In this special bonus episode of the For Everyday Disciples Podcast, Alison is joined by Jenn Newingham - a friend and certified spiritual director- to offer a thoughtful, grace-filled close to our Enneagram journey this season. Together, they explore the role of spiritual direction in discipleship, and how the Enneagram may deepen our personal spiritual journey as we grow in self-awareness, inviting transformation in the presence of God. Jenn introduces us to the idea of “well-worn paths” as a way to identify and surrender habitual patterns to God.

Jenn also leads us through a guided spiritual practice called “OWN-UP” from the book "Self to Lose, Self to Find" by Marilyn Vancil, helping us reflect prayerfully on recent experiences and rest in our identity as God’s beloved.

Show Notes:

Self to Lose, Self to Find: Using the Enneagram to Uncover Your True, God-Gifted Self, Marilyn Vancil

Jenn Newingham Spiritual Direction: https://jennnewingham.com/sd/

Giles and Alison explore Type 7 : The Enthusiast, a high-energy, fun-loving personality who is always looking ahead to the next big experience. Sevens bring optimism, spontaneity, and adventure to the world, but beneath their excitement, they often wrestle with a deep fear of being trapped in pain or limitation. Their core struggle is gluttony: overindulging in experiences and distractions to avoid discomfort.

Through biblical insights, including the life of King David, we discuss how Sevens can move from chasing happiness to receiving true joy, from avoiding pain to trusting God in every season. We also explore their false identity of “I am what I have” and the false self that tempts a Type 7 to seek security and survival through endless options, rather than finding peace in God’s presence.

If you or someone you love is a Type 7, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and practical wisdom for embracing contentment, presence, and deep trust in Christ’s lasting joy.

Giles and Alison explore Type 6 – The Loyalist, a deeply faithful and responsible personality that longs for security, stability, and trust. Type 6s are incredibly loyal to the people and institutions they believe in, but beneath that commitment, they often wrestle with fear, self-doubt, and the need for external reassurance. Their minds are constantly scanning for worst-case scenarios, seeking certainty before they feel safe to move forward.

Through biblical insights, including the courage of Joshua and Caleb, we discuss how Sixes can move from anxiety to faith, from seeking security in external structures to trusting fully in God’s presence. We also explore Type 6’s false identity of “I am what I have” and the false self that tempts them to seek security and survival through control, rules, and external stability rather than resting in God’s faithfulness.

If you or someone you love is a Type 6, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and practical wisdom for stepping out of fear, embracing trust, and finding true peace in Christ’s unshakable presence.

Giles and Alison explore Type 5 – The Investigator, a deeply thoughtful and independent personality that seeks understanding, clarity, and competence. Type 5s are driven by a need to conserve energy and protect themselves from being overwhelmed, often retreating into their minds to analyze and observe rather than engage directly. But beneath their quest for knowledge, they often struggle with a fear of depletion, emotional detachment, and the belief that they must accumulate enough knowledge before they can act.

Through biblical insights, including the wisdom of Solomon, we discuss how Fives can move from isolation to connection, from withholding to generosity, and from self-reliance to trusting God’s provision. We also explore their false identity of “I am what I have” and the false self that tempts Fives to seek security and survival through knowledge and self-sufficiency rather than dependence on God.

If you or someone you love is a Type 5, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and practical wisdom for stepping out of isolation, sharing their insights, and trusting that God is their ultimate source of security.

Giles and Alison explore Type 4 – The Individualist, a deep-feeling, introspective personality that longs for authenticity and significance. Type 4s are driven by a desire to understand their identity and express their uniqueness in the world. But beneath this pursuit, they often wrestle with feelings of being different, misunderstood, or incomplete.

Through biblical insights, including the life of King David, we unpack how Type 4s can move from comparison to contentment, from idealism to presence, and from longing to abiding in Christ’s love. We also explore their false identity of “I am what others say or think about me” and the false self that tempts Fours to seek affection and esteem instead of resting in God’s unconditional love.

If you or someone you love is a Type 4, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and practical wisdom for finding contentment in being fully known and loved by God.

In this episode, Giles and Alison explore Type 3 – The Achiever, a driven and success-oriented personality that thrives on accomplishment and recognition. But beneath their ambition often lies a deep fear of failure and a struggle with tying their worth to external validation.

