Read this blog often, and you’ll know that I’m highly introverted. I love people, but I need my alone time. Too much time with people will drain me emotionally, physically, and even spiritually at times. Ministry, though, won’t allow me – or you – to remain alone. Here’s how I cope with this issue:
- Stop pretending. If you’re an introvert who would rather be alone, just admit it. Have fun with that information rather than try to hide it. Being a hypocrite is much worse than being an introvert.
- Pray a lot. Because ministry requires time with people, pray. A lot. Ask God to help you enjoy that time rather than dread it.
- Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Sometimes we introverts must simply be extroverted for a while. You might make it through those times by looking forward to your next alone time, but you can be people-oriented for at least a few hours at a time.
- Schedule alone time. There’s nothing wrong with having alone time. Give yourself permission, and schedule enough time to give you strength to engage others again.
- Find extroverted friends to help. A well-placed extroverted friend or spouse can help pave the way for you when ministry among the masses beckons. Be there, but let the extroverts lead the way.
- Study hard and preach/teach well. If your alone time is nothing but wasted time, you might lose your job. On the other hand, you can use your alone time to study hard. Preach and teach well, and your church will be less concerned about your introversion.
- Minister through social media. Don’t limit your ministry there, but also don’t miss the opportunity to extend your work through Twitter, Facebook, etc. Send your church a personalized weekly email, and they’ll forget that you’re an introvert.
- Maximize the weekend. Most churches gather together on the weekend. Force yourself to reach out to others when you’re together. You can make it through the day well, even if you’re thinking about your next alone time.
- Learn to listen and counsel well. Use your one-to-one tendency wisely. Shepherd your church at a more intimate level by listening closely to the needs of your people.
- Plan events in your home. If they take place in your home, you have more control over your time and space. You can be introverted with some comfort when everyone gathers at your place.
What other ideas do you have?
Extrovert or introvert, remember that there is a backwash to Adrenalin. The Adrenalin rush that takes place on Sunday, with every sense about you on alert, does need a refresh time and a minister can easily take that into practical planning. Here’s an idea: Do plan a complete change in schedule for Monday each week. Allow yourself to let down and not expect yourself to be too creative or productive on Monday. Let your brain and your schedule let you rest and do so without guilt. That simple break in thinking will benefit you and your staff if you “un-string your bow” for a short period. When I began to do this, every Tuesday had a new and fresh look for the rest of the week.
Thanks for the thoughts!
This post is for my introverted ministry friends. I am just the opposite never meeting a stranger. My wife is the introvert and likes to stay in the background. It is hard for me to understand her because where I thrive on the spotlight, she loves to do her job and stay in the shadows. After almost 49 years together I can see where her strengths have been my weaknesses and vice versa. Have we had a stress free life together? You’ve got to be kidding. We always marvel at how God brought 2 people so opposite of each other together. It definitely had to be a God thing.
Thank you for your blogs. I love sharing them with others on FB Twitter.
Thanks, John, for faithfully reading.
Being introverted is toughest on pastors seeking to lead their churches in evangelism. They need to set a good example for the members of their congregation but shrink from the prospect of meeting new people and engaging them. In a future article you may want to suggest ways that they can overcome this major obstacle to evangelism – themselves – and how they can help the introverted members of their congregation do the same.
Blessings, Robin. Thanks for the idea.
I have dealt with it well but would appreciate extroverts being a little more sensitive. They need to understand why I sit in a seat at the end of a row or why I drive by myself when we go to lunch together so I can have time alone. I am really not anti-social. This topic would make a great podcast with both introverts and extroverts included in the discussion. By the grace of God go I.
Thanks, Shirley.