Monday, March 22, 2010
Upcoming Attractions
In the weeks after Easter, I will be posting some interviews I'm currently conducting with introverts in various kinds of ministries. Currently, I have commitments from an introverted missionary, an introverted youth pastor, and an introverted church-planter. You can help me with this process by answering this: If you could ask any of these people questions about how their introversion interacts with their spheres of ministry, what would you ask?
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Introverts often take time alone to re-charge. Have you ever had this "alone time" interrupted by a member of your congregation or someone you are ministering to on the mission field? How did you respond?
ReplyDeleteAs an introvert, I've always been intrigued by Mark 1:35-36, where Jesus got up early to go pray by himself, and his disciples come and interrupt him saying everyone is looking for him.
Two general questions:
ReplyDeleteWhen you know there is a particular event or some kind of challenge coming up that will push you to be "extroverted" beyond what you are normally comfortable with, how do you prepare yourself mentally or spiritually?
How do you tell the difference between a new role or ministry that is going to stretch and challenge you but is still using your gifts and in God's plan for your life, versus a task that will be too draining and should be left to someone else? Did you think about these things before you took on your current position?
How do you manage to always "be on" in meetings, groups, and social interaction? I find myself EXHAUSTED after worship, let alone having to mix and mingle for another 60-90 minutes in social hour and then make a pastoral visit or whatever.
ReplyDeleteI would echo all the above questions, as I am struggling with these things a lot lately. I am the sole person in charge of the Adult Education class at my church on Sunday morning (i am a volunteer, not an ordained staff person). I find it very hard to "be on" for our class after worship, just at a time when I would like to recharge, ponder the sermon's message, talk one-on-one with a friend, or just chill. How do other introvert church leaders do it?!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you, thank you for your book, Rev. Dr. McHugh. It's proving helpful to me.
Interesting that there is a lot of agreement on questions to ask. I'll be sure to include a version of this question.
ReplyDeleteIntroverts often take time alone to re-charge. Have you ever had this "alone time" interrupted by a member of your congregation or someone you are ministering to on the mission field? How did you respond?
ReplyDeleteAs an introvert, I've always been intrigued by Mark 1:35-36, where Jesus got up early to go pray by himself, and his disciples come and interrupt him saying everyone is looking for him.