A reader shared the following infographic with me and I thought it would be interesting to review and discuss. The infographic compares introverted Christians with extroverted Christians. It suggests that in our culture we tend to hold up extroverted Christians as the model while diminishing the value or esteem of introverted Christians.
This reminded me of people in various small groups that have had no problems praying in private, but great reservations about praying in a public setting such as a small group. I’ve thought to myself…do these people need to be “fixed”? How can I help them?
This infographic has caused me to rethink my perspective on the more introverted Christians I know.
Review the infographic below and let us know what you think on the topic.
Source: Christian Degrees
Let me offer the following toward this topic. Years ago I was in a meeting with a small group of Christian friends. As we were sharing, I shared some things which I felt the Holy Spirit had opened my heart to, when one of the other people in the group abruptly turned to me as said “Jim, your problem is that you are too introverted”. Needless to say, this hurt. I felt rejected and for months and months quietly mulled it over in my heart and mind. As you can tell, even to this day I had not forgotten it. But I have not forgotten it because of the wound of heart (which the Lord healed) but I remember it because of a wonderful insight which came through it. About six months after the aforementioned episode, I was outside my house mowing the lawn. And as I moved I found myself thinking and mulling over it, when I found myself sensing the following conversation. “Jim, Who is the most extroverted person you can think of?” After a bit I thought… “Father God, you are. The whole world, the whole universe, screams You”. Then He asked “Who is the most introverted person you can thing of?” Almost immediately I remembered scripture that essentially says that the Holy Spirit never speaks of himself. So I said… “Father, it is the 3rd Person of your Being, it is the God the Holy Spirit”. And immediately I had the idea… “And with Us is Jesus in the middle”. And from that day, I realized that God loves extroverts, introverts, and those in the middle.
I’m an introvert and totally agree with this article. I regularly attend church but I must admit that involvement with other Christians has left me feeling unappreciated and unwelcome many times. Most people just don’t ‘get’ the deeper, more profound way of thinking. The social commitments of church attendance can really be a turn-off to us introverts. In church, I am very uncomfortable with the ‘meet and greet’ stuff. I see it this way: I’m in church to worship God and hear and study the Bible. The ‘meet and greet’ is too much about human social interaction and a contest to see who can outdo the others by meeting and greeting the most.(It kind of reminds me of social events in school). But…it’s an extrovert’s world!
Thank you for the article. I had never thought of the church in terms of introverted and extroverted, or whether or not it is a good thing. Conceivably, evangelism means to be outward looking and somewhat extroverted, but is that all the church is meant to be. Maybe it is an American stereotype of what an evangelical church should be. The church, the body of Christ, is God’s idea and are those who have been brought to life in Christ by His power and grace. Christ should be the predominant feature of His people, and that means in a living way that we are like Him and manifest Him. Christ is Light, and if He is the living reality of His people, if we are Light because He is Light and He is present, then it will be the most natural thing to be evangelistic. We would manifest Christ because we are like Him. And this would be true whether we in ourselves are introverts or extroverts. That evangelism needs to be a focus and is a matter of programs and training may simply mask the fact that we are unlike Him. What we are in ourselves when we come to Jesus needs adjustment, whether we are introverts or extroverts. The introvert in the flesh tends to excessively focus inwardly on themselves and the challenge and opportunity in Christ is to focus on Jesus, and away from that moment-by-moment navel gazing. The extrovert in the flesh tends to excessively focus outwardly and the challenge and opportunity in Christ is to find that inner spiritual reality and to become a spiritual man or woman. Jim in his comments above is right, the character of God includes features of both introverts and extroverts. That American church evangelism, or at least the stereotype, is marked by one shows how out of balance it is. Evangelism remains a matter of spiritual reality and the living presence of Christ, not better training and more programs.
Jim, I am sorry for what you went through. I thought that what that person said to you was very evil and insensitive. There is NOTHING wrong with being introverted the only “problem” that person has is that he can’t accept people who are different than him and honestly, that’s not the type of person you would want to be around anyway because it sounds to me that he has a superiority complex over those who are not like him. God loves ALL people extroverts and introverts and His Son died on the cross for ALL people and for him to sit up here and say “your problem is your too introvert” no your problem is you can’t accept the fact that there are people who are different than you because God loves ALL, He created us ALL and in the body of Christ there is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, male or female, extrovert or introvert but we are all ONE in Christ Jesus and we should be treating each other as such
And another thing, God can use both extroverts AND introverts to do mighty work for His Kingdom so why are we so busy putting each other down when there is work to be done for the Kingdom? I think that we need to cut down our pride and humble ourseleves and stop thinking that we are more than what we are because only God is the Supreme, perfect Being and we ALL have to stand before Him one day, both extrovert AND introvert and that’s the ONLY thing we should be focused on.
