Improving Your Serve

I’ll admit: I approached *Improving Your Serve* expecting another guilt trip about volunteering more. Instead, Swindoll flips the script by framing servanthood as a *rebellion* against cultural narcissism—both secular *and* religious. His chapter on “the disease of being noticed” should be required listening for anyone in ministry (or social media). England’s narration sells it; he doesn’t just read Swindoll’s words but *embodies* the exasperation of a man who’s watched too many people weaponize humility for clout. When Swindoll snarks about “humblebrags in prayer meetings,” England’s timing makes it land like a stand-up routine. That said, the production isn’t flawless. The audio levels occasionally dip during Swindoll’s anecdotes, forcing me to crank the volume, and the 1980s references (like typewriters as metaphors for obedience) sometimes clunk. But these are minor quibbles. The real strength here is Swindoll’s refusal to let listeners off the hook. He doesn’t just tell you to serve—he forces you to ask *why* you’re serving, and whether you’re secretly keeping score. By the end, I found myself pausing to scribble down convictions, not just to-dos. If you’re tired of faith books that soothe more than they challenge, this one will ruffle you—and that’s the point.