Full Service: Moving from Self-Serve Christianity to Total Servanthood

by Siang-Yang Tan

Although servanthood is often discussed as an important part of leadership, it is also the basic calling of every follower of Jesus Christ. Siang-Yang Tan takes a fresh approach to servanthood, exploring it as loving obedience to God in and of itself, regardless of personal greatness, fulfillment, or success. He lays out the biblical case and practical guidance to help all Christians live out their foundational call of being a servant of God in all areas of life. Tan's focus on servanthood alone--in contrast to the many books on servant-leadership--will appeal to pastors, church leaders, and all Christians interested in a biblical perspective on servanthood.

Genres: Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Siang-Yang Tan is director of the doctor of psychology program in the Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. His Ph.D. is from McGill University.

-from the back cover of Coping with Depression (1995)

Reviews

[Michelle Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author quotes other authors constantly. He also uses language such as “I would like to begin by briefly sharing…” and “let me end this chapter by sharing…” which adds nothing meaningful to the text.

There are Biblical truths in this book, but if you’ve read, “The Purpose Driven Life”, you will likely not need to read this one.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well balanced book combining the findings from research literature, leadership specialists, devotional writers, theologians and the Bible. Reflecting the background of the writer: professor of Psychology in Fuller Seminary, and also a psychologist.
The book brings togther the various perspectives about servant-leadership, examining how they are similar and how they differ. And the author also writes about his own personal anecdotes in the closing chapters of the book.
Church leadership might find this book very useful and well researched. For the lay person, from my reading, the book can be read and understood by the layperson. Although the layperson might feel bogged down by the details that Tan includes in the book, there are wisdom devotional content that appeal.

[Laura Windrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it a 3.5 in total if I could. The book puts together a great collection of lessons and teachings. The teachings are very useful! However, they are from other authors for the most part. This book is mostly a collection of ideas quoted from other authors with additional stories to show the usefulness of the teachings. Siang-Yang Tan also says a few sentences repeatedly throughout the book. It is a good read, just a little repetitive, and takes notes from other books often.

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

There didn’t seem to be much new but certainly there is much that is still true. We must serve. However, there was much lingering over semantics where getting to the point would have been much more productive.

Thank you for the reminders of the mindset we need to adopt and maintain in Christ.

[Mary Jane Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book, I've read this book more then once to remind my self that I was created by God and for God, not for my own self serving interest...Dr. Tan says it so well "Self-centeredness is the fruit of the flesh, that horrible energy in every human soul that is unchangeably anti-God, that lie-believing conviction that recognizes no greater good than one’s own subjective sense of well-being, that passionate resolve to pursue one’s own interests with no thought that serving God might, in the long run, actually serve one’s best interests."

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Tan seems to spend most of the book quoting from other sources regarding the topic of servanthood. His own thoughts are interspersed, but do not seem to draw all of the writings on the subject together in a very cohesive manner. Still it is helpful to have the various perspectives on an important subject.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on servant hood, something we as Christians all need to take more seriously. Although there was a lot of usage of other people's quotes I did in the end think that it was well bought together. It's easy to read.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight to see leadership in a diff manner

[David Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. I only skimmed the parts not directly related to my thesis. But great stuff on the characteristics of a servant.