Church for Introverts

When I first started going to church it was difficult because I was a loner. I was a loner because I had to be when I was growing up.

My mother was married and divorced seven times. She never had a shortage of men in her life. We would be living in a certain area where I went to a certain school, and then my mom would say, “It’s time to leave and go to a new place.” And off we would go.

As a result, I was always the new kid in the class. It’s miserable, by the way, to join the class in the middle of the year. The teacher introduces you to everyone, which is completely humiliating. I still remember it vividly.

I would be called “new kid” for months. Finally, I would start learning names, and then my mom would say that it was time to go. So, I was somewhat withdrawn from other people and didn’t really have any lasting relationships.

But then I became a part of the church. And I built friendships more than 35 years ago that I still have today.

I realize this is something that doesn’t come easily to everyone, but if you aren’t involved in the church, I hope you will fix that. Whether you’re fellowshipping online or meeting in person these days, you should get to know people and build real relationships.

Use technology to the best of your ability. Join an online church small group. Reach out and develop friendships. You need the church, and the church needs you.

You are loved more than you may know, and you would be missed more than you would ever realize. God loves you. And God’s family, the church, loves you.

God wants to change the paradigm of your life—if you will let Him.