Was Jesus an Introvert?

I was recently asked if I consider myself an introvert or an extrovert.


It seems a simple question that merits a simple answer, and the simple answer is that I consider myself an introvert until I've had a cup of coffee. But there is a deeper and more nuanced answer in what it means to be an introvert in the first place. The more I ponder it, the more complex and intricate this reply becomes, and it gets me thinking, which then leads to writing.


Which reminds me of how I tend to find ways to draw complex answers out of simple questions, simplify it once again after filtering it through a different lens, somehow turn it into a topic I end up writing about, and this process alone is a significant part of what lands me squarely in the introvert column.


In popular perception, the Introvert is portrayed as that strange kid standing alone at the dance, emerging only to sneak a drink from the punch bowl when no one is looking before walking awkwardly back to the corner, avoiding any eye contact along the way.


The Extrovert is the life of the party; the one that knows all the right people, says all the right things and is the quintessential 'popular kid' that everyone wants to be.


But is this an accurate picture? And what does it have to do with Jesus?


Jesus spent significant parts of His time pouring into people. We must start with the fact that Jesus was the perfect man; God in human flesh. Still, we can examine His personality and His habits to learn more about who He was and what He was like as He walked this earth. When we look at the nature of Jesus from a human perspective, He was more than comfortable in any group situation: speaking to crowds of thousands, teaching and leading His small group of disciples, initiating tough one-on-one conversations, and even facing down the national leadership of His day. He was always engaged with people, and I'm not sure when he slept. All extrovert material, right?


Not so fast. There is no doubt that Jesus excelled at interacting with and leading people, more so than anyone who ever lived, but there is another side of Jesus that tells us how He recharges and gets His strength to go about all that extroverted stuff.


Some folks ask how an introvert such as myself can be a leader of people.


The answer is in how I recharge, prepare, and get the energy to go about doing all that extrovert stuff. I crave the idea of spending time and engaging in conversations with all kinds of people, but the introvert in me likes to think about what I am going to say and how I am going to say it for a bit before I articulate any of those thoughts. I love discussing the big picture, but the introvert in me ponders the small brushstrokes that will be necessary to create that image.


That introverted side of me is why I tend to be a better writer than a speaker (the same was said of the Apostle Paul, by the way, so I'm okay with that).


As a writer, I crave time alone with a coffee and a keyboard. But the payoff of writing is interacting with others who have read those words and being able to share thoughts and engage in conversations.


As a musician, I crave time alone to write music. But the payoff is sharing those songs with others, and being able to listen and learn from other songwriters and musicians who add their personality to the music.


As a husband and father, I crave time alone to read a book, read the news, or read my Bible. But the payoff is investing, leading, and pouring into my family, and being able to create a legacy of faith and fun memories.


As a pastor, I crave time alone in prayer and the Word. But the payoff is when speaking truth, mercy, and grace to the hurting, and being able to encourage others in my sphere of influence.


As an introvert, I am not afraid of people or annoyed by individuals (after coffee, remember. That's important...), and I am not the weird kid in the corner at the dance. At least not usually.


Being an introvert just means I recharge through alone time. When I do that, I am okay to be around and have something significant to contribute to the conversation.


Below are some examples of how Jesus seemed to recharge through alone time before major events:


Before Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, the disciples had gone into town to buy food, and Jesus had been spending time alone: "When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”(The disciples had gone into town to buy food)" John 4:7-8

Before Jesus fed the five thousand, He was alone and recharging: "He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." Matthew 14:13-14


Before He walked on water, He was alone in prayer: "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake." Matthew 14:22-25


After a run-in with the Pharisees, and before choosing His apostles the next morning, He spent time alone and in prayer: "But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles." Luke 6:11-13


On the most emotionally charged night of His life (or any life in history for that matter) He was once again seeking to be alone and in fervent prayer, with only the support of His closest friends (another introvert trait): "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Matthew 26:36-38


So was Jesus an introvert? The simple answer: in Jesus, we find the best of every personality type! If you consider yourself an introvert, find joy in the fact that sometimes Jesus came across a bit of an introvert as well. As to the complicated answer: A closer look reveals that few of us are fully introvert or fully extrovert, but to some degree are an ambivert or a mixture of both, so it stands to reason that the God who created us would also reveal Himself as the best of both. Whatever personality you consider yourself, it is a valuable lesson for all of us to take the time to recharge, disconnect from the noise around us to engage in quiet and in prayer, refocusing our eyes on Jesus before facing whatever is ahead of us.