My question for this entire premise is where in the SCRIPTURES does it divide Christians into extroverts and introverts? I see weak versus strong or legalists versus free in CHRIST in Romans or timid versus trust in HIS power in Timothy. Someone please state clearly where an introvert or extrovert are clearly stated in all of Scripture and not just some psychology defined terms from only mankind.
Perhaps it’s best to answer Gary’s question with a question. Does the bible list all possible divisions and groups within the church, and are the only groups deserving of ministry those that are identified in scripture? Introverts and extroverts exist whether they’re identified in the bible or not. The laws of physics and mathematics aren’t illegitimate because they aren’t identified in scripture. Are you advocating that the needs of this fairly large group be ignored because they aren’t called out in the bible?
“For GOD did not give us the spirit of timidity” (introvertism). Therefore if GOD did not create or produce in each of us this introversion or even the extroversion, then who did? Satan. You cannot equate a spiritual enablement or disablement to something physically divided i.e physics and mathematics. This is a basely discussion because the psychological aspects of humans and their behaviors cannot be determined by physical logic. The human psyche is only a spiritual entity and thus outside the realm of pure logic, those things that can be seen. That is the fallacy of psychological studies based upon observation and logic, these are spiritual realms and thus are only defined by scriptural definitions.
You have no idea what being introverted means. Please educate yourself before you continue to spread the hurtful lies which this article addresses. Introversion is not necessarily equated with being shy or timid. It simply means that one requires more times of quiet and solitude to recharge and feel refreshed. There are shy extroverts too, just so you know.
I never stated in any way that ministry to the shy person should not be pursued. In fact by your so-called extrovert vs. introvert psyhco-mumbojumbo is what limited me from being out spoken and discerning in the power of GOD. I was once classified as in extreme introvert much like the prophet Jeremiah or Moses, I sought not to express myself because I might be wrong, offensive or laughed at by those so-called extroverts. That was plain garbage!!!! Once i was counseled that GOD wanted to use my speech much like those shy Prophets and Timothy then I finally got over that LABEL that you idiots place upon the very ones that you are claiming to minister and counsel with; WAKE UP!!! GOD never gave anyone an introverted spirit when they were saved, that label is a lie straight from the one that deceived our original parents that were just too overwhelmed (sin) to go to GOD and confront this possessed Serpent before they ate the forbidden fruit. The physical realms are separate from those spiritual realms that make up all human psyches; this is the fallacy and deception of all psychological theories and perceptions. Someone making observations of some else’s behaviors can never become objective or be defined as truth. CHRIST said you will know them by their fruit and fruit takes a long time to grow and mature, much longer than any supposed subjective behavior analyses.
Mr Fennimor,”…WAKE UP!..Idiots…” Could this be why the churches in my town are being bulldozed one right after the other? It’s hard enough to carve out several hours from my already over booked schedule to go to church and oh, what can I do without to give my 10%. Now I’m an idiot bcz I can’t do more. BTW I was offended. Wolves in sheeps clothing scattering the lambs?
Being introverted is different from being shy. Still, rather than label and get upset at one another, let’s look at the facts: Humans were not made cookie-cutter in character traits. We are all different and respond to different actions, emotions, etc. in different ways. God used all sorts of people in His biblical ministry and still does today. I must admit that there can be pressure in churches for people to take on as many tasks as possible in order to be “serving” enough. However, I think it is better to give your all into something whole-heartedly rather than give a small fraction of yourself because you feel obligated to. God loves a cheerful giver, and that pertains to servant-giving as well. All this said, it is not God’s will for people to use their preference for limited group interaction as a blatant excuse to not be involved in seeking to further God’s kingdom. Because we are all created differently, we all have different, God-ordained purposes. There are talents God has given each of us that we are to purposefully use to please and honor Him. You don’t have to jump into every ministry your church offers in order to please God. He will be pleased when you seek a relationship with Him, and through that relationship learn where He wants you to plug in. Can you write? Maybe God’s calling you to that. Can you cook, craft, speak? God can use your talents for His good! Your talents were not given by accident. Find out where God wants you to plug in (not where everyone else wants you to plug in) and follow His leading. Just keep in mind that “with great power comes great responsibility.” You are responsible for the intentional use of the talents that God reveals to you. Don’t let your fears talk you out of joining with God and doing something great for His kingdom. He will never ask you to do more than you are able. Start with trusting Him, and go from there.
