A Church User's Manual for Introverted Christians
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Description
Book Introduction
A loving and helpful guide for introverted Christians in the church.
The ideal image of a 'faithful Christian' in the church is surprisingly similar to that of an 'extrovert'.
These are people who sit comfortably in the front row of the sanctuary, chat with people, actively welcome new believers who come to the church, and lead or actively participate in meetings.
In such a culture, introverted Christians develop the false perception that they do not fit in well with the church or are not faithful enough.
The author, who has struggled as an introvert and a pastor, offers comfort and concrete advice to Christians who, like himself, struggle with introversion, and proposes a church culture where introversion and extroversion, created differently by God, can be harmonized.
The ideal image of a 'faithful Christian' in the church is surprisingly similar to that of an 'extrovert'.
These are people who sit comfortably in the front row of the sanctuary, chat with people, actively welcome new believers who come to the church, and lead or actively participate in meetings.
In such a culture, introverted Christians develop the false perception that they do not fit in well with the church or are not faithful enough.
The author, who has struggled as an introvert and a pastor, offers comfort and concrete advice to Christians who, like himself, struggle with introversion, and proposes a church culture where introversion and extroversion, created differently by God, can be harmonized.
- You can preview some of the book's contents.
Preview
index
Recommendation (Scott McKnight)
Preface to the Expanded and Revised Edition
Introduction_ Can introverts do well in church life?
1.
extroverted church
2.
Differences in introversion
3.
In search of healing
4.
Introverted spirituality
5.
Introverted Community and Relationships
6.
Can an introvert become a leader?
7.
Become a leader in your true form
8.
Evangelism for Introverts
9.
Introverts in the church
Going Out_ Finding Our Place
Questions for reflection and discussion
main
Preface to the Expanded and Revised Edition
Introduction_ Can introverts do well in church life?
1.
extroverted church
2.
Differences in introversion
3.
In search of healing
4.
Introverted spirituality
5.
Introverted Community and Relationships
6.
Can an introvert become a leader?
7.
Become a leader in your true form
8.
Evangelism for Introverts
9.
Introverts in the church
Going Out_ Finding Our Place
Questions for reflection and discussion
main
Detailed image
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Into the book
For me, introversion is not gospel or a core identity.
But while I continue to struggle with my introversion from time to time, I can say with certainty at this point that I wouldn't be any other way.
Although some might ridicule us for being daydreamy and too often 'lost in our thoughts,' I firmly believe that I find myself in the midst of thinking.
---From the "Preface to the Expanded and Revised Edition"
Introverted pastors even feel pressured to act extroverted.
I interviewed a pastor at a large church who knew he was easily overwhelmed by interpersonal relationships and therefore didn't enjoy being in the spotlight.
The interpersonal demands of his job were truly immense.
He lamented the fact that he had to be the 'fellowship leader' in the church community.
He had to be the first to arrive at the church meeting place and the last to stay.
Every interview I've conducted with introverted pastors has led to one thing in common:
The coffee time that follows the service is the time they hate the most out of their weekly schedule.
Introverted pastors love their congregations.
But after expending enormous amounts of emotional energy preaching, they prefer to disappear into their offices rather than mingle with the crowd.
---「Chapter 1.
From “Extroverted Church”
Although we cannot definitively say what personality types each biblical character possessed, we can say that God used and continues to use people of all different personalities to carry out His mission in the world.
God does not try to fit them into a specific mold.
God works in each person's unique character, using their individual gifts to bless them and to bless others.
---「Chapter 2.
From "Differences in Introversion"
In an increasingly fragmented, fast-paced, and chatty world, I believe the gift introverts can offer the church and the world is a yearning for depth.
A spiritually mature introvert can offer an alternative to the modern lifestyle.
It is a way of living that is thoughtful, imaginative, and somewhat slow.
For introverts, the quality of the Christian life is grounded in the quality of their inner life.
Spiritually rich introverts descend into the depths of their souls and into the depths of God's heart.
---「Chapter 4.
From “Introverted Spirituality”
Introverts have great strengths that they can leverage in conflict situations.
We are usually calm and composed.
It can prevent the atmosphere from overheating.
Our internal processing helps us avoid saying things we might later regret.
Frankly, something as provocative as conflict or as important as relationships requires delicacy and caution.
Extroverts who react reflexively can learn from the examples of introverts who approach conflict more tactfully.
I am convinced that James' words, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry" (James 1:19), were meant for situations of conflict.
---「Chapter 5.
From “Introverted Community and Relationships”
God's gifts do not depend on whether we deserve them or whether we are fit to use them.
And it doesn't depend on personality type.
God doesn't check if someone is extroverted before giving them the gift of leadership.
Also, He does not give grace by mistake.
