Anderson Hills

Type 7’s tend to be enthusiastic, adventurous, and spontaneous in their behavior. They love seeking out new experiences, constantly thinking about “what’s next”. Enthusiasts are optimistic about what the future will bring and automatically reframe challenging things into positive opportunities, finding joy in all situations. They are spontaneous and playful, but this can result in being restless and distracted. King Solomon is a perfect example of a #7. He seemed to have it all, but it was not enough. Solomon, the son of King David, lived most of his life seeking the next thing that would bring him happiness or pleasure. The Biblical truths that Type 7’s need to pursue include learning to be content in all situations and to exhibit self-control, trusting God’s use of suffering and perseverance to form Godly character, and choosing their companions wisely.

The Loyalists are always aware of the world around them and they are thinking about what can, will or might go wrong. They value security and relationships but are constantly questioning the strength of both. Loyalists are devoted to people and causes and are loyal to their relationships and the commitments they make. Peter, a Loyalist, found his mission in life through following Jesus; he worked hard and thought of himself as a loyal member of Jesus’ inner group of followers. He was loyal to the mission of Jesus and believed that he would defend it until the end. And after Pentecost, that’s exactly what happened. The Biblical truths that Type 6’s need to pursue include knowing the Lord is always with them, giving them courage and strength; seeing that others can be reliable too; and believing that God is for them and is trustworthy.

The Loyalists are always aware of the world around them and they are thinking about what can, will or might go wrong. They value security and relationships but are constantly questioning the strength of both. Loyalists are devoted to people and causes and are loyal to their relationships and the commitments they make. Peter, a Loyalist, found his mission in life through following Jesus; he worked hard and thought of himself as a loyal member of Jesus’ inner group of followers. He was loyal to the mission of Jesus and believed that he would defend it until the end. And after Pentecost, that’s exactly what happened. The Biblical truths that Type 6’s need to pursue include knowing the Lord is always with them, giving them courage and strength; seeing that others can be reliable too; and believing that God is for them and is trustworthy.

The Observers want to know; they want to understand and make sense of the world around them. They are insightful and observant, desiring for the world to be a less chaotic and more organized place. 5’s strive for independence, appreciate privacy and tend to conserve their mental, emotional and physical resources. Jesus was having a private conversation with a Pharisee and learned teacher named Nicodemus, who most likely was an Observer on the Enneagram—known also as investigators who ask a lot of questions. Nicodemus was secretly investigating Jesus, seeking to know more about Him; Jesus wanted him to know how to have eternal life. The Biblical truths that 5’s need to pursue include realizing the importance of expressing feelings and emotions, valuing community and sharing what they have and know, and striving to go from knowledge to belief.

The Observers want to know; they want to understand and make sense of the world around them. They are insightful and observant, desiring for the world to be a less chaotic and more organized place. 5’s strive for independence, appreciate privacy and tend to conserve their mental, emotional and physical resources. Jesus was having a private conversation with a Pharisee and learned teacher named Nicodemus, who most likely was an Observer on the Enneagram—known also as investigators who ask a lot of questions. Nicodemus was secretly investigating Jesus, seeking to know more about Him; Jesus wanted him to know how to have eternal life. The Biblical truths that 5’s need to pursue include realizing the importance of expressing feelings and emotions, valuing community and sharing what they have and know, and striving to go from knowledge to belief.

Type 4 on the Enneagram is known as the Individualist. Sometimes referred to as a romanticist or creative, they experience the aesthetic beauty of their world. 4’s are nothing if not subtle and expressive and are said to be on one hand emotionally honest and personal, and on the other moody and self-conscious. King David was most likely a Type 4. He was a man after God’s heart who expressed his feelings beautifully and creatively. David is often credited with the writing of the Psalms. When he was able to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, David danced on the streets. #4’s struggle with envy, as we see in the story of Bathsheba. The Biblical truths that Type 4’s need to pursue include embracing gratitude, seeing the beauty and talent of others as a good thing, and letting their faith trump their emotions.

Type 4 on the Enneagram is known as the Individualist. Sometimes referred to as a romanticist or creative, they experience the aesthetic beauty of their world. 4’s are nothing if not subtle and expressive and are said to be on one hand emotionally honest and personal, and on the other moody and self-conscious. King David was most likely a Type 4. He was a man after God’s heart who expressed his feelings beautifully and creatively. David is often credited with the writing of the Psalms. When he was able to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, David danced on the streets. #4’s struggle with envy, as we see in the story of Bathsheba. The Biblical truths that Type 4’s need to pursue include embracing gratitude, seeing the beauty and talent of others as a good thing, and letting their faith trump their emotions.

If you want something done in the best and most efficient way possible, then you want the Type 3 Achiever involved. #3’s can jump into any situation, see what needs to be done and then make it happen. They have a strong desire to be successful in all they do and are competitive and goal oriented. Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, exemplifies the Achiever. Starting at his birth narrative we see the traits of a #3, as he came out of the womb grasping the heel of his brother Esau. Through the stories of his interactions with his family, especially his brother, father, and uncle, we see the healthy and unhealthy traits of an Achiever demonstrated. The Biblical truths that Type 3’s need to pursue include the importance of being honest with self and others, admitting failure and confessing sin, and seeking success as defined by God.

If you want something done in the best and most efficient way possible, then you want the Type 3 Achiever involved. #3’s can jump into any situation, see what needs to be done and then make it happen. They have a strong desire to be successful in all they do and are competitive and goal oriented. Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, exemplifies the Achiever. Starting at his birth narrative we see the traits of a #3, as he came out of the womb grasping the heel of his brother Esau. Through the stories of his interactions with his family, especially his brother, father, and uncle, we see the healthy and unhealthy traits of an Achiever demonstrated. The Biblical truths that Type 3’s need to pursue include the importance of being honest with self and others, admitting failure and confessing sin, and seeking success as defined by God.

Type 2 of the Enneagram is known as the Helper; “Service” is their middle name. #2’s value relationships and are kind, self-sacrificing and considerate of others. They want their world to be a more loving place and work hard to make this so. Through their unconditional love and care, Helpers are a gift from God, showing His love toward others. In Scripture we read of a servant-hearted Helper named Martha, who typically gets a bad rap. As a Helper, Martha is simply walking in her type, wanting to serve the Messiah, her Lord, as best as she can. The Biblical truths that Type 2’s need to pursue include watching out for and confessing the sin of pride as it affects the way they see themselves and others, learning that is it is okay to ask for help, and understanding that their identity comes from God, not from what they do.