The Enneagram from a Biblical Perspective – Marilyn Vancil

Now, I can hear you already, “What is an Enneagram?”  Ok…

The Enneagram is a reportedly a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. Stemming from the Greek words ennea (nine) and grammos (a written symbol), the nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others and the world. Each Enneagram type has a different pattern of thinking, feeling and acting that arises from a deeper inner motivation or worldview.

To help us walk through this discussion today, is Marilyn Vancil who has been using the Enneagram model in her Christian Spiritual transformation for over 30 years and is a certified Enneagram Professional. She holds workshops and retreats that focus on this self awareness tool and helps people to live out their unique expression and experience as someone created in God’s image. She loves the “Holy Ah-ha” moments that she witnesses in her workshops.

She has written a book called, “Self to Lose-Self to Find: A Biblical Approach to the 9 Enneagram Types.” Marilyn lives in the Seattle, Washington area with her husband, four children and their spouses and 11 grandchildren! WOW – I thought I was busy with 7 grandchildren!

Help me welcome to the program, Marilyn Vancil. Marilyn, thank you for coming on the program today!

Let me start with this question first. Other than that short bio I just read, tell us in your own words, “Who is Marilyn Vancil?”

Marilyn, as we begin, can you explain what the Enneagram is and how it is used?

In the Enneagram, there are 9 – what – personality types? Can you briefly explain what those are and how they are organized?

Ok, let’s go after the big elephant in the room right off the bat. Explain what an Enneagram is and how it should not be considered “New Age” or “Anti-Bible.”  I know I would have reservations trying something I had not heard of before – so I know there will be some listeners thinking the same thing.

How does this differ from a personality assessment?

How is this being received in the Evangelical Community as a whole?  I know there are probably pockets of groups that are resisting this just as there are pockets who accept it.

Have you been “labeled” by churches or ministries because of your association with this training?

Is this a “watering down” of Christianity into a pop culture type of mentality?

Let’s look at it from the opposite perspective: In order to be accepted into Christian circles, is it necessary to “water down” the Enneagram training?

What is your response to Christians, and especially other pastors or ministry leaders, that say this is of the occult or “new age?”  How do you respond to those accusations?

Can you give us your contact information in case someone cannot stay until the end of our conversation?

You talk about the necessity of a “deep inner work” that must accompany self-awareness. What do you mean by that?

The Bible says, that when we are born again, we are “new creatures” created in the image of Christ, who is in the image of God. Therefore, when we are born again, WE are in the image of God. How does the Enneagram match up with the Biblical view “old self” and “new self?”

How has the Enneagram helped you, personally?

In your workshops, you only have a limited time with the folks in attendance. How do you move the people along your intended path of discovery in a short period of time?

Let me ask you about your book. Why did you write this book and who is the intended audience?

Can someone just read your book and get the same transformation? Or do they need coaching or to go to a seminar or workshop as well?

How can the Enneagram help someone to discover their true self and help them in their Christian Faith at the same time?

I know you advocate this is a lifetime journey. But how long does it usually take before you see one of the “Holy Ah-ha” moments you talk about?

So if someone were to buy your book, what’s next? After reading your book?

Tell us again how someone can get a copy of your book?

Marilyn, you have given us a lot to think about here. I would love to have you back on again, maybe so we can go over this a little more in depth.  Does that sound good?

If someone wanted to reach out to you, to ask a question, have you come and speak or maybe to do an interview such as this. How can they do that? How can they get in touch with you?

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit with us today. You’ve definitely given us a lot of information to think about today.  I do appreciate you coming on the program.

Folks, I highly encourage you to go to the link in the show notes and get a copy of Marilyn’s book, “Self to Lose-Self to Find: A Biblical Approach to the 9 Enneagram Types.” Check it out for yourself. See if this will help you in your spiritual development. See if it will help you on your journey of transformation from Glory to Glory. See if it will help you in your relationships, your business – your life.  Just click the link in the show notes and order your copy today.

That is all the time we have for today. For Marilyn Vancil and myself, this is Bob Thibodeau reminding you to BE BLESSED IN ALL THAT YOU DO!

Contact Marilyn through her website contact form

Website:  www.marilynvancil.com

Book: “Self to Lose-Self to Find: A Biblical Approach to the 9 Enneagram Types” on Amazon

The post The Enneagram from a Biblical Perspective – Marilyn Vancil pt 2 appeared first on Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast.

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