I'm an introvert and can't even be in church without feeling extremely awkward. Greeting people after the service is so hard i come across so cold, i go home and rethink everything obsessively. I know God has made me this way for a reason because the flip side of this is i have great empathy and sensitivity that others do not experience. It's hard to leverage, but I pray God that he uses me just the way i am.

I'm introverted, I'm shy, but God called me to be out there and speak his word. At time is difficult and I struggle. Please pray for me for boldness!

I love having deep conversations, it's the small talk that is agonizingly painful!!

A meek and quiet spirit is a great price to God. 1 Peter 3:1-4. There’s nothing wrong with being quiet and reserved. But we all have to speak up when it’s time to

*I'm very introvert, but I'm bold for Christ, I share the gospel and warn my friends about hell* . They think hell is imaginary 🤦

Some of the extroverted displays of church community, like handshakes with the entire congregation, holding hands with strangers during prayer, etc, are very difficult for an introverted newcomer.

"The longer we go without obeying, the harder it will be to obey" welp, that was powerful

Thank you, I often have felt there was something wrong with me. Introversion is not a sin, not reaching out when the Spirit calls you is.

I've always been introverted. The way I reach people is through helping them. I feel very uncomfortable speaking so I try to let my actions speak for me

Introvert or not, you Tim were the only one that had answered my cry for help when I had reached out online to a few Christian sites. Since then you have lead me to many amazing preachers besides yourself that have helped me in understanding Gods word. I thank the Lord for you for your kindness and continued guidance . God bless you!

Being introverted enriches my relationship with the Holy Spirit so much. Who knows us better? Nobody but the Holy Spirit.

The US idealizes extroversion and sadly the church has followed suit, making many introverted Christians feel out of place. Unfortunate, since neither personality trait is superior. Both are necessary as they balance each other.

I am also an introvert. In fact, I have been so all my life(and I'm 22). I am also a church and worship leader. Some days I feel so energized and almost feel like an extrovert(almost I said), but that usually lasts just for a couple of weeks then I becoming as shy as I ever was again(:-D). I think the trickiest part in being an introvert is first of all acknowledging that it's okay to be one(I struggle with that a times) no matter what it seems like on the outside(what people say, the fear of missing out because your introvert etc). And secondly, as Tim said, introvert is not who I am, but it's what I am. Hence, being an introverted should not stop me from being all that God has called me to be; a kind, loving, self-controlled... person(Gal 5:22) and it should not stop me from obeying God. May God help us all to being the wonderful introverted people that we are in Christ.

I think it’s important for introverted Christians to realize that they are just as loved by Jesus as anyone. Not everyone is called on to worship God or to do evangelism in the same way. The introvert does not need to feel guilty about having other gifts and serving God in ways that they find God leading them.

I’ll be honest. I have my days. Some days I can face the world and keep up with mingling/fellowshipping but other days I simply just cannot. If I don’t feel like being there I leave service as fast as I can. No self torturing necessary.

Good book: Quiet - the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking, by Susan Cain.

Thank you for this. I’m a Christian and an introvert in a very extroverted, gregarious family. My relatives have always made me feel like something’s wrong with me when I’m simply just the type who doesn’t speak unless if I feel it’s necessary, and I like to pray to the Lord quietly and keep my conversations with Him private.

When I accepted Christ in my life, I used to think myself as an “introvert” because that is what the world used to call me or define me and I do know I’m shy I the beginning but I asked Christ to use me as he pleased and if he wanted me to reach other souls and preach the gospel to change me and help me to live people like he wanted me to love them, God is doing it. Praise the Lord because we are not who the world tell us we are but who the Lord says we are.

Yes I don’t like being told to get out of my seat and shake everyone hands. Like just stop.

I’m an introvert in a family of extroverts. I fought it all my life growing up. My dad was class president, my sister was most popular, my other family members all have a huge flock of friends. One day, I was being prayed over and the prayer said “this is God’s quiet and gentle child”. At that point I realized God made me this way. He will equip me for exactly what He wants me to do, just as He did Moses.

I'd like to hear more about how to leverage the gift of introversion to serve God in unique ways, instead of just hearing about how to serve God "in spite" of introversion.

The scripture that calls me out on my introversion: Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

I am an introvert and out of nowhere God put it on my heart to follow Him. I never really was a religious person. So, this proves to me and all doubters the Holy Spirit is real. Out of nowhere, I heard a calling. Just wanted to share this with my new found brothers and sisters. Praise God!

