I write this post with some reticence since I’m an introvert—and I don’t want to imply that I’ve done well in ministry. I know so many things I could still do better that I feel no right to claim success.
At the same time, though, I have students who are surprised to learn that many ministers are introverted. Extroverts can be great ministry leaders, of course, but so can introverts. Based on my experience with other introverts and my own study, here’s why I affirm introverts in ministry:
- Introverts tend to be intensely thoughtful. We take things in and consider them deeply, even if no one else knows how deeply we’ve done so. We tend to think about things before doing them—generally a good trait for all gospel ministers.
- We care deeply for those closest to us. Our deep friendships may not be many, but the friendships we do have are genuine and long-lasting. These solid friendships often give us the courage and gusto we need to hang out among the crowds when we must—like, fellowship dinners and church picnics. . . .
- We enjoy being alone. I grant that aloneness can also get people in trouble, but we don’t mind spending time doing things like prayer and study. We may still struggle with doing those things, but it’s not because we’d rather be “where the action is.” Private time with the Lord can be quality time.
- We tend to keep our emotions inside us. Again, that trait can be negative, but ministry often demands that we listen and lead while dealing with our internal emotions and frustrations. We reflect before we respond—a trait that could protect us from creating disunity in a church.
- We’re good listeners. We may seem to be on the sidelines at times, but that doesn’t mean we’re not paying attention. We listen and watch – and those same tendencies make us good listeners, counselors, and pastors.
- We can focus on a task. Typically reflective and analytical, we can give devoted attention to a task. Seldom will anything—including critics—distract us from reaching the goal.
- We often don’t mind teaching groups or speaking to large crowds as long as we’ve prepared well. In fact, we often enjoy those opportunities more than we enjoy hanging out with a small crowd. Many of us regularly speak publicly, but we do it only with much preparation.
- We notice those most like us. That is, we don’t miss other introverts hanging out in church. Because we trust that God is using us as introverts, we believe He will use others like us.
- We ask a lot of questions. It’s one way of controlling a conversation and protecting our space, but it’s also a way of showing genuine interest in somebody else. We want to learn about others.
I know we’re not all completely alike, but fellow introverts, what have I missed? What would you want to add?
Introverts love prayer time and time spent in renewal in devotional reading and meditating. Their wells can go deep.
It gives us the opportunity to trust God for strength and, even, willingness to repeatedly engage in public, upfront ministry that requires us to get out of our comfort zones. What many would consider to be a weakness for those in Christian ministry gives God an opportunity to display His strength.
Thanks, Rick. Good thoughts.
I don’t have anything to add (although I love Rick’s comment). I just want to say that as an introvert in youth ministry, where there seems to be regular pressure to be a bigger-than-life personality, I really appreciate the affirmation of this post. I’m sure I’ll be pulling this list out for other introverts coming up behind me. Thanks for writing it!
Good stuff as usual
Wow… Can’t believe how much I can relate to these points…. So true… Thanks for pointing this out. Sometimes I do get discouraged because I understand I am not and extrovert and think that it would have been so much easier to do ministry by being one, but thanks for this encouraging post.
I’m not saying that introverts excel in humility, but we do prefer not being the center of attention.
My wife and I are both introverts. When I first entered ministry I tried to change to be more extroverted. In contrast to my wife, I am a very sociable introvert, but socialization drains me. I would add one thing to your list that I have seen as a positive – my wife and I are not easily offended if we are not invited to something or not included in a social gathering. There are times we are actually “relieved” to NOT be invited. Not that we don’t love the people, because we do, but these events often fall at times when we already feel overwhelmed by the amount of socialization required (e.g., Christmas parties). Good stuff!
Thanks Chuck. I’m always grateful when a fellow introvert affirms my ministry, especially as extrovert leaders seem to get the “best press”. I particularly resonated with reasons 1, 3, 6 and 7. In Christ. Rob
Website: https://www.equippinghispeople.com
As an introvert masquerading as an extrovert, I appreciate this in affirming tendencies I see in myself. I strive not to let my tendencies define who I am in Christ, but to let him define me, so if/when He calls me to lead, I will be ready with the strength he alone gives. For me, 1 Cor 10:31 is a passage to live by that can deal directly with this.
A question though: What about tips for an introvert to share his faith, particularly in more public arenas/with strangers
Blessings!
When I saw the title of this post, I couldn’t wait to read it. Thank you so much, Dr. Lawless. God certainly used you to encourage me.
Texto muito bom… Me identifiquei 100%. Creio que sirvo para alguma coisa afinal…