There are several metaphors to describe the role and dynamic of the Church. A hospital – where people experience care and healing. A chapel – where people have time and space to pray. Lastly, a school – where people grow in their spiritual understanding and wisdom.
This Lent we’re intentionally leaning into the Church as a school, and trying something new.
We’ll have three interactive (time for sharing, questions, discussion etc.) and cumulative teaching sessions on the Enneagram, which is an increasingly known and helpful personality framework that deepens our self-awareness. It reveals the (often subconscious) compulsions that drive us and why. In doing so, it gives us greater understanding, acceptance, and freedom. Similarly, the Enneagram helps people understand others more deeply and, as a result, nourishes compassion and love.
This is all very much in keeping with the practices of self-examination and repetance which are customary Christian observances in Lent.
Ultimately, our hope is that these sessions will clarify strengths and areas of growth in our personalities. They will help us bring more of ourselves into the love of God. They will also encourage us to love ourselves and others in greater measure.
The sessions will build upon one another and if you would like to join us, please do!
The Enneagram and the Love of God
Featuring teaching, conversation, questions, etc. All dates/times are during normal service hours: Sundays, 10:30am – 12:15pm.
- Why and What: March 9, 2025
- “Do you see the speck in your own eye?”: the importance of self-awareness in Christian spiritual formation
- Heart, head, and gut: the Enneagram triads and their general preoccupations and compulsions
- What (continued): March 23, 2025
- The trees in the forest: the 9 Enneatypes
- Upstream or downstream: arrows and how the 9 Enneatypes move with or against their compulsions
- So What?: April 6, 2025
- “Lord, teach us to pray:” how to open your Enneatype to the love of God
- Examen: reflecting on the series and sharing gratitudes, consolations, desolations, and hopes
WEST END ABBEY 