So here is my attempt at an answer. Once we have categorized those things which the majority of Christians agree are true essentials and not denominational distinctives, I would propose something like this.
1. Focus on what has historical consensus. That is, lead with those things that are NOT controversial. Make the focal point the three ecumenical creeds and the canon of scripture. I trust most do attempt something of this sort.
2. Seek mediating positions on matters in dispute since the Reformation. This means nothing less than to acknowlege that not everything has been settled. Our denominational positions on this topic or that may have a lot of thougt behind them, but that does not give them universal status. There has to be dialogue on those items not etched into the fabric of history in the creeds. Rather than merely trumpeting a particular view as settled, listen to the other side and state your perspective with humilty.
3. Avoid topics that are of recent contoversy or of lesser importance. I rarely think much of dispensational views of end times prophecy any more. It may be fun but it is not of central importance.
But once again, this is not what I feel we tend to do most often, and this is why we fail to find unity. Instead we push particular denominational distinctives to the top of the list, we use those distinctives to separate ourselves from other groups and as a result the essentials fade into the background.
