This week, the Adult Wednesday Night Bible Study will start the Summer 2010 “Peacemakers” material.  The study will teach us how to respond to conflict the biblical way.  We all have been in situations where we found ourselves wanting to attack people because of how they make us feel.  There are six biblical ways to respond to the hurt, frustration and headache of those who you believed have sinned against you.  The biblical responses go from overlooking the sin to accountability.  There are also six non-biblical responses to conflict. The non-biblical responses go from suicide to murder (physical and psychological).  Which responses do you choose when you are mad?  Conflict can come from anywhere–marriage, friendships, child rearing, job, church, school, etc.  You must decide what type of witness you will be–people are always watching you.  By God’s grace and through the biblical texts we study, this class will help us be more like Christ when we are under pressure.  As a pastor, one of my greatest desires is to see people deal with conflict in a way that honors God and produces healthy relationships.  Conflict can be a good thing when it is managed biblically, but left unchecked, it will reek havoc.  Too much unchecked conflict in churches will often discourage leaders and congregations. It is said that “people come into the ministry because of Christ and they leave the ministry because of conflict.”  We will give out helpful materials that you can refer to quickly when you sense an urge to attack or escape from a situation that Christ has orchestrated to help you grow.  Conflict resolution is about your growth in Christ as well as honoring God through your faith in action.  Mike