Introverts tend to be to themselves, social interactions make them completely uncomfortable and speaking in public is a nightmare. Introverts wouldn’t ever dream of going anywhere alone. However, God did say to come as you are. For me, I am an extreme introvert, and none of my friends happen to be church goers. I moved to a new town when I started going to college and eventually talked myself into going to a quaint Baptist church all by myself. I have found a few of these things to be true when you are the introverted Christian.
1. The first few Sunday’s you find yourself sitting alone, yet comfortable in your own solitude.
2. When it comes time to greet your neighbors, you instantly freeze up for a second, but immediately remember you are among friendly strangers.
3. Usually the first few Sundays, the elderly will come and talk to you, sit by you or just try to make you feel more welcome in general. Feeling very conscious of yourself, you are very aware that it is because you’re sitting alone. Sometimes, these elderly people even go out of their way to admire you for continuing your walk with Christ, even when your friends have stopped. These people actually take the time to get to know you.
4. The pastor really is trying to remember your name, it just may take a while.
5. When you see the church in need of something, you want to help, but you also don’t want to draw attention to yourself.
6. Praying out loud, or leading anything for that matter, is considered to be a huge jump for you.
Occasionally, you will see acquaintances, but you’re not too sure if you should bother them. Being the church introvert is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I find that the message preached that day rings a little louder when you don’t have the distraction of others around. You have more time to reflect and completely be able to let the worship music work its way through your soul. Eventually, you won’t just be the introverted Christian. Someday, the people alongside you become your family. Someday, you’ll even be serving that church family. The amazing thing about God is that he wants you to come as you are. All of your burdens, insecurities and worries he want you to bring them to him.
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Often I find myself needing that reminder – the reminder that I don’t need to be self-conscious about how I come in, who I know or worrying about the thoughts of others. Because when you’re worried about all these things, you will never completely grasp the message being taught that day. You’re taking part of your attention away trying to make sure you’re not fidgeting too much. Be still and know that God is there. He will work out all the rest.
