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Introverts In The Church: Recommended Reading

I recommend church leaders read this book.   McHugh offers numerous practical insights on how introverts can leverage their personality type to lead effectively.   

He discusses the importance of paying attention to natural rhythms and managing energy, offering practical strategies and advice in Chapter 7.     

He doesn't let introversion be an excuse for withdrawing from relationships or from loving people.   The role of community is described as 'healing' for the introvert, and he talks about two critical movements for the introverted leader:
      1.   Inward movement of accepting and working with the way we are wired
      2.   Outward movement towards community

This book challenged my assumptions about the relationship between personality and leadership.  It helped me discover some of my strengths and how I can leverage them in my leadership role.  It also gave me some insight into some of my struggles as a leader and what kinds of people I need to be in community with to lead well.
 
McHugh offers numerous practical tips on engaging in relationships and fostering community in Chapter 5.   And in the last chapter has some good considerations for engaging introverts more in church gatherings.

This would be an excellent book for a group of pastors or your elders' team to read and discuss.  Chances are, there are introverts on your team who could benefit, and there are quite likely untapped leadership resources in your church.  

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