What do you think?
Rate this book
Enneagram and the Way of Jesus: Integrating Personality Theory with Spiritual Practices and Biblical Narratives
The aim of "Enneagram and the Way of Jesus" is to lead the reader into ongoing transformation into Christ-likeness based on the uniqueness of individual personality. Exploring the intersection of personality and spiritual practice, this book aims to consider how human uniqueness should pair with specific practices, biblical narratives and seasons in the Church calendar. Far too often spiritual formation in the Christian faith is over-simplified or omitted altogether. The Enneagram reveals an individuals areas of great strength and also humbling weakness. This book is one of the few resources on personality theory that asks the NOW WHAT? The first half of "Enneagram and the Way of Jesus" provides a brief analysis about the present crisis of discipleship, the origins of the Enneagram, and concise descriptions of each of the nine types for the purpose of assessment. The second half leads the reader to consider several spiritual practices based on personality--practices that both pair well and also practices that challenge the individual toward transformation. The reader will then discover biblical narratives and seasons the Church calendar where s/he should pay most attention based on type.
- GenresSpiritualityNonfiction
128 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2016
9 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 4, 2017
Hmmm... this book intrigued me at first because based on the title, I was hoping it would connect the enneagram to the life of Jesus. Now that I'm done it, I can say "It sort of did that."
The book probably tries to do too much in too little time. In trying to explain the history of the enneagram, all 9 types, biblical characters hat each type connects to AND spiritual practices for each type, all in about 110 pages, it leaves me wanting more for each chapter.
I'm guessing the author was trying to make the book accessible to all readers, both new and veterans to the enneagram, but in trying to make everyone happy, the book risks making nobody happy. It covers too much ground too quickly for a fair introduction, but doesn't cover enough for someone with a base knowledge of the enneagram.
The writing style is also very direct and relies on a lot of work by other enneagram authors. I notice that it doesn't have a publisher, so maybe a good editor can make it more readable.
I'm grateful I read it, as it added to my enneagram knowledge, and I will use/recommend some of the type-based spiritual practices. But I probably will refer to, and recommend, other enneagram books.
The book probably tries to do too much in too little time. In trying to explain the history of the enneagram, all 9 types, biblical characters hat each type connects to AND spiritual practices for each type, all in about 110 pages, it leaves me wanting more for each chapter.
I'm guessing the author was trying to make the book accessible to all readers, both new and veterans to the enneagram, but in trying to make everyone happy, the book risks making nobody happy. It covers too much ground too quickly for a fair introduction, but doesn't cover enough for someone with a base knowledge of the enneagram.
The writing style is also very direct and relies on a lot of work by other enneagram authors. I notice that it doesn't have a publisher, so maybe a good editor can make it more readable.
I'm grateful I read it, as it added to my enneagram knowledge, and I will use/recommend some of the type-based spiritual practices. But I probably will refer to, and recommend, other enneagram books.
February 9, 2020
This short booklet is a helpful tool for the purpose of spiritual formation and discipleship. Especially in the West, where the emphasis on spiritual practices and apprenticing the way of Jesus only goes as deep or broad as Scripture reading and attending a Sunday morning service, A.J. Sherrill's brief work serves followers of Christ in aiding them to discover not only more about their personality, their self, or Enneagram Type, but even more so, he uses the Enneagram as a means to a far greater end: discipleship.
Rather than sitting comfortably with a "one-size fits all" mentality when it comes to discipleship and becoming more like Jesus, Sherrill has realized that the Body of Christ is diverse, and therefore, the ways in which we commune with God and that we are transformed more into the likeness of his Son are diverse as well. For Sherrill, the Enneagram is a helpful way to lead followers of Christ into greater self-awareness and self-understanding, not for that sake alone, but rather to help each apprentice of Jesus know their strengths, weaknesses, vices, and virtues better, in order to better set themselves up for success in the journey of becoming more like Christ.
