I read a complimentary PDF copy of Cruciform Press’s recently released book Servanthood as Worship by Nate Palmer. Written from a reformed perspective, this book encourages every Christian in the "privilege" of servanthood, in the local church, for the glory of God.

Palmer sets out to "provide the theological framework that Christians need to understand what serving in the local church is really all about." (page 9) He describes serving as something we are always doing, and says "There is never a moment when we are not serving someone . . . Most of the time we are simply serving ourselves—pouring our energy and hope for happiness into the nurture of our own desires" (page 9).

I love that this book encourages church members to love and serve the real, messy, local church rather than some idealized fictional body of believers. The focus on the heart of service rather than specific acts makes it applicable in diverse situations rather than limiting the scope to certain types of churches or members with certain abilities.

I appreciated the grounding of service in the Trinity and the Gospel. Palmer describes interaction within the Trinity as an example, but also speaks of how each person in the Trinity is necessary for service. He makes it clear that we serve not to earn favor with God but as a result of grace.

The writing was clear and understandable. Theological terms were explained when they were used. However, stylistically, I would have liked more voice from the author.

As an e-book, I found myself wishing it had hyperlinking on the Table of Contents and for the endnotes. On screen, the heavy, stenciled typefaces used in headings were not easy to read or aesthetically pleasing.

More information on Servanthood as Worship is available from Cruciform Press.

Related:

Servanthood as Worship⁂ will be available at Westminster.

You can visit Nate Palmer’s website or follow him on Twitter.

You may enjoy John Piper’s sermon How to Do Good So That God Gets the Glory.

I reviewed Surprised by Grace.