Well, I most certainly needed to hear this. Being an introvert in a foreign country and not speaking the local language is a disaster. But God is faithful, he'll get me through this

as introverts we are also very sensitive. i am more sensitive to noise and chaos.i am physically and emotionally exhausted much of the time.i think we need to finbd unique ways to contribute alone. you can pray alone. you can write alone. you can bake goodies to give people alone. it's wonderful to be introverted we just need to contribute in our uniqueness.

I'm painfully introverted. Since the virus hit, as an introvert, I'm extremely happy to be told to stay home. I did try going to church before this all began ( my brother was a pastor and I went with my mother and joined his congregation ) but then he came to me one day and told me he was leaving that church ( for personal reasons and the new church where he was offered a new position with was over 100 miles away) so I felt a bit like I had been deserted but I did continue going to the church my brother had left until my mother decided she no longer wished to attend that church as well. We tried another church but it wasn't the same, the people were a bit distant so we left that church too. I decided that I would just attend services online, it was better because I have a hearing problem and it's wonderful to be able to use the close captioning and not miss out on what's being said, plus I didn't have to start over in a new congregation ( which being an extreme introvert was very challenging to begin with ) I have felt guilty for not finding another church to attend and that I was using my introversion as an excuse, but I love my morning Bible study and I can watch all the videos online that I want. ( Ray Comfort is one I watch daily ) I do share online via Facebook and messenger important lessons I've learned and our Father's word.

Heyyyy I'm introvert too. There's nothing wrong with being an introvert. I love being an introvert. 💙

I can really relate to this, as an introvert, being a singer in a worship band at the front of church I'm comfortable, but as soon as I'm to mingle amongst the congregation it's a challenge for me, I'm now not in my comfort zone. I used to think what's wrong with me, it's nice to know that there are other people the same.

Being an introvert is hard sometimes.....I'm shy introvert and it's really very difficult

Geez, being introvert is so hard!!! Your anxiety before you go to church is on top! Especially when it's a small church and you are force to speak😭 sometimes it makes me not want to go :(( but hopefully in the future i can gain self confidence. Praying really helps so yeh

Our weakness makes us strong. Thanks man, im also introvert and i know introversion is not a sin.😊😊

Thank you for sharing! I love Our FATHER more than anyone or anything! I love the Gospel but it is difficult for me to share it. Although I share it occasionally, I feel much guilt for not sharing it more. GOD bless you, your family and All our Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST JESUS.

I love my introversion❤️ My anxiety and shyness is mostly just my problem, and I pray to God to help me with it🙏

As an introvert who has Asperger's, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Confused introvert here...thanx for speaking to me.

I need my alone time, but it's not alone time at all. I use this time to draw closer to Jesus, to talk with Him, to love Him and to recieve His love. I use this time to read His word. We can't live without His word. I also use this time to pray for others. I pray for the body of Christ and I pray for the lost. I'm not out in the public much, but it is very draining, unless it is at church, which I love. When I am at work, it's more difficult to be around people because mostly they are unsaved. I try to witness to them... People really don't want to hear it, so I plant a seed and go on. I love Jesus and cherish our time together. It all comes down to that anyway. Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship. When I die and stand before Him, I know that He will know who I am because I spend countless hours with Him now.... Fall in love with Jesus!

I started a club for introverts but at the first general meeting no one turned up.

Thank you so much for speaking on this sometimes difficult topic. I really appreciate the perspective you provide and being an introvert I'm excited about more opportunities in the future for God to work in and through difficult situations to stretch and grow me as a person but more importantly as a follower of Christ. Please continue this valuable work! Thanks again.

It's peaceful and comfortable.

I am a really shy person and awkward whenever someone shakes my hand in the church. I really can't stand talking to a stranger for a long time and really picky in choosing friends. I have friends, but I don't want to be to be really close to me. And I got drained when a friend continues to check on me. This makes me think that maybe I am really not fit in spreading the good news, that I can't do it. Maintaining relationships and making friends are already difficult for me. Sharing the gospel has been the hardest. But I realized you are right. We are called to deny ourselves, and obey Christ. That this introversion must not get in the way of what He called us to do. I am really convicted for making an excuse not to love people. And I seem to forget that God will give us power to overcome our shortcomings. Introvert or not, we should obey God

I've been practicing conversations with stranger's for a while now. It's very hard for me so it takes practice .

I'll be setting goals this Sunday. Thank you!

You're doing amazing man keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you.

I've been struggling about this topic for the past 2 years. Thinking something was wrong with me or that I had to change. I still feel stuck. But this video was the answer to my prayers and cry outs and it showed me that I'm not alone, that I'm not crazy. This is real and we need to talk about this in church!

Thank you so much, I am introverted I very rarely go out, preferring to stay at home and read my bible and have time with Jesus my saviour. Also I have an incurable illness, so it makes life difficult for me.

