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Featured Introvert Pastors

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Salty, Jun 14, 2013.

  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Do you think an introvert can be an effective pastor?

    If a pastor is an introvert, what would you recommend?
     
  2. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    hello my name is tom and I am an introvert.

    Not sure about whether I am effective or not, that's up to the Lord for the final analysis.

    But I have to know there is a difference between my personality and my role as a pastor. There are times I have to go outside of myself to do and say what I would rather not do. I have to force myself away from the office to interact and meet with people other than my wife and close friends.
     
  3. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    [1] Prayer.

    God can and does use whom He wants in all manner of ways that He wants.

    [2] Fellowshipping with him in very small groups during the week - two or three.
     
  4. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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    Many pastors are introverted folk. So, yes God can use them very effectively.

    I believe there is some misunderstanding as to what extrovert and introvert means. Here is a good definition:

     
  5. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    How about this: someone who does not like to talk to strangers
     
  6. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    Well said, my brother.

    Before returning to church after many years absence, I was comfortable living the life of a semi hermit. Often didn't leave home for anything for days at a time. Then, it was primarly going shopping or perhaps to visit family or neighbor.

    I'm not a pastor, yet "there are times when I have to go outside of myself to do and say what I'd rather not do". Can personally testify to that, as well. A little over 2 years ago I was terrified at even the thought of standing before a crowd and opening my mouth. Was on the verge of a panic attack, the first time I walked up to a microphone to give my testimony. Wonderful how God will help us when we ask. Today, I substitute for a SS teacher and sometimes lead mid-week Bible study. Nervous before hand - yes. But that goes away when He takes control.

    Learned that, and so much more, from my pastor. He is an admitted introvert, too.

    Is he effective? You make the call. Sunday's service will include the baptism of 5-7 (not sure of the number) who have committed, in recent weeks, to our Saviour, under his ministry. A small country church.
     
  7. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    God can and does use all types. Are you ready to serve? If you are God will use you for something He wants you to do.
     
  8. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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    Nope, that is shyness.

    Read the definition in my earlier post.
     
  9. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    I think Salty is using the normally accepted definition, not the Jungian definition :laugh:

    Besides... oh never mind
     
  10. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
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    Amen Brother Bob.

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Ps 1:3

    Some of the most powerful Christ centered sermons that's ever directed my attention to the things that are above were delivered by introverts.
     
  11. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Absolutely. You'd be surprised which mega-church and large ministry pastors are introverts.

    I once saw a report that classified pastors by personality type and it included this metric: introvert or extrovert.

    In mainline denoms they have many more introverts than extroverts.
    In evangelical denoms they have about half introverts to extroverts.

    So, absolutely.

    If a pastor is an introvert, what would you recommend?[/QUOTE]

    I'm more extroverted than introverted, but some days I love the quiet and solace of my prayer closet and study. Another pastor I know can't go two minutes by himself and it works for him.

    I would encourage introverts to make sure you're scheduling time to be with people and go out of their way to enjoy fellowship with others. Find your quiet time and alone time. Have a day to yourself every week, but also have more days that are about being out and about.

    Great questions. :)
     
  12. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
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    But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps 1:2

    No doubt a preacher who conforms to the above will be considered to be an introvert by many around him. His mind is on the things that are above and not on things upon the earth. Two very spiritual PB preachers come to my mind from this topic, one happens to be blind.
     
  13. kyredneck

    kyredneck Well-Known Member
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    I am an introvert. One of my favorite writers A.W. Pink was an introvert, some of the best sermons I've ever heard came from introverts, you're not alone brother and there's definitely not anything wrong with you. I suspect your sermons are steeped in the word.
     
  14. PeterM

    PeterM Member

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    Adrian Rogers identified himself as an introvert... it's not uncommon, nor should it preclude anyone from serving in a ministry role.
     
  15. drfuss

    drfuss New Member

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    The fact that the above questions would be asked shows a problem in the church. Extroverts are no better than introverts. Extrovert pastors are no better than introvert pastors, just different. One problem with extrovert pastors are that they think introverts should want to act like extroverts. They do not. Many extrovert pastors turn off introverts in the congregation because they project that message.

    Many extroverts like to tell stories and hear themselves talk. The same for pastors. Because introverts tend to think instead of talk like extroverts, Introvert pastors are more responsible leaders and provide better theology.

    I would rather have an introvert pastor than an extrovert pastor.
     
  16. Thousand Hills

    Thousand Hills Active Member

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    I'm Thousand Hills and I approve this message. :thumbs: I'm an introvert and I've been told all my life how "stuck up I am", because I tend to keep to myself. Are there things I need to work on, sure, we all do. But being an introvert is not a sin.
     
  17. TisMe

    TisMe New Member

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    Comparing the usefulness of an introvert and extrovert in a church, is the same to me as comparing a blonde or brunette or a skinny person compared to a heavier set person. They may be a little bit different than the other person But both bring their own God given formula, And individual gifts to bring glory to God.
     
  18. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I do not see that as a valid comparison.

    Here is the main question. Can an extreme introvert pastor be effective in evangelism if he finds it very difficult to approach strangers in door-to-door knocking. How about meeting a visitor? It is important that a first-time visitor have an immediate home visit withing a few days.
    Yes, some on this thread have stated that an introvert can be an excellent preacher - and that is good - but it is imperative that a pastor be involved in evangelism.

    Do you agree?
     
  19. Thousand Hills

    Thousand Hills Active Member

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    He can only accomplish these tasks through the power of the HS, which is what any pastor introvert or extrovert should rely on. I would think in the tasks you mentioned, the extrovert would tend to rely on his persona, and fail to humble himself before God before taking on these tasks. (Trying to think of something Paul said but its not coming to me :BangHead:)
     
  20. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    Door knocking, hand shaking and immediate home visits? If that defines evangelism methinks you need a new dictionary.
     
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