Clergy spiritual assessment using the Enneagram

In this project, a small sample of United Methodist clergy were introduced to the Enneagram, which helped each participant explore his/her type's preferences and patterns. The intervention consisted of six conversations between the researcher and each participant. Additional research tools included a pre- and post-survey instrument constructed around The Book of Discipline's description of pastoral duties and four of the thirteen themes identified by a Task Force appointed by General Conference 2008 to assess clergy health factors: personal centeredness, job satisfaction, existential burdens of ministry, and living authentically. Each conversation invited participants to gain insight into their roles in ministry leadership and to grow in their love of God, self, and neighbor. Participants looked at their life stories using the Enneagram as a lens. Compassionate observation of self was a recurring invitation and key component of the move toward transformation. The Enneagram helped clergy recognize patterns in their lives so that they began to see a route, as well as obstacles, on the path of spiritual growth.