JR.'s Sermons

Do you know someone who's got a sharp eye for details? Someone who tends to fade into the background, but doesn't miss anything? Someone who has only so much energy for social interactions? They might be an Enneagram Five. These Investigators are a model of curiosity and intelligence. How can they learn to operate not out of scarcity and fear, but abundance and faith? And how do the rest of us help them flourish?

You know those creative types? The suffering artist, that person who seems to have this deep well of emotions the rest of us only dabble in? You know an Enneagram 4, and like Encanto's Tia Pepa, they can be both nourishing and overwhelming. How do we keep from getting blown away by these Romantics' wild emotions? And what's their path to flourishing?

Do you know a person who seems to have an extra four hours in their day? That go-to person to get anything - and everything! - done? That magnetic personality who puts the Oh! in Overachieving - they're an Enneagram 3. And just like Encanto's Luisa, there's a lot going on under the surface that we don't see. So how can we help these workaholics find flourishing?

Who doesn't love a helping hand? A thoughtful present at just the right time? But nothing can turn those gifts sour faster than finding out they come with strings attached. If you've been on the receiving end of an underhanded offering, then you might know an Enneagram 2. But if you know a healthy 2 - like Encanto's Mama Julieta, then you know the balm of healing and harbor they provide. So how can we identify the Twos in our midst? What is their path to wholeness? And how do the rest of us help them flourish?

Do you know that person whose standards are higher than anyone else you know? They have a drive to excel that the rest of us find intimidating. And yeah... they can be a little judgy. What we don't realize is that these Perfectionists reserve their harshest judgments for... themselves. So what's the path to flourishing for an Enneagram 1? And how can the rest of us love them well?

Do you know someone who feels like a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies? Maybe you know someone who's gentle, kind and filled with care for everyone around them. They're probably an Enneagram 9 - the Peacemaker. What makes 9s special? What is their path to flourishing? And how can the rest of us learn from them and support them?

Do you know someone who is a little prickly, who has a tough exterior and a strong sense of justice? A person who stands up for the little guy, but also has a tendency to steamroll people? Then you might know an Eight. Abuela, the matriarch of la familia Madrigal, illustrates how Eights can be a potent force for good when they're healthy, but cause a lot of damage when they get off track. So how can Eights be open to the Spirit? And how do the rest of us love the Eights in our lives well?

ENCANTO is one of the most popular movies in recent memories. It's packed with spiritual truth - and each character offers us a picture of the possibility of transformation. This summer, we're diving into Encanto using the Enneagram - an ancient guide to spiritual growth - to help us look more like Jesus and love more like him too!

There’s a popular notion that all religions are different paths to the same destination. But when we explore different faith systems, we find each understands the nature of god(s) and reality very differently. Christians believe God is Trinity – a paradox that points to a deep truth at the heart of reality: God is love, and love is the most essential, powerful force in the universe!

When it comes to people who aren't Christians, the Church doesn't have a great track record. Far too often we imagine we're taking Jesus to people who don't know him. But Paul's encounter with the Athenians illustrates a powerful truth: God is already present among all the peoples of the world. Because God loves the whole world. How can we join God where the Holy Spirit is already at work?