Are Most Worship Leaders Introverted or Extroverted?

As an introvert, I've always assumed that I'm the minority in the worship leader world. It doesn't take long to browse through YouTube videos of the most popular (contemporary) churches and see an extremely highly energetic and charismatic leader.

For any church-goers, that's the assumed persona of a worship leader -- an extroverted, demonstrative, energetic, part cheerleader, song leader.

The Results Are In!

I polled hundreds of WLs to see how many are introverted, extroverted, or something in the middle. Here are the results:

221 - introverts
157  - extroverts
66 - extroverted introverts
13 - don’t know

Surprised?

Most worship leaders I polled are in fact introverts! If you count in "Extroverted Introverts" into everyday "Introverts" then it's safe to say that around 35% are extroverts, and 63% are introverts. That's almost a 2 to 1 introvert to extrovert ratio! 

This actually isn't too surprising, if you think about it. Many creatives artists are introverted and get their energy from being alone. That type of person will naturally gravitate to playing music or trying out some sort of art rather than being around people. 

There are of course as many different shades of people as there are shades of colors; however, this is one step toward dissembling the unhelpful worship leader stereotype. There is no such thing as a one-size fits all Worship Leader. 

Which is Better Leader?

Personality is a word that didn’t exist until the 18th century, and “a good personality” wasn’t a common idea until the 20th. However, today it’s so commonplace to not only evaluate ourself, but to apply a virtue to a certain makeup. 

Introversion in our culture is almost a disability! In her book, “Quiet,” Susan Cain has a fantastic overview of introverted leaders and influencers. Think for a second about Moses.  He spoke with a stutter and was “very meek upon all men on the face of the earth.”

Extroverts have certain natural advantages in social situations; however they may have certain weakness as well. Introverts (like me) might sometimes feel at odds with the job of a Worship Leader, but let me encourage you that you have a lot to offer. You’re also not alone. At all! 

Which Worship Leader Are You?  Find out more by becoming a WLA Member today.

Stephen