If this guy is right, I guess it’s time for me to sharpen my resume’ and go apply for a position at the local library (which by the way, doesn’t sound all that bad).
“Introverts Need Not Apply
(for church leadership)
Such leadership is extremely important, especially given the instantaneous forms of communications available to denominational and global religious communities. A leader who is an introvert will have a difficult time engaging with the challenges, conflicts, needs and demands of his or her constituencies. An extrovert can generate engagement and enthusiasm for a common goal or mission. A narcissist will provide lots of support and engagement with those who agree with him or her but will usually close the door on those they disagree with. As the “family systems” researcher Peter Steinke so often reminds us, narcissists are usually found in the professions of musicians, actors and clergy and at times a mixture of some or all.”
I think he is way off. He makes sweeping generalizations. He stereotypes to the point of nausea. He suggests that introverts are more narcissistic than extroverts- which is ridiculous. He underestimates the beauty of a Christ-centered community celebrating one another’s strengths while compensating for each others weaknesses. And overall, he puts too much emphasis on the person verses the Holy Spirit working through the person.
But who am I to say….
I am just a recovering narcissist who so happens to be an introverted musical “clergyman”.
“Unless one learns how to relish the taste of Sabbath while still in this world, unless one is initiated in the appreciation of eternal life, one will be unable to enjoy the taste of eternity in the world to come. Sad is the lot of him who arrives inexperienced and when led to heaven has no power to perceive the beauty of the Sabbath” Heschel
I started reading Ephesians. I read the introduction and was drawn to the scope of the whole letter. Paul’s overall goal for his readers is to help young churches grow up and know what they are to be about. That is good timing for me in light of my current frustrations. After reading the first chapter I was struck by the predestination theme. Oh no. But this time a different thought came to mind about that. Instead of the frozen chosen/elitist mentality, I thought about the commission the Father has given to those He calls. We are chosen not to run away from the world but are chosen to be agents of change to the world. Paul doesn’t seem to make this about some getting a “get out of hell card” while others don’t, but more of a commission to the Church to be men and women who are a part of the Father’s agenda to be bring the world back to Him.
