I have a lot of people ask me if I'm an introvert or extrovert. In case you care, my Myers-Briggs personality type is ENFP. But I have to qualify my answer. The defining factor in determining whether you are an I or an E is how you get energized. Do you get energized when you are by yourself or with others? It has nothing to do with social skills although I think extroverts tend to be a little more adept at interpersonal relationships because they enjoy it more.
So I'm an extrovert by personality, but I'm an introvert by profession. I'm a pastor who is around people all the time so I've turned into more of an introvert out of necessity. I need my PT. That's how I recharge my batteries. If I was working in a cubicle, I'd probably be the exact opposite.
For the record, I think Jesus was an extrovert. But he definitely got energized by getting alone with His Heavenly Father.
Mark 1:35 says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
So I'm an extrovert by personality, but I'm an introvert by profession. I'm a pastor who is around people all the time so I've turned into more of an introvert out of necessity. I need my PT. That's how I recharge my batteries. If I was working in a cubicle, I'd probably be the exact opposite.
For the record, I think Jesus was an extrovert. But he definitely got energized by getting alone with His Heavenly Father.
Mark 1:35 says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
7 Comments:
I would that is spot on for me as well. Nicely put Mark. I never really put it together that since I have been a pastor how much more I've needed my PT.
I have been using and administering Myers Briggs for years. I'm definitely an introvert. That's tough in a pastor's role.
I don't know about Jesus' type. I see much introversion in Him also. He didn't have to be the one talking. He could easily say nothing, especially when being accused. I've often wondered if His personality was the rare exception that truly couldn't be captured by a personality profile.
BTW, I'm an INTJ.
God bless,
Ron Edmondson
http://www.RonEdmondson.com
I've talked to several pastors who say they moved from Extrovert to more Introvert during the course of ministry.
I'm an introvert, by nature, but growing into more extrovertedness.
Jesus seems to be both. I mean he hung out with 12 guys all the time...but still went to be alone.
I feel like I should come to my fellow introverts' defense regarding interpersonal relationships. :o) I would concede that extroverts are much better at meeting new people and interacting with people they don't know really well, but I suspect introverts are better at interpersonal relationships when it comes to people they know well.
Good point Ryan :)
I'm the same personality type, ENFP. When I was in college, the career counselor made me take the test a second time because I am a pastor's kid. Apparently, PK's can present as extroverts because they've been conditioned towards extroverted behavior due to their parent's public role in the church. But, like you said, its what give you energy that counts.
I LOVE Meyers-Briggs!
Love the example Mark. My pastor took us through Tim LeHaye's book "Spirit controlled temperament several years ago. Very useful for getting to know who we are. My Meyers Brigg in college confirmed what T.L. study showed prior. Introvert INTP. No matter what though I appreciate what you mentioned in, In a Pit....
We have to focus on being ourselves and let God use us.
Post a Comment
<< Home