I needed this. Thank you! ❤️.

I just discovered your channel a couple of days ago and I've been going through your material. Really enjoying and connecting with your work. As someone who identifies very strongly with introversion, this video helped clarify and even admonish a few issues I have within myself. Thanks so much!

I recently found this channel it is truly a blessing.

Tim, thank you so much for this video. I have beat myself up over this issue, and not really understood. Thank you

I’m an introvert (who grew up a huge extrovert - not sure how that change occurred), but I don’t think people in my church family would know it. I sing in the choir and one morning during greeting time, I leaned over to the row in front of me and said “how are you?” to a woman. She thought I said “I love you” and got so excited and said “I love you too!” I could have died of embarrassment because I’d never be that brash (I didn’t know the lady very long at that time), but it actually made her feel very good and seeing that made me feel much better. It’s easy to feel guilty for being introverted because most church leaders happen to be extroverted and simply don’t understand that some of the things they do and ask us to do horrify us. But this video was very helpful, as was the reminder to deny ourselves.

This was helpful to me. I'm an extreme introvert. I can't see me walking up to someone though and introducing myself. Yeah, that won't happen.

Glory To GOD!!! Thank you Tim Challies for coming out of your comfort zone to help your brother's and sister's in CHRIST! I have learned many things from you, and sometines it is very hard to discern whom to believe.

So glad I came across this video....this is sooo me. God bless

I needed to hear this message, thank you!

Thank you so much for what your saying. I've come a long way from where I was.

Thank you for the video! Really eye opening, and to be honest I already had a feeling that I was not the only one😝 May god bless you all in your paths and use you for his kingdom , no matter what

I think it's worthwhile to note that your experience of introversion may be very different from other peoples'. I also speak for a living, but social situations, including ones at church, can cause me to totally shut down, even bringing me to tears.

A while since this was posted but I would still like to say "thank you". As a fellow introvert, and someone who has been called by God, I found this very interesting and thought provoking. Some very useful points made, a bit of strength given.

Good words Tim, I needed to hear this, as i am an introvert as well. It is easy to use that as an excuse

Interesting discussion. Thanks for sharing I see myself as 50/50 with a leaning more to introverted side. I believe our upbringing can influence us greatly but it's not the be end all. God makes all things possible. With his favour and grace on our lives we can accomplish alot more than we ever thought possible.

It's more a question of the amount of stimulus the individual's system works well with than this superficial inner/outer characterisation. Putting continual pressure on people to go after everyone they encounter is just a way of the group keeping control over the individual by instilling a sense of falling short and hence guilt.

I'm an introvert myself. Yes, you are right. It is not an excuse to not preach the Gospel. I ask the Lord to give me the words and courage to preach the Gospel face to face. And I was able to share the Gospel with people verbally. Even homeless people. So yeah, I do get out of my comfort zone as an introvert.

Wow! I think every introvert should watch this. Represent and describe every introvert deep feeling, yet gives a practical way out how to self-denying. Thanks, sir 👍🏼 From: A blessed person from Indonesia

I am definitely an introvert. I've been this way all my life.

Hi Tim, thanks, I’m a introvert and have found these questions encouraging. Blessings Helen

I appreciate this so much. I am an introvert with some extrovert characteristics. But lean much more heavily towards introversion. I agree that God makes people differently and have come to accept that I will never be an extrovert. It seems that especially people in the church will judge a person as if being an introvert is somehow sinful. Like we need to come out of our shells for Jesus or something. But denying who God made a person to be and pretending to be someone I am not is not what God intended. Instead we need to recognize God’s creative genius in making people differently according to His own plan and learn how to best utilize each personality type’s strengths to achieve the most for His kingdom purposes. Then we will be working with one another instead of focusing on which personality is right or wrong, which is just silly anyway. We should each use every ounce of who we are to direct people to Christ and obey Him in all things regardless of personality type. Thanks for this. Good stuff.

I am very content to be home alone or with my husband. But staying where I’m comfy goes against the Biblical idea of “bodyhood,” getting together with other Christians for the purpose of building each other up. One of my friends was surprised to hear I’m actually introverted. He said that I seem “very social.” Well, I try to engage because I really do love people, but it is exhausting.

I’m dating, and as an introvert, I despise small talk. Deep conversations is where I feel most comfortable and it’s how I get connection with others. How am I supposed to not move quickly when I am a straight to the point, deep conversations type of person?

Thanks Tim, I'm an introvert too.

