Elmer Book Review
Kari Blount
GLST 290
11/11/2024
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Cross-Cultural Servanthood is a book that considers the how, when, and where one can serve their
community. Cross-Cultured Servanthood equips their readers on how to be an effective servant anywhere they may
go throughout their life and throughout the world. This book does a phenomenal addressing the topics of knowing
the “context” of areas one is serving, the servanthood model, and the superiority in servanthood along with a variety
of other topics. Elmer’s Cross-Cultural Servanthood book is a useful tool for cultural anthropology and can also be
helpful for those serving and evangelizing.
Elmer’s overall topic on this book was servanthood and the way we serve others. He also touches on the
topic that is servanthood that broadens across cultures. This book is exceptionally packed with impertinent
information along with models on how to become a better servant to the people across all cultures. A reoccurring
topic that the book talked about was on how those who are called to serve in a specific location are cautioned by
their “servant spirit” is not given away but they are serving as an attitude of superiority. Humility is another key
topic discussed in the book. The quote by Augustine “If you ask me what the first precept of the Christian religion
is, I will answer first, second, and third, Humility.” Another quote by Chrysostom, “Humility is the garden of all
virtues” (Elmer 27). Elmer touches on how to serve others in divergent cultures in the appropriate context. He is
adamant that those who wish to serve in a culture that is not their own, must educate and strive to understand the
culture they are trying to serve. Lastly, a reoccurring theme readers will find in this book is the “Servanthood
Model:” 1) openness, 2) acceptance, 3) trust, 4) learning, 5) understanding, and 6) serving. Every aspect of the
“servanthood model” is a tool to utilize when serving others allowing adequate knowledge of the people they are
serving, Love is the most prevalent theme in the book. Those wanting to serve others must have a desire that is
deeply rooted in their love for God and advancing His kingdom.
Cross-Cultural Servant is a unique tool for evangelism and servanthood, its unusual methods can cause its
readers to think critically and allows them to consider questions towards the book and the material of it. As
mentioned earlier, the book dabbles on how Christians should carry themselves into other cultures without showing
any type of superiority. As Christians, they should carry themselves in a way that portrays who Christ is. The author
emphasizes that those willing to serve learn the “correct context” of when, where, and who they are serving is not
always needed. For example, if someone is going to a different culture to share by learning another’s culture, it
could be best to “come as you are” rather than “acting as someone else.” In chapter 10 of Elmer’s book, readers can
find that the “servanthood model” is in the light, yet another author lets his audience know that people coming from
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other cultures observed the model, they noted that “the model’s content is good, and it address issues that
Westerners need to hear and see to serve in our culture. Its linear format could work for people in the West however
that is not how our minds work. One must think in circular terms for the model to work. Elmer continues asking
observers to explain why they don’t think the “Servanthood Model” must end in serving.
Essentially the book revolves around Christian themes and biblical background. The main theme revolves
around serving and how the bible mandates us to serve. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to
be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (NIV).” This states that even Jesus, the Savior of
the World, did not come down to this earth to have people serve him like the king he is but he came to serve others.
We can remember that reflecting Christ involves serving others even when you think you deserved to be served first.
Another theme that occurs in this book is humility. We should take several lessons in humility from Jesus, just by
examining His life. Proverbs 11:2 states “When pride comes, then omes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom
(NIV).” Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value other above
yourselves (NIV).” With the continuous help and strength of Chris, those serving in other cultures can do so by
looking at Christs life and utilizing the information Elmer’s book.
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Bibliography
“Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility - PDF Download [Download].”
Christianbook.com, 2009, www.christianbook.com/cultural-servanthood-serving-world-
christlike-humility/duane-elmer/9780830874835/pd/24262DF.
