Introverts and the Great Commission (guest post for The Rising)

“Go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.”

— Matthew 28:19-20 —

As an introvert, I often would feel guilty for the unease I had with the whole concept of evangelism, which is at the heart of the Great Commission to “go out and make disciples”. Striking up apologetics-centered conversations with strangers about why they should become Christians seemed uncomfortable and unnatural to me, so I wondered if I was disobeying God for not using settings like airplanes, bus rides, or grocery shopping to promote the gospel.

All Christians are called to carry out the Great Commission, but it does not have to look the same for everyone.

Some extroverted people are amazing at non-confrontational gospel conversations with either individuals or big groups and can weave apologetics with their own personal testimony in a way that welcomes long, thoughtful conversation.

Me? I tend to get stuck during conversations, struggling to find the right words, especially around strangers or new acquaintances. But my introverted personality does not exclude me from the Great Commission. I don’t receive a Get-Out-Of-Evangelism pass because I get nervous in conversations. I am still called to proclaim the gospel. But what does that look like?

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