McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. With practical illustrations, he explains how introv...
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reviews
Jul 22, 2011
Amanda
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This book is a BLESSING! As I was reading it, I almost felt like it was written just for me! For YEARS I have been struggling with the community aspect of Christianity. I am much, much more at peace reading, reflecting, and discussing spirituality and theology with a few select people. The thought of walking up to a complete stranger and asking, "How did you come to know Jesus?" turns my stomach. I have felt so inadequate. I have felt frustrated and just plain fed up with the social ob
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Feb 01, 2012
Ben
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I discovered this book seemingly at random about a week ago. I say seemingly because I absolutely see God's hand in guiding me to it. This was exactly what I needed to read, exactly when I needed to read it. I'm an introvert. In fact, I'm about as introverted as you can possibly get. I also happen to be a pastor at an evangelical church. I love being in ministry and I love my introverted side but there are definitely times where the two seem like a less than ideal mix.
In the first cou More...
In the first cou More...
May 20, 2010
Jo
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Excellent book! It is insightful, eye-opening, informative, practical, relevant, affirming, and challenging. It is also biblically solid and very readable. Introverts are called and gifted by God. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are not understood and are under-valued or marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it's not as faithful to be an introvert. McHugh manages to confront the extroverted bias in church culture without denigrating extroverts while e
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Feb 11, 2012
Alex
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This book is definitely worth reading for Christians who feel like they don't always fit in with the often loud, 'extroverted' nature of our Western, evangelical churches. For me it raises a lot of very important questions and challenges as a young, 'introverted' Christian in leadership, and has given me some ideas about how to work better with others of any personality type in my church. It doesn't have the answers there for you, obviously they have to be found in your own contexts. It has some
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Jan 03, 2012
Amanda
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An insightful book, authored by a pastor who is an introvert himself, where Introverts in the Church really shines is in communicating just what an introvert is. Introverts will gain a deeper understanding into why some things that come so easily to others escape them. Extroverts will gain a window into just how much is going on inside those quiet, contemplative people only a few get to really know.
It's easy to see the author has found his strength in his leadership role. The chapte More...
It's easy to see the author has found his strength in his leadership role. The chapte More...
Aug 07, 2010
Dave
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The author lays out some very positive points, especially in the first four chapters. Having come from the background that I have, I appreciate his very valid assertion that Western culture values extroversion as a holy standard, and thus so does the Western church. Many of the ways in which he describes this standard failing introverted personalities are accurate, and I found myself resonating with his words due to very recent experiences.
Unfortunately, by about chapter 5, the autho More...
Unfortunately, by about chapter 5, the autho More...
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Apr 21, 2011
Josh
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Every Evangelical should read this book. If you're an extrovert, it will help you understand, befriend, and minister to introverts. If you're an introvert and struggling, it will help you come to grips with your God-given personality and how you can embrace it and thrive in it. If you're an introvert but aren't struggling, you will nonetheless be surprised how many extroverted assumptions you're operating under, keeping you from maximum happiness and effectiveness.
McHugh presents evide More...
McHugh presents evide More...
Mar 26, 2011
Debi
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This particular section of the book really helps describe me:
"The journey of introverts into a community, however, is better conceptualized as a spiral. They take steps into a community, but then spiral out of it in order to regain energy, to reflect on their experiences and to determine if they are comfortable in that community. They move between entry, retreat and reentry, gradually moving deeper into the community on each loop.
"The introverted path into community, much t More...
"The journey of introverts into a community, however, is better conceptualized as a spiral. They take steps into a community, but then spiral out of it in order to regain energy, to reflect on their experiences and to determine if they are comfortable in that community. They move between entry, retreat and reentry, gradually moving deeper into the community on each loop.
"The introverted path into community, much t More...
Feb 06, 2012
Scott
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The following book review, I think will be helpful to those who are in the church, and specifically to those in the church that have felt like they just don’t fit.
I have been heavily involved in ministry for a few years now, and it is undoubtedly a rewarding enjoyable job, but the fact of the matter is- it’s hard. At times the lifestyle seems to be a whirlwind of frenzied meetings, counseling, and emotionally-charged-busyness. And it was in the midst of feeling like this that I ‘Stum More...
I have been heavily involved in ministry for a few years now, and it is undoubtedly a rewarding enjoyable job, but the fact of the matter is- it’s hard. At times the lifestyle seems to be a whirlwind of frenzied meetings, counseling, and emotionally-charged-busyness. And it was in the midst of feeling like this that I ‘Stum More...
