{"id":972,"date":"2009-12-17T03:01:07","date_gmt":"2009-12-17T03:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/markdroberts\/2009\/12\/introverts-in-the-church-interview-part-2.html"},"modified":"2009-12-17T03:01:07","modified_gmt":"2009-12-17T03:01:07","slug":"introverts-in-the-church-interview-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/2009\/12\/introverts-in-the-church-interview-part-2.html","title":{"rendered":"Introverts in the Church: Interview, Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of series: Introverts in the Church: An Interview and Review
\n<\/em>Permalink for this post<\/a> \/ Permalink for this series<\/a>
\n<\/a>Yesterday I began an interview with Adam McHugh, author of Introverts in the Church<\/a><\/em>. Today I\u2019ll pick up that conversation where I left off.
\nMark: Adam, I paused the interview yesterday after asking you what it means to be an introvert. Your definition pointed to three main characteristics: 1) An introvert finds energy in solitude and loses energy through social interaction; 2) An introvert processes internally, thinking before speaking; 3) An introvert prefers depth over breadth. The first item in your list seems morally neutral. But the second two items could suggest that you see introverts as morally superior to extroverts. Introverts think before they speak (generally a good practice) and are deep (rather than shallow). Is this what you mean? Are you in some way dissing extroverts?
\nAdam: Well, I’m certainly not being derogatory of extroverts. I’m married to an extrovert, so obviously I have much appreciation for the qualities of extroverts. Another way of putting the depth versus breadth issue is to say introverts tend to have fewer interests than extroverts. But that actually makes extroverts sound superior, so I’m open to another way of putting it. I’m borrowing the language of Marti Olsen Laney in her book The Introvert Advantage. Introverts usually enjoy a few close relationships and often like to probe deeply into a few topics, which can produce depth but also can be very limiting. As far as the thinking before speaking issue, it IS a good thing in situations of conflict, but can also be a handicap in situations that require quick thinking and decision-making. That’s why I’m much better in online interviews than I am in radio interviews!<\/em>
\nMark: Amen to that! I\u2019ve done a fair amount of radio interviews, including a three-hour debate with Christopher Hitchens. I often feel like I\u2019m a step behind those who are verbally quick. Anyway, getting back to our conversation, let me ask you this: What are some of the gifts that introverts have to offer their communities?
\nAdam: Once introverts stop trying to act like extroverts, they realize they have tremendous gifts to give others.\u00a0 We are natural listeners, and because we process internally, we offer a non-judgmental presence that helps others open up to us.\u00a0 Because we probe deep into our inner depths, we are capable of a powerful compassion for other people.\u00a0 We have an insight that comes from our tendency to observe in social situations; we often see things that people who throw themselves into the center of the action don\u2019t see.\u00a0 We can model self-awareness and introspection to others.\u00a0 We have a calming presence that helps other people slow down and find peace around us.\u00a0 <\/em>
\nMark: In your book, you also explain that introverts, who are naturally inclined to study, can be very strong teachers and preachers. I think this is true. Of course there are extroverts who excel in both areas, too. Speaking of preachers, do you think introverts can be effective evangelists? We often think of evangelism as reaching out to strangers, talking freely about faith, etc. etc. This seems inconsistent with an introverted personality. So, do you think introverts can do evangelism?
\nAdam: Yes!\u00a0 As long as we discover ways of evangelism that fit who we are.\u00a0 I devote a chapter to \u201cintroverted evangelism,\u201d and I argue that many of our models of sharing the gospel are ill-fitted for introverts.\u00a0 Evangelism styles that require fast-talking, debate, and starting up conversations with strangers will likely be discouraging for introverts.\u00a0 Instead I encourage introverts to ask \u201cWho is already in my life and how is God at work in their lives?\u201d\u00a0 Introverts will do best in ongoing, deepening friendships, slowly and prayerfully nudging others towards God, using our strengths of listening, compassion, and creativity to point them to Jesus.<\/em>
\nMark: Great. So, thinking about the church in general, how can churches be more hospitable to introverts?
\nAdam: Broadly speaking, churches can acknowledge the diversity of people in the community, and that God has created people with different temperaments and tendencies.\u00a0 Pastors can affirm that the diversity in the body of Christ is a beautiful and necessary thing, and that conformity only creates legalism and inauthenticity.\u00a0 Practically, churches can select both extroverts and introverts as leaders, so that people can see different styles of leadership.\u00a0 They can take simple, but helpful steps like incorporating silences into worship and offering contemplative kinds of structures like evensongs or lectio divina groups.\u00a0 They can bring in local scholars to lead in-depth biblical and theological studies.\u00a0 They can place chairs on the fringes of big social events so that people who are tired by interaction can rest and observe, but still be in the room.\u00a0 <\/em>
\nMark: I\u2019ll bet it would make a huge difference if, once in a while, a pastor would simply mention something about introverts, \u201chow many there are in our congregation,\u201d etc. etc. Of course another possibility would be to hold up and recommend your book, right? Okay, let me change gears and ask about those who are considering ordained ministry. What is your advice for introverted seminarians who are considering the pastoral ministry?
