In recent years, the Enneagram has gotten a lot of buzz. The Road Back to You, a 2016 book by Ian Morgan Chron and Suzanne Stabile, brought the concept of the Enneagram to a Christian audience. Since then, a slew of podcasts, Instagram accounts and books have emerged exploring how the Enneagram can help people grow in their faith.
But what is it exactly?
Simply put, the Enneagram is an ancient system of categorizing people according to nine personality types. It is represented by a circle with inner triangles connecting the different types. The origins of the system are unclear, although many claim it was created by 4th century Christian mystics.
The nine personality types represented by the Enneagram are:
1. The Moral Perfectionist
2. Supportive Advisor
3. Successful Achiever
4. Romantic Individualist
5. Investigative Thinker
6. Loyal Guardian
7. Entertaining Optimist
8. Protective Challenger
9. Peaceful Mediator
“Each personality (1-9) is characterized by a dominant strength or virtue and a dominant weakness or vice,” wrote Guideposts.org blogger Bob Hostetler in a blog about how knowing your Enneagram number can affect your prayer life.
Recently, many Christians have begun putting the Enneagram to use in their own lives to better understand their relationship with themselves, others and God. Some are using it for marriage counseling, career coaching or for personal growth and understanding.
Beth McCord of Your Enneagram Coach has been speaking about the Enneagram for 17 years. Her new collection of nine books features one for each type and is designed like a daily journal, to help people understand how their personality impacts their relationship with God. She specifically focuses on how the Enneagram can help people grow their faith. Here, she offers a Bible verse that will comfort each personality type along with a brief explanation:
TYPE 1
Psalm 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Because of Christ in you, you are good. He makes you righteous.
TYPE 2
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Because of Christ in you, you are wanted and loved.
TYPE 3
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Because of Christ in you, you are valued for simply being yourself. You can rest in His accomplishments.
TYPE 4
Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Because of Christ in you, you are special. You are seen, loved and valuable.
TYPE 5
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Because of Christ in you, you will always be replenished. Your needs are not a problem.
TYPE 6
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Because of Christ in you, you are safe and secure. He is always with you and for you.
TYPE 7
John 4:14
But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
Because of Christ in you, you can be completely satisfied. He has planned a magnificent future for you.
TYPE 8
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Because of Christ in you, you are protected. You will not be betrayed.
TYPE 9
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Because of Christ in you, your presence matters. God sees you and created you for a specific purpose.
