Self to Lose, Self to Find - by Marilyn Vancil (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Discover the growth that is possible when we know our authentic selves as God intended by going deeper than ever into the Enneagram test, paired with profound scriptural insights. The Enneagram--a system of nine interconnected personality types--has been used for over two thousand years to offer opportunities for personal development and provide a foundation for understanding others. Now a certified Enneagram coach shows how a scriptural perspective can lead us to a path of freedom. In Self to Lose, Self to Find, Marilyn Vancil unpacks our human dilemma, sets the scriptural foundation, explores the nine Enneagram personalities, and shows us how we can have a more meaningful life and healthier relationships. At its best, the Enneagram doesn't merely describe who we are. It invites us to see the innate gifts and quirks we were created with--the person we were before trials and traumas began to shape us. Those, when redeemed, shape our character into who we're truly meant to be. Vancil offers a compelling biblical case for the Enneagram by drawing from John 12:24, which describes how we, like seeds, develop a protective coat that keeps us safe as we grow up and encounter challenges and traumas. But for us to truly live a fruitful life, we must choose to remove that protective coat in order to grow. This is what sets Vancil apart as both a seasoned Enneagram expert and a spiritual director: Vancil demonstrates how the Enneagram can be a vehicle for growth and transformation by laying out the realities of each Enneagram type, affirming the inherent good in each type, showcasing the unhealthy tendencies of each type's false self, and illuminating the undeniable hope in each number. Combining rich biblical wisdom with Enneagram wisdom and real-life experiences, updated and revised with new insights and stories, this compelling resource is a must for anyone who longs for a happier, freer life"--

Book Synopsis

Discover the growth that's possible when we understand our authentic selves as God intended by exploring more deeply the Enneagram tool, paired with profound scriptural insights.

"This book is a gem. It's one of the top five books I recommend on the Enneagram."--Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Road Back to You

"An accessible, biblical and practical roadmap for anyone who wants to live fully into their true, authentic, God-given identity. I highly recommend it!"--Brenda Salter McNeil, author of Becoming Brave

The Enneagram--a system of nine interconnected personality types--has been developed over many years to offer opportunities for personal development and provide a foundation for understanding others.

Now a certified Enneagram coach shows how a scriptural perspective can lead us to a path of freedom. In Self to Lose, Self to Find, Marilyn Vancil unpacks our human dilemma, sets the scriptural foundation, explores the nine Enneagram personalities, and shows us practical ways to have a more meaningful life and healthier relationships. At its best, the Enneagram doesn't merely describe who we are, but shows us why we do what we do. It invites us to see the innate gifts and inclinations of our original design--the person we were before trials and traumas began to shape us. It also reveals the strategies and false narratives that keep us from becoming who we're truly meant to be.

Vancil offers a compelling biblical case for the Enneagram by drawing from John 12:24, which describes how we, like seeds, construct a protective coat that helps us survive in a world where we encounter challenges and insecurities. But for us to truly live a fruitful life, we must allow the protective coat to soften and fall away in order to grow.

This is what sets Vancil apart as both a seasoned Enneagram expert and a spiritual director: Within a scriptural context, she demonstrates how the Enneagram can be a vehicle for growth and transformation by laying out the realities of each Enneagram type, affirming the inherent genius of each type, showcasing the unhealthy tendencies of each type's false self, and illuminating the undeniable path to freedom for each one.

Combining rich biblical wisdom with Enneagram wisdom and real-life experiences, this compelling resource is a must for anyone who longs for a happier, freer life.

Review Quotes

"Extraordinarily insightful, inviting, and immensely clarifying." --Suzanne Dion, co-author of The Enneagram, Relationships and Intimacy

"Self to Lose, Self to Find is hands-down my favorite book on the Enneagram. Why? Because it is Jesus-centered to the core. While many seek to focus on the individual, Vancil invites you to understand the self that Jesus is inviting you to leave behind, so you can follow Him. The best way to describe this book is 'beautiful.' "--Daniel Fusco, pastor at Crossroads Community Church and author of Crazy Happy

"Few Enneagram books speak to how our relationship with Christ shows up in our two selves. Fewer still provide a solid biblical framework to chart a path from the old to the new self with Christ at the center in such a thoughtful and practical way. This book does that. It is the first book I point others to no matter how familiar they are with the Enneagram."--Dave Kanne, MA, LPC at the Center for Biblical Counseling; former director of Spiritual Formation, Dallas Theological Seminary

"An exceptional book."--Beth McCord, founder of Your Enneagram Coach; author of Becoming Us and The Enneagram Collection

"In a society strapped to self-sufficiency, it is rare to find Enneagram wisdom that is truly wise. Vancil brings together our being and our becoming, hidden not simply in the depths of our own selves but in the heart of Christ."--K. J. Ramsey, therapist; author, This Too Shall Last

"A thoughtful and groundbreaking analysis of the Enneagram system and its valuable contribution to the work of development in the Christian life."--David Daniels, M.D., author of The Essential Enneagram

"In Self to Lose, Self to Find, Marilyn tactfully and compassionately provides not only scriptural context and extensive Enneagram knowledge but also practical recommendations that allow each of us to continue the journey of authentic self-discovery."--Dr. Jerome D. Lubbe, author The Brain-Based Enneagram

"Self to Lose, Self to Find is for the serious seeker who is hungry to engage the Enneagram for transformation. Marilyn Vancil speaks from deep experience and gracious invitation."--Gem Fadling, author of What Does Your Soul Love?

About the Author

Marilyn Vancil is a certified Enneagram Professional in the Narrative Tradition through Enneagram Worldwide, a certified spiritual director, and a trained life coach through Coach Training Alliance. She has also completed coursework on the Enneagram at Loyola University and the Deep Coaching Institute. Vancil facilitates workshops and retreats on the Enneagram, focusing on how it can be used to deepen one's life with God and improve relationships. She lives in Seattle with her husband, Jeff.