While the first half of the book looks at briefly at what the Enneagram is, how to "type" oneself, and what the implications are for each specific Type, the second half integrates the self-understanding that comes from the Enneagram with the biblical narrative and a host of spiritual practices. Truly, the second half of the book is where the true "gold" of Sherrill's work lies. For every Enneagram Type, he creates a connection between the Type and a biblical character or narrative; ultimately, he gives helpful insight into what practices or spiritual disciplines are most helpful for each Type. He does so by labeling a practice (or for some, multiple practices) as "downstream" or "upstream"; downstream practices are ones that a specific Type would find easy, enjoyable, and life-giving, while on the other hand, an upstream practice could prove to be a more difficult practice for any given Type, but will serve each person in transformative ways. Finally, Sherrill also draws each Type's attention to the season (or day) in the Church Calendar that would be the most helpful or important for that Type.
If you are at all interested in the Enneagram, then this book would be extremely helpful, especially in seeing how this personality theory could help us in our walks with Christ, in becoming more like him. If you are like me, in that you have not given the Enneagram much thought or consideration, I still would encourage it as a resource, because all members of the Body of Christ are unique, serving different functions, and experiencing God in a host of ways. If anything, it will be helpful in your interactions with others who are experiencing health and help from the Enneagram, and could aid you in the process of disciple-making.
Rather than sitting comfortably with a "one-size fits all" mentality when it comes to discipleship and becoming more like Jesus, Sherrill has realized that the Body of Christ is diverse, and therefore, the ways in which we commune with God and that we are transformed more into the likeness of his Son are diverse as well. For Sherrill, the Enneagram is a helpful way to lead followers of Christ into greater self-awareness and self-understanding, not for that sake alone, but rather to help each apprentice of Jesus know their strengths, weaknesses, vices, and virtues better, in order to better set themselves up for success in the journey of becoming more like Christ.
While the first half of the book looks at briefly at what the Enneagram is, how to "type" oneself, and what the implications are for each specific Type, the second half integrates the self-understanding that comes from the Enneagram with the biblical narrative and a host of spiritual practices. Truly, the second half of the book is where the true "gold" of Sherrill's work lies. For every Enneagram Type, he creates a connection between the Type and a biblical character or narrative; ultimately, he gives helpful insight into what practices or spiritual disciplines are most helpful for each Type. He does so by labeling a practice (or for some, multiple practices) as "downstream" or "upstream"; downstream practices are ones that a specific Type would find easy, enjoyable, and life-giving, while on the other hand, an upstream practice could prove to be a more difficult practice for any given Type, but will serve each person in transformative ways. Finally, Sherrill also draws each Type's attention to the season (or day) in the Church Calendar that would be the most helpful or important for that Type.
If you are at all interested in the Enneagram, then this book would be extremely helpful, especially in seeing how this personality theory could help us in our walks with Christ, in becoming more like him. If you are like me, in that you have not given the Enneagram much thought or consideration, I still would encourage it as a resource, because all members of the Body of Christ are unique, serving different functions, and experiencing God in a host of ways. If anything, it will be helpful in your interactions with others who are experiencing health and help from the Enneagram, and could aid you in the process of disciple-making.
December 31, 2016
This is an excellent little book on the Enneagram that seeks integration between understanding the faces of the soul and how they integrate with spiritual practices. I spent a good part of the last couple years researching spiritual practice as a method for navigating cultural and personal shifts. One of the major areas my research and writing was missing was how our particular identities (Enneagram type, MBTI, and other personality assessments) influence which spiritual practices we best connect with. This book adds a helpful level of nuance to my thinking, shaping how we can think about the important work of spiritual practice within the context of who we are as unique or at least categorically complex people.
May 2, 2017
After reading some other books about the Enneagram, I appreciated this author's specificity toward spiritual practices and Biblical narratives. The voice was a bit academic, but perhaps academia was the intended audience.
March 22, 2023
This book is pretty dry, and has several typos. It reads like a dissertation that happened to be published rather than a really interesting and intriguing book for the gen pop.
The description of the types felt both heady and high level. If I didn’t already know my type, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to figure it out from this. There wasn’t enough nuance, and not enough focus on the motivations which is actually what drives the enneagram, as opposed to behaviors, which can end up being caricatures.
