I'm an introvert. Big time. I'd rather build or fix something with my hands than go to a birthday party, heck, even a Christmas party.
I hate being around people, we started going to a new church in Spring,TX, this time last year, preaching is a lot better, but 300 people attend every sunday. It's almost made me dread going. Even though I shouldn't. 300 people under one roof is too much for me. In my opinion I can learn and worship just as good watching the live stream from the comfort of my couch.

What about the crowds gets to you?

I don't know, it's almost like a sensory overload. All the noise, movement, it puts me waaaaaay outside my comfort zone.way too far

Plus, the people Are different, at our old church of about 40 people, they'd give you the shirt off their back and go out of their way to say hi to you. I just don't like change.

Speaking to the Church situation, growth is awesome but in doing so, the small church feel is lost.
Maybe take some earplugs, as weird as that sounds. My Dad didn’t do well in crowds either. Made him super edgy and eager to leave, wherever we were.

I'm that way with crowds....the level of insincerity or pettiness usually rises to the surface....

Rather be around a few people I truly like than a bunch I really don't....

[quote]Rather be around a few people I truly like than a bunch I really don't....
/quote]
Yep same.

I don't think the way you feel is as rare as people think. I get the same way when someone in a gathering starts demanding attention. I gotta get out of there. It's almost a panic. And I think it's worse at church. We're all supposed to be there for the glory of God. It's obvious when someone is doing something, especially performing (often in the "3 chords and a drumset" style of worship), for personal attention.

But, we all fall short and that's what today is all about.

I do think we are supposed to be with others to worship God. Not always online, by yourself. Not always alone in a deer blind or outdoors.

I'm not a big crowd person either.

Depends on the situation.

I agree with Snake 100%

I don’t like crowds either. Besides all the cooties and sickness I just don’t like being around folks I don’t know.

I am an extroverted introvert. I can preach to a crowd of 700 and not blink an eye. I can be in a crowd of 10 people I don't know and it'll freak me out. I am okay in one on one situations with strangers, but more than 2 to 3 and I'm very uncomfortable.

When I was a kid, I would hide under my bed when anyone came over, even if they were family members that I knew. When I entered kindergarten, my mom told me I had to make 3 new friends that first day and that I had to tell her their name and something about them at the end of the day. She made me continue this until I knew everyone in my class...and then until I knew everyone in the other 2 kindergarten classes as well (we played at recess together). Now I can speak to anyone and people think I'm very extroverted, but I'm not at all...I just never wanted to disappoint my mom. The fact that she made me do this helped me be a darn good salesperson and now it helps me in my current career....I'm grateful, but I'm still not comfortable talking to strangers.

Being around "Like Minded" people is easier but hard to find that crowd, even in church these days. I prefer to work alone but admit I am better with others around me and have much more value helping others to see solutions and understanding. It would be easier to live in the wilderness and not know about many things but it wasn't God's will for us to live that way. Go into a crowd knowing you have something that someone else needs and it may change your view point.

Absolutely

I don't believe God cares about our comfort, He cares about our character. Being too comfortable isn't necessarily a good thing IMO.

I dont hate being around people as long as they are people I know and like.

I don't understand how anyone could hate being around and post on THF where hundreds could read it. My only problem with crowds is my hearing.

If I start breathing used air, I am looking for a exit.

Most of the time I’m a pretty gregarious person. Large crowds and people don’t bother me. But I don’t like hanging around a bunch of rude idiots.

Well you are a salesman buddy!

All depends on the people. Big crowds and people I don’t know, I’m not a fan and would rather be in garage alone reloading ammo or doing something productive.

Same situation at say a shooting competition especially the THF events, I’m in my zone and love being around all the guys with similar interest and morals as me. Don’t mind it at all, actually really enjoy it.

I have agoraphobia - crowded churches, people I dont know, stores packed with stuff - I have a full bore panic attack.

yes