Personality Type in Congregations: How to Work With Others More Effectively

Over the years I've discovered that books about Myers-Briggs type theory tend to get very confusing very quickly, and this one was no exception. By the end of the first chapter, terms like "function pairs," "temperament types," and "tertiary functions" lay in a garbled heap in my head. But I forged on to the following chapters and found much of value. Unlike many writers about typology, Baab suggested ways of using type information to develop and enhance our less dominant functions. She gave specific, credible examples to back up her assertion that it is unwise to make generalizations about people on the basis of type. And she included the best review of the relevant literature and annotated bibliography about this topic that I have ever seen.

For those with at least a beginning understanding of the Myers-Briggs personality types, this book will offer lots of practical help. Baab includes sections on prayer and Bible study, placing volunteers, Christian education, the sometimes tricky area of committe meetings, and worship. As an instructor in a Bible Institute, I have been able to reach more students by using her suggestions.I particularly appreciated that Baab sees the limits as well as the value of personality type. She avoids the error of forcing people into the box of their personality type. Her last chapter gives wise advice to those who are recently introducted to type. She gives enough examples so that I was always able to follow her thoughts, although I am not trained in type.I would like to give a more complete review, but I don't have the book in front of me. I lent it to my pastor!

Anyone who is involved in local church ministry and has at least basic familiarity with the Myers-Briggs personality types will find this book a wonderful help.Ms. Baab includes personal spirituality, worship, Christian education, congregational business meetings, and the best utilization of volunteers in her discussion of type in the congregation. She offers an excellent balance of theoretical discussion and examples that always allowed me to understand where she was going.Baab writes as an "old hand" rather than as a new convert to the use of type, and her experience shows. Her last chapter gives solid advice to those who might move too fast in implementing type. She also recognizes that type is only a partial description of a person. Family experiences, spiritual maturity, and simply the sovereignty of God all affect how a person will best grow in his or her relationship with God and in service to the church.I teach in a Bible Institute, and have found the book useful in advising students in their spiritual lives, as well as in teaching in a way that reaches students who are not of my type. I would be able to give a more detailed review, but I lent the book to my pastor, so don't have it in front of me!