic” and “apostolic.”
Coming from a decidedly conservative Protestant position and a non-creedal tradition (Baptist), it is likely that I do not understand the related issues. I cannot–and frankly should not–please everyone (for, if we disagree, some or all of us are wrong). The most I can do is be as biblically sound as I can and let the chips fall where they may.
Question: How might one find the ecclesiological commonality without sinking to the lowest common denominator?
If it’s any use to you, I could send you my section on “apostolic” from my doctoral thesis, at least as something to compare with other views.