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Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture (2009)

af Adam S. McHugh

MedlemmerAnmeldelserPopularitetGennemsnitlig vurderingOmtaler
4931649,274 (3.9)40
Christian Nonfiction. Religion & Spirituality. Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. Introverts have gifts for the church and the world. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it's not as faithful to be an introvert. Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship, and even evangelize effectively. Introverts in the Church is essential reading for any introvert who has ever felt out of place, as well as for church leaders who want to make their churches more welcoming to introverts. This expanded edition has been revised throughout and includes new research on the neuroscience of introversion and material for parenting and encouraging introverted youth. Discover God's call and empowerment to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom.… (mere)
  1. 00
    Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking af Susan Cain (cbl_tn, LAKobow)
    cbl_tn: Cain's book includes a description of her interview and conversation with McHugh on the topic of introversion.
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This book gives introverts permission to serve God within the context of their God-given personalities.

I did feel that there was a greater emphasis on introverted leaders in the church rather than simply introverts in the church. I'm sure this has to do with the fact that the author is an introverted pastor. I imagine that many of the introverts he has extensive contact with (and subsequently, interviewed) are fellow pastors or leaders of some sort. I guess I think it would be nice if laypeople were appreciated a bit more. Leaders need followers, after all!

Here's a quote I liked:

"Our [introverts'] gift of helping others slow down is important in our witness to the nature of God. Postmodern people are not as persuaded by rational argumentation as much as they are by a lifestyle that substantiates a person's worldview. If we want to be persuasive apologists in this culture, we need to invite people into a lifestyle that is different from the status quo. If we are advertising to a world, which is weighed down with busyness, that becoming a Christian just involves adding more activities to your already-overloaded agenda, what is the appeal of the Christian life? Introverts who lead slower, unhurried, reflective lifestyles are very appealing representatives of the One who said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28). (p. 180) ( )
  RachelRachelRachel | Nov 21, 2023 |
The author lays out some very positive points, especially in the first four chapters. Having come from the background that I have, I appreciate his very valid assertion that Western culture values extroversion as a holy standard, and thus so does the Western church. Many of the ways in which he describes this standard failing introverted personalities are accurate, and I found myself resonating with his words due to very recent experiences.

Unfortunately, by about chapter 5, the author becomes underhanded. Beginning the chapter by claiming that it was the chapter he didn't want to write, and then apparently feeling he has earned the reader's trust, he begins to do the politcal pastor thing and "encourage" introverts to take on more extroverted roles. I will say, however, that he continues to make valid observations in this chapter.

The following chapters on leadership resulted in my groaning, skipping pages, or simply slamming the book down in frustration. The author's ecclesiological bent is obviously still with the church growth movement, and thus his leadership advice is that of a CEO, which I find fundamentally incompatible with the Church. The books closes dry...doesn't even leave an aftertaste.

All-in-all, a decent read. Take the good and leave the bad, as with anything else. ( )
  David_Brown | Aug 15, 2022 |
This book probably would have been of more practical use to me a few years back when I was actively involved in a variety of church activities. These days, my issues with the church are far beyond the introvert/extrovert divide, though this would be a good resource for those who face that particular challenge. ( )
  resoundingjoy | Jan 1, 2021 |
This is a review, book summary and strong recommendation for a book that I finished a month or so ago, but have been processing through since then. I strongly recommend that you read:

"Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture" (Adam S. McHugh)

Adam McHugh describes himself as a Presbyterian minister, spiritual director, wine lover, Seattle sports fan, and introvert. (As an admitted fan of Seattle sports teams, he's well acquainted with longsuffering and disappointment.)

Here's his thesis: Although introverts make up slightly over 50% of the population, the American culture and American church culture (particularly in evangelicalism) are strongly biased towards extroversion and extroverted leaders. Introverts can and should participate and lead from their own gifts, not by trying to be who they are not. And because we as leaders and the organizations we lead think positively of extroversion and negatively of introversion, we introverted leaders find ourselves leading inauthentically and ineffectively.

Introversion is a personality preference (or a wiring), and from the Meyers-Biggs typology system we find three primary characteristics of introversion. These characteristics are tendencies and not absolutes, but in my experience they certainly ring true.

1. Introverts are energized by solitude. Time with other people (especially large groups and strangers) drains us of energy. This does not mean that we are antisocial or impersonal, simply that we need solitude to recharge after being with people. Extroverts, by contrast, lose energy in solitude and gain it around other people.

