The “Marks of the Church”: Hurtful or Helpful?

Throughout the centuries Christians have defined the church through the “marks of the church.” These marks are things that help one identify a true church.  Perhaps the most popular marks in evangelicalism today are the Reformed marks: 1) the preaching of the Gospel, 2) the administration of the sacraments, and (sometimes) 3) the administration of church discipline. In some ways these marks are helpful, but I’m being challenged, have the Reformed marks of the church actually hurt the church?