Introvert in an Extrovert's Habitat

I remember once, when a pastoral candidate was visiting our church, my mother encouraged me to "go and say 'Hi!'" My almost immediate reply was, "I don't say 'Hi!'" I wasn't being unfriendly, but simply expressing the difficulty of being an introvert in an extrovert's habitat - the expectation is that people go and strike up conversation with whomever they wish. Unfortunately, for the introvert that's an overwhelming task.

The pastor whom I refused to meet that Sunday did become our Senior Pastor. Not only did I eventually meet him, he became my boss for a summer as I did an internship in the worship ministry at my church - Introverts aren't incapable of social interaction, they just have to meet people in a way which keeps themselves feeling at ease.

An article from Focus on the Family's "Boundless" webzine piqued my interest on this issue:

An Introvert Goes to Church