God watches over His gifts and those who receive them to the end, granting them the ability to accept them and use them for the benefit of the church.
---「Chapter 6.
Can an introvert become a leader?
If you only look for outgoing, extroverted youth ministry leaders, you're telling your youth—half of whom are introverts—that the best Christians are extroverts.
Even introverted teens will like and respect an extroverted youth pastor.
But whenever they try to act like that minister, they will fail.
In my view, this is a tragedy.
Youth ministry is a golden opportunity to teach young people how to love God with their authentic selves at a time of heightened sensitivity and rapid growth.
If we show children from an early age how to appreciate their unique personalities and gifts, we will open the door to a lifelong journey of enlightenment and faith.
---「Chapter 7.
From “Becoming a Leader in Your True Form”
I hope the church realizes that its current worship practices tell introverts that their lives, relationships, and worship styles are inferior.
In some ways, greetings and socializing can be an easy target for criticism.
And if we dwell only on that aspect of church life, we may miss the larger issues that lie beneath.
Just as there is not just one form of discipleship, there is not just one way to worship.
I hope my fellow pastors understand that an hour-long sermon can be overwhelming for many in the congregation.
And for those who want to connect with God in a quiet way, understand that two seconds of silence for personal confession can feel as brief as a wave.
In fact, it's not just introverts who benefit from a balanced worship experience.
Even extroverts will learn to listen to God during silence and better understand that “in silence and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).
But while I continue to struggle with my introversion from time to time, I can say with certainty at this point that I wouldn't be any other way.
Although some might ridicule us for being daydreamy and too often 'lost in our thoughts,' I firmly believe that I find myself in the midst of thinking.
---From the "Preface to the Expanded and Revised Edition"
Introverted pastors even feel pressured to act extroverted.
I interviewed a pastor at a large church who knew he was easily overwhelmed by interpersonal relationships and therefore didn't enjoy being in the spotlight.
The interpersonal demands of his job were truly immense.
He lamented the fact that he had to be the 'fellowship leader' in the church community.
He had to be the first to arrive at the church meeting place and the last to stay.
Every interview I've conducted with introverted pastors has led to one thing in common:
The coffee time that follows the service is the time they hate the most out of their weekly schedule.
Introverted pastors love their congregations.
But after expending enormous amounts of emotional energy preaching, they prefer to disappear into their offices rather than mingle with the crowd.
---「Chapter 1.
From “Extroverted Church”
Although we cannot definitively say what personality types each biblical character possessed, we can say that God used and continues to use people of all different personalities to carry out His mission in the world.
God does not try to fit them into a specific mold.
God works in each person's unique character, using their individual gifts to bless them and to bless others.
---「Chapter 2.
From "Differences in Introversion"
In an increasingly fragmented, fast-paced, and chatty world, I believe the gift introverts can offer the church and the world is a yearning for depth.
A spiritually mature introvert can offer an alternative to the modern lifestyle.
It is a way of living that is thoughtful, imaginative, and somewhat slow.
For introverts, the quality of the Christian life is grounded in the quality of their inner life.
Spiritually rich introverts descend into the depths of their souls and into the depths of God's heart.
---「Chapter 4.
From “Introverted Spirituality”
Introverts have great strengths that they can leverage in conflict situations.
We are usually calm and composed.
It can prevent the atmosphere from overheating.
Our internal processing helps us avoid saying things we might later regret.
Frankly, something as provocative as conflict or as important as relationships requires delicacy and caution.
Extroverts who react reflexively can learn from the examples of introverts who approach conflict more tactfully.
I am convinced that James' words, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry" (James 1:19), were meant for situations of conflict.
---「Chapter 5.
From “Introverted Community and Relationships”
God's gifts do not depend on whether we deserve them or whether we are fit to use them.
And it doesn't depend on personality type.
God doesn't check if someone is extroverted before giving them the gift of leadership.
Also, He does not give grace by mistake.
God watches over His gifts and those who receive them to the end, granting them the ability to accept them and use them for the benefit of the church.
---「Chapter 6.
Can an introvert become a leader?
If you only look for outgoing, extroverted youth ministry leaders, you're telling your youth—half of whom are introverts—that the best Christians are extroverts.
Even introverted teens will like and respect an extroverted youth pastor.
But whenever they try to act like that minister, they will fail.
In my view, this is a tragedy.
Youth ministry is a golden opportunity to teach young people how to love God with their authentic selves at a time of heightened sensitivity and rapid growth.
If we show children from an early age how to appreciate their unique personalities and gifts, we will open the door to a lifelong journey of enlightenment and faith.
---「Chapter 7.
From “Becoming a Leader in Your True Form”
I hope the church realizes that its current worship practices tell introverts that their lives, relationships, and worship styles are inferior.
In some ways, greetings and socializing can be an easy target for criticism.