As a writer and musician, Jason Soroski strives to be mindful of the small things that we may otherwise overlook in our everyday lives. Jason holds an M.Ed. from Missouri Baptist University, and is the author of A Journey to Bethlehem: Inspiring Thoughts For Christmas and Hope for the New Year. Read more from Jason at his blog The Way I See It, and keep the conversation going on Twitter and Facebook!


Publication date: August 10, 2017


Image Courtesy: (c)Thinkstock/Siphotography

New Life Springs Forth in India on Easter Sunday

By Scott Soden • May 23, 2025
The joy of the resurrection echoed across Andhra Pradesh, India, this past Easter, as our Brethren partners celebrated the baptism of twenty-four new believers at the Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam churches. What a powerful testament to the living hope found in Jesus Christ. Each of these individuals has embraced a transformational change, choosing to follow the light of the Savior over the multitude of deities in the Hindu faith. This courageous step, while filled with spiritual joy, often comes with real earthly consequences. For some, choosing Jesus means facing the painful reality of being shunned by their families and communities. Yet, in their baptism, these brothers and sisters have declared a profound truth: following Christ offers not only hope for this life, filled with His love and guidance, but also the eternal promise of life everlasting with Him. This beautiful event, occurring on Easter Sunday, is a vibrant expression of the resurrection we celebrate. Just as Christ rose from death to new life, these twenty-four individuals have risen to a new life in Him. Their baptism is a powerful reminder that the victory over death is real, and the hope we have in Jesus is a hope that transcends earthly trials and stretches into eternity. Let us celebrate their courageous faith and continue to support our partners as they nurture these new lives in Christ!  Scott C. Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

North Central Brethren Gather for Golf Outing

By Ryan Smith • May 21, 2025
Thursday, May 15, started with overcast skies and a slight chill in the air. Despite these conditions, 19 "golfers" from the North Central region showed up at the Brookside Golf Course in Ashland, Ohio, to participate in the Lynn Mercer Spring Invitational. As the morning gave way to midday, the skies turned blue and the sun warmed the course. While it's not known if the improvement in the weather had any impact on the golf being played, those in attendance had a very enjoyable day, which concluded with a lunch and the sharing of golf course stories that were certain to rival those of the best golf pros. The North Central region hosts the Lynn Mercer Fall Classic and Spring Invitational each year. Whether you're a golfer or not, these are great times to gather with others from around the region and spend the day together. The Fall Classic will take place sometime in September or October; do plan to attend. Respectfully Submitted, Ryan Smith Director of Ministry Operations

Reaching Across the World: Our Renewed Connection with Malaysia

By Scott Soden • May 21, 2025
Across the vast oceans and many years, God is bringing the Brethren Church in the U.S. back together with our brothers and sisters in Malaysia. Even though we've been far apart in distance and time, God has been moving to reconnect us yet again. Churches in Penang and Johor Bahru are now working with us to build new friendships. We hope this will strengthen our partnership and also include our friends from the Brethren Church in the Philippines. This will create a wonderful link of churches around the world. The church in Johor Bahru reports that it has moved to a new building that is all on one floor. This makes it easier for older members who have trouble with stairs to participate. Their new location also has a garden where people can go to think quietly, pray, and meet Jesus in peaceful solitude. We hope to visit our partners in Malaysia early next spring. Pastor Paul Stanley and some Philippine Brethren Church pastors plan to go too! This trip is evidence of how God is bringing us together and will serve as an opportunity to strengthen our friendships. We can also see the great work they are doing in God's name. This reconnection reminds us that being part of Christ's church extends beyond our physical location and place in time. We are united across time and place, and as we move forward together across the world, we trust that this new friendship will help God's kingdom and blessing continue to grow.  Scott C. Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

