I’m writing a short post this week because I’m currently at a youth summer camp. I have the honour and privilege of speaking at two camps this summer. This week, I’m sharing God’s Word with a group of junior and senior high students. In August, I’ll speak at another camp for grade six to eight students.
Whenever I spend time with a group that doesn’t know me yet, I make a point to mention, briefly, that I’m an introvert. I don’t make a show of it, and I don’t let it define me. But I do believe it’s an important piece of my introduction.
Why bring it up at all?
Because when I say it out loud, the introverts in the room breathe a little easier. They know they’re being addressed by someone who understands them. They know I won’t force them into awkward hand-holding or hyped-up group exercises just for the sake of noise and energy. They know I’m not about hype. I’m about connection.
Hopefully, that simple comment also takes down a wall between us. Especially in a camp setting, where there’s lots of unstructured time during meals and activities, it opens the door for quieter students to come sit beside me. They know I prefer one-on-one conversation. They know if they sit down, they’ll be heard. They’ll have my full attention. And they’ll find a kindred spirit.
On the other hand, I also want the extroverts to have a little insight into how I operate. Like many introverts, I’ve been told that I “look mad,” “seem miserable,” or worse. Truth is, my face often forgets to look as welcoming as my heart actually is. When I’m deep in thought, my features settle into what I call resting sermon face, not angry, just internally processing the eschatological implications of snack time.
I want students to know that I am here for them. I may not be front and center in the mosh pit during worship (yes, worship at youth camps sometimes does turn into a holy mosh pit), and I might not be the loudest cheerleader during the field games. But that doesn’t mean I’m distant. It just means I might need a little help getting there.
I’m not trying to become more outgoing. I’m trying to bring students into my world, so they know what to expect, and so they know they’re welcome. Yes, there will be times I’m in my room, recharging. But most of the time? I want to be approached. I want to hear their stories. And I want to speak life into them.
The Introverted Pastor 