Type ‘introvert’ into a search engine and you are offered 10.5 million web pages in just over half a second. That is mind-boggling, but it is just one example of the rapid rise of interest in introversion that there has been over the last few years. In 2003 Jonathan Rauch wrote an article in ‘The Atlantic’ which sparked wide debate. Susan Cain published ‘Quiet’ in 2012 and it rapidly became a best-seller. People have begun to recognise that not everyone is energised by being in company all the time, and this is healthy. Insights about introversion are precious to some, irritate others, and challenge society at many levels. They raise questions in businesses, education, families and leadership theory, to name but a few examples. We love shared space, and often veer towards the kind of group-work which is disabling for introverts. Most communities are challenged by hearing ‘the introvert voice’ from within.
What, though, do such insights about ‘personality type’ have to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church? Jesus died ‘once for all’ and both introvert and extrovert need salvation just as much as each other. The world is crying out for the hope that Jesus brings, and doubtless some would argue that this gospel priority means we should not be distracted by supposed insights into the human personality. Be careful, though! People differ. Variety is part of the created order. We each engage with others and with God uniquely, and the Church responds to this. A foreign evangelist in France learns to speak French. A youth worker dresses and behaves differently to a bishop. In just the same way, we need to take account of introverts (and extroverts) in the church if we are to grow healthy community.
Introverts are ordinary people. They are not necessarily shy or awkward or self-obsessed. They are often socially able, popular people who are alert, responsive, energetic and creative members of teams.
Interesting but hand raising has nothing to do with it. Most priests do this during the Sanctus and they do not consider it hand waving for Jesus. I am an introvert and I have twice been sernior warden of my parish and president of my professional organization. People have listened to me. Introverts are indeed ordinary people.
Hand waving for Jesus is a worship style which people may or may not be comfortable with depending perhaps more on their training and background than introversion. The general hugging session (“peace”) which goes on in some churches during the service can, however, be very off-putting for introverts.
I am tired of Myers Briggs. My wife and I joke about doing Sin and Temperament seminars showing folks that their sins are caused by their personality type. It should be very successful.