A River of Blessings: Jamie White Ordained as Elder in The Brethren Church

By Dan Acker • May 21, 2025
Against the stunning backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness, a truly meaningful event unfolded last week. During a fly fishing trip that brought together Brethren pastors in Casper, Jamie White was joyfully ordained as an Elder in The Brethren Church. The intimate service took place within the charm of a local lodge, where a distinguished group of Brethren Elders gathered to participate in this sacred occasion. Jim Miller, Tom Sprowls, Don White, Dave Stone, Miles Larson, Dustin White, and Dan Acker collectively laid hands on Jamie, affirming her calling and confirming her ordination as an Elder within The Brethren Church. The significance of this moment was further underscored by the presence of Bill Childress, Pastor at First Brethren Church of Gratis, Ohio, and Dustin LeMaster, a pastor at 5 Stones of Ashland, Ohio, who were there to offer their support and witness. Though the setting was informal, it did not diminish the profound importance of the office Jamie now embraces. Jamie's journey toward ordination was marked by diligent preparation and the affirmation of her gifts. Examined and approved for ordination by the North Central Region in 2020, the formal service was thoughtfully delayed due to the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving opportunities in her ministry. Upon hearing of the long-awaited ordination, Drew Meziere, the Regional Resource Coordinator for the North Central Region, enthusiastically exclaimed, “It’s about time!” Jamie and her husband, Dustin, himself an ordained Elder in The Brethren Church, have demonstrated a consistent commitment to ministry since their time at Radial Church, a Brethren Church plant they lovingly established in Canton, Ohio. Their dedication to living out the Great Commission has taken them to diverse landscapes, from guiding fishing expeditions and hosting spiritually enriching retreats along the pristine rivers of Casper, Wyoming, to serving communities near the tranquil lakes of Cleveland, Ohio. In every context, their passion for making disciples has remained unwavering. It is this very adaptability and commitment to meeting people where they are that has deeply resonated with Summit Ridge Community Church in Tucson, Arizona, their current church home. Recognizing the unique and fruitful nature of their itinerant chaplaincy, Summit Ridge has wholeheartedly embraced Jamie and Dustin's calling to minister in unconventional ways to individuals who may not typically engage with a traditional church setting. Their work exemplifies a dynamic and evolving expression of faith, reaching beyond traditional walls to connect with people in the everyday rhythms of their lives. With heartfelt joy and anticipation for the impact of her continued ministry, we extend our warmest congratulations to Reverend Dr. Jamie White on her ordination as an Elder in The Brethren Church. May God's abundant blessings continue to enrich her life and empower her vital work! Dan Acker Pastor, Summit Ridge Community Church (Tucson, AZ) West Regional Resource Coordinator

Summit Ridge Community Commissions New Leaders

By Dan Acker • May 13, 2025
Summit Ridge Community Church Commissions New Leaders, Emphasizing a Servant's Heart

