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”.
RECOVERING NARCISSIST 
One Comment
Funny, he offends nearly everything about you 🙂
I don’t think he understands introvert and extrovert very well, not to mention what you point out. Introverts can engage just as well as anyone, but they will likely do it differently. I’m a perfect example, strong introvert in a very extrovert work environment in the last 15 years and two jobs.
The real difference I see between introvert and extrovert is in how I recharge my batteries. While I can engage very well in an extrovert world, if I spend too much time there I get drastically drained and need to be alone for a while… sometimes longer than others. This is the only thing that recharges my batteries.
Extroverts on the other hand tend to get their batteries recharged when they’re around other people. It’s when they spend too much time alone they begin to feel drained.
That’s my opinion and if you don’t like it… I have others 🙂