introvert at church

[janny108]

Both my husband and I are introverts. We volunteered to help setup VBS and I can't help but notice the more outgoing ppl at church. #1 they must have done VBS or similar things before
2. they know each other longer (we've been there 4 months and it's a fairly small church)
3. we did do everything we could do helpwise but I felt a little akward doing it since it was new to me.

how do you handle being introverts in church?

 

[Johnnz]

By being confident in who you are. God does not make clones. Being introverted is not a defect, deficiency or demeritous. You still achieve but probably in different ways than more extroverted people do. It's when your self confidence drains away that things can go downhill.

I must say though that many churches seem to favour extroverts. Maybe that's due to the fact that ambitious, extroverted people are often the ones who are 'in charge' and 'in ministry'. They simply prefer similar types to themselves.

John
NZ

 

[UnitynLove]

Ask God to help you meet some one that will accept you for you and to open up. Prayer changes everything.

"The Lord is able to to exceedingly above and beyond more than we can even ask or think of"

 

[AMR]

how do you handle being introverts in church?

By acknowledging the Scriptures that teach we are to be bold for the hope that is within us, not hiding our lights under a bushel never to be seen.

All that we do, think, or speak should be to bring greater glory to God, for that is why we were created.

AMR

 

[green wolverine]

I'm an introvert as well and find it helpful to remember that introverts 'aren't party poopers, they're pooped by the party' as per the description of us in a book on personity I read several years ago. We thrive on solitude and find it renewing whereas extroverts are renewed by being in a crowd and drained by being alone.

I don't think there's a solution to the problem as extroverts and introverts are mirror images of each other. Try not to feel that you have to be what you aren't.

 

[Criada]

God made you the way you are, and He will use you to bless others.
Whilst the extroverts are more up-front, a lot of quieter, more introverted people are the true servants, who get on with things quietly and efficiently.
I am introverted, but I find that I can help a lot of people who are struggling and are a bit afraid of the loud, extroverted types, and want someone quiet and caring to listen and pray with them.

Just keep being who you are, and looking for the things God gives you to do. You may not be recognised or thanked very often, but you will bless people and bless God.

 

[janny108]

By being confident in who you are. God does not make clones. Being introverted is not a defect, deficiency or demeritous. You still achieve but probably in different ways than more extroverted people do. It's when your self confidence drains away that things can go downhill.

I must say though that many churches seem to favour extroverts. Maybe that's due to the fact that ambitious, extroverted people are often the ones who are 'in charge' and 'in ministry'. They simply prefer similar types to themselves.

John
NZ

Johnz you are always a blessing! Yeah good point yesterday I did tend to notice those who were working doing various things that needed doing.
The bubbly folks tended to work then take a break in a group. The ones like me tended to take a walk or just sit and watch. lol

Two ladies are super ambitious and their kids appear that way too.
It was interesting to see.
Jan

 

[janny108]

I'm an introvert as well and find it helpful to remember that introverts 'aren't party poopers, they're pooped by the party' as per the description of us in a book on personity I read several years ago. We thrive on solitude and find it renewing whereas extroverts are renewed by being in a crowd and drained by being alone.

I don't think there's a solution to the problem as extroverts and introverts are mirror images of each other. Try not to feel that you have to be what you aren't.

Well we showed up on time for this work detail and stayed for over 2 hrs and the latecomers wanted to stay longer of course! Pretty much we stay maybe 10 minutes after a service and then go home.
I read a book on personality types too.
Jan

 

[janny108]

Ask God to help you meet some one that will accept you for you and to open up. Prayer changes everything.

"The Lord is able to to exceedingly above and beyond more than we can even ask or think of"

Well I had invited someone to church and today she is coming!
Jan

 

[janny108]

God made you the way you are, and He will use you to bless others.
Whilst the extroverts are more up-front, a lot of quieter, more introverted people are the true servants, who get on with things quietly and efficiently.
I am introverted, but I find that I can help a lot of people who are struggling and are a bit afraid of the loud, extroverted types, and want someone quiet and caring to listen and pray with them.

Just keep being who you are, and looking for the things God gives you to do. You may not be recognised or thanked very often, but you will bless people and bless God.

Amen! I look for that too, even on these boards.

 

[adamsmchugh]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that I've written a book on this topic. InterVarsity Press is releasing it in October/November and it's called Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture. I explore central aspects of Christian life - community, evangelism, spirituality, worship - from the perspective of an introvert. You can pre-order it on Amazon now, though I can't give you the link since I'm a new contributor to this forum. Just put in the title in Amazon to find it. Perhaps a more veteran contributor could paste the link into a reply too.

Your fellow introvert,
Adam McHugh

 

[janny108]

What prompted you to write a book? Are you a writer? I've written stories before myself. How long did it take to write it? What can you share that has been the most insight to you?

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that I've written a book on this topic. InterVarsity Press is releasing it in October/November and it's called Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture. I explore central aspects of Christian life - community, evangelism, spirituality, worship - from the perspective of an introvert. You can pre-order it on Amazon now, though I can't give you the link since I'm a new contributor to this forum. Just put in the title in Amazon to find it. Perhaps a more veteran contributor could paste the link into a reply too.

Your fellow introvert,
Adam McHugh

 

[janny108]

when will it be released?

 

[janny108]

ok never mind thanks for letting me know

 

[janny108]

Here is the link:

Amazon.com: Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture (9780830837021): Adam S. McHugh: Books