I really liked the idea of having a particular Bible story to focus on within your type, and some of the types were pretty compelling: type 3, and type 6 were especially intriguing to me. However the interpretation of the story of Job for type 4 felt like an insult to anyone of any type who has been through significant loss or pain. It seemed to say that Job shouldn’t have been in as much pain as he was, which in my opinion continues an emotionally unhealthy message in the church to reject our emotions and focus on “what’s true” about God. Obviously focusing on the truth can be helpful, but emotions can’t just be brushed aside, they must be felt and dealt with, or they create larger issues (which I learned the hard way as a non type 4).
Overall: the book was short and had some intriguing concepts. But it was very dry and didn’t always feel most well thought out.
PS. appendix L was really interesting for spiritual practices, and it actually made me better understand his recommendations. But I’m really hoping that wasn’t the only group to guide his research on which practices are downstream and upstream for the type. It’s such a small sample size!
The description of the types felt both heady and high level. If I didn’t already know my type, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to figure it out from this. There wasn’t enough nuance, and not enough focus on the motivations which is actually what drives the enneagram, as opposed to behaviors, which can end up being caricatures.
I really liked the idea of having a particular Bible story to focus on within your type, and some of the types were pretty compelling: type 3, and type 6 were especially intriguing to me. However the interpretation of the story of Job for type 4 felt like an insult to anyone of any type who has been through significant loss or pain. It seemed to say that Job shouldn’t have been in as much pain as he was, which in my opinion continues an emotionally unhealthy message in the church to reject our emotions and focus on “what’s true” about God. Obviously focusing on the truth can be helpful, but emotions can’t just be brushed aside, they must be felt and dealt with, or they create larger issues (which I learned the hard way as a non type 4).
Overall: the book was short and had some intriguing concepts. But it was very dry and didn’t always feel most well thought out.
PS. appendix L was really interesting for spiritual practices, and it actually made me better understand his recommendations. But I’m really hoping that wasn’t the only group to guide his research on which practices are downstream and upstream for the type. It’s such a small sample size!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
If you already have knowledge and experience in the Enneagram, the first 4 chapters probably won't seem that helpful. I was pretty disappointed with the first half of the book because it was just a summary of the other really good Enneagram books out there that examine it through a Christian lens. Also, the grammar and syntax is awful, and the author could've greatly benefited from an editor... so many errors, missing words, and even duplicate paragraphs! However, chapters 5 and 6 saved the book for me. The specific spiritual disciplines for each type and how a church might go about using the Enneagram for spiritual formation were very useful. Just skip to those chapters if you already know about the Enneagram.
January 6, 2024
My journey with the Enneagram goes back around 10 years. By no means, do I consider myself any sort of Enneagram expert although I do have a deeper familiarity with it from the countless conversations I have dealing with it along with studying it over that time. It has been used by a number of communities I have been a part of, leaned into by seminary professors I highly respect, and by many friends seeking after personal health and growth.
Most recently, I have personally wrestled through discovering and rediscovering my 'number' which has led to deep personal reflection (and hopefully some transformation) while also spurring me to do some hard work of growing in relationship with God and others after becoming aware my tendencies in health and unhealth, and how another may receive me and my actions.
My first exposure to the Enneagram came through friends and the community at Mars Hill Bible Church. Interest grew on it because it was a completely different 'system' or method of understanding individuals (as compared to Strength's Finder, Myers/Briggs, etc.) which seeked not to limit or box in people but rather free people to thrive through leaning into the complexities that is within every person. Over the years, I have encountered a number of books that have helped unpack and expand my understanding of the Enneagram and myself.
This past August, I was intrigued when it was announced that AJ Sherrill would be Mars Hill's new lead pastor and that he had focused on the Enneagram as part of his doctoral dissertation at Fuller. Soon after I saw that AJ had self-published 2 books already (respect) and that he had another on the way, this time leaning into the Enneagram and discipleship.
All of this to say, I was excited to pick up this book when it became available, Enneagram and the Way of Jesus: Integrating Personality Theory with Spiritual Practices and Biblical Narratives, and hope the following thoughts on it are helpful and encourage you to read.
