I said I wanted to do a post about this, so here it is.
Extroverted or Introverted? It seems to be the buzz question asked, particularly in community (at least that is my experience). And whilst I think it is helpful to understand and appreciate which one you associate with more, I feel there is a danger of becoming defined by this label.
I am naturally extroverted and, as a result, thrive on being around people. I love going for coffee, hanging out with friends, etc. Being around people brings me great joy. But recently I have really learned to value being content on my own. I can get into the habit of filling my time with people but burning out and running on empty. Or seeing people every night in a week and struggling to find time to journal and be with the Lord. There is a time and a place for even the most extroverted person to seek time on their own to just be.
I have definitely had seasons in my life where I have let my extroversion define me. I used to dread being on my own and would find any excuse to avoid it. However, this had an impact on friendships and family. I would be burnt out and constantly trying to squeeze in more than I could realistically do. I wasn't able to enjoy being in the moment, as I always had somewhere to be or people to see. I was operating out of a place of fear, not a place of rest and peace.
The same is true for introversion. I ended up spending quite a bit of time with some introverts and it was fascinating the way they talked about it and viewed it. They would always say things like "Well, I can't do that because I'll be peopled out" or "That is a nightmare situation for me as an introvert". Again, I would argue that they had let the label define them.
The danger is that the label of extroversion or introversion feeds a feeling of 'us and them'. "Oh well, you don't struggle with that because you're extroverted". One of them even gave me a book to read about how church is wired for the extroverts - something I completely disagree with.
Although I didn't agree with the book, it was very insightful as it was written by an introvert and it allowed me to view the world through an introvert lense. I struggled with how it reinforced the stereotypes of extroversion and introversion. For me, church isn't wired for any particular personality or type of person; it is a place where the people of God can gather together and be the body of Christ.
A healthy church body needs introverts and extroverts in order to be fit and healthy. Church leaders and teams all need a healthy balance of both types. Introverts offer insights that extroverts may often overlook and vice versa. We are called to work together and celebrate our differences, in order to be an active church body seeking to advance his kingdom.
On a personal note, I really value my introverted friends. They have taught me an awful lot about life and how to get the most out of my time. They listen and encourage me and they can often see past the immediate to remind me of the bigger picture.
To conclude, whether you are introverted or extroverted or somewhere between the two, celebrate that part of you. Cherish it and use it for God's glory. But make sure it doesn't define you or the decisions you make. Embrace situations that may not fit your tendency and be amazed as God grows you in a new way. Don't ever wish you were more extroverted or more introverted. God wired you the way he did for a reason and a purpose. Live in the freedom of that.
Be blessed,
Callie Rose
Extroverted or Introverted? It seems to be the buzz question asked, particularly in community (at least that is my experience). And whilst I think it is helpful to understand and appreciate which one you associate with more, I feel there is a danger of becoming defined by this label.
I am naturally extroverted and, as a result, thrive on being around people. I love going for coffee, hanging out with friends, etc. Being around people brings me great joy. But recently I have really learned to value being content on my own. I can get into the habit of filling my time with people but burning out and running on empty. Or seeing people every night in a week and struggling to find time to journal and be with the Lord. There is a time and a place for even the most extroverted person to seek time on their own to just be.
I have definitely had seasons in my life where I have let my extroversion define me. I used to dread being on my own and would find any excuse to avoid it. However, this had an impact on friendships and family. I would be burnt out and constantly trying to squeeze in more than I could realistically do. I wasn't able to enjoy being in the moment, as I always had somewhere to be or people to see. I was operating out of a place of fear, not a place of rest and peace.
The same is true for introversion. I ended up spending quite a bit of time with some introverts and it was fascinating the way they talked about it and viewed it. They would always say things like "Well, I can't do that because I'll be peopled out" or "That is a nightmare situation for me as an introvert". Again, I would argue that they had let the label define them.
The danger is that the label of extroversion or introversion feeds a feeling of 'us and them'. "Oh well, you don't struggle with that because you're extroverted". One of them even gave me a book to read about how church is wired for the extroverts - something I completely disagree with.
Although I didn't agree with the book, it was very insightful as it was written by an introvert and it allowed me to view the world through an introvert lense. I struggled with how it reinforced the stereotypes of extroversion and introversion. For me, church isn't wired for any particular personality or type of person; it is a place where the people of God can gather together and be the body of Christ.
A healthy church body needs introverts and extroverts in order to be fit and healthy. Church leaders and teams all need a healthy balance of both types. Introverts offer insights that extroverts may often overlook and vice versa. We are called to work together and celebrate our differences, in order to be an active church body seeking to advance his kingdom.
On a personal note, I really value my introverted friends. They have taught me an awful lot about life and how to get the most out of my time. They listen and encourage me and they can often see past the immediate to remind me of the bigger picture.
To conclude, whether you are introverted or extroverted or somewhere between the two, celebrate that part of you. Cherish it and use it for God's glory. But make sure it doesn't define you or the decisions you make. Embrace situations that may not fit your tendency and be amazed as God grows you in a new way. Don't ever wish you were more extroverted or more introverted. God wired you the way he did for a reason and a purpose. Live in the freedom of that.
Be blessed,
Callie Rose
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