Lexington and Concord at 250

By Steven Longenecker • April 23, 2025
By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired shot heard round the world. “Concord Hymn,” Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1836. This is true. The American Revolution was transformative. One hundred years later, poet James Russell Lowell celebrated the modest span as “era-parting.” As the Concord militia ran across the bridge chasing retreating redcoats, they ran from one era into another. This is also true. The United States was the first government founded on the principle that “all men are created equally.” To be sure, this noble concept was very imperfectly implemented, but nobody else, certainly not European monarchies, even pretended to believe it. On April 19 we rightly celebrate the 250th anniversary of Concord, the beginning of a war that led to American independence. But there’s more. The first shots were not fired across Emerson’s “rude bridge” but on Lexington Common. Here three British companies faced the village militia. Major John Pitcairn, the British commander, ordered the Massachusetts men to disperse. The militia captain, John Parker, seeing that his men were significantly outnumbered, ordered them to break ranks and leave. But before they could, somebody—we still don’t know who—shot, and the British spontaneously responded with heavy fire. Then, again without orders, they charged, shooting and bayoneting, including the wounded. Historians disagree over whether British officers encouraged the melee or futilely screamed for order. Almost certainly, however, redcoats cut down fleeing militiamen. It was more massacre than battle. This atrocity, not Emerson’s “shot heard round the world,” inaugurated a lengthy, difficult, brutal war. The War for Independence lasted eight years, the longest conflict in American history until Vietnam and now fourth behind Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam. Civilians were targeted, casualties high, and prisoners, when taken, treated inhumanely. Lexington wasn’t the only time in the war when wounded and surrendering soldiers were assaulted; both sides did it, but more often the British. As people of faith remember Lexington and Concord, they can find three takeaways. 1. Injustice creates conflict. Identifying wrongs inflicted upon us comes naturally, but the call is to recognize injustice felt by others. The colonists had legitimate grievances: They were unrepresented in Parliament and taxed without their consent, a fundamental injustice. Logically, they demanded self-government. For ignoring American complaints, Imperial leadership lost some of its most valuable colonies, and its military endured high casualties. The lesson is that release for the captives and freedom for the oppressed are both the right thing to do—"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”—and pragmatic because of the problems they solve. 2. Similarly, bad things happen when people stop listening to each other. Mostly, this falls again on the British. Even a few months after Lexington and Concord, independence was still not mainstream among Americans, who probably would have accepted something short of full sovereignty. How might the history of the British Empire evolved if it had listened and applied the Golden Rule? Tone-deafness cost the British severely. Likewise, may we remember that most arguments have two sides. The Empire’s anger over the extensive property damage caused by the Boston Tea Party feels legitimate. Refusal to concede that the other side has a point or two often has significant practical cost, in this case further widening the breach between the Empire and its seaboard colonies. This is not to say that Jesus compromised his values, but he lunched with tax collectors and sinners and, presumably, listened. 3. Wars are easier to start than to stop. This includes labor (strikes) and trade wars. The great conflict that started on Lexington Green lasted much longer than anybody thought. In fact, there was little deliberation. Tensions escalated and anger boiled until violence erupted, and once the floodgates of war opened, it took eight years and rivers of blood spilled before they closed. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are not only the children of God but, in practice, they rescue society and, especially, innocents from the suffering of war. In the long run society is best served by peace (and justice). Do justice, listen, and make peace: Put together, these lessons from Lexington are foundation stones of Christian behavior, and they equip Brethren to be the salt of the earth in tumultuous times. Steve Longenecker is Professor of History, emeritus, at Bridgewater College (VA). Photo by Donovan Reeves on Unsplash