Dec 25, 2011
Ryan
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I have long struggled with the idea that introversion is a crippling disease, especially in the life of one deeply involved in ministry. This book has helped me to radically change my perspectives on myself and how introversion affects my life in ways that are positive. He gave lots of practical examples and suggestions and provided a very good balance between showing how introversion can be properly embraced and encouraging necessary outward spiritual elements like community and evangelism. It
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Jul 05, 2011
I'm currently in the early chapters of this book, but I'm confident that I will continue to love it. As an introvert I have always struggled to find my place in a Christian culture that seems to value extroversion (large outreach events, initiating with complete strangers, and spending lots of time in community, to name a few), while often overlooking how introverts are an integral part of the life of the church. Adam McHugh suggests that the church has much to learn from introverts, and that th
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Jul 03, 2011
Poetreehugger
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I really enjoyed reading this book. So many descriptions of the introvert personality traits were eye-openers for me. On page 44, the description of physiological brain differences between introverts and extroverts was astounding and validating. Having sometimes felt inferior because of a lot of these differences, it is a comfort to know that my 'slowness' in social situations is sometimes simply characteristic of the way my brain is wired. It also helps me be more tolerant of extrovert type of
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Jan 29, 2012
alibrivoxfan
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Do the gospels portray Jesus as an introvert or an extrovert? Most people would say "extrovert". So for those of us who are introverts, where does that leave us in the church?
This book has been very affirming for me to understand how I fit in. I often don't have the energy at the end of day to interact with a small group. I process by thinking, not talking. And coffee hour and pot lucks are a drain. BUT, I am still part of the church and God calls me to love and serve. I More...
This book has been very affirming for me to understand how I fit in. I often don't have the energy at the end of day to interact with a small group. I process by thinking, not talking. And coffee hour and pot lucks are a drain. BUT, I am still part of the church and God calls me to love and serve. I More...
Jan 02, 2010
Pat
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A well-written book that I highly recommend for introverts and those who seek to understand them better. McHugh, an introvert himself, writes from a place of knowledge about the introvert personality and his insights are amazing. For introverts, this book will be liberating. McHugh not only accurately describes the introvert but goes on to offer practical suggestions and spiritual disciplines that will help the introvert to effectively recharge their batteries. One of the best chapters was e
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Nov 21, 2011
Christina
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I started reading this because it seemed a good fit. I'm clergy and I'm and introvert. No brainer. But what I found was a book that I could recommend to all of my clergy friends (introvert and extrovert) and to all of their congregations. One of the major problems in churches today is communications. Knowing how to communicate, how someone who is not your own "type" communicates can go a long way to at least encouraging the dialogue that will lead to a better understanding of miss
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Sep 17, 2011
Fr. Ted
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Much useful information for anyone who has not given much thought to the fact that introverts exist, let alone that they are in the Church and in positions of church leadership. A lot of sociological help for understanding the introvert's personality - especially in a society and in American Christianity which both seem to adore extroverts. Still the book is written especially for Evangelical and Protestant churches and their methodologies of doing church. But as an introvert I found some c
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Mar 20, 2010
Aoife
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This book was QUITE disappointing. Instead of finding spiritual insights, perhaps gathered from the considerable Christian contemplative traditions, I was faced with page after page of dreary management-speak. No book on religion (as opposed to business) should afflict its readers with word combinations like "recalibrating your leadership gauge." Nor should it be considered anything but a bad and pathetic joke to attempt to start a conversation about what Myers-Briggs type Jesus was. (
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Oct 26, 2011
Malin
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I give this book 5 stars. Adam McHugh (Princeton Theological Seminary) takes a unique look at the life of an introvert (50% of the population) and how they have often been mistreated by the church.
Intoverts have been targets for too many misquided arrows...shy, reserved, aloof, reclusive, melancolic, self absorbed, passive, timid....the list goes on.
The true definition of an introver is that they are energized by solitude..reading, ideas, introspection. They are drain More...
Intoverts have been targets for too many misquided arrows...shy, reserved, aloof, reclusive, melancolic, self absorbed, passive, timid....the list goes on.
The true definition of an introver is that they are energized by solitude..reading, ideas, introspection. They are drain More...
Sep 23, 2011
Abigail
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Introverts in the Church is a valuable book for us Introverts to read (I am a very strong Introvert, myself), helping us to better understand ourselves, know that we are not alone (there are others like us!), and to realize that it is okay to be who we are, accept ourselves, and work within forms that better fit our temperaments and support our strengths. This book is not mere theory: McHugh offers practical suggestions, real-life examples, and historical models throughout of how individual Intr
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Jan 28, 2011
Hannah
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One of the most encouraging books on spirituality I have ever read. I am deeply introverted. It is exhausting to constantly need to explain, "No, I'm feeling fine, I just need some time alone." It's most exhausting within the American church, where the ideal Christian is a gregarious, spontaneously evangelizing extrovert. People like me, while not necessarily looked down on, just don't fit in. Even when our faith is not overtly doubted, it's seen as a little off-the-beaten-path, and ce
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Oct 26, 2010
Pat
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This is a review, book summary and strong recommendation for a book that I finished a month or so ago, but have been processing through since then. I strongly recommend that you read:
"Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture" (Adam S. McHugh)
Adam McHugh describes himself as a Presbyterian minister, spiritual director, wine lover, Seattle sports fan, and introvert. (As an admitted fan of Seattle sports teams, he's well acquainted with lon More...
"Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture" (Adam S. McHugh)
Adam McHugh describes himself as a Presbyterian minister, spiritual director, wine lover, Seattle sports fan, and introvert. (As an admitted fan of Seattle sports teams, he's well acquainted with lon More...
Apr 23, 2010
Melinda
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Adam McHugh's book has given me a new perspective on a discussion I sometimes have with other Christians, "why are you comfortable in XYZ church yet uncomfortable in ABC church?". The author's premise is that your ability to feel at home and valued in a given church setting has to do with what builds you up and what drains you. In other words, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. In my many musings on "why is friend A in this church situation?" and "why am I
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Aug 19, 2011
Adam
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Full review on my blog http://bookwi.se/introverts-in-the-churc...
Short review: I have never really thought of myself as an introvert. But I probably should have realized it before now. I was the kid that was reading 300-400 pages a day in middle school and had a lot of deep friendships with a few people. I am not an extreme introvert, but as I get older, people seem to wear me out more. Maybe it is because I now work out of my house and on over the internet. But this book was ver More...
Short review: I have never really thought of myself as an introvert. But I probably should have realized it before now. I was the kid that was reading 300-400 pages a day in middle school and had a lot of deep friendships with a few people. I am not an extreme introvert, but as I get older, people seem to wear me out more. Maybe it is because I now work out of my house and on over the internet. But this book was ver More...
Feb 27, 2010
Ryan
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In his book, “Introverts in the Church,” author Adam S. McHugh admirably represents those of us that are sometimes perceived as “the Eeyores of the social scene.” Not only does he give voice to how introverts think, feel and process, but he lays a solid foundation of how to experience healing, embrace our introvertedness, and be ourselves in ministry and as church-goers.
McHugh explains the extroverted nature of the American church today and the expectations that our leaders must be More...
McHugh explains the extroverted nature of the American church today and the expectations that our leaders must be More...
Mar 13, 2011
Daniel
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This is an excellent resource for anyone who is an introvert (especially leaders) or who is leading introverts in any context.
As someone who is borderline introvert, this book gave voice for my introverted side. Adam McHugh gives great insight into the different ways that an introvert can look at leading in the church and interacting with the church. I also found McHugh to be balanced in challenging introverts to extend themselves outside their comfort zones for their own growth.
As someone who is borderline introvert, this book gave voice for my introverted side. Adam McHugh gives great insight into the different ways that an introvert can look at leading in the church and interacting with the church. I also found McHugh to be balanced in challenging introverts to extend themselves outside their comfort zones for their own growth.
Jul 01, 2010
Jeffodist
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If you are an introvert in a church you'll want to read the book.
If you are a church leader, intorvert or otherwise, you need to read the book. Many churches are hoping to be more outwardly focused in response to an overall decline in worship attendance. This book ask us to think about what that means for introverts. I thought the chapters on introvert leadership were the lest helpful but gave great example of introverts who were effective leaders. The book is researched and written we
If you are a church leader, intorvert or otherwise, you need to read the book. Many churches are hoping to be more outwardly focused in response to an overall decline in worship attendance. This book ask us to think about what that means for introverts. I thought the chapters on introvert leadership were the lest helpful but gave great example of introverts who were effective leaders. The book is researched and written we
Jan 24, 2012
Maria
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I felt super affirmed by this book and by the author's explanations of how you can serve God with--not in spite of--your introversion. The chapters how to live an introverted spiritual life and introverted evangelism were especially interesting. At times the book felt a bit like a pity-party for introverts, but I appreciated his insistence that we not let our introversion become an excuse for not engaging with other people. Not every part of the book felt true to my experience or relevant to p
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Aug 01, 2011
Dan
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This book really helped me understand myself better and accept myself. I'm an introvert - there's nothing wrong with me, I just bring a different set of strengths and weaknesses to any situation.
The chapter on leadership was especially helpful. Introverts are uniquely qualified to be leaders, which is the exact opposite of what you normally hear from the world.
The chapter on leadership was especially helpful. Introverts are uniquely qualified to be leaders, which is the exact opposite of what you normally hear from the world.
Dec 20, 2009
Karen
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I have been waiting for this book for 25 (or more) years. The beginning and end very much resonate with me. The middle chapters on introverted ministers are less relevant, though still had some takeaway value. I love how Adam helps us introverts feel that there is not only nothing wrong with introverts, but that there is something very valuable they (we) have to offer.
Jan 01, 2011
Tim
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A great book for both introverts who may feel they are on the outside watching their extrovert counterparts socializing. And for extroverts who may disregard their more contemplative brothers and sisters as antisocial. If nothing else, McHugh will help the introverted Christian leader feel validated, understood and appreciated.