The Writing:
I can't confirm this but I would venture a guess and say that this is a modified version of AJ's dissertation. Regardless, it is written in a very academic format and tone - especially the first half of the book. If you are familiar with his preaching style, the language he uses and structure, it is much in the same vein so please do not let this discourage you. The book is still written in a very accessible manner, he does engage at a depth that for some may require additional reading to fully absorb.
The Content:
Though written in an academic format, the content is broken down in very manageable pieces. The book itself is only 108 pages, so AJ makes his way through a lot of content, very quickly. In many ways, the book serves as a good introduction to the Enneagram - giving a brief history, addressing questions individuals and groups have about its use, unpacking the types/triads/wings, and then giving the reader a practical next step.
For those more familiar with the Enneagram, this book may leave you wanting. AJ isn't necessarily pushing into a new territory on the subject. Where the book does hold its own is in the final third, when he spends time inviting readers into practices that their number type might best resonate with and posture themselves for not only personal growth but growing relationship in faith with God.
My Takeaway:
As mentioned in my introduction, the Enneagram at its core is a tool that helps to free individuals. That said, I have often seen the Enneagram used in way that tries to constrict/explain away a person or their actions by well meaning individuals. I believe this comes from the influence of personality assessments that have attempted to lean more towards a testable/scientific approach, when by its very nature the Enneagram does not operate in such constructs.Early on the book I was able to put down any of these apprehensions I had when he wrote:
"People are not homogeneous creatures that can simply be reduced to a type to explain the totality of their existence. However, everyone resides within one core personality more than the others. This is the starting place to discovering one's uniqueness." (p.21)
AJ shows readers that the Enneagram provides a great starting point and 'homebase' for personal growth and how it then helps aid in one's process of becoming. With his turn in that last third of the book towards application for individuals in spiritual practices - AJ provides a step for each number by providing an example of how they might engage God in very practical manners through the use of Biblical examples.He states,"Information is good, and application is better, but transformation is best." (p.85) This process of becoming or transformation is key. This book flushes out well the information and application aspects but with that said, I want more from this book in regards to transformation. Which I believe would come to no surprise to AJ as he even ends the book by giving a few ways for communities engage the topic further together. His acknowledgement of this, leaves me to believe that he has much more to share - not only on how the Enneagram can help individuals grow but also on how it can help followers of Christ as a whole can grow in discipleship. I would love to have more of that written out. So fingers crossed, maybe there is another book to follow doing just that!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as it serves as a great introduction for people who are no familiar with the Enneagram but also gives a gentle push for those further down the road in their personal transformation to continue to seek after it.
Most recently, I have personally wrestled through discovering and rediscovering my 'number' which has led to deep personal reflection (and hopefully some transformation) while also spurring me to do some hard work of growing in relationship with God and others after becoming aware my tendencies in health and unhealth, and how another may receive me and my actions.
My first exposure to the Enneagram came through friends and the community at Mars Hill Bible Church. Interest grew on it because it was a completely different 'system' or method of understanding individuals (as compared to Strength's Finder, Myers/Briggs, etc.) which seeked not to limit or box in people but rather free people to thrive through leaning into the complexities that is within every person. Over the years, I have encountered a number of books that have helped unpack and expand my understanding of the Enneagram and myself.
This past August, I was intrigued when it was announced that AJ Sherrill would be Mars Hill's new lead pastor and that he had focused on the Enneagram as part of his doctoral dissertation at Fuller. Soon after I saw that AJ had self-published 2 books already (respect) and that he had another on the way, this time leaning into the Enneagram and discipleship.
All of this to say, I was excited to pick up this book when it became available, Enneagram and the Way of Jesus: Integrating Personality Theory with Spiritual Practices and Biblical Narratives, and hope the following thoughts on it are helpful and encourage you to read.
The Writing:
I can't confirm this but I would venture a guess and say that this is a modified version of AJ's dissertation. Regardless, it is written in a very academic format and tone - especially the first half of the book. If you are familiar with his preaching style, the language he uses and structure, it is much in the same vein so please do not let this discourage you. The book is still written in a very accessible manner, he does engage at a depth that for some may require additional reading to fully absorb.
The Content:
Though written in an academic format, the content is broken down in very manageable pieces. The book itself is only 108 pages, so AJ makes his way through a lot of content, very quickly. In many ways, the book serves as a good introduction to the Enneagram - giving a brief history, addressing questions individuals and groups have about its use, unpacking the types/triads/wings, and then giving the reader a practical next step.
