Aug 05 2010
published: An Introvert Goes to Church
I have a confession to make: I am a Friendship Focus failure.
Friendship Focus is a time in my church’s Sunday morning services when we extend the traditional “good morning” and a handshake to 15 full minutes of getting tea or coffee, saying hello to the people around us, and, ideally, introducing ourselves to new people and getting to know them.
I am great at the getting tea or coffee part. The chatting it up with the entire congregation, not so much. Sometimes I try. Sometimes I just take a really long time at the tea table so it will all be over and I can go sit down.
The above confession might lead you to believe that I’m shy. I’m not. I enjoy people and getting to know them. I have no problem with sharing my thoughts and opinions, even controversial ones, and in Bible studies I spend a lot of time biting my tongue so other people will have a chance to answer questions. I perform poetry and narrative with Soli Deo Gloria Ballet several times a year, as well as acting as our spokesperson, and I don’t even get butterflies in my stomach when it comes to standing in front of a room full of people and speaking. And ever since I was a kid, I’ve been the one who went to great lengths to make sure new people were greeted and made comfortable.
I’m not shy. What I am is introverted. And sometimes in church, that can be a problem.
Read the rest of the article here: http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0002329.cfm
Fascinating. And thank you so much for sharing. Maybe I’m an introvert too. I’ve always thought of myself as shy. (I’ve got to be a bridesmaid in September and the idea of walking into a room of 300+ people gives me a chill in my tummy!) I love people, but as I was reading your article I was thinking, “This is ME!” Even down to being given a job. You’re right, that makes it SO much easier. Maybe I don’t have to feel guilty for, once the introductions are over, having NOTHING to say. Thank you for the practical pointers – I REALLY appreciate them! :)
You’re welcome! Glad you found the article enlightening :).