Introvert v. Extrovert

People seem to be drawn to the extroverts of the world. They are the ones with high positions at work, leadership roles in ministry, and given opportunities. They tend to be more outspoken, seen as bright and confident, and seemingly "have it all together". Extroverts are usually the teacher pets and the class clown, but inside there is a world of secrets waiting to be untold.

Introverts are the quiet ones who usually make a beautiful backdrop wherever they are. They are given the menial tasks and tend to have the behind the scenes jobs. People seem to overlook them or even ignore them. Introverts are usually the servants of the group, but inside there is a world of wisdom waiting to be tapped.

I've been a part of many small groups in my day; some great ones with extraordinary leaders, some terrible groups with dominating leaders, some lame groups with no point or purpose, I've lead various groups of my own, to name a few, but in the small groups, I've seen and learned about personality types more than anything. I've looked around the circle in some groups and all I want to know is what is going on each person's head? What great potential has the leader not tapped into yet? What's that person's story? Who is she? What does she have to offer? What is the potential of this group? And wow, I can only imagine!!

Here's some food for thought. . . . imagine a group where the introvert feels safe to share and the group benefits from her wisdom, the extrovert thinks more before she speaks, the passion and creative juices get stirred up, and the leader who can see the great potential offered by each member and inspires action. What could that group do together to bring hope and love to a struggling community?