Introverts as Missionaries?

So I've both noticed many and received a few questions about ministry (especially missions) and introversion lately. There seems to be a widespread feeling that missions is something which so heavily involves constant interaction with other people that introverts are ill-suited at best to pursue this kind of ministry.

As an introvert who is going into cross-cultural ministry, I want to specifically engage this issue and perhaps address the concerns of some introverts who are considering going into missions, yet are worried they won't be able to handle the social load.

For starters, let's look at what it means to be an introvert.

The common perception: You're socially underdeveloped/deficient
Introversion is usually not considered a positive trait (or even a neutral one) at least in America, where "putting yourself out there" and fearlessly engaging and thriving in the social scene is considered almost de facto necessary for success.

In the church, a similar way of thinking persists, though under another name. We are called to love and serve other people, so how can you not be a people person? Perhaps you are simply not a mature enough Christian to have developed a strong love for other people. I am only somewhat hyperbolizing, and could tell stories... People-people are sometimes incapable of understanding how you could want to do anything but spend your time in the company of other people. And the introverts twitch a little, feeling their very sanity depends on getting away for a little while to a quiet cup of tea and book that needs finishing.

In Susan Cain's book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (a book which I highly, highly recommend for introverts or extroverts wishing to understand your introverted friends, family, and colleagues), the author discusses at one point how American churches often demand extroversion as a qualification when looking to fill leadership positions:

"A senior priest at another church confesses online that he has advised parishes recruiting a new rector to ask what his or her Myers-Briggs score is. "If the first letter isn't an 'E' [for extrovert]," he tells them, "think twice ... I'm sure our Lord was an [extrovert]." (Cain, Susan; Quiet; p65)

The above example is a Catholic church, but I would argue from experience that this phenomenon is even more common in Evangelical churches. Contrast this to what we know about Christ; He often slipped away from the crowds, spending the night alone in prayer. Whether in His humanity Jesus was an introvert, extrovert, ambivert, or transcending all of these, we should follow His example of spending much time with people, and much time alone with the Father.

Seriously.. introverts (and extroverts) need to read this book.

The reality: You simply relate to people differently
Due partially to books such as the one quoted above and an increase in online materials regarding introversion (Google "myths about introverts" for many insightful articles), there is a growing awareness that introverts are not, in fact, people who necessarily dislike other people or the company of other people.

As it turns out, introverts simply are refreshed and energized by spending time alone, and not with other people. I have often been assumed to be an extrovert because I am friendly, have a very large circle of acquaintances, and am fairly active socially. But people who see these factors and assume extroversion don't see how I often return home from a long day of (profitable and enjoyable) meetings totally drained, and spend hours silently reading and listening to music before I sleep. This has not prevented me from meeting and keeping up with large numbers of people in multiple states and countries; it just means every now and then I need a break from people, and I must take care to make sure I get it. Those alone times can be highly productive as well; my spiritual gift of teaching is much less effective without periodic times of reflection to process the lessons God has been teaching me recently, and obviously any writing I do occurs during those alone times.

A Truth: Global Missions would be impossible without Introverts

This might seem a bold statement to some, but the whole range of spiritual gifts that accompany introversion are extremely important to any mission team. Not all countries and cultures value the super-extroverted American ideal, and some may even find it offensive. The ability to empathize with people and slowly build a small circle of meaningful relationships, something which comes very naturally to many introverts, allows for a more enduring presence in a community and the chance for long-term partnerships to accomplish real change, when the dynamic speakers and event-based outreach ministries have passed on.

This is, of course, not meant to suggest at all that extroverts are not capable of these kinds of relationships or that their ministries do not have long-term focus. But there is a "soft power" of introversion which endures quietly in difficult situations. Transplanted into a new ministry field, they might not shoot out many branches at first, but they may be putting down deep roots which will help them weather the storms that any cross-cultural ministry eventually faces. Introverts may often be better at "leading from behind," being comfortable with letting local leadership-in-training take center stage while continuing to provide support and direction until they are able to fully lead on their own.

Another example might be seen in the way new missionaries learn the language of their host culture:
In the beginning there seems to be a clear advantage to the extroverts, who are quick to "get out there" and try their new language skills in the streets and with the many new friends they've probably already made. The introverts, by contrast, may still be adjusting to the new environment and not have made many friends yet. It may be easy for them to let the extroverts do the talking at first. However wait a few years down the road, and the introverts' typical love of books may have propelled them into higher levels of literacy, and their small circles of close friends will provide many opportunities for socially safe but effective language progress.

In the end, it should be obvious that both extroverts and introverts have skills and abilities which make them effective in ministry, and that they are able to cover each others' weaknesses.

Extroverts should be careful not to judge introverts for not jumping into socializing with them, and introverts should be careful to develop their people skills as much as possible. In my own case, as an introvert I try to develop my "social endurance" just as an athlete develops their physical endurance. I'll never be a natural at it like some of my friends are, but I am much better at it now than I used to be, and have been blessed by the increased chances for meaningful meetings and relationships that have happened as a result.

So the answer to introverts wondering if they are cut out for cross-cultural missions is a resounding: maybe!
The issue is not your intro or extroversion, but whether this is God's will for you. If it is, He who calls will supply everything you need to answer the call. Pray that He will open and close doors as necessary to lead you in His will, and never let introversion be a reason to hesitate. (Remember Joshua 1:9!)

For life on the field itself, simply be self-aware, recognize that you need to set aside rest times (keeping one day a week at least partially free is a good idea, God created the sabbath for a reason), and at the same time don't let your introversion become an excuse for self-isolation or social laziness.
Since the inner life of the mind is such a constant reality for introverts, remember to "take every thought captive" to Christ. As a famous pastor and teacher was fond of saying,  "You are not what you think, but what you think, you are."

Your introversion is a gift that God has given you, that comes with its own benefits and abilities, to serve Him in the ways for which He has created you!