more irenic approach might be mediated through the so-called Nicene marks of unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity as noted in part 1.27 Whether this list or another, such marks express the integrity of the missio Dei in which any form of the church participates. Too often, congregations are judged by externally imposed standards (size, diversity, programs), which leaves most people feeling inadequate on some scale or another. By assessing local practices in terms of historic marks, however, the standards become internal to the character of every church as body of Christ.
