Can Introverts Go to Heaven?

by Gardner Hall

It’s an extrovert world! And yet many introverts who feel uncomfortable in certain social situations, still believe in God and want to serve him.

Extroverted disciples sometimes make introverts feel that there is little or no hope for them. When they aren’t laughing with others they sometimes hear – “What’s wrong with you? Don’t you know that God’s people should always be joyful?” When it is obvious that they must sometimes push themselves to be in certain social situations they hear, “What’s wrong with you? Don’t you love God’s people? Don’t you want to be with them?”

It's not that introverts don’t love God’s people. They’re just more comfortable with them in quiet settings. While it is true that they often need to push themselves socially, they are often deeper Bible students and more dedicated to prayer than their extroverted counterparts.

Many godly people in the Bible were probably introverts. Jacob was described as a quiet man (Genesis 25:27). Many of the prophets were probably introverts. At least two, Moses and Jeremiah, exhibited classic characteristics associated with them. The gospels, especially John, seem to focus on the differences between Peter, the classic extrovert, and John, who must have been much more cautious and analytical. Even though Jesus wasn’t completely an introvert, neither was he a full-blown extrovert. He often had to withdraw from the multitudes for the solitude of the wilderness and mountains.

How should extroverts not deal with introverts? By scolding them or putting them down! How can they help them? By appreciating their strengths! They can be rich sources of biblical analysis and thoughtful suggestions for the work. However, it’s necessary to mine their blessings on turf in which they are comfortable – through quiet one-on-one discussions, private notes, and perhaps phone calls.

God has used introverts throughout history to accomplish His will, not by scolding them, but by gently encouraging them and giving them responsibilities where their strengths could be utilized. The same tactics can help us today to reap the benefits of their gifts.