And if we dwell only on that aspect of church life, we may miss the larger issues that lie beneath.
Just as there is not just one form of discipleship, there is not just one way to worship.
I hope my fellow pastors understand that an hour-long sermon can be overwhelming for many in the congregation.
And for those who want to connect with God in a quiet way, understand that two seconds of silence for personal confession can feel as brief as a wave.
In fact, it's not just introverts who benefit from a balanced worship experience.
Even extroverts will learn to listen to God during silence and better understand that “in silence and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).
---「Chapter 9.
Among the “Introverts in the Church”
Among the “Introverts in the Church”
Publisher's Review
I'm not a "spiritual misfit," I'm an "introvert."
Are you an extrovert or an introvert? The church is often portrayed as a safe community where you can be yourself, but in reality, there are hidden preferences for certain personalities within the church.
This is because the image of a 'faithful Christian', which is considered ideal in the church, is surprisingly similar to that of an 'extrovert'.
Those who actively welcome new believers to the church, actively participate in various gatherings, naturally take on leadership roles in areas ranging from small group leadership and praise leadership to pastoral ministry, and even willingly invite people into their homes are praised and considered role models to follow in the church.
In this culture, introverted Christians within the church may not be fully respected for their true nature, or worse, they may be misled into believing that they are not faithful.
God is pleased with your introversion,
He wants to use that gift for the church and the world.
In this book, written for introverted Christians in the church, the author points out that it is not 'introversion' but the 'extroversion-centered culture' of the church that is causing the problem of introverts being pushed to the periphery of the church.
Although it is now widely known that half of the population is introverted and that introversion/extroversion are innate rather than socially constructed, extroversion is still preferred and considered the default within the church.
Extroversion is especially in demand in pastoral ministry.
The author, an introvert, struggled to become the "ideal pastor"—one who could preach powerfully from the pulpit and comfortably converse with anyone in a large crowd—but his personality just couldn't get him used to it.
He even considered giving up on his ministry because he thought he was unfit for ministry.
But as he met other introverted pastors like himself and other introverted Christians in the church, he learned that there are other ways for introverts to minister and live their faith in their true selves.
God created extroverts and introverts differently and does not try to force people into a certain mold.
If we acknowledge that each person's unique personality is a result of God's creation, then extroverts and introverts should be able to live in harmony within the church, each in their own way, and serve in whatever role they are naturally designed to play within the community.
We are different, but we are whole and harmonious
Practical advice to help you build a community
For those who easily tire in crowded churches, those who prefer solitude to participation and are often looked down on for their love of community, and those who feel burdened by the need to appear more active than they really are, the author offers deep empathy and practical advice, born from experience, in humorous yet insightful prose.
Starting from the holiness, humility, and contemplative knowledge of God of the early Christian fathers and mothers, which can be said to be the roots of introverted spirituality, he focuses on the characteristics of introversion, such as a somewhat slow pace of life, a thoughtful attitude, spiritual and intellectual depth, and the ability to listen.
Introversion is not an inferior trait to be overcome, but rather a "prophetic quality" that can be developed and utilized to contribute to church ministry and community building.
Of course, there is a lot of diversity within the category of introversion, and it is true that there are aspects of introverts that must be "challenged," even if they are uncomfortable, in order to truly build community and grow spiritually.
Using insights gained from delving deep into their own introversion, the author advises against using introversion as a convenient excuse to avoid doing uncomfortable things.
Even introverts can belong to a community, become leaders, and are not exempt from Jesus' command to spread the gospel.
It's just that you don't have to do it in an extroverted way.
How an introvert can love church,
How the Church Loves Introverts
The author has packed the book with useful information on how to cultivate introverted spirituality and establish introverted rules in one's life, how to help introverts develop the gifts and relationships they can bring to the community, the strengths in which introverts can contribute as leaders and useful tips for successfully fulfilling that role, and how introverts can evangelize.
Combining keen insights into introversion, thoughtful exploration of introverted spirituality, and concrete advice for applying and practicing it in one's personal life and community, this book will be a valuable guide for introverted Christians seeking spiritual maturity and a deeper love for their church community.
Additionally, introverts who are expected to be extroverted in leadership positions will find empathy and practical help in the author's spiritual journey as a pastor.
Going further, the author, drawing on his knowledge and experience as a pastor, proposes a worship style that does not exclude introverts and a church culture that helps introverted Christians to integrate deeply into the community.
Both extroverted and introverted Christians are members of the body of Christ.
Church members, including pastors, who seek to understand and embrace the diverse people within their community—especially extroverted Christians who have struggled to understand introverts—will learn to love the diverse members of God's creation more by heeding the author's suggestions.
■ Target audience
- An introverted Christian who wants to love the church as he or she is.
