In a far place: Should your church be more Extraverted or more Introverted?

For more than 35 years our calling has given us opportunities to visit and speak in a vast number of churches. With our radar turned on to observe each church we visit, it does not take long to perceive that, like with our children, each church has a very different and distinct personality. It is intriguing to see how God’s people who assemble for worship, instruction, repentance, and fellowship, take on qualities and traits very particular to them as a group. These traits are personal, unique and visible, especially to the outsider. Though churches’ doctrines are often the same, their personalities are not. Like you and your siblings who may have the same mom and dad, yet each is individually diverse. While growing up, brothers and sisters are sometimes instigated simply by their own personality differences. Churches do that sometimes even though they are family and have the very same Father.

The two terms extravert and introvert, when used in everyday conversation, carry a wide variety of meaning and theory. Some of the people we mingle with in the work place, members of our family, and our church friends may lean toward quietness. They may not be shy or withdrawn at all, but instead just don’t feel a need to fill the air with more conversation. Often they need quiet to “recharge their batteries” more than a busy social life. Some are comfortable with quiet, while others of us are not. Some are ok with a lull, while others become uncomfortable and need to talk. Some of us are “charged up” by conversations, projects, programs, construction, and action that is visible and measurable.

Movers and shakers can sometimes come across as obnoxious or simply social butterflies. Reflective people sometimes come across as stand-offish or wallflowers. More often than not these judgments of others are incorrect.

We can clearly see both action and quiet in the life of Jesus. He taught the multitudes (Mathew 7:28), debated with top religious leaders (Mathew 9:10), raised the dead (John 11:44), and forgave sin (Luke 7:48). This caused change; people and things moved and shook. Yet, we also see that the Son of God needed solitude and quiet time alone in the wilderness. He needed privacy in the garden to talk to our Father.

So should your church be more extraverted or more introverted? Yes, absolutely!

by Tim