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Serving without Sinking: How to serve Christ and keep your joy
Many of us are serving, and feel like we're sinking. We feel joyless, weary and burdened. John Hindley shows how Jesus was telling the truth when he offered people an "easy yoke"—a way of serving him that is joyful and liberating. He explains why serving is so often joyless—and how our identity in Christ changes everything. If you are serving, but sometimes feel as though you're sinking… you need this book! If you know someone who has burn out, or is heading in that direction... they need this book too.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
27 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
John Hindley
12 books14 followersI really enjoy writing. I discovered this when I was working on Serving without Sinking, the first book I wrote. I am delighted to be a follower of Jesus, a husband and a father. I find my work as pastor of Broadgrace, a church in Norfolk a blessing (www.broadgrace.org.uk). To also have the opportunity to spend time writing feels like the icing on the cake.
The books I have written come out of struggles and tensions I have found as I have read the Bible, served in churches and followed Jesus. When I have observed others with similar fears, concerns, hopes and dreams it has encouraged me to pray, think and then write. I hope the books that result will bless the church.
The books I have written come out of struggles and tensions I have found as I have read the Bible, served in churches and followed Jesus. When I have observed others with similar fears, concerns, hopes and dreams it has encouraged me to pray, think and then write. I hope the books that result will bless the church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 31, 2022
A great challenge on motivations for serving, having a right view of God, ourselves and others as we serve, and the importance of prayer as we serve. This book has really made me check myself as I think about serving, especially in full-time ministry. Excited to talk about it more with Emma!!
“He doesn’t call you to come and serve Him. He calls you to see that He came to serve you.”
“He doesn’t call you to come and serve Him. He calls you to see that He came to serve you.”
January 24, 2026
Many reviews seem to like the second half of the book over the first. I’m just the opposite. Being required to face why I serve…what motivates me…evaluating it…that was *good for me. It actually helped me turn from wrong motivations and hopefully, prayerfully, serve for all the right reasons.
June 12, 2023
A little slow and the first chapters are not too impactful nor inspiring but once you get to the penultimate and the last chapter, that's some good reading right there
December 27, 2022
2nd time round. An excellent little book that helps us to examine our motives for serving God. Uncomfortable reading at times, before John goes on to remind us of the glorious news that Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He helps us fix our eyes on Jesus first and foremost before inviting us to think about how our identity in Christ - as beloved children, bride, friend and slave - will shape our attitude to serving. A good reminder that serving starts with a heart made new by the Spirit; only then will we serve with love and joyful, rather than begrudging, obedience. It helps us to see all aspects of serving - be it making the tea and coffee, cleaning the loos, or teaching the Bible - with a thankful heart.
Would recommend to anyone serving in any capacity in church, but particularly good for those who feel weary and worn-out.
Would recommend to anyone serving in any capacity in church, but particularly good for those who feel weary and worn-out.
February 21, 2022
I love what Hindley does in this book; he made me think long & hard about this area of serving Jesus. Although Jesus did say that the greatest is the servant, the author shows how we often have our priorities wrong when it comes to service. He does so with humility, solid illustrations, and a biblical foundation. Although a short read, the principles contained therein will encourage the reader who is serving Christ and feeling overwhelmed or ready to sink.
In chapter 3, entitled, "A Wrong View of God," Hindley states, "When it comes to Christian service, the first place to look is at what is going on in our heart, not what we are doing with our hands." He then goes on to list in this chapter & the next views of God & people that impact the way we serve.
Here are the items he states are some reasons people serve Jesus:
1) to be good enough for Him
2) to get something from Him
3) to pay Him back
In chapter 4, "A Wrong View of People," Hindley lists the some wrong reasons people serve when it comes to others (both other people & themselves):
1) to impress
2) to belong
A Wrong View of Myself
1) serving because Jesus needs me
2) serving but I don't need Jesus
He goes on to state that if one serves for any of these reasons, they will give up for those motivations for service are limited.