For those more familiar with the Enneagram, this book may leave you wanting. AJ isn't necessarily pushing into a new territory on the subject. Where the book does hold its own is in the final third, when he spends time inviting readers into practices that their number type might best resonate with and posture themselves for not only personal growth but growing relationship in faith with God.
My Takeaway:
As mentioned in my introduction, the Enneagram at its core is a tool that helps to free individuals. That said, I have often seen the Enneagram used in way that tries to constrict/explain away a person or their actions by well meaning individuals. I believe this comes from the influence of personality assessments that have attempted to lean more towards a testable/scientific approach, when by its very nature the Enneagram does not operate in such constructs.Early on the book I was able to put down any of these apprehensions I had when he wrote:
"People are not homogeneous creatures that can simply be reduced to a type to explain the totality of their existence. However, everyone resides within one core personality more than the others. This is the starting place to discovering one's uniqueness." (p.21)
AJ shows readers that the Enneagram provides a great starting point and 'homebase' for personal growth and how it then helps aid in one's process of becoming. With his turn in that last third of the book towards application for individuals in spiritual practices - AJ provides a step for each number by providing an example of how they might engage God in very practical manners through the use of Biblical examples.He states,"Information is good, and application is better, but transformation is best." (p.85) This process of becoming or transformation is key. This book flushes out well the information and application aspects but with that said, I want more from this book in regards to transformation. Which I believe would come to no surprise to AJ as he even ends the book by giving a few ways for communities engage the topic further together. His acknowledgement of this, leaves me to believe that he has much more to share - not only on how the Enneagram can help individuals grow but also on how it can help followers of Christ as a whole can grow in discipleship. I would love to have more of that written out. So fingers crossed, maybe there is another book to follow doing just that!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it as it serves as a great introduction for people who are no familiar with the Enneagram but also gives a gentle push for those further down the road in their personal transformation to continue to seek after it.
December 31, 2018
I really appreciate tying the enneagram to spiritual practices based on type. Spiritual growth and sanctification in the Christian context is where the Enneagram shines (in my opinion). That content, which is given in the next to last chapter of the book, is helpful and original. I wish there had been much more discussion around that topic. The rest of the book is rehashed material from a variety of enneagram authors and experts. The book is worth picking up for a starting point relating to spiritual practice and type, and for the bibliography to find further reading.
This is a soft 3-stars.
This is a soft 3-stars.
November 8, 2018
I went through this book quite slowly, and I really enjoyed it. So much of this is new to me and I have a lot to learn. This is my first Enneagram book and I look forward to learning more in the future.
A few typos in the beginning of the book jumped out at me, but I didn't notice anymore as the chapters progressed.
A few typos in the beginning of the book jumped out at me, but I didn't notice anymore as the chapters progressed.
January 3, 2020
While it reads with an academic tone, it provides a lot of insight into specific biblical practices, characters and scriptures that are significant to each type. I appreciated most the downstream and upstream practices geared to each type and look forward to putting them to practice. I feel that this book is insightful to the study of the Enneagram in a way I've not yet read before.
July 20, 2017
It reads a bit rough and like a scholarly work but it's insightful for understanding the enneagram and how to grow in Jesus from that awareness
February 7, 2018
A helpful intro to the Enneagram. I️ believe this was his dissertation topic so it is a little more academically oriented than I️ expected.
March 6, 2020
I've only read three books on the Enneagram, but I found this to be the one I would most likely recommend to others to learn more about it.
January 29, 2021
AJ Sherrill & I likely won't agree on much. However, this is the best treatment of the Enneagram by a Christian I've ever read. Love it (and sad to see it appears to be out of print).
August 5, 2019
I found this perspective very interesting. I don't know much about Enneagram, so this was all new to me. The last few chapters were the most intriguing for me. I liked how he paired the different personality types to characters in the Bible, then a relevant memory passage, and finally spiritual disciplines to compliment and challenge each personality type. The message of the book was that this was a tool. The goal is discipleship and spiritual formation.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews