Highlights from "Introverts in the Church"

I tend to have "eyes bigger than my stomach" when it comes to books. I'll go to the library and order and/or put holds on 5 books in anticipation of them coming available at different times so I can have a nice proportioned book diet (to keep with the eating analogy), but then of course they all come available pretty much at once, and I have to gorge myself on reading on books. This happened to me this summer, where I found myself wanting to put a towel over my bedside table so I wouldn't get stressed by the stack of unread, overdue books taunting me and my foolish book diet.

However after paying a couple of library fees, I was able to make it through my stack. One of the books I read was called "Introverts in the Church" by Adam McHugh. Of course my wife mocked me for reading such a thing, and this is probably not typical beach reading for the normal human being, but I really enjoyed the book.

So here are some highlights:

-energized by solitude-a geyser gets it's power from a subterranean water source, introverts derive their power from hidden spaces
- "Introverts don't avoid social interactions like trips to the dentist, but rather like we would avoid exercise; because we lack the energy. Long periods without quiet refueling leave introverts feeling physically exhausted and emotionally hollow."
- extroverts derive energy from outside themselves, like a reservoir relies on rainfall for water, they are filled by external sources. Too much time alone leaves them feeling drained.
- You have to distinguish between energy source and energy level.
- Introverts can recharge to a very high level of energy, but it is more quickly depleted than extroverts in social situations unless it's used efficiently. That's why a lot of introverts move a little slower, talk slower, and are often a little less high-strung.
- Introverts draw conclusions before speaking; that’s why interruptions are frustrating because we are forced to ponder new information before responding
- idea oriented- combination of solitude and internal processing leads to many introverts who are oriented towards ideas than they are interactions with people
- The quality of the day can often be gauged on the ideas, and we enjoy reflecting on our best experiences more so than we did actually living the experience
- Introverts have more active and busy brains than extroverts; More blood flow but in slower longer paths to the parts of the brain controlling long-term memory, solving problems, and planning
- Biblical Personalities- Peter displayed extroverted tendencies (quick to speak and reactive; Jacob described as a “quiet man”; Moses initially resisted the Lord because he was slow of speech and wary of public speaking

This certainly isn't all the things I gleaned, but it's just some of the stuff I found worthy to write down. The books also delves into introverted qualities of Jesus, and also practical ways for the Introverted Soul to navigate in the extroverted culture of ministry. It can definitely provide encouragement to any introverts struggling through feeling unworthy of the call of ministry due to their personalities.

So for any introverted or extroverted folks in the ministry, this book is a must read!