In Chapter five, the author had me rethinking my view of service to Christ with a chapter entitled "Served By Christ." Here are some excerpts:
"He did not come so that you would serve Him. He came to serve you. Christianity is about Jesus, the God who serves His people."
"Jesus' greatness is not that He can command the service of millions; it is that He serves millions."
"We have a God who is Lord of all, and yet chooses to be a servant. We, on the other hand, are servants who like to think we are lords."
"If Sunday provokes dread, or annoyance, or pride, or weariness, come to Jesus. He doesn't call you to come and serve Him. He calls you to see that He came to serve you."
For the next few chapters, Hindley develops the hierarchy (in order of importance) of the different relationships we share with Jesus as Christians. They are as follows:
1) friend
2) bride
3) son
The author makes quite a few bold statements that at face value, I disagreed with. However, as I continued reading, I came to agree with his synopsis of how to best approach serving the King of kings.
God willing, I plan to use many of these principles to teach the servants in our church the way to "serve without sinking."
In chapter 3, entitled, "A Wrong View of God," Hindley states, "When it comes to Christian service, the first place to look is at what is going on in our heart, not what we are doing with our hands." He then goes on to list in this chapter & the next views of God & people that impact the way we serve.
Here are the items he states are some reasons people serve Jesus:
1) to be good enough for Him
2) to get something from Him
3) to pay Him back
In chapter 4, "A Wrong View of People," Hindley lists the some wrong reasons people serve when it comes to others (both other people & themselves):
1) to impress
2) to belong
A Wrong View of Myself
1) serving because Jesus needs me
2) serving but I don't need Jesus
He goes on to state that if one serves for any of these reasons, they will give up for those motivations for service are limited.
In Chapter five, the author had me rethinking my view of service to Christ with a chapter entitled "Served By Christ." Here are some excerpts:
"He did not come so that you would serve Him. He came to serve you. Christianity is about Jesus, the God who serves His people."
"Jesus' greatness is not that He can command the service of millions; it is that He serves millions."
"We have a God who is Lord of all, and yet chooses to be a servant. We, on the other hand, are servants who like to think we are lords."
"If Sunday provokes dread, or annoyance, or pride, or weariness, come to Jesus. He doesn't call you to come and serve Him. He calls you to see that He came to serve you."
For the next few chapters, Hindley develops the hierarchy (in order of importance) of the different relationships we share with Jesus as Christians. They are as follows:
1) friend
2) bride
3) son
The author makes quite a few bold statements that at face value, I disagreed with. However, as I continued reading, I came to agree with his synopsis of how to best approach serving the King of kings.
God willing, I plan to use many of these principles to teach the servants in our church the way to "serve without sinking."
May 2, 2018
The start of this book promises to show us how Christian service is a gift and joy, and it keeps the promise.
Like the author, I identify with many of the examples he opens the book with-serving out of obligation, or to impress God or others. This book has been a great corrective, drawing the gospel in to show how I can only serve others because I know that first I am loved and served by Jesus.
Now, to get back to joyful service!
Like the author, I identify with many of the examples he opens the book with-serving out of obligation, or to impress God or others. This book has been a great corrective, drawing the gospel in to show how I can only serve others because I know that first I am loved and served by Jesus.
Now, to get back to joyful service!
January 6, 2020
A great read and challenging attitudes toward service and motivations for doing so. Especially great read for those that have been actively serving in church for quite a while and perhaps are growing tired/weary/spiteful.
August 13, 2023
This book has sat on my shelf for over a year and I wish I read it sooner!
Hindley’s book did a really good job at challenging me on my motivations for serving. I’ve realised since reading this that the dread and anxiety I had felt when serving over the past year in a particular area was due to my poor motivations and my lack of focus on God.
This book isn’t a total fix and not a quick bullet on how to change your heart posture but allowed the cogs to start turning for me. It points to the Bible time after time for the solution to the sinking problems those who read the book may face.
