Pastoral Ministry for Introverts
I am an introvert. That's no surprise as roughly half of the world’s population are said to be introverts. While some might think that pastors, whose vocation includes frequent public speaking, would mostly be extroverts, my own experience has not shown that to be the case. As with the general populace, so with pastors: about 50%. If you are an introvert in pastoral ministry, fear not! There are some blessings, along with the challenges, that come with introversion.
Preaching Prep
A great deal of the work on pastoral ministry is preaching preparation. This varies based on the number of sermons preached per week, the years of homiletic experience accrued, and various other factors. But let’s put out the figure of 10-20 hours per week. These are hours spent mostly alone, in relative quiet, and requiring rigorous introspection. For introverts, these hours are often life-giving. They come naturally.
Many introverts obsess over the smallest faux pas, misspoken word, or failed humor in any social setting. When it comes to preaching, in which every sermon is meant to speak the Word of God, this can be an invaluable tool. The sermon often lingers with me for a good part of the following week. While there is a danger in overanalyzing, there is something good about this careful economy of words and constant reflection over your sermons.
Counseling and Care
I admit envying extroverts at times when it comes to pastoral care. I feel they have the upper hand. That said, there are some advantages in being an introvert. Introverts typically make good listeners. Listening is at least half the work of caring for souls. Being able to listen to people’s problems at length, cautiously diagnosing what the spiritual ailment might be and weighing in your head how to respond, is a good start.
The extrovert is likely to breeze through many of the aspects of pastoral ministry you find more difficult, navigating social relationships with facility. Many introverts are too slow to make the first phone call, set up a one-on-one meeting, or go for a hospital visit. Hospitality is a requirement for elders. Conflict avoidance is often poor shepherding. You will have to do what you do not want to do sometimes. Nobody said being a pastor was going to be easy.
Pray, Pray, Pray
There are pastors who don’t pray enough in ministry, and then there are pastors who don’t realize they don’t pray enough in ministry! For the introvert, we still won’t pray enough, but at least closet prayer will come more naturally. Many times I’ve taken such comfort alone at the office and spending time in private prayer for members.
My dream vacation is being alone in a cabin somewhere out in Wyoming or Montana. I often joke, my wife and kids would be welcome to come along if they want. What would I do? Give me a stack of books, coffee and food, and time to pray and reflect on the goodness of God. That longing is far from a comprehensive picture of heaven, but it is an aspect of it. Prayer is an essential part of pastoral ministry.
Being with People
Introverts thrive on being with people. No, that is not a typo. Introverts do not dislike people; that’s a misconception. They don’t never want to be with people. Rather, there is an exertion of energy to be in social settings, even as the extrovert exerts energy by being alone. Exerting energy is a necessary part of good health. The person who never spends their energy grows lethargic and sick. Just as the extrovert needs alone time, so the introvert needs time with others.
As an introvert, if I always gave in to my inclination to be by myself, I would grow selfish and cynical. I would become spiritually unhealthy. I am grateful that being a pastor pushes me to be with people. My soul needs that. I cherish the sanctifying work of pastoral ministry; it has made me a more mature Christian.
God made introverts. There is something about this personality type that is a good part of the created order and the Imago Dei. It is a segment of the sum of human diversity. If you are an introvert, embrace its blessings and cherish the opportunity to grow through its challenges.