Introverts in the Church?

     Can introverts survive in the church? How do we use our skills and gifts and yet retain our energy? So much of church life is geared around socializing, fellowship and doughnuts! As introverts, both my husband and I are uncomfortable with the “sharing the peace” every Sunday. Our new extroverted and energetic Pastor says something like this: “Stand up! Move around! Get away from your pews and say hi!”

     Help! I am reading a book called, “Introverts in the Church” and it is changing my perspective. It acknowledges the rich gifts of the introvert and how to recharge and make sure we don’t become burnt out or filled with self-conscious doubt.

     Have you ever thought that Jesus might have been an introvert? Remember, after being with large crowds of people, He always took time away in solitude. His group of closest friends was small. There were Peter, James and John, the closest of the twelve to Jesus.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for Him and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving them. Luke 4:42

One of those days, Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

 Lord,

We thank You for all of our varied personality types. Help us to understand one another and to take the time to listen. You love us just the way we are made and You have made each one of us able to serve.

Amen