The following is an email sent to the congregation in anticipation of an upcoming sermon series as the church considers the possiblity of purchasing a building and moving to another location fifteen minutes away from our current rented facility.
Dear Stonebridge,
     I plan to depart briefly from our series in Ephesians to preach from two short sections in Matthew (5:21-24; 18:15-17) the next two Sundays on dealing with interpersonal conflicts within the church. In view of our current situation as a church, I felt it would help us all to take another look at what Jesus taught about handling conflicts that arise among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 
     As investigate, discuss and pray together about the possibility of purchasing a building and moving to another location, it is more likely that disagreements may arise.  When change occurs, stress levels can rise and emotions can be affected. Sometimes people become offended by, hurt by, or angry with, one another. 
     If and when this happens, what should we do with those feelings? Is it possible to be angry without falling into sin? When should we overlook a fault? Who should we talk to about it if we can’t? How should we work it out? Why is it so difficult to go and talk with someone who has offended us? What should we do if someone comes to us with a report about their hurt or angry feelings that were caused by a third party? Should we listen to them or send them back to the offending person? How can we prevent becoming “stuck in the middle” between the offended person and the offender? What should we do if we find ourselves in that position? How can we know when we have offended another person if they don’t come to us and tell us? What should we do if we suspect we have offended a person? And finally, why are these issues important? 
     We will search the Scriptures together this Sunday to find the answers to these very practical questions. I encourage you to read these passages in their context this week before we meet, if possible, and be in prayer for us as we prepare to preach and to hear God’s word. In the meantime, I pray you will have a great week and look forward to seeing you soon!
     Pastor Dan