Through biblical insights, including the story of Joseph and Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, we unpack how Type 3s can move from a performance-based identity to a life rooted in God’s unconditional love. We also examine how spiritual practices like solitude, confession, and social media fasting can help Threes embrace authenticity over image and refute the lie that “I am what other people say or think about me.”

If you or someone you love is a Type 3, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and practical wisdom for living with purpose beyond achievement.

Resources:

⁠⁠Self to Lose, Self to Find⁠⁠ by Marilyn Vancil

⁠⁠The Sacred Enneagram⁠⁠by Christopher L. Heuertz

In this episode, Giles and Alison continue their Enneagram series with Type 2 – The Helper. Type 2s are driven by a deep desire to love and serve others, but they often struggle with an underlying fear of being unworthy of love if they aren’t needed. Their generosity and warmth are beautiful gifts, yet their tendency to suppress their own needs can lead to burnout, resentment, and an unhealthy attachment to affirmation.

Giles and Alison explore what motivates Type 2s, how their servant-hearted nature can be both a blessing and a burden, and how they can move from striving for love to resting in the truth that they are already deeply loved by God. They discuss biblical examples of Type 2s, the unique challenges they face, and spiritual disciplines that help them grow—including centering prayer, fasting from over-serving, and learning to receive love without conditions.

If you’re a Type 2 or love someone who is, this episode will provide practical insights into how to support, encourage, and walk alongside them as they embrace a life of love—without needing to earn it.

Resources:

⁠Self to Lose, Self to Find⁠ by Marilyn Vancil

⁠The Sacred Enneagram⁠by Christopher L. Heuertz

In this episode, Giles and Alison continue their Enneagram series withType 1 – The Perfectionist. Type 1s are driven by a deep desire for goodness, integrity, and justice, but they often wrestle with an inner critic that pushes them toward self-judgment and frustration.

Giles and Alison explore what motivates Type 1s, how their pursuit of righteousness can be both a gift and a burden, and how they can move fromstriving for perfection to resting in grace. They discuss biblical examples of Type 1s, the challenges they face, and the spiritual disciplines that help them grow—includingSabbath, confession, and breath prayer.

If you’re a Type 1 or love someone who is, this episode will give you practical insights into how to support them, encourage them, and help them live from a place ofpeace rather than pressure.

Resources:

Self to Lose, Self to Find by Marilyn Vancil

The Sacred Enneagramby Christopher L. Heuertz

In this episode, Giles and Alison dive into the world of Enneagram Type 9—The Peacemaker. Alison, a Type 9 herself, shares her personal insights on the strengths and challenges of being a Peacemaker, including her desire for harmony and her struggle to avoid conflict. Together, Giles and Alison explore the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking, emphasizing the biblical call to make peace as Jesus did—engaging with courage and seeking true reconciliation.

Through personal stories, practical tools like the PAUSE tool, and biblical examples such as Barnabas and Gideon, we discuss how Type 9s can grow spiritually by stepping out of passivity and into their God-given calling. Spiritual disciplines like intercession and confession can be pathways for Nines to move beyond complacency and live out their redeemed identity as courageous reconcilers and compassionate listeners.

Whether you’re a Type 9 or you know one, this episode offers encouragement and inspiration for the journey toward peace and presence.

PAUSE teaching video: https://youtu.be/FzPgtBGglRY?si=-UkC8QUY8kNDwHmn

In this episode of the For Everyday Disciples, Giles and Alison explore Enneagram Type 8—The Protector. Known for their boldness, independence, and passion for justice, Type 8s embody resilience and leadership. But with their strength comes the temptation to rely solely on themselves, often avoiding vulnerability and emotional connection.

We unpack the spiritual journey of Type 8s, offering biblical examples like Moses, Esther, and Nathan to illustrate both the challenges and beauty of their calling. We emphasize how surrendering control and trusting in God’s provision allows Type 8s to transform their natural intensity into life-giving leadership. We offer practical insights and specific spiritual practices that can help Type 8s channel their protective instincts into deeper faith and connection.

Whether you’re a Type 8 or you know one, this episode provides encouragement to step into God’s strength rather than your own.