- Those who have difficulty adapting to church and believe there is a problem with their personality
- An introverted pastor and leader who strives to serve and minister while believing that he must overcome his introverted tendencies.
-Extroverted pastors and leaders who seek to better understand and embrace introverted believers.
- Those interested in quiet and deep spirituality
Are you an extrovert or an introvert? The church is often portrayed as a safe community where you can be yourself, but in reality, there are hidden preferences for certain personalities within the church.
This is because the image of a 'faithful Christian', which is considered ideal in the church, is surprisingly similar to that of an 'extrovert'.
Those who actively welcome new believers to the church, actively participate in various gatherings, naturally take on leadership roles in areas ranging from small group leadership and praise leadership to pastoral ministry, and even willingly invite people into their homes are praised and considered role models to follow in the church.
In this culture, introverted Christians within the church may not be fully respected for their true nature, or worse, they may be misled into believing that they are not faithful.
God is pleased with your introversion,
He wants to use that gift for the church and the world.
In this book, written for introverted Christians in the church, the author points out that it is not 'introversion' but the 'extroversion-centered culture' of the church that is causing the problem of introverts being pushed to the periphery of the church.
Although it is now widely known that half of the population is introverted and that introversion/extroversion are innate rather than socially constructed, extroversion is still preferred and considered the default within the church.
Extroversion is especially in demand in pastoral ministry.
The author, an introvert, struggled to become the "ideal pastor"—one who could preach powerfully from the pulpit and comfortably converse with anyone in a large crowd—but his personality just couldn't get him used to it.
He even considered giving up on his ministry because he thought he was unfit for ministry.
But as he met other introverted pastors like himself and other introverted Christians in the church, he learned that there are other ways for introverts to minister and live their faith in their true selves.
God created extroverts and introverts differently and does not try to force people into a certain mold.
If we acknowledge that each person's unique personality is a result of God's creation, then extroverts and introverts should be able to live in harmony within the church, each in their own way, and serve in whatever role they are naturally designed to play within the community.
We are different, but we are whole and harmonious
Practical advice to help you build a community
For those who easily tire in crowded churches, those who prefer solitude to participation and are often looked down on for their love of community, and those who feel burdened by the need to appear more active than they really are, the author offers deep empathy and practical advice, born from experience, in humorous yet insightful prose.
Starting from the holiness, humility, and contemplative knowledge of God of the early Christian fathers and mothers, which can be said to be the roots of introverted spirituality, he focuses on the characteristics of introversion, such as a somewhat slow pace of life, a thoughtful attitude, spiritual and intellectual depth, and the ability to listen.
Introversion is not an inferior trait to be overcome, but rather a "prophetic quality" that can be developed and utilized to contribute to church ministry and community building.
Of course, there is a lot of diversity within the category of introversion, and it is true that there are aspects of introverts that must be "challenged," even if they are uncomfortable, in order to truly build community and grow spiritually.
Using insights gained from delving deep into their own introversion, the author advises against using introversion as a convenient excuse to avoid doing uncomfortable things.
Even introverts can belong to a community, become leaders, and are not exempt from Jesus' command to spread the gospel.
It's just that you don't have to do it in an extroverted way.
How an introvert can love church,
How the Church Loves Introverts
The author has packed the book with useful information on how to cultivate introverted spirituality and establish introverted rules in one's life, how to help introverts develop the gifts and relationships they can bring to the community, the strengths in which introverts can contribute as leaders and useful tips for successfully fulfilling that role, and how introverts can evangelize.
Combining keen insights into introversion, thoughtful exploration of introverted spirituality, and concrete advice for applying and practicing it in one's personal life and community, this book will be a valuable guide for introverted Christians seeking spiritual maturity and a deeper love for their church community.
Additionally, introverts who are expected to be extroverted in leadership positions will find empathy and practical help in the author's spiritual journey as a pastor.
Going further, the author, drawing on his knowledge and experience as a pastor, proposes a worship style that does not exclude introverts and a church culture that helps introverted Christians to integrate deeply into the community.
Both extroverted and introverted Christians are members of the body of Christ.
Church members, including pastors, who seek to understand and embrace the diverse people within their community—especially extroverted Christians who have struggled to understand introverts—will learn to love the diverse members of God's creation more by heeding the author's suggestions.
■ Target audience
- An introverted Christian who wants to love the church as he or she is.
- Those who have difficulty adapting to church and believe there is a problem with their personality
- An introverted pastor and leader who strives to serve and minister while believing that he must overcome his introverted tendencies.
-Extroverted pastors and leaders who seek to better understand and embrace introverted believers.
- Those interested in quiet and deep spirituality
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Publication date: July 18, 2022
- Page count, weight, size: 324 pages | 140*210*30mm
- ISBN13: 9788932819419
- ISBN10: 8932819416
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