\nAdam: The first thing I want to tell people is that at least 25% of Protestant pastors are introverts. I would say, \u201cYou are not alone, and it is possible to thrive as an introvert in ministry.\u201d\u00a0 However, burn-out is more common among introverted pastors and self-care is absolutely critical.\u00a0 You must be thoughtful about your rhythms, and carve out regular niches of solitude, which may require you to learn to say \u201cno.\u201d\u00a0 Give space for your devotional life and well as nurture your closest relationships and find opportunities for intellectual stimulation.\u00a0 Follow the model of Jesus in investing deeply in a few people , who will be co-leaders in the ministry of the church, rather than trying to be all things to all people.\u00a0 Lead out of who God has created you to be, and the gifts God has given you, rather than trying to act like someone else. <\/em>
\nMark: That\u2019s great. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if the number is higher than 25%. Introverted pastors have learned how to deal well with groups of people, so they usually don\u2019t seem to be introverted. Well, let me finish up with a \u201cbig question.\u201d What is your hope for the book, other than you sell a million copies and get to be on Oprah? Seriously, though, what difference would you like to see your book make in people\u2019s lives and in the Christian community?
\nAdam: The subtitle of the book nicely captures my hopes: \u201cfinding our place.\u201d\u00a0 Many introverts feel displaced in Christian community, and I want for that to change, not only for their sake, but also for the sake of our churches that have been damaged by a hyperactivity and a restless urgency that may actually distance us from the abundant life Jesus offers us.\u00a0 I want for my introverted brothers and sisters to claim the gifts they have and to lead the Christian life in a way that is authentic and freeing.\u00a0 I want for churches to encourage introverts (and extroverts) to follow Jesus as they are, not according to some culturally determined mold of faithfulness.<\/em>
\nMark: Excellent. Thanks, Adam, for taking time to do this interview. I\u2019ll have a few more things to say about your book when I put up my review.
\nReaders, if you\u2019re interested in purchasing Introverts in the Church<\/em>, you can do so by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of series: Introverts in the Church: An Interview and Review Permalink for this post \/ Permalink for this series Yesterday I began an interview with Adam McHugh, author of Introverts in the Church. Today I\u2019ll pick up that conversation where I left off. Mark: Adam, I paused the interview yesterday after asking you…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":214,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-972","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-introverts-in-the-church"],"yoast_head":"\nIntroverts in the Church: Interview, Part 2 - Mark D. 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Roberts","description":"Mark D. Roberts: Thoughtfully Christian Reflections on Jesus, the Church, and the World","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/#\/schema\/person\/1ff094a57b7e41f534434b1723df3d73","name":"Mark D. Roberts","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-content\/wphb-cache\/gravatar\/f2d\/f2ddf5f080861f66ea230384f9d1bab2x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-content\/wphb-cache\/gravatar\/f2d\/f2ddf5f080861f66ea230384f9d1bab2x96.jpg","caption":"Mark D. Roberts"},"description":"The Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a pastor, author, retreat leader, speaker, and blogger. Since October 2007 he has been the Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence for Laity Lodge, a multifaceted ministry in the Hill Country of Texas. Before coming to Laity Lodge, he was for sixteen years the Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in Irvine, California (a city in Orange County about forty miles south of Los Angeles). Before his time at Irvine Pres, Mark served on the staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood as Associate Pastor of Education. (Thanks to Janel Pahl for taking the photo to the right.) Mark studied at Harvard University, receiving a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in the Study of Religion, and a Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins. He has taught classes in New Testament for Fuller Theological Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Mark has written several books, including No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer (WaterBrook, 2005), Dare to Be True (WaterBrook, 2003), Jesus Revealed (WaterBrook, 2002), After \"I Believe\" (Baker, 2002), and Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (Word, 1993). His most recent book is Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Crossway, 2007). He is currently working on a commentary on Ephesians that will be published by Zondervan in 2014. Mark writes a devotional for The High Calling of Our Daily Work, a website associated with Laity Lodge. His \"Daily Reflections\" can be viewed online or sent as a daily email. If you wish to receive this email, just visit TheHighCalling.org and sign up. Mark serves on the editorial board of Worship Leader magazine, where he publishes articles and reviews, including his regular column \"Lyrical Poetry.\" Additionally, he has published dozens of articles in leading magazines and journals. He often speaks for churches and other Christian groups, and has been interviewed on over seventy-five radio programs nationwide. Mark is married to Linda, who is a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Spiritual Director, and a retreat speaker. They have two children, Nathan and Kara.For Publicity Photos and Bio Statements for Mark, please check here. Mark's Dossier Professional History: Senior Director and Scholar-in Residence, Laity Lodge, October 2007 to present. Senior Pastor Irvine Presbyterian Church, June 1991 to September 2007 Adjunct Assistant Professor Fuller Theological Seminary, 1994 to 2007. Courses: New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Adjunct Instructor San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1995 to 2001. Courses: New Testament Greek and Exegesis Associate Pastor of Education First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1987-1991 Teaching Fellow Harvard University, 1980-1983 Education: Ph.D. in the Study of Religion. Harvard University, 1992. Area: New Testament and Christian Origins M.A. in the Study of Religion Harvard University, 1984. A.B. magna cum laude in Philosophy Harvard University, 1979. Phi Beta Kappa; Danforth Fellowship Books: Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Crossway, 2007 No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer. WaterBrook, 2005 Dare to Be True: Living in the Freedom of Complete Honesty. WaterBrook, 2003. Jesus Revealed: Know Him Better to Love Him Better. WaterBrook, 2002. After \"I Believe\": Experiencing Authentic Christian Living. Baker, 2002. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther in the Communicator's Commentary Series. Word, 1993. Contacting Mark: You can reach Mark at: E-mail: mark@markdroberts.com mroberts@laitylodge.org Phone: Laity Lodge: (830) 792-1216 Address: Laity Lodge 719 Earl Garrett Kerrville, TX 78028","url":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/author\/mroberts"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/214"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=972"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/972\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=972"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/markdroberts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}