Review: Introverts in the Church

I remember realizing one day that introverts tend to see extroversion as a normal or even desirable personality trait, whereas extroverts (and many introverts) see introversion as a personality flaw. This can lead to a lot of frustration and misunderstanding.

So when I saw Adam McHugh's book Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture, I bought it immediately. I read it earlier this summer along with another helpful book, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength. You don't need to read both, but I found it useful to think about introversion in general before thinking about what it means to be an introvert within the church.

If you're in vocational ministry, you really need to read Introverts in the Church. We all need to recognize this as an issue and become more sensitive to it. Anyone can benefit from this book, but it's a must for pastors and other key leaders within the church.

McHugh shares a bit of his story, and then states his hope: that "God will begin or continue a process of healing introverts - helping them find freedom in their identities and confidence to live their faith in ways that feel natural and life-giving, the way that God intended." He argues that our society's slant toward extroversion has also infiltrated the church. He unpacks the differences between introverts and extroverts. He describes how introverts can find healing, and helpfully challenges us to "stretch our personality preferences without distorting them." He doesn't let us away with using extroversion as an excuse to disconnect from relationships or from loving people sacrificially. He then tackles issues of introverted spirituality, leadership, and evangelism. He also offers advice to churches on how to become an introvert-friendly church.

I appreciated how McHugh handled this issue. He deals with the issues, but he doesn't let us away with finding our identity in our personality type. "We are not ultimately called to a life of self-fulfillment and comfort," he writes, "but to a life of love."

I agree with Steve McCoy's comments on this book:

Few books really change me deeply. Directly. Powerfully. Never to look back. I didn't expect it, but this one had me spinning for days and still eager to consider the implications more and more. I'll be honest. I was in a rut. I still am trying to turn my way out. I need refreshment. I need recharging. I need renewal. And God has used Introverts in the Church by Adam McHugh to show me how I put myself in the rut and how to get out.

This is a great first book from Adam McHugh. You can also check out his blog. I love discovering good new authors. I hope he writes more.

Comments

[Jamie Arpin-Ricci]

Agreed. This is a fantastic book. Glad you were as impacted as I was.Peace, Jamie

[Jeanine]

Of all the the things a pastor could read why would he or she waste time on such a subject especially if the edification of the flock of believers is at stake and eternity is in view. You haven't sold me on it and I'm an introvert.

[Darryl]

Jeanine:Pastoring is people work. It seems to be a worthwhile use of time to understand how people are wired. Not everyone will be interested in this book, but I think it makes a good contribution.

[Jamie Arpin-Ricci]

Jeanine,I don't speak for Darryl, but thought I would share a bit of my perspective for what it is worth. God has given His people the ministry of reconciliation- reconciliation to Him primarily, but also, through Him, reconciliation with others as well. We are created in the image of the Trinitarian God who is the perfect example of diversity in perfect unity. The work of sin is to dis-integrate, to divide. The enemy exploits differences to further those divides, working against the image of God we are meant to reflect to the world.In my years of ministry, I have seen the dynamics of introvert/extrovert division to be significant in the church, though often unrecognized for what it is. This books offers a clear & Biblical view of the problem and direction towards a healthy reconciliation that affirms the diversity of gifting, personality, etc. that God places in His Body. It is enough but a waste of time to read.Peace, Jamie

[Dan]

Speaking as an introvert, I definitely find church to be a place that makes me feel out of place sometimes. If you, like me, have grown up in the church, you've learned to deal with this, accept it. But someone coming from outside any Christian tradition who is introverted is likely going to feel awkward in the Protestant evangelical world.