Rutherford County is the 20th fastest growing county in the United States. That's astounding to those of us who remember when Murfreesboro's population was around 8,000 or so. Why, if this keeps up Chattanooga had best be looking over its shoulder. Murfreesboro might well replace it as the fourth largest city in Tennessee within the next 15 years.

Letters to the editor either extoll or bemoan the county's growth. That's predictable. Our response depends largely on whether we focus on the strains or the opportunities that come with substantial population growth. I do not know enough to speak intelligently to the concerns of developers, planning commissions and the like. As someone who has been a pastor for around thirty-three years, I'm willing to try and stake out how the church should respond to the situation.

First, make the new arrivals feel welcomed. When people move into our neigborhoods or housing complexes, Christians ought to be among the first to greet them and lend a hand with getting settled into the community. Such hospitality comes with being a Christian.

Second, don't forget the poor even as we welcome those who have good jobs and professions. Our natural tendency is to make connections with people in our own economic bracket, whatever that may be. Let's do whatever it takes to connect to the working poor, so that they come to feel they have good neighbors in the city and county.

Third, try adding newcomers to your prayer list. Whenever you learn the name of someone new to town, start to pray for him or her. Don't hesitate to pray for the great mass of newcomers whom you probably will never meet. Pray that they will find good friends here, their work will prosper, and that the churches will do well by them.

When all is said and done, population growth is going to be part of the experience of living in Rutherford County. Christians who choose to be good neighbors will contribute to building a better quality of community life for all who call the county home.