Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are.
Introverts in the Church
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
 Trade In this Item for up to £0.80
Trade in Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture for an Amazon.co.uk gift card of up to £0.80, which you can then spend on millions of items across the site. Trade-in values may vary (terms apply). Learn more
|
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
"What a timely and badly needed book! Introverts in the Church will encourage thousands of Christians who have felt as if they don't quite fit. It will help them find their rightful place in Christian community, so that their gifts might be well used in the work of the kingdom. This book will also help churches to be a place where all people can flourish as disciples of Jesus. Adam McHugh has given us a precious gift through his openness, theological soundness and godly wisdom." ----Dr. Mark D. Roberts, senior director and scholar-in-residence, Laity Lodge
"This is a book that all leaders in the church should read! It made me realize that I owe an apology to all the introverts whose insights and contributions I have not understood or have overlooked. McHugh's perceptions are crucial for churches in our extremely extroverted society--we are missing some of God's best treasures for Christ's body. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wishes more thoroughly to understand the Holy Spirit's creation of a diversity of personalities and gifts." -- --Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of My Soul Waits, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly and In the Beginning, GOD
"At last a book for and about introverts in ministry, and a wonderful book it is! McHugh unpacks the challenges and characteristics of the introvert leader in a ministry world designed for extroverts. He offers practical guidance for developing as a leader, evangelizing, joining a community, preaching and becoming spiritually mature in Christ. The book not only helps introverts, but it can serve as a great resource for extroverts who lead, coach, mentor or relate to introverts." -- --MaryKate Morse, author of Making Room for Leadership, and an introvert
"Introverts, take heart! As an introvert myself--an off-the-chart 'I' on the Myers-Briggs--I find certain aspects of church life, like speaking to other human beings every Sunday, really taxing. McHugh thoughtfully explores the gifts introverts bring to the church, and he considers both how introverts can live well in the church and how churches can be more hospitable to us." ----Lauren F. Winner, Duke Divinity School, author of Girl Meets God
"As a fellow introvert, I well know the tension, irony and even contradiction of being in vocational ministry where public speaking and being with people are major and vital parts of our roles. This book puts together extremely helpful thinking to better understand who we are and how to navigate and celebrate being introverted and in leadership in an extroverted world."
----Dan Kimball, author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church
"This is a book that all leaders in the church should read! It made me realize that I owe an apology to all the introverts whose insights and contributions I have not understood or have overlooked. McHugh's perceptions are crucial for churches in our extremely extroverted society--we are missing some of God's best treasures for Christ's body. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wishes more thoroughly to understand the Holy Spirit's creation of a diversity of personalities and gifts." -- --Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of My Soul Waits, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly and In the Beginning, GOD
"At last a book for and about introverts in ministry, and a wonderful book it is! McHugh unpacks the challenges and characteristics of the introvert leader in a ministry world designed for extroverts. He offers practical guidance for developing as a leader, evangelizing, joining a community, preaching and becoming spiritually mature in Christ. The book not only helps introverts, but it can serve as a great resource for extroverts who lead, coach, mentor or relate to introverts." -- --MaryKate Morse, author of Making Room for Leadership, and an introvert
"Introverts, take heart! As an introvert myself--an off-the-chart 'I' on the Myers-Briggs--I find certain aspects of church life, like speaking to other human beings every Sunday, really taxing. McHugh thoughtfully explores the gifts introverts bring to the church, and he considers both how introverts can live well in the church and how churches can be more hospitable to us." ----Lauren F. Winner, Duke Divinity School, author of Girl Meets God
"As a fellow introvert, I well know the tension, irony and even contradiction of being in vocational ministry where public speaking and being with people are major and vital parts of our roles. This book puts together extremely helpful thinking to better understand who we are and how to navigate and celebrate being introverted and in leadership in an extroverted world."
----Dan Kimball, author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church
About the Author
Adam S. McHugh (Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary) is an ordained Presbyterian minister, a spiritual director and an introvert. He has served at two Presbyterian churches, as a hospice chaplain and as campus staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He and his wife live in Claremont, California.
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Over 30% of the UK population are Introverts and yet they are often forced to operate within a system that is decidedly Extrovert and this goes for many in today's Churches. As the Church, faced with falling numbers, has sought to attract new members, many of its services have become more extrovert in nature forcing Introverts to make the unenviable decision, "should I go or should I stay." It's not that Ministers are deliberately forcing people out, introversion is simply not something that has appeared on their radar. Adam McHugh's book seeks to put Introverts back into that picture.
