Along with my regular posts at SeanMcDowell.org, I am now featuring some of my former students in the Biola Apologetics Program. This post is by my friend Timothy Fox, who helped me with both the Awana Advocates curriculum and the updated and revised Evidence that Demands a Verdict. He also blogs at Free Thinking Ministries and you can follow him on Twitter at @TimothyDFox. Enjoy!
6 Ways Introverts Can Make An Impact
by Timothy Fox
Keyboard confessional: As an introvert, Christianity is really hard for me. I understand the importance of community and coming together as the body of Christ; I just become very uncomfortable in social situations and prefer to be alone. Having a passion for Christian apologetics doesn’t make it any easier.
I read about Paul at the Areopagus (Acts 17), I watch YouTube videos of apologists arguing the truthfulness of Christianity to a hostile audience, and I say to myself, “I could never do that!” And that’s okay with me. The church needs all types, and we all have different spiritual gifts. Some evangelize and some teach. Some plant and some water (1 Cor. 3:5-7).
Maybe you’re like me. Perhaps you desire to defend Christianity but you are extremely introverted. Trust me, you’re not alone. Here are six tips to help you honor your calling as an apologist while recognizing your shortcomings—and strengths!—as an introvert.
1) Know your limits. It’s crucial to know your limits as an introvert. There may be a certain number of people you can handle being around or a set amount of time you can be in a social situation before you begin feeling anxious. Once you’ve figured this out, you can then limit the amount of interaction you can comfortably give before you need a recharge. But this needs to be one of the first things you do to prevent becoming burnt out and discouraged. Know your limits.
2) Teach/mentor. You don’t have to speak to packed auditoriums to make an impact. You can disciple individuals or teach small classes. Once again, know your limits.
Plenty of people are terrified of public speaking but have no problem engaging individuals. Oddly, I’m the exact opposite. I’m a teacher by profession. I have no problem speaking to groups, but I’m terrified of individuals and social settings. I don’t understand it—I just accept it. But by knowing this, I can offer to teach apologetics classes or perform lectures and feel completely comfortable doing it. I know my limits and I play to them.
3) Create content. Apologetics doesn’t require a live audience. You can create content, whether it’s video, audio, or written. I blog, and I encourage others to do the same, especially if they are introverts like I am. You can be a resource for people seeking answers online, and the online missions field is huge.
4) Be a resource. As an introvert and nerd, I love to read and research. If you do too, then you can offer to be a resource for your pastoral staff. Be on call if they ever need help researching a topic. It’s yet another way you can edify your church, all while staying within your comfort zone.
5) Study. This should go without saying, whether you are an introvert or not: apologists must study. But it’s even more important as an introvert, as there are times when we must simply step out of our comfort zones and stand up for truth (1 Pet. 3:15). Being confident with your content will make this much easier.
6) Make quality connections. Some people enjoy being the life of the party and to have as many friends as possible. Personally, I have a very hard time connecting with people. I’m more interested in making quality friendships than having tons of acquaintances. This has been especially important to me in the apologetics world. Here’s my brief example:
I made many great connections with professors and classmates when I was in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University, but two of them in particular stand out. Sean McDowell was one of my teachers, and he became a mentor and friend. As a result, I’m a guest contributor to his blog, I’ve worked on some cool projectswith him, and he’s helped partner me with other great ministries.
The other connection was with my classmate and colleague, Tim Stratton. We have lots of similar interests, such as Star Wars, superheroes, and Molinism, so we clicked instantly. When he launched FreeThinking Ministries, he immediately asked me to join the team. Stratton is the main face and leader of the ministry, and I’m more than happy to be his wingman.
These two quality connections have enabled me to make an impact in the apologetics world way beyond what I ever could have alone. I hope this can be an inspiration for you. Who can be your mentor? Who can be a ministry partner? Seek quality connections.
These are six tips to help introverts make an impact in apologetics. You may feel inadequate at times, even envious of others who can debate and lecture in front of large crowds with seeming ease. But you are you. The Church needs evangelizers and it needs disciplers. It needs planters and it needs waterers. God uses all types to build his kingdom, including us introverts.