The Introvert Charismatic: The gift of introversion in a noisy church - Softcover

"Mark Tanner is an insightful and thoughtful man with a great deal of experience both in theological training and growing churches. This book encapsulates his wisdom." -- Nicky Gumbel "The wonderful message of Pentecost is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all people, whatever their gender, age, or ethnic background. In this important book, Mark Tanner shows how the personality that we are created to be is included in that universal pouring out. It is a book which demonstrates the maturity of the charismatic movement from one of its wisest and most influential leaders." -- David Wilkinson, Principal, St John's College, Durham "A really helpful book that raises important issues, concerns and questions. Drawn from real life experiences, deep reflection and thoughtful consideration, readers be they extrovert or introvert will glean many insights, help and encouragement in their own lives and in and understanding and relating to others. A good, accessible read and valuable resource for all personality types and not just those who find themselves in charismatic circles." -- Revd Roy Searle, leader, Northumbria Community and former President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. "As an extrovert I have found this book incredibly insightful and brilliantly challenging. I will be recommending it to students and younger leaders as a must-read so that we can grow and shape a much more self-aware and generous church family. We need both introverts and extroverts to bring their lives into the communal space we share and we will be a healthier family for it. This book has challenged me to the core. It has made me reassess how I lead and how I love others. Even now I can think of ways my own church community can be a much more inclusive and releasing space for both introverts, extroverts and indeed every mixture of our God-given humanity. This is an important work and I am grateful to have read it at the start of my leadership journey." -- Miriam Swaffield, Student Mission Developer "The process of prayer - of offering God all that we are as we drink deeply at that never-ending well - is pivotal for every Christian. Yet I have never yet met anyone who found it easy. With immense self-awareness and pastoral wisdom, Mark Tanner offers profound insight here for particular people - introverts - whose concerns and contributions are seldom identified yet widely experienced. The whole Church has much to learn here as it seeks to be conformed to Christ." -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

Extrovert characters, exuberant worship, large crowds and noisy fellowship seem central to charismatic churches - but do we really need to shout before God will move in power? Introverts can find charismatic culture off-putting, even disagreeable, and yet love what God is doing. How can they engage in a healthy manner? Is introversion something to be overcome, grown out of, even healed? 'It is none of those things,' emphasizes Mark Tanner. 'Introversion is a creation gift. It is part of the image of God.' He explores the richness of worshipping God with the personality you have been given. The Church, the Kingdom, and the world need charismatic introverts and this book is a thoughtful and practical guide for introverts and extroverts alike.