The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Chuck DeGroat

“AJ Sherrill beautifully rescues the Enneagram from the twin mistakes of either elevating it to the be-all, end-all of self-knowledge or reducing it to a parlor game. Through The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation, AJ helps us see the Enneagram as a powerful tool in the work of following Christ and being formed into his likeness. Pulling from Scripture, church history, culture, and wisdom from every corner, AJ brings fierce intelligence and profoundly helpful language to this entire conversation. And more than mere ideas, he offers a set of concrete practices for each type to help us flesh out the invitation in our lives, relationships, bodies, and whole selves.”

Aaron Niequist

“AJ Sherrill has done it! Finally, a way to resource the Enneagram for meaningful discipleship. Through sound wisdom and regular invitations to reflection and practice, AJ calls readers to examine the fullness of who God created them to be and go deeper in life with Christ. Working alongside AJ, I’ve seen how he lives out these invitations in real time: in his church leadership, his personal relationships, and his own spiritual formation. He knows a valuable truth and has graciously shared it with all of us: No matter our God-given uniqueness, greater transformation and deeper life in Christ are possible. For that reason, this book is a must-read, must-share, must-live.”

Ashlee Eiland

“As the Enneagram has moved from the margins to the mainstream, it’s been both used and abused. Many of us know just enough to be dangerous! AJ’s recent work is hands down the best resource I know of for the Enneagram and spiritual formation. If the Enneagram is a map for the spiritual journey for different personality types, AJ is a wise, joyful guide for the road. No one should read this book who does not want to change; and anyone who has a deep ache for transformation in the way of Jesus should read this book.”

John Mark Comer

“I am deeply grateful for AJ’s thoughtful leadership and commitment to forming people in the way of Jesus. He brings the full strength of his thinking around discipleship and spiritual formation to bear on the Enneagram, moving it from a mere construct to discipleship resource. I recommend this book as a helpful and practical tool in this discussion.”

Jon Tyson

“The popularity of the Enneagram has spawned both critics and fanatics in the church. AJ Sherrill artfully connects the Enneagram typology with Scripture, theology, and Christian discipleship. This essential resource will help readers appreciate how personality shapes their faith journey.”

Mark Scandrette

“So much of what we learn from the Enneagram about ourselves and the people we love stops at simple self-awareness, which can easily become another exercise in self-centered navel-gazing. Thankfully, AJ Sherrill deepens and expands our endeavors, revealing how we can use the wisdom of the Enneagram to draw us closer to the heart of God. Having AJ equip our pastors and staff with the lessons and tools found here in The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation developed us in immediate and powerful ways. It will do the same for you.”

Sean Palmer

“There are a number of books on the Enneagram, many of which never really go deep enough to address spiritual formation. I am thankful to finally have one that moves beyond superficiality and calls Christians to personal transformation. This book is a well of wisdom that shows us how knowing ourselves can in fact make us more like Jesus. I highly recommend it to all who are looking for a Christ-centered introduction to the Enneagram that will help deepen their faith.”

Winfield Bevins