Enneagram and reformation

We had an interesting Shift meeting last week, and I just realized I forgot to blog about it. Bram Flippo gave a presentation on 'The Enneagram and the New Reformation', stating that 70% of humanity is a type SIX (loyalist), and in his experience this percentage is even higher in the church. He explained the interaction of the SIX with some of the other Enneagram types, and this sheds new light on leadership, group dynamics and change processes in the church. In Bram's view reformational leaders have to be very aware of these deeper dynamics if they want to take people through a foundational paradigm shift. I'm attaching his handout in Dutch.

Download enneagram_kerk.pdf

Comments

[Karolien]

I can hardly imagine 70% is a 6 in the enneagram according to Bram Flippo, God did not create mankind in this boring way at all! Where are the proper investigations you need in order to throw out such theses? To say that people have learned to behave as a 6 within the system they need to survive, then this percentage of 70 makes more sense. So let the real people come out!

[Bram Flippo]

First of all, I would not call the enneagram 6 a bore at all, Karolien. It is just a type with a very strong compulsion to protect the self, that is therefore motivated by fear.
The number of 70% came from an Enneagram book, but I have trouble finding the reference. I even recall hearing higher numbers being quoted. If I find a reference, I will certainly let you know. Richard Rohr mentiones 50% in his teaching: 'Broken and Blessed'.
If you would settle for 50% that is ok by me, because the idea is is: a large portion of humanity. More that 1 out of 9!
The Church as Institution is attractive to the type 6, as it provides exactly what the 6 needs.... protection of the self, decreasing fear as long as you are loyal to the system.
You mention that maybe the church encourages the 6-type behavior. That is an interesting thought. You might have a point there. On the other hand, I have never had a "6" in my "Enneagram for Christians" course, which I interpret as .. this is too threathening for the general 6.
But also please understand that next to the fact that people can be identified with enneagram types, so can organisations of even countries. The USA is a typical Enneagram 3 nation, but this does not mean that every American would be a "3".
Also please do not underestimate the 6, when they convert from their basic sin of fear and allow God to let their gift grow: courage.
Richard Rohr describes how Bishop Oscar Romero from El Savodore, who was a true 6 showed this conversion from 'a loyal follower of the system', to a fearless preacher, who could be heard through every radio in El Salvador, until he was assassinated as he and everybody else knew was bound to happen. The converted 6 is more courageous than any other type.

[Karolien]

Hi Bram, nice to meet and read you here. What i meant with boring in the first place is the high percentage compared to other types, you are right to say that type 6 is not boring at all and as other types having many strenghts. Though it seems that many people are suffering and imprisoned by the less healthy side of loyalty. In church or in society. The outlook of 70% loyal more or less healthy people and especially those in an unhealthy system does look a bit boring to me. Like sheep who do not know where they are going or who they are following! Though i may have some caution or bias towards loyalty, there are many positive sides, like the strong connection between children and parents, the facilitating gift of bonding in and between peoplegroups and enhancing teamspirit and coherence, and more other things. How would the world look like without it?! Do you know whether these percentages count for the whole world and what kind of cultural influences are involved? Thanks for your reply. And for the encouragement too, for as you could expect i have some 6 in my own backpack ;-)

[Schoenveter]

There is no scriptures anywhere in the Holy Bible about this crap(Enneagrams or what ever you want to call it!) I only know that a large group of Pastors(and other Christians) is walking on the broad way of (Christian) life and that just a tiny small group of Christians is walking on the narrow road (Read John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress for instance ...) You do not have to be a rocket scientist to understand the Word of God. The Lord made it simple enough to be understoud even by the blind, lame and deaf people! The humble of heart are great in the Lords eyes… Revelation 22:18,19 says clearly not to ad (human science) to the Bible or remove (Scripture) from the Bible. If Christians confess there sins, don't look at billboards, pornography and other people's belongings or partners, but live a Holy life by the Ten Commandments, they won’t need the help of docters or scientific crap, but will turn to the Holy Spirit for help. You do not have to be a prophet, doctor or scientist to understand this. If Christians follow Christ instead of people, prophets and scientists, Jesus will change there personality’s in what God wants them to be. Not some scientific product of man… Jesus doesn’t ask any money for this but just repentance, subjection, obedience and a Holy walk trough the small gate and onto the narrow road of life. Broadway is for the stars of this world, the narrow road is for the stars of eternal life!