A few days ago I published tongue-in-cheek a post about INTJ's in the role of counselor. Unless the editors at CPP were drunk when the MBTI bible went to print, you won't find empathy and compassion on the INTJ "common characteristics" list. Not that we're not capable (I like to think I transcend many of the INTJ stereotypes) it's just not likely for an INTJ to choose an occupation that exercises those muscles. Although I might make the observation that since INTJ's like to dissect and solve puzzles and may be far better suited to be empathetic in dealing with other people's feelings (as long as they don't have to disclose their own feelings) they could make excellent counselors, but I digress ...
Although counseling is certainly a part of what I do, the better part of my last two decades have been spent in the Human Resources discipline. Another unlikely career choice for an INTJ for similar reasons. Although I thank God for my verbal filter, this cartoon certainly has played through my head on more than one occasion when handling employee complaints:
I also discovered a Google group a few months ago of INTJ pastors discussing their common challenges in ministry roles related to their type. Talk about a Typological challenge!
Of course, the INTJ loves a challenge. Even the grim reaper will have trouble taking the most stubborn INTJ down!
Recently some of the staff at Fair Oaks Church have taken an interest in the MBTI and their 4-letter type preferences. I won't "out them" here, but if you follow me on Twitter, you may have already seen the revealing tweets.
A couple of summers ago I did a Summer-Session Growth Group on using the MBTI to explore your Spiritual "Type" and expand your walk with the Lord. I've always found the connection between preferences in type and preferences in worship, faith and beliefs interesting.
There's a book on my shelf called "Personality Type and Religious Leadership" by Otto Kroeger and Roy M. Oswald. According to their research, the Types most frequently occurring in the field of ministry are ENFJ, ESFJ, ENFP, INFJ and ENTJ (in that order).
Although the research was conducted across a spectrum of Christian religions - from Lutheran to Southern Baptist - I'd be curious to see a "call out" on churches similar to Fair Oaks. A visiting Type practitioner wouldn't have to attend more than a service or two to see how Perceiver-dominant we are, yet it's a statistical minority. The powerful creativity that runs strong with the Perceiver comes through Loud On Purpose in the preaching, in the music, in the dramas, in the programs, in everything they do ... and yes they keep a few of those Judgers around too, to make sure everything stays on schedule and organized.
For my brothers and sisters in Christ who have been exploring their Type, I share the "MBTI Prayers." Yes, I know they've been around for years, but I'm willing to bet their still new to a few folks out there. Enjoy!
MBTI Prayers
ISTJ - God, help me to begin relaxing about little details tomorrow at 11:41:32 am.
ISFJ - Lord, help me to be more laid back, and help me to do it exactly right.
INFJ - Lord, help me not be a perfectionist (Did I spell that right?)
INTJ - Lord, keep me open to others’ ideas, wrong though they may be.
ISTP - God, help me to consider people’s feelings, even if most of them are hypersensitive.
ISFP - Lord, help me to stand up for my rights (if You don’t mind my asking).
INFP - Lord, help me to finish everything I sta
INTP - Lord, help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.
ESTP - God, help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they’re usually not my fault.
ESFP - God, help me to take things more seriously especially parties and dancing.
ENFP - God, help me keep my mind on one thing - Look, a bird - at a time.
ENTP - God, help me follow established procedures today. On second thought, I’ll settle for a few minutes.
ESTJ - God, help me to try not to run everything, but if You need some help, just ask.
ESFJ - Lord, give me patience and I mean right now.
ENFJ - God, help me to do only what I can and trust You for the rest. Do You mind putting that in writing?
ENTJ - God, help me to slow downandnotrushthroughwhatIdoAmen.
