Speaking Of Introverts

Every now and then a book comes along and I say, “Wow, that’s a great idea for a book!” Adam McHugh’s book, Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture, is that kind of book. We need this book, and every (especially an extroverted) pastor needs to read it. McHugh is a Presbyterian and an introvert and he has struggled mightily with his introversion, and this book examines and illuminates the many, many ways the (especially evangelical) church is shaped by extroverted personality styles and behaviors.

One way of framing extraversion vs. introversion is to say that the extravert is energized and motivated by social interaction while the introvert is depleted by social interaction. If after a group meeting or a social event you are charged you are an extravert; if you are depleted and just wanting to find a quiet place you are probably an introvert.

Churches are not as alert to this issue as they could be. Churches, in fact, are shaped toward the extravert.

What percentage of folks in your church are “introverts”? Do you ever hear anything that reflects sensitivities for introverts? How “extroverted” is your church and even your “style” of spirituality/Christian living?

What are three things a church can do to become more introvert-sensitive?

Introverts are energized by solitude, they process things internally, and they prefer depth over breadth. As a result, the healing process, to name but one issue, of an introvert is different than that of an extrovert. McHugh has an excellent chp on introverted spirituality and some suggestions on how leaders who are introverted can learn to form a rule of life that can help them manage the extroverted demands that are part of pastoring.

He examines how introverts hear the message of “community”: entry, retreat and reentry, and this differs from the extrovert who may take a straight line from the periphery to the pastor! I think this chp, which has a myriad of suggestions, could be the most important one for pastors who need to develop some sensitivities in this area.

Adam McHugh also has a fine chp on how introverts “lead” and how the current style of leadership is shaped by the extroverted personality type, while there are so many things that can be learned from the introverted style.

There is, as far as I know, no book like this. The pastor who ignores it does so at the cost of some effective ministry. Those who are introverts will love this book.

Repost with revisions.

Speaking of Introverts