What is The Enneagram?

By Anna Bland

The Enneagram is a map of nine personality types. Like all other personality typing tools, it has the danger of simplifying and “boxing” each of us up; this is a criticism I have often heard levelled at it. However, if used carefully, thoughtfully and maybe even prayerfully, it can be an incredibly insightful lifelong journey of growth in knowledge of self and others. It can deepen your understanding of why you feel, behave and respond as you do, and also deepen your empathy for others as you understand more of how they see the world.

The Enneagram taps into our core motivations as well as our deepest compulsions. It does not shy away from the more difficult elements of being human, but dives right in!

Some Christians are unsure of the origins of The Enneagram; depending on who you ask, it’s history begins with The Desert Mothers and Fathers, before being influenced by other faiths and even the occult. It has been reclaimed by many Christians in recent years who seek to restore it’s Christian roots, and find no theological reason why God would be limited in using The Enneagram to do empowering things for and in people.

You could listen to this “Nomad” podcast or this “Bible Binge” podcast for balanced discussions.

For me personally (Anna), it has played a key role in my spiritual and personal growth for the last couple of years. There have been various “wow moments” as I have learned more about the types and times I have felt dangerously seen. I have a much greater understanding of myself and those closest to me as a result of learning about The Enneagram; it has had a profoundly positive impact.

I know, through conversation, that this is true for many other people here in Leeds which is what led us to offer our Enneagram activities.