For those who are just starting to serve I feel like this book could turn then away from serving and make them reluctant to do so. I think it’s better suited to Christians who have been feeling burnt out in service or feel like something just isn’t sitting right in their attitudes towards serving and I would definitely recommend this book for those kind of people.
Hindley’s book did a really good job at challenging me on my motivations for serving. I’ve realised since reading this that the dread and anxiety I had felt when serving over the past year in a particular area was due to my poor motivations and my lack of focus on God.
This book isn’t a total fix and not a quick bullet on how to change your heart posture but allowed the cogs to start turning for me. It points to the Bible time after time for the solution to the sinking problems those who read the book may face.
For those who are just starting to serve I feel like this book could turn then away from serving and make them reluctant to do so. I think it’s better suited to Christians who have been feeling burnt out in service or feel like something just isn’t sitting right in their attitudes towards serving and I would definitely recommend this book for those kind of people.
March 28, 2018
Types of books: excellent books, helpful books, ok books, poor books, "this is a book?" books.
This would be a helpful book. Easy to read. Some good thoughts.
This would be a helpful book. Easy to read. Some good thoughts.
October 29, 2022
Ridiculously convicting and helpful. A lot to think through...
October 20, 2016
Contrary to the belief of some, the title is not 'serving without stinking', nor is it 'serving without thinking' and its definitely not 'sinking without serving' (although quite often we do see this one lived out in practice), the book IS in fact entitled 'serving without sinking'!
Hindley's little book is worth five stars for the key premise alone, essentially that the heart of Christian service is not primarily about finding your identity as a servant of Christ, but instead coming to see that first and foremost you are someone SERVED by Christ. Served before servant. His primary text is Mark 10:45 where Jesus says 'the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.' Hindley then goes on to show how Christ's service of us is to shape our own service, providing us with abiding joy and security.
Hindley also spends some quality time revealing reasons why we might find serving difficult, as well as delving into the richness and results of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for us and connecting it to our service, but the book is worth the twelve dollars and fifty nine cents just for his teaching on our new identity as people served by Jesus, rather than servants of Jesus.
Read it. Enjoy it. Enjoy Jesus our servant. And- serve without stinking, ah sorry.. Without sinking..
Hindley's little book is worth five stars for the key premise alone, essentially that the heart of Christian service is not primarily about finding your identity as a servant of Christ, but instead coming to see that first and foremost you are someone SERVED by Christ. Served before servant. His primary text is Mark 10:45 where Jesus says 'the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.' Hindley then goes on to show how Christ's service of us is to shape our own service, providing us with abiding joy and security.
Hindley also spends some quality time revealing reasons why we might find serving difficult, as well as delving into the richness and results of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for us and connecting it to our service, but the book is worth the twelve dollars and fifty nine cents just for his teaching on our new identity as people served by Jesus, rather than servants of Jesus.
Read it. Enjoy it. Enjoy Jesus our servant. And- serve without stinking, ah sorry.. Without sinking..
June 21, 2018
If you are in Leadership then this will not hold anything outstanding, neither will it prevent you from sinking if you love the Lord and your motives are pure and honest.
However, if you are in Leadership and you have folks for whom you are responsible that are finding serving difficult, or without purpose, or becoming a chore or burden, then this is a great little book to buy for them (or lend to them) in order that they might re-assess what they are about and why they serve.
The most important part of the book is also the most risky. If it will free people to pursue developing their spiritual gifts in service, let - or even encourage - them to give up their current 'indispensable' service.
However, if you are in Leadership and you have folks for whom you are responsible that are finding serving difficult, or without purpose, or becoming a chore or burden, then this is a great little book to buy for them (or lend to them) in order that they might re-assess what they are about and why they serve.
The most important part of the book is also the most risky. If it will free people to pursue developing their spiritual gifts in service, let - or even encourage - them to give up their current 'indispensable' service.