2. Introverts process information internally. We need to filter information and experiences in our inner world. We can get overwhelmed by too much information or input if we haven't kept up on processing. Extroverts tend to process information externally, often by speaking though what they are thinking, trying out ideas as they speak whether they believe what they saying or not.

3. Introverts prefer depth over breadth. We tend to have fewer but more intimate friends than extroverts, who tend to have more, less intimate friends. We tend to have depth in fewer interests. We desire to deeply understand ourselves and our inner lives.

Given these tendencies, consider the average American evangelical church worship gathering. It is large, loud, multimedia focused. Interaction with other attendees is expected and encouraged. The expectation is that members will engage in large group experiences and in smaller group sessions, and will engage in a variety of activities. Leaders are expected to know everyone, at least in passing, but to be able to interact with each individual. Conferences and seminars are long, tightly programmed, busy and offer little time for reflection.

The most valued leadership traits are being energized being around people, being able and willing to lead a wide variety of areas and teams, being quick to speak and think.

We have a disconnect, don't we?

At this point, McHugh could simply complain about the state of the church, and issue a prophetic (demanding) call for change. However, he instead shapes the conversation in a healthy way - positively encouraging change by both introverts and extroverts (not discounting that both tendencies exist, but bringing both streams together as a whole).

Just to summarize the focuses of the remaining chapters, the book looks at spirituality for introverts (heavy emphasis on contemplative); community and relationship for introverts (finding the right fit and giving ourselves permission to opt out of the busyness); introverted leadership (lead by giving away; looking at Jonathan Edwards, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr. as introverted leaders); leading as ourselves (give ourselves permission to not be extroverted and to lead from who we truly are); introverted evangelism (relationship wins, small and practical is great); and being an introverted church members (rethink expectations, give people room to process differently).

I've got notes and highlights and comments all throughout this book. It's not that often that I read a book that is so unique and yet so practical, and one that makes me feel like the author gets it (and me). Many times I thought, "Exactly! I'm not crazy after all; I'm not the only introvert who wonders if God called me just to laugh at my struggles."

So here's the bottom line.

- If you're a leader - not just pastor or teacher, but a people-influencer... in the church, or anywhere else

- if you're an introvert (and are worn out trying to be extroverted, even unintentionally)

- If you're an extrovert who just doesn't get why half your church doesn't think and act like you..

... you will be greatly helped and deeply blessed by reading Introverts in the Church.

If you lead a church with a team of staff, read it with them. Do a group discussion. Give introverts on your staff a voice. (Or if you're the introvert, hear from the extroverts).

I don't think it's at all an overstatement to say that this is an extremely important book, which may just save your sanity by reminding you who you truly are, and who your complement truly is also.

I would wish this book upon all the leaders that I know, in addition to Henri Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus, and Jean Vanier's Becoming Human. A Christian church which had wrestled through these books would change the world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the authorr. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
( )
  patl | Feb 18, 2019 |
I loved this book. It felt like McHugh was inside my brain, listening to all my little insecure, uncomfortable thoughts. He speaks to the difference in how introverts and extroverts process and interpret their experiences, particularly in regards to personal interactions and those that happen in a church environment. McHugh points out that we will never be effective witnesses if we are not living authentically. To most introverts, that is not out knocking on unfamiliar doors, teaching large groups or leading on stage. McHugh also warns us not use our introversion as an excuse. Yes, God does call us to shine His light into the world and He does empower those He calls but McHugh reminds us that all parts of the body are used differently. Introverts are not so good at spear heading an effort but we are good at working along side others and seeing and responding to needs as they arise in our own quiet ways.

Some of the book is aimed at ministry and laiety specifically, and not just church members, but I enjoyed those sections too. I think they gave me a broader understanding of what some of my own pastors may be dealing with. After reading this I felt so much tension that I had been holding in just leave. I had been struggling with some of these issues for a long time. If you know an introvert who is doing the same, this would be a great read for them. ( )
1 stem VictoriaPL | Mar 25, 2016 |
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Christian Nonfiction. Religion & Spirituality. Self-Improvement. Nonfiction. Introverts have gifts for the church and the world. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it's not as faithful to be an introvert. Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship, and even evangelize effectively. Introverts in the Church is essential reading for any introvert who has ever felt out of place, as well as for church leaders who want to make their churches more welcoming to introverts. This expanded edition has been revised throughout and includes new research on the neuroscience of introversion and material for parenting and encouraging introverted youth. Discover God's call and empowerment to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom.

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