Introverts needed!

A member of Calvin Church once told me that the hour and a half he spent in church each Sunday was the most stressful hour and a half of his week. At the time, I remember being surprised and feeling a bit sad as this person was a life-long Calvin member, volunteered as an usher and had served in many different capacities through the years. As it turns out, not only do I understand what he was saying but I feel much the same way. The person I was talking to was telling me how it feels to be an introvert in a very social environment – mainly the church. Churches by their nature are social.  Introverts by their nature find social situations wearying and even anxiety-promoting.

Of course there are very few true introverts or extroverts; most people are somewhere on the continuum.  The reason I can relate to what was said to me is that I lean towards the introverted side; in fact, pretty far down the spectrum. This might surprise people because I’m pretty active in church and can be quite a talker!  Many introverted people are social, engaged and even talkative. The main difference between introverts and extroverts is energy. Extroverted people become charged up in social situations. Introverts often feel drained and overwhelmed in social situations. We get recharged by being alone. So while I feel called to serve in different capacities, it often leaves me feeling drained and sometimes a little crabby. It is often easier not to participate than to “gear up” the required energy. I think many of our introverted members found it easier and more comfortable to remain home after the pandemic and to watch the service from their computers.

But introverted people have a need to be a part of God’s Kingdom and the church community too. It is a great thing to be part of the body of believers. I’ve experienced the rich comfort of this after the deaths of my family members and many of you have experienced it too in times of distress. The church body enfolds you, wraps you up, with love and care. It is powerful. It is also nourishing to spend time with other Christians doing God’s work – singing, teaching our children, even participating in committee work! The trick is to find the place you belong; to combine Kingdom work with peace of mind.

There are many and varied less-social ways to support God’s work here at Calvin Church. Like working behind the scenes - sending cards, organizing prayer needs in the congregation or, my personal favorite, gardening the church grounds. To all of my fellow introverts I say – challenge yourself. Find your way to be of service and to be part of this community of believers. The rewards are great. Practice self care. Be gentle with yourself.  

And to all of you extroverts out there, thank you. You are champions. You practice hospitality and you reach out every Sunday to the strangers among us. You plan wonderful events and are great hosts! If you can, reach out to someone who may be on the periphery and invite them to serve. Sometimes all it takes is a nudge.

God wants us all at the table. There is room and opportunity for all of us.

Ideas of ways to connect and serve for those more introverted: Writing articles for the Courier. Volunteering in the church library. Preparing the sacraments. Filling the pew cards. Working in the church office. Gardening the church grounds. Volunteering with the sound system on Sundays. Daily prayers for church members. Creating art to display inside or outside on the church grounds. Reading and reviewing books for the Courier.

Written by Cindy Lanning Burch