Southeast Shares and Celebrates at Regional Gathering

By Scott Soden • April 23, 2025
On Saturday, April 5th, churches and representatives from across the Southeast Region of The Brethren Church gathered at Windhaven Church in Mount Jackson, VA, for a powerful day of fellowship, prayer, and storytelling. Over 75 attendees, including 25 enthusiastic youth from several churches, came together to celebrate and share inspiring stories of how God is transforming their communities and responding to the urgent need for hope, love, and connection in these divided times. The gathering was a flurry of activity. Here are some of the highlights: During the morning, the youth poured themselves into a community service project; they assembled water bottles with socks, other essential items, and snacks for local homeless shelters. Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron (Both of Mount Olive Brethren Church, McGaheysville, VA) shared their excitement about preparations for this summer's camp, now under the new name: Kairos! Their palpable enthusiasm left attendees eager to witness how God will use this initiative. Pastor Don White (St. James Brethren Church, Fairplay, MD) shared a powerful message about the importance of experiencing God's presence and living in both spirit and truth. St. James is growing and actively engaging in local ministry initiatives, primarily through the Women's Missionary Society (WMS) groups from collaborating churches—truly a remarkable story worth sharing. Sara Moore (Saint James Brethren Church) emphasized Brethren Academy's vital connection to the region and showcased current and former students who now serve as mentors or in ministry within their local churches. Looking for ways to grow your youth in Christ? Check out Camp Kairos, Engage Youth Conference (both this summer), and Brethren Academy this fall! Valerie and Micah Ceary from the Gathering Church (Hagerstown, MD) and Joe and Katie Turner shared updates through videos about their new church plants in Maryland, which are advancing in unique ways throughout the region. Pastor Lee Reams (Compass Community Church) highlighted his church's summer sports outreach they put on in cooperation with Eukarya Christian Academy in Stephens City, VA. Read more about it at https://www.brethrenchurch.org/compass-community-wraps-up-summer-sports-outreach . Pastor Todd Crowder and the team at Maurertown Brethren Church (Maurertown, VA) are inspiring witnesses through their work with inner-city kids. Hearing Todd's journey—starting with one child in his truck and expanding as kids sought connection and fellowship—was uplifting. Pastor Kent McKay (Canvas Community Church, Winchester, VA) discussed the importance of vision and mission in the recent merger. Canvas Community Church was formed from the merger of Canvas Church, a local non-denominational church, and our own Grace Community Church in late 2022. Now, less than three years later, a full one-third of the new congregation are new members to their congregation and were not part of either Canvas or Grace Community. This remarkable statistic is a testament to the efficacy of their outreach and the work of God in Winchester. Pastor Brad Reaves showed a video highlighting the impactful work in Guinea-Bissau, where they partner with One Child to use the Bridgely App to fund children's schooling. Additional highlights included a recap of the recent Regional Women's Retreat, celebrated as a resounding success, and updates from the Gathering Church in Winchester, VA on their substantial outreach to local homeless shelters as they celebrate their fourth anniversary this Palm Sunday. Pastor Simon Flint spoke about their Toddler-Time outreach at Muskoka Community Church in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, which positively impacts mothers and families during the cold winter. Pastor Dave Stone shared in a video update how Sarasota First Brethren Church is recovering after Hurricane Milton damaged its building (read more about that at https://www.brethrenchurch.org/nappanee-brethren-repair-hurricane-damage ). During that same update, Dave Stone noted that their facility is used by seven Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups every week. What an extraordinary array of stories! God is surely at work, using the Brethren Church in remarkable ways. Please share the good news of what God is up to in your church and community at our MemoryFox page . We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories from your region as well!

Tucson First Brethren Celebrates Retirement of Roger Stogsdill

By Dan Acker • April 15, 2025
A Legacy of Faith and a New Chapter: First Brethren Church Celebrates Pastor Roger Stogsdill's Retirement and Welcomes New Leadership

Pasadena Centro Crista Celebrates Baptism

By Dan Acker • April 15, 2025
Joyful Celebration as Pasadena Centro Crista Welcomes Daniela Escobar Through Baptism

Cay Pombo Brethren Church in the Philippines Celebrates First Anniversary

By Scott Soden • April 9, 2025
On Sunday, March 23, the Brethren Church in Cay Pombo, Philippines gathered as usual to lift their hearts and hands in praise and worship to God, their Father. Yet that day was far more than a typical Sunday; it was a joyous celebration of God’s goodness and all He has accomplished in the church during its first full year of ministry. “As we celebrated our 1st anniversary, we're reminded that God has a plan to prosper us and give us a hope and a future. We're excited to see how He will continue to work in the lives of many through the JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Cay Pombo Church. We've seen God move in amazing ways. We've witnessed lives transformed, relationships built, and how Jesus moves in everyone's lives, and yet, we know that this is just the beginning. We're trusting God to guide and direct us always. To God be all the glory! Happy anniversary, JOFF Cay Pombo!  As we celebrate this first year of ministry and Kingdom growth, may this moment inspire the church here in the United States and around the world to boldly witness for Jesus in our neighborhoods, communities, and nations. Amen!!! Scott Soden Coordinator, Brethren Global Partners
More Posts