Introverts are called and gifted by God.
Churches today tend to be places where introverts are degraded.
Being an introvert in the church raises an interesting dilemma for many, strong silent types. Below are 5 ways churches isolate introverts without giving them any sense of belonging.
1. Extended welcome time
Most introverts don’t mind shaking hands for a little while. But introverts don’t usually enjoy a lot of small talks. And after greeting people nearby, long welcome times leave the introvert standing awkwardly, feeling like an outcast, or putting on a fake face and shaking hands anyway.
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2. Overly intense greeters
Fortunately, most churches understand the point of greeters. After all the main church doors are an ideal place to welcome new and returning people! But a noisy greeter can scare off incoming introverts, especially if the greeter is too intense, especially loud, or peppers people with questions.
3. Asking visitors to introduce themselves
This is another guaranteed way to make introverts want to creep under the nearest place is to ask them to stand up in front of the whole church and introduce themselves out loud. It’s not that all introverts are shy, reclusive, or have irrational fears around public speaking. It’s just that most don’t enjoy being surprised with having to speak to a large group they don’t know.
4. Miscalculated calmness
In a group setting introverts often sit quietly before jumping into the conversation. It doesn’t mean they’re upset, shy, snobby, or daydreaming. And it definitely doesn’t mean there’s nothing deep going on inside. Most introverts prefer to take their time to fully understand an atmosphere, situation, or group dynamic before contributing.
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5.Being pointed out
This whole scenario makes introverts cringe. Really most people hate being put on the spot, but introverts especially – whether it’s to share something, to volunteer, to stand up, to give an update or do anything unexpected. Better to wait for the intense volunteer than to single anyone out.