It all sounds a wonderful idea to the extrovert, but to be straight out honest, almost everyone of these things are not favorable in the eyes of an introvert, and I have often been left wondering where I fit at all in the church, because simply these things don't work for me. I don't like people being in my face all the time. I don't like people interrogating me to find out what's going on with me, and I don't like people coming into my home without my permission--it's my private sanctuary. There are too many other things I could mention, but I'll leave it there. I have known several other introverts who are the same way, and some of them have been turned off from the church because of this overenthusiastic behavior. I've been mulling over whether this is a matter of church practice or culture practice. I happen to know the church exists in countries out there who are more inclined to value the introvert tendencies over the extrovert ones. They seem to function very well.
It brings to mind a biblical story that somehow seems to be unusually misunderstood and often controversial with my fellow sisters, and that is the story of Mary and Martha. Most people I know sympathize with Martha, who is busy getting things done and trying to make sure everything is in order for their visitor, and there is nothing wrong with that. I seem to be one of the rare ones here who finds herself sympathizing more for Mary. I don't care for the hassle of getting everything done, nor do I feel the importance of seeing to it that everything is done. I'm more interested in the person, so if I have a choice between being super busy with chores or having the opportunity to sit with someone and visit with them, I will always prefer the latter. In a way, there seems to be a similarity with extroverts and introverts.
The extroverts are more pro active and aren't afraid to get out there and get things done with lots of people, while the introvert is more interested in the individual and helping with people one on one in a more quiet, perhaps more intimate setting. From my observation, it appears that if the extrovert and the introvert could balance both of their strengths, it would be perfection as long as they do not demean the other's way of processing what proper and genuine service.
There is no one absolute way or answer in how to serve others. Some prefer the more aggressive get out there and do it practice. Some are more gentle and prefer to go from person to person in their own quiet way. Some people need the soft approach as much as others need the strong one. We're all needed, and as the quote goes from the referenced story above:
"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."In conclusion: All belong, not just extroverts, but try to be respectful to those who speak out in behalf of the extrovert way of things. It just means that is how it has worked for them. It's not gospel. We are all individuals and the way we reach out to others is just as individual. Introverts can touch lives in ways the extroverts can't. If we were all made out of the same mold, it would be sad and dreadfully boring.
