Sunday, December 2, 2012

Extroverted = Hopeful ....?

So today was the first day of Advent.  We lit the Candle of Hope, for those of you keeping track.

In all honesty, I have trouble with sermons.  Like Pavlov's dog drools at the sound of a bell, my mind wanders during sermon time.  *sigh*  I also yawn while singing.  Always.  It's really quite silly.

Anyway... 

I did hear a quick mention of the 'Sons of Thunder'  (Those are what the apostles James and John were called); obviously, I told my husband that they were called that because of their beany diet.

And then....

The Pastor was talking about how he likes to visit other church denominations just to see how they do things.  He hypothesized that Pentecostal and Non-Denominational Community churches, for example, are more vibrant and lively because they have embraced hope and joy.

hmmm.  I understand why one might think that, what with all the dancing and hand waving and Amen's and general outgoing-ness of those particular congregations, but I think I have another explanation.

I believe that traditional mainline protestant churches, such as Presbyterian and United, tend to attract introverts, whereas postmodern-esque churches, such as community churches and Pentecostals, tend to attract extroverts.  Take my own church: volunteer for a committee?  No thank you.  Invite a friend to church?  Sounds kinda lame.  Stand in front of the congregation and say something?  Not in your life!   It's not because we lack hope or joy; it's not because we're struggling in our faith; it's not because we're ashamed of what we believe.  It's because we're a bunch of introverts!  Like, hardcore introverts - a whole church of 'em!

I've been to those other churches, the more outgoing ones.  The ones where they shout and dance and sing and pray out loud and talk to people and do stuff.  And I generally find those churches overwhelmingly full of extroverts.

It has nothing to do with who has more or less hope and joy; it has everything to do with like-minded people gathering together to worship in a setting that is comfortable to them.

I'd be very interested in seeing a sociology study done on this. 
...of course, it won't be me doing the study - I'm too much of an introvert!