Understanding and growing

For many years I've been a big fan of MBTI, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, a personality preference indicator of 16 types. It continues to give me a framework to understand myself and others.

The Enneagram (basic diagram above) is not dissimilar and has grown markedly in popularity in recent years, particularly amongst Christians. Its origins include the third and fourth century wisdom traditions of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Hannah and Jonny, our daughter and son in law, introduced it to us a while back, but being on sabbatical has given more time to consider the help in self-understanding it gives and the wisdom it provides for encouraging personal growth. If you are the kind of person to check it out on Google, be discerning in what you read! As a tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit it can be a powerful way for God to do his much needed work of transformation in us.

My sabbatical came at just the right time for me personally. Whilst rejoicing in seeing God at work in ministry, I was struggling at a personal and spiritual level. I'm really fortunate in having a spiritual director/accompanier, friends/family to listen and pray for me and a church fellowship to love me! Pastors rarely have all three. There are times in our lives when the need to pay attention to ourselves is particularly strong. This is such a time for me and the Enneagram is being especially helpful.

Pastoral ministry can get in the way of the much needed process of ongoing personal change and growth. Attending to this in a regular and healthy way is important for all Christians and not just every seven years! However, this seven year cycle of sabbaticals, which British Baptists include in their terms of settlement for ministers, gives opportunity to have a more rigorous 'stock-check', essential for longevity in ministry for me at least!

Please pray for us as we continue on this, at times uncomfortable, reflective journey.

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