To the anonymous person who wrote, “‘For GOD did not give us the spirit of timidity’ (introvertism).” Uh, NO. To equate “introversion” with timidity is inaccurate. I am an introvert and my friends will tell you I am certainly NOT timid. But I think you have demonstrated, in your ignorance, a common misunderstanding. So, for clarity: Introverts are not fearful of crowds. We are not afraid of people. We are not anti-social. We are just wired differently by our Creator. I believe this “wiring” is all part of God’s enablement for the work He has given us. I don’t glorify God despite my introversion, but through it. This “wiring” allows me to thrive in the quiet solitude, and it is here that I hear God’s voice. Here is where I meditate on His Word, where I experience His gifting to write. He made me this way for a reason, for Himself. Introvert, extrovert, ambivert. Just colors of the Artist’s palette. Just as hand and eye have their place in the body, just as each BENEFITS the body, so it is with extroversion-introversion. The point is, there is no right or wrong on the scale. Hand is not better than eye. Both are necessary parts of the body; both glorify their Creator by contributing to the body. Our culture does celebrate the extrovert. And that happens in church, too. If I don’t attend an outreach, I may be labeled anywhere from anti-social to selfish to disengaged. None of that is true. While you are ministering to the masses, I might be meeting one woman at the well, introducing her to the Living Water. Let’s just let one another serve God freely from the heart. We can’t define what success is by numbers or sensational outcome. It all counts. It is all done IN the Lord, FOR the Lord. If we see it for what it truly is – God’s beautiful, intricate design – then I can cheer on my extroverted brothers and sisters as they reach the crowds with exuberance, and they can celebrate with me the Lord who leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one lost lamb.
Well said!!!
Hi, I’m new here. I comments are thoughtful and good. Debbie, I can especially relate with your posting. Kim, it’s my opinion that an introvert feels not superior to others but inferior (poor self esteem). Now I write this as an older person (62) with severe chemical imbalance depression which I take meds for. Perhaps I may be misunderstanding your point so if so please enlighten me.
Wonderful article. I can be shy and sometimes I am just quiet (there is a difference). However, I feel God has created introverts and extroverts for a reason and that he loves and uses both. We see examples of both in The Bible. Timidness (which is something I admittedly struggle with) however does NOT always = introversion. Sometimes introverts find other ways to be bold -often through talents and methods that extroverts don’t always use. We introverts often don’t mind stepping out of the spotlight and taking on supporting roles for the leaders. Who is it that types out the flyers? Illustrates the graphics for a Christian leader’s presentation? Fixes the church computer? Composes a new song? Cleans the fellowship room? Any powerful evangelist NEEDS introverts to support them with the quiet work so they can focus on their ministry. While extroverts can take these roles as well, I find that there IS a special set of skills and talents that *tend* to manifest in introverts. (Janitorial, technical/computer, art/writing, animal care, scientist). Being an introvert doesn’t= ignore people or to step away from family and friendships. It’s usually just means introverts may prefer 1:1 time or certain types of settings and limitations. Introvert or extrovert, we all have a job to do for God. I am thankful he created both. Imagine what would happen if your church was ALL extroverts or ALL introverts. YIKES! Thank goodness we serve such a brilliant and wise Creator.
Hi Jim, thank you for this article. I have become part of a society and a Christian church: That condemns introverts and feel that it is the responsibility of the church leaders to fix introverts or socially outcast them. That “praying in silence” is unacceptable and not as powerful as people that “pray out loud”. I have feel God’s love in me everyday – but the people in church will make you feel otherwise. I became part of a Christian church not because of the people in it – but because Jesus Christ was the center of it. This article is an eye-opener for other introverts like me – and should also be an eye opener for people who are against people like me. Cheers to you mate and God Speed