March 27, 2013
I found this book really helpful. It wasn't quite what I expected, which was a set of solutions to the problem of serving without sinking, rather it deals with common Christian misconceptions about service and the attitude of the heart. I got far more out of this book for being what it is rather than what I had expected it to be.
January 12, 2022
An interesting and challenging book
June 10, 2023
'... for service to make us full of joy like this, it must be service that springs from love.'
Comments:
- This short but helpful little book gives a great overview of Christian service, and some of the common attitudes/wrong motives surrounding serving. Feeling pretty called out by some of it (that's a good thing!) and it's given me a lot to reflect on.
- I like how it's written in a very digestable and accessible way, and I think the structure of the book is also really cool.
- Key takeaway in a nutshell: We can serve sustainably and with joy when we have a correct understanding of how we are served by the One who came to serve.
'When it comes to Christian service, the first place to look is at what is going on in our hearts, not what we are doing with our hands.'
Comments:
- This short but helpful little book gives a great overview of Christian service, and some of the common attitudes/wrong motives surrounding serving. Feeling pretty called out by some of it (that's a good thing!) and it's given me a lot to reflect on.
- I like how it's written in a very digestable and accessible way, and I think the structure of the book is also really cool.
- Key takeaway in a nutshell: We can serve sustainably and with joy when we have a correct understanding of how we are served by the One who came to serve.
'When it comes to Christian service, the first place to look is at what is going on in our hearts, not what we are doing with our hands.'
January 1, 2026
“It's only if we see that, first and foremost, we are not servants, we are served, that we can know the joyful freedom of the Christian life. And as we do that, we'll find we serve like we never served before... we now have a completely different identity.”
Very helpful, warm, well-illustrated, and pleasantly short, this correctly identifies several distorted (and common) reasons for serving and gives you many more good ones, redefining who God is and the nature of our relationship with him from scripture, in ways that are obvious once pointed out, but easy to miss, and thus transforming how we serve him. What a difference it makes to know we are friends of Jesus, the bride of the king, sons of the father, and slaves to a good and gracious master! Only drawback is the occasional overemphasis or non-biblically supported argument.
Very helpful, warm, well-illustrated, and pleasantly short, this correctly identifies several distorted (and common) reasons for serving and gives you many more good ones, redefining who God is and the nature of our relationship with him from scripture, in ways that are obvious once pointed out, but easy to miss, and thus transforming how we serve him. What a difference it makes to know we are friends of Jesus, the bride of the king, sons of the father, and slaves to a good and gracious master! Only drawback is the occasional overemphasis or non-biblically supported argument.
October 17, 2020
This book has been a major reassurance to all God has been teaching me about service. Not only that, it also helped me see clearer a few things I still had questions on. The author doesn’t write on a surface level, he gets to the heart of the matter. He helps us analyze our motives and shows us the truth of who God is. Service is a love story made possible by the gospel. Initially I had a few red flag feelings that some of the thoughts were one sided, but as you read he ties is all together beautifully...the entire book is far from one sided. I would highly suggest this book to all Christians.
February 11, 2019
Apart from feeling really icky about some of the people as Jesus's bride stuff and having a different view on atonement, I found the core message of this book incredibly refreshing. We are served by Jesus as well as being servants. And we are maybe not serving in the way that we think we are (loved the example of him putting a sand put together with his toddler!). Big relief feelings for a lot of it. I feel like I am sinking less and like maybe I can go back to church now!
June 6, 2019
I feel like this book is more about why we serve and why it's valuable.... the author briefly mentions yeah we serve to get praise which is not a good reason to serve... not much that I remember
mostly the book is about focusing on Jesus, which I guess is useful because serving is a lot about your relationship with God but yeah it didn't really go into the secular obstacles to serving (ie other people.. worklife balance.. etc..)
mostly the book is about focusing on Jesus, which I guess is useful because serving is a lot about your relationship with God but yeah it didn't really go into the secular obstacles to serving (ie other people.. worklife balance.. etc..)
