Description
Book SynopsisIn charismatic circles, exuberance is the norm. But what about introverts who quietly exercise the gifts of the Spirit?
Trade Review"Mark Tanner is an insightful and thoughtful man with a great deal of experience both in theological training and growing churches. This book encapsulates his wisdom." -- Nicky Gumbel
“The wonderful message of Pentecost is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all people, whatever their gender, age, or ethnic background. In this important book, Mark Tanner shows how the personality that we are created to be is included in that universal pouring out. It is a book which demonstrates the maturity of the charismatic movement from one of its wisest and most influential leaders.” -- David Wilkinson, Principal, St John’s College, Durham
“A really helpful book that raises important issues, concerns and questions. Drawn from real life experiences, deep reflection and thoughtful consideration, readers be they extrovert or introvert will glean many insights, help and encouragement in their own lives and in and understanding and relating to others. A good, accessible read and valuable resource for all personality types and not just those who find themselves in charismatic circles.” -- Revd Roy Searle, leader, Northumbria Community and former President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
"As an extrovert I have found this book incredibly insightful and brilliantly challenging. I will be recommending it to students and younger leaders as a must-read so that we can grow and shape a much more self-aware and generous church family. We need both introverts and extroverts to bring their lives into the communal space we share and we will be a healthier family for it. This book has challenged me to the core. It has made me reassess how I lead and how I love others. Even now I can think of ways my own church community can be a much more inclusive and releasing space for both introverts, extroverts and indeed every mixture of our God-given humanity. This is an important work and I am grateful to have read it at the start of my leadership journey." -- Miriam Swaffield, Student Mission Developer
“The process of prayer – of offering God all that we are as we drink deeply at that never-ending well – is pivotal for every Christian. Yet I have never yet met anyone who found it easy. With immense self-awareness and pastoral wisdom, Mark Tanner offers profound insight here for particular people – introverts – whose concerns and contributions are seldom identified yet widely experienced. The whole Church has much to learn here as it seeks to be conformed to Christ.” -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
Table of ContentsContents
Foreword 10
Preface 13
1. An Introduction 18
2. What is an Introvert? 30
Introverts are not necessarily shy 36
Introverts are not necessarily antisocial 37
Introverts are not necessarily arrogant 37
Introverts are not necessarily inarticulate 39
Introverts are not necessarily self-sufficient… 40
Meet Anna 42
3. Introversion in the Bible 45
Where do we see introvert behaviour in the Bible? 47
Some insights around personality from the Bible 54
A Letter to Charismatics from an Introvert Among You 63
4. What Do We Mean by “Charismatic”? 71
They wear the regalia of the kingdom 76
They are distinctive in their speech and outlook 77
They do the works of the King 79
They are clear where they belong 80
They carry the authority of the King 81
Meet Bob 84
5. Charismatics Throughout History 87
The “Church Fathers” 90
Montanism 93
Messalianism 94
The Cathars 96
Mysticism 99
Enthusiasm 99
The seventeenth century and Methodism 101
Topeka Bible School, Kansas (1900) 103
Meet Roy 109
6. Why is the Charismatic World Hard for Introverts? 114
Meet Ian 125
7. Blessings and Challenges for Charismatics in the Introvert World 128
Charismatic culture is naturally active and pragmatic 129
Charismatic culture is not very reflective 130
Charismatic culture doesn’t like missing out 131
Charismatic culture is not good with quiet 132
And for the extrovert… 133
Meet Bishop David 138
8. Why is the Charismatic World Good for Introverts? 142
Why, then, do introverts need to engage with the charismatic world? 147
A Letter to Introverts from a Charismatic Among You 152
9. What Do Introverts Offer the Charismatic World? 159
Introverts offer a familiarity with, and comfort in, the inner world 160
Introverts offer the practice of reflection 161
Introverts offer the space to wrestle, question, ponder, and wonder 162
Introverts offer the dignity of space 163
Introverts offer the gifts of listening and noticing 164
Introverts offer a hunger for the heart of God 165
Introverts offer the search for wisdom 165
Meet Aian 168
10. Six Steps Towards Fullness of Life 172
1. Recognize and accept that you are an introvert 173
2. Learn the disciplines that feed you 176
3. Find a voice 180
4. Learn a second language 183
5. Step out in faith 187
6. Practise the habits that bring health 190
Meet Kate 196
11. Towards Some Resources 199
Some resource areas for introvert charismatics 200
Nine important dynamics in public worship 204
Notes 214
