Duane Elmer is a distinguished director of the PhD program in Educational Studies at Trinity
Divinity School. During his impressive twenty-year career, he has dedicated himself to
advancing cross-cultural education, particularly for Fortune 500 companies and various
missionary organizations. His vast experience has given him a deep understanding of the
complexities and challenges associated with operating across diverse cultural landscapes.
Dr. Elmer is also a prolific writer, having authored numerous insightful articles that delve into
the intricacies of military service abroad. His latest book, Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving
the World in Christ-like Humility, is among his notable contributions to the field. He emphasizes
that this work is essential reading for anyone involved in cross-cultural experiences. Within its
pages, Dr. Elmer invites readers to reflect on the principles of Christ-like living, encouraging
them to incorporate these values into their daily interactions—primarily when serving others
across cultural divides.
This text is organized into three distinct sections that provide insight into the essence of being
a servant, particularly in the context of mission work.
The first section, titled "Basic Perspectives," emphasizes the significant role of a servant. It
encourages readers to reflect deeply on what it genuinely means to serve others. The author,
Elmer, acknowledges that many missionaries begin their journeys with noble intentions and a
sincere desire to help, yet they often encounter challenges when adapting to new cultures. He
underscores the importance of cultivating a servant's mindset, drawing inspiration from Jesus
Christ, who exemplified selfless service and humility. By adopting this perspective, missionaries
can forge stronger connections with the communities they aim to support.
The second section, "The Process," outlines biblical steps that can assist individuals in
developing a servant attitude akin to that of Jesus. Elmer presents six stages that one might
experience on the journey to becoming an effective servant:
1. **Openness** - being receptive to new experiences and perspectives.
2. **Acceptance** - embracing and appreciating cultural differences.
3. **Trust Formation** - establishing relationships rooted in respect and understanding.
4. **Learning** - acquiring knowledge about the new culture and community.
5. **Service to Others** - putting into practice what you've learned by aiding others in
meaningful ways.
The final part of the book features a quiz that allows readers to assess their growth and
understanding throughout their journey. In this section, the author also addresses the balance
between serving and leading, sharing insights into the challenges missionaries may face when
their efforts do not unfold as expected. Elmer contrasts his views on servanthood with those of
another figure, Joseph, highlighting key differences. This comparison helps readers gain a deeper
understanding of effective mission work and leadership within diverse cultural contexts.
Readers will soon uncover a wealth of benefits by embracing Elmer's guidance presented in
this book. Each phase of his framework is thoughtfully structured to build upon the two
foundational principles of openness and acceptance. A person's interactions and relationships
with others are profoundly shaped by their level of openness, which serves as a reflective
measure of their willingness to connect.
At the core of this journey lies appreciation—the meaningful act of expressing gratitude to
those around us. As emphasized in Romans 15:7, we are called to welcome one another with the
same warmth and acceptance that Christ extended to us, thereby honoring the Lord through our
actions. This practice of accepting others brings about numerous rewards, such as recognizing
their intrinsic worth and glorifying God in our interactions.
However, many individuals face significant challenges in this area due to a tendency toward
ethnocentrism, the belief that one's own culture or viewpoint is superior. This mindset can
severely hinder collaboration across cultural boundaries, making it challenging for people to
appreciate the richness of diverse approaches. To cultivate an environment of understanding, it is
essential for individuals to break free from the constraints of ethnocentrism. By learning to
embrace genuine acceptance of others and nurturing trustworthy relationships, they can greatly
enhance their ability to forge deep, trusting connections that transcend cultural barriers.
After completing several foundational actions essential for personal growth, Elmer guides you
to the next significant phase of your learning journey. He emphasizes the importance of not only
studying the culture within which you will serve but also actively engaging with its members.
This engagement is not just an academic exercise; it involves immersing yourself in the
experiences and perspectives of those around you. I found this approach both fascinating and
uplifting. By interacting with others, we don’t merely acknowledge their existence; we affirm
their worth and show them genuine respect. Individuals who come from diverse backgrounds and
hold different viewpoints can offer invaluable insights that enhance our understanding and
appreciation of one another's experiences.
Reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded not to place complete trust in our own
understanding. When we confine our perception of God to fit solely within our cultural
framework, we risk missing out on the wealth of wisdom He provides in unique and varied ways
to each of us. To truly expand our understanding of God, we must strive to view situations
through the eyes of others, embracing a broader perspective.
The final phase in this progression is service, which naturally arises from the previous stages
of learning and engagement. Elmer articulates service as the ability to interact with others in a
way that affirms their inherent dignity as human beings, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives
that honor God. He stresses that authentic service can only be realized after successfully
navigating the earlier stages, as they lay the groundwork for meaningful interaction. Embracing
such responsibilities can feel overwhelming if approached without a spirit of humility and a
genuine desire to serve others, mirroring the compassionate model set forth by Jesus. The act of
serving becomes not just a task but a sacred commitment to uplift and empower those around us.
Before a missionary embarks on their journey to a new country, this comprehensive book
serves as an invaluable resource, equipping them with the essential tools for effective ministry. It
articulates a clear path that any disciple of Christ can follow, regardless of where they find
themselves on their spiritual journey. Elmer passionately emphasizes the importance of this
preparation while exploring the compelling narrative of Joseph as recounted in Genesis 39-41.
Joseph's story stands as a profound testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of
adversity. After enduring the betrayal of being sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph
found himself in a foreign land, navigating a vastly different culture and social hierarchy.
Nevertheless, he exemplified remarkable openness and acceptance towards both Potiphar, his
Egyptian master, and Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. This willingness to embrace his circumstances
and cultivate rapport enabled him to earn their trust and respect. Despite the numerous
challenges he faced in his cross-cultural ministry, Joseph's integrity and commitment ultimately
led to his extraordinary rise to prominence, culminating in his role as the second-in-command of
all Egypt.
During his tenure in Egypt, the region and its neighboring areas were grappling with a
catastrophic famine, placing immense strain on the population. Recognizing the gravity of the
situation, Joseph took it upon himself to devise and implement a strategic relief plan for those
suffering from starvation. His ability to forge relationships and understand the needs of the
Egyptian people proved crucial. This relational acumen not only facilitated his acceptance in a
foreign culture but also empowered him to take decisive leadership within the kingdom,
demonstrating the significant impact of strong interpersonal connections in achieving both
personal and communal goals during challenging times.
As I embark on my journey as a missionary, I am profoundly dedicated to enhancing my
open-mindedness and patience, especially in situations where I may not align with the choices or
viewpoints of others. My experiences have underscored the crucial role that education plays in
effective service. As I prepare to immerse myself in a foreign culture, I am eager to gain as much
knowledge as possible about the customs, traditions, and values of the community where I will
be stationed.
Moreover, I firmly believe that pursuing education in this context is immensely beneficial.
Engaging with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds not only broadens my
understanding but also cultivates trust and mutual respect—qualities that are essential for
delivering genuine and impactful service. I was heartened to witness a commitment to inclusivity
when I observed others actively seeking counsel from individuals of various ethnic backgrounds.
Serving others should not be seen merely as a final act; it is a journey that begins during the
preparation phase.
Ultimately, I aspire to use this transformative experience to develop a deeper sense of
humility and compassion toward others. In doing so, I hope to honor and continue the legacy of
Jesus, striving to live in a manner that reflects His love and understanding for all humanity.
This book offers extensive insights into navigating cross-cultural situations while serving
effectively. The author explores a variety of potential challenges, from language barriers to
differing social norms, and provides practical solutions for overcoming these obstacles.
Throughout, there is a strong emphasis on following Christ's example in our interactions.
Personally, prior to embarking on my journey to a foreign country, I experienced significant
pressure that influenced my behavior and perspective. This experience highlighted the necessity
of preparation and understanding when working within a new cultural context. For anyone
considering a move to serve abroad, this book is an invaluable resource, offering essential
guidance and wisdom that can profoundly impact your approach.