December 26, 2020
This was a fine book but one that did not grip me or shape my perspective in any new (or renewed) ways. For this reason, it was one that I had put aside for a great deal of time before completing.
I could see a Christian leader using the topics in this book to develop some devotionals for their team of volunteers. I could also see it being a good book for certain volunteers in the congregation who are feeling weary or nearing burn out.
I'd give it 2.5 stars.
I could see a Christian leader using the topics in this book to develop some devotionals for their team of volunteers. I could also see it being a good book for certain volunteers in the congregation who are feeling weary or nearing burn out.
I'd give it 2.5 stars.
August 22, 2023
What a fun book to read with many lessons to examine oneself and see whether we serve with pure and joyful hearts for the Kingdom of Heaven. Keeping prayer at the centre when serving and thanking God that we can serve in His love and that He is also serving us. The hard question: Are our motives pure or are we doing it to look good and be seen by others, always expecting a 'thank you', or 'good job' comment.
January 11, 2020
It’s easy to sink while serving - to sink into pride when our work is seen and valued or to sink into despair and resentment when it goes unnoticed. This book offers truth that’s essential to our serving - that we are first served by God, that we are his friends, his Bride, his children, and that the love that motivates joyful service is found only through his Spirit.
April 2, 2022
A helpful book for those battling discouragement and weariness in ministry. Hindley begins by identifying wrong motives for serving and then moves us to focus on Jesus and his work. Our status as Jesus’ friends, his bride, God’s sons, and as servants of the greatest servant profoundly shape the way we serve God and others. A pastoral and practical call to gospel-shaped ministry.
March 4, 2023
A really great challenge on our outlook of service. John writes in such loving and honest way to demonstrate who we serve and why we serve, diving into the motives of our hearts, and ultimately looking at Christ who served us first.
I would highly recommend this to any Christian, as we all live a life of service to our King. But definitely to those in a ministry setting full time!
I would highly recommend this to any Christian, as we all live a life of service to our King. But definitely to those in a ministry setting full time!
December 29, 2025
I really love a book that can give succinct truths articulated without compromise. So well done. The truths of the two lost sons and their heart motivations found in those who serve in God’s family really come through here. Hindley compellingly paints God’s unshakable love for his people and how that motivates us to service.
November 27, 2017
This was relatively short and easy to read but was full of encouraging thoughts and practical application. Always good to be reminded of the reason why you are washing dishes or preparing a meal for a large number of people!
August 24, 2022
There is much about this book that I really rate and enjoy and there are many people who would profit much from taking time to read its pages and consider its message. If you are weary and burnt out, you will no doubt be encouraged by seeing how Christ serves you. However, I worry that, if approached with an existing reluctance to commit to service, the reader may feel justified in such an attitude and continue avoid the cross carrying service that we are called to. It is an excellent book on how to avoid sinking but perhaps many could benefit an exhortation to service that is not the focus of this encouraging little book by Jay Hindley.
December 6, 2022
I found this book so insightful into the right and wrong reasons behind our service, and eye opening to the true joy it is to serve Jesus with a true heart. It changed my perspective on the relationship with Christ we are called to and how we can have joy and fulfilment in serving him and others.
January 16, 2023
Thoughtful. Convicting. Grace saturated. Jesus exalting. Thanks.
Thoughtful. Convicting. Grace saturated. Jesus exalting. Joy bringing.
Worth an hour or two to shape a lifetime of service. It made my heart glad.
Thoughtful. Convicting. Grace saturated. Jesus exalting. Joy bringing.
Worth an hour or two to shape a lifetime of service. It made my heart glad.
July 30, 2023
challenging inspiring
I found this book very challenging. I reread many sections for clarity. The scriptures reinforced and supported the truths being shared. What a wonderful read. It was not long but so much in it. A blessing.
I found this book very challenging. I reread many sections for clarity. The scriptures reinforced and supported the truths being shared. What a wonderful read. It was not long but so much in it. A blessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews