The Nicene Creed contains the familiar words, “I believe in … one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.” For many Christians, the doctrine of the church, or ecclesiology, is perhaps the least interesting and the most irritating topic of Christian theology. “Jesus yes, church no” nicely summarizes the anger and frustration that discussion of the church frequently arouses. Faith in God the creator, trust in Christ and his reconciling work, and experience of the transforming