Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility

Book review - Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility - by Duane Elmer Downer's Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006 This book explores components of cross-cultural servanthood from the context of a renewed biblical examination of what a servant in service means. The author, using biblical and personal experiences, clearly seeks to reinvigorate discussions for the motives and methods of cross-cultural service. His foundational thesis is the forthright assertion that "serving people is not just doing what seems good in our own culture but seeking out the knowledge of the people, learning from them, knowing their cultural values and then acting in ways that support the fabric of the culture to the degree possible. After taking these steps, we will have served them." (p. 114). Prodding at this theme from different angles, he offers a compelling stance, that effective cross-cultural ministry has to be more than good intentions and superb presentation. It has to be based on understanding the will of God exemplified in Christ, as well as engender a sensitive to the realities and cultures of the people. Using different metaphors, (e.g. the story of the well meaning monkey's rescue of an assumed struggling fish - chap. 3), and numerous personal and others' examples, the author expounds the need to both examine our motives for cross-cultural service, that they be not from disguised superiority and or well-intentioned but manipulative "virtues" (pg.17). He challenges the Christian to serve others, especially in a different culture, from the example of Jesus Christ, who forsakes all, and lives as a servant, weak, invisible, but connected with those he chose to give up everything for, in order to serve them. Jesus lived incarnationally, not enjoying the best his divinity could offer or claiming kingly trappings common in the world, but in humility chose obedient servanthood. He lived intentionally learning from and with, loving, and suffering for others. Serving as a servant is therefore becoming like Christ to others. It is "the ability to relate with people in such a way that their dignity as human beings is affirmed and they are more empowered to live God-glorifying lives." (p. 146) The author articulately argues that cultural superiority positioning, although a serious flaw is not the only hindrance towards effective cross-cultural service. He acknowledges that together with this, cultural ignorance and misrepresentations can also significantly impede the learning and service within other cultural contexts. To overcome these dangers, he proposes that in a servant minded cross-cultural ministry, one has to develop an attitude of openness, acceptance, trust, learning, understanding and serving. These are important ingredients for an obedient servant service. He argues that these are abilities which we can develop in both processes to understand and serve others. These attributes are however heavily influenced by our cultures. H

Although the book is subdivided by several sections, there are really two concepts to this book: (1) See the image of God in others-- which encompasses the ideas of "welcoming others into our presence," "communicating respect for others, " "building confidence in relationships," and "seeking information that changes you;" and (2) Show Christ to others-- which involves "posture of the servant," "becoming like Christ to others," "biblical foundations for change" and "the servant and leadership/power." The section entitled, "Acceptance," basically suggests that Christians ought to see the image of God in others. Acceptance is "The ability to communicate value, worth and esteem to another person" (58). To illustrate the meaning of "acceptance," the author shares 1 Corinthians 8:13--"An accepting Christian values the other person so highly that he or she would rather sacrifice a personal preference, even a right, than risk losing the relationship or being a stumbling block to that person" (61). If a Christian believes that people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), then there is "common grace" that is bestowed on all people. The author explains it in this way, "Acceptance of others is to proactively communicate respect and dignity to each human being based on the fact that each is an image-bearer of God" (75). In a similar way, acceptance of others as image bearers of God is found in Galatians 3:28--"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female" (NIV). One does not need to be a Christian in order to bear the image of God as illustrated in this passage: "Yes, you must execute anyone who murders another person, for to kill a person is to kill a living being made in God's image" (Genesis 9:6). The author reminds the reader, "By virtue of being made in the image of God and God's common grace, every person can contribute to our learning" (109). He then shares a story about his wife, Muriel, who used the villagers' story about killing lice to help lower infant mortality in Mozambique (110). This type of humility helps Christians to become better servants (115). Colossians 1:16 says, "For by him (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or power or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him" (NIV). If Christians truly believe this passage, then what the author says in page 119 makes sense: "For the priesthood of all believers to function properly, we must all nurture each other, listen to each other, see the beauty of Christ in each other and seek God's grace from each other." Elmer shares a story of missionary who set the example of true hospitality towards people in the area by inviting them through the front door to dine with him (183). This practice was unacceptable to the other missionaries so as a result he was ostracized by them. However, this act of showing Christ to others changed the way foreign mission was done in t

This book is a must read for anyone who is going on a short term mission trip. It reveals some things that you would never have thought of and helps you to change your thought process to better minister to others. READ this book.

Because of the way I was raised, my ESL training, and my experiences in Africa, it may be that I am actually better at "other world cultures" than the subtle but shattering differences in what the author refers to as "home culture." For me, this book is as much about relationships as it is about serving other cultures. The author's willingness to expose his own shortcomings on this subject creates a comfortable atmosphere of receptivity rather than one of exhortation. This did not dilute the intensity of my need to change some foundational thought processes. He provides some practical tools to do just that!

I am using Cross-cultural Servanthood as a training tool for sending a surgical team to Mexico. It is excellent for preparing our hearts and minds to serve. It doesn't just tell you to be a servant but it tells you how to be one. I have read many book on short term missions but this book rises to the top as a 'must read' before going on the field. Last year we used Elmer's book Cross-cultural Connections and it too had fresh new insights that challenged our team to think more deeply about the impact we may have in another culture.