Written by an Introvert, I soon found that many of Adam's experiences mirrored my own, after forty years of ministry here was somebody putting into words many of the things I constantly felt and experienced each day. If that is all the book did it would be worth buying, but it does more - it says it all right to be an Introvert. The book also contains practical advice as to how an Introvert can cope, especially those called to minister, and that is its great strength, it is not academic it is practical.
This book will be of use to anyone in the Church who feels they may be introverted, but it is also of use to Extroverts in helping them both understand and cater for those of the congregation who may seem to them distant and aloof. I will go further and suggest that this book should be in the library of every major theological seminary. I also firmly believe it should be required reading for all Ministerial candidates. My own church has two ordinands coming for placement training this year - guess what they will be getting!
Written by an Introvert, I soon found that many of Adam's experiences mirrored my own, after forty years of ministry here was somebody putting into words many of the things I constantly felt and experienced each day. If that is all the book did it would be worth buying, but it does more - it says it all right to be an Introvert. The book also contains practical advice as to how an Introvert can cope, especially those called to minister, and that is its great strength, it is not academic it is practical.
This book will be of use to anyone in the Church who feels they may be introverted, but it is also of use to Extroverts in helping them both understand and cater for those of the congregation who may seem to them distant and aloof. I will go further and suggest that this book should be in the library of every major theological seminary. I also firmly believe it should be required reading for all Ministerial candidates. My own church has two ordinands coming for placement training this year - guess what they will be getting!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I already knew most of it but it was encouraging to be reminded that I am not abnormal for enjoying one-to-one 'deep' conversations but I hate the small talk during coffee time after mass so much that I either find a job to do or slink off home. Alternatively, as the author advises, prepare for the coffee time - think of people of whom you can ask a question or a favour (I cadge lifts to deanery events because I don't drive.)
I am by no means an evangelical but the sort of extroverted church culture which the author describes is with us in the anglo-catholic tradition too. Gone are the days when you entered church in silence and prayed and then left in a reflective mode. The noise of conversation before and after worship, even during the communion sometimes, makes me feel I am either a recluse or a snob by my wishing to avoid it.
Like the author, I am confident in preparing and preaching sermons but prefer my relationships with the congregation to be one to one in spiritual direction or pastoral care. The good news is that we are appreciated for being available for in depth conversation instead of `small talk'.
The author is right in advising introverts to find a role. This could merely be something to hide behind but can also be the springboard for relating to other people. Maybe that is why I got into amateur dramatics as a teenager, went into teaching for a career and am now a lay minister in my (early) retirement.
The best advice, however, is to accept ourselves as we are and don't pretend to be something else BUT don't use that as an excuse for avoiding all social situations. People need to get to know you a little via small talk before choosing to confide in you in a `deeper' conversation.
I am by no means an evangelical but the sort of extroverted church culture which the author describes is with us in the anglo-catholic tradition too. Gone are the days when you entered church in silence and prayed and then left in a reflective mode. The noise of conversation before and after worship, even during the communion sometimes, makes me feel I am either a recluse or a snob by my wishing to avoid it.
Like the author, I am confident in preparing and preaching sermons but prefer my relationships with the congregation to be one to one in spiritual direction or pastoral care. The good news is that we are appreciated for being available for in depth conversation instead of `small talk'.
The author is right in advising introverts to find a role. This could merely be something to hide behind but can also be the springboard for relating to other people. Maybe that is why I got into amateur dramatics as a teenager, went into teaching for a career and am now a lay minister in my (early) retirement.
The best advice, however, is to accept ourselves as we are and don't pretend to be something else BUT don't use that as an excuse for avoiding all social situations. People need to get to know you a little via small talk before choosing to confide in you in a `deeper' conversation.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Karey
Format:Paperback
As an introvert married to an evangelical Church of England vicar, I've found this book extremely illuminating. Church life so often favours extroverts and I often wonder how many introverts stay away as a result.
The author offers pertinent insight, personal experience and practical suggestions.
Reading the book has broadened my sense of possibility and given me hope for the future.
An invaluable read for church leaders, introverted church goers and curious extroverts!
The author offers pertinent insight, personal experience and practical suggestions.
Reading the book has broadened my sense of possibility and given me hope for the future.
An invaluable read for church leaders, introverted church goers and curious extroverts!
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 76 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for introverts & extroverts
I make no bones about the fact that any time I do a Meyers-Briggs type personality test I invariably come out as an INTJ. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Meadows
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not the book I was hoping for
The author of Introverts in the Church has tackled an important subject with helpful insights.
Unfortunately, though being a fellow introvert, I cannot endorse all his... Read more
Unfortunately, though being a fellow introvert, I cannot endorse all his... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mr. Jason D. Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars
Introverts in the church
Amazing book, one that makes introverts like myself breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I am in fact normal.
Published 23 months ago by Emma
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
