A MISSION MONTH REFLECTION: IS OUR CHURCH HOT OR COLD?

A healthy church sends healthy missionaries. And just as true—a hot church sends hot missionaries.

But what do I mean by hot?

Not in temperature, but in heart—welcoming, hospitable, always looking out for those who are neglected both in and beyond our community. A hot church radiates the warmth of Christ’s love. It notices the lonely, greets the newcomer, serves without being asked, and offers grace wholeheartedly.

Last week, I was deeply encouraged by a comment from a visitor from UK. He had worshipped with us twice. He said there was something special about our church—he could feel the joy and warmth among us. When I shared this with the pastoral and office team, one of us reminded, “The person who brings the visitor matters.”

If the friend who invited them is well-connected, knows many people, and serves actively in the church, the visitor’s welcome experience will be much richer. But if the inviter is less involved, the welcome might feel more distant.

This is a good reminder for us: we pray for more members whose hearts burn hot for Christ. When such members bring new friends, the warmth of the whole church is extended through them.

And when we send missionaries to the field, the same is true. A “hot” sending church produces missionaries whose hearts remain aflame — sustained by fervent prayer, genuine care, and active partnership from the local church body. We serve together as one hot body, united in Christ’s love.

We must guard against a corporate mindset—coming to be served, to be greeted, or to be entertained. Instead, especially for us as leaders, let’s embrace servant leadership:

·         Be the first to greet someone you don’t know.

·         Offer a helping hand whenever you see a need.

·         Be willing to do the lowly work that only God sees.

When each of us carries this heart, our church will not only be hot—we will be a light that draws people to Jesus, both here and to the ends of the earth.

Let’s build together a missional church that is truly HOT for Christ!

Being His missional disciple,

Pastor Forest