GOD BLESS YOU. I LOVE THE MESSAGE, IT GAVE ME RELAXATION BECOZ I THOUGHT BEING AN INTROVERT MEANS THIS IS SOMETHING WRONG BECAUSE WERE BEING CALLED TO PREACH TO OTHERS

Hey brother. Just found your channel, its a part of my feed now. This isn't the first time that a video of yours has come up that directly addresses a question I have in my heart. Isn't that interesting? I think so. Thanks, brother.

Thank you so much, this is encouraging, it is both a rebuke and an encouragement.

Thanks for the video.

Thank you for your bold obedience. I still struggle with embracing and living my purpose here. I feel invisible, useless, and other lies the enemy lines up, which are reinforced by being ignored by many people, including other Christians. I pray I can overcome this before it's too late.

Thank you, Tim. Just ran across this wonderful video. As a lifelong introvert, I don't really get this level of understanding from most people whether Christian or not. Indeed, one atheist psychologist I knew causally (not therapeutically, thank God) asserted that introversion per se is pathological. No Christian has been quite so rejecting, but a fair number have indicated that introversion is somehow sinful or at least not part of God's plan. I have heeded God's call and done the tasks He has set before me, some of which involved public speaking. In the nursing home where I am a permanent resident due to my disabilities, I have been the President of the Resident's council, chairing council meetings and speaking to management on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves. I was for six months also interim (lay) pastor of our in house church whose attendance kept increasing. Preaching the gospel to sometimes forty residents and staff did not come naturally to me, but God's grace is entirely sufficient.

I’m also an introvert. Thanks, Tim. It helps to hear that God still needs us to speak about Him to others.

I'm introverted to the point of getting up to use the bathroom right before 'meet and greet' at church. The shelter in place has been wonderful

Great Video. As an introvert, I really appreciated this!

This is me. I know intimately every word you said, even the bit about it being easier to speak in front of a large crowd than in front of a handful. The biggest crowd I’ve spoken from God’s word was around 80 or 90. It was definitely easier than the smaller crowds of 40 or so. And I tend to to stay quiet if I’m with just a handful of people. I also have trouble going up to speak to just one person, but I’m trying to do so every opportunity I get, and it’s getting easier week by week. I’m not sure about God making me introverted though. My introversion, though very useful for certain types of spiritual work, is merely my personal response to external and internal stimuli that I experienced in childhood. I could have chosen to fight against it, recognising that extreme introversion can make life difficult, but I chose not to and ended up as I am. Having said that, I see introversion as a gift that allows me to say and do good things that I couldn’t do if I was any other way. Very encouraging video, thankyou for uploading.

INTJ here - the struggle is real. But praise be to God for his amazing grace. Watching this while on lockdown. God bless!

Thanks. That was really helpful.

Excellent, challenging, honest: thankyou.

Love this biblical viewpoint!

Thank you for this, this video encourages me, I am an Christian introvert who is spiritually struggling.

Thanks! Can relate to it well

I’m introvert too,😁 Thank you for your life.You inspired us.

Oh my goodness! I so relate​. I would have very little issue giving a presentation before 1,000 people but leading the 5-10 women at our Bible study in my church is definately me submitting to God and stretching me out of my comfort zone.

In listening to I realize I am an introvert! I don’t want to shake hands with people and definitely am uncomfortable when people especially men hug me! I love going to church just outside of church want to spend my time with my husband or alone! This gives me hope!

Thank you so much for this. I'm an introvert and healing in many ways from trauma. Isolating through the pandemic i heard the Holy Spirit more than ever and starting writing poetry. I use that as a way to give God the glory for all he's done. Also to give orhers hope that whatever we go through God's got us 🙏

Thank you for d video

Thank you.

So interesting, I was talking to my pastor about this topic this very week!! Our whole church is introverted (small church). So that can make it hard for chat after sermons. I’m about on the cusp of extroversion and do need people sometimes to feel energised. I HATE small talk though it drains me. Deep and meaningful I can go for hours . Interesting

Exactly what I'm going through, I'm getting this strong conviction inside that I should go to the shops and tell people that God loves them, it's so hard but I definitely have to do it 😭.

As an introvert, I never want to appear stuck up so I end up talking too much and then spend the rest of the day kicking myself for it. It’s easier to just stay home. Also, the shaky cam is nauseating and the constant background noise is very, very distracting. You don’t need either one.

I’m introvert. Thanks Tim. God bless you

The deny yourself parrt is so point on!

Thank you so much for this, Tim. I am comforted and challenged. I also have RBF (Resting Baptist Face) and am frequently challenged to appear more kindly.

Yes. Quiet is very good!!

Wow!! I know how you feel. New subscriber.

I'm an extrovert and do reach out to others....but sometimes I am done with "peopling". I need my alone time.