In Part I of our conversation regarding "Leaving Church" we laid the groundwork for today's segment by introducing the Enneagram and the 9 types. Earlene shared on overview of the Type 2 also referred to as "The Helper" while Denée shared her type, a 7, also known as "The Enthusiast". If you are not familiar with The Enneagram we will, again, share some resources we use and recommend.
Earlene, Denée's mother, and Denée each grew up in the same fundamental Christian denomination. Not only were they very active members of their church but their family history of church leadership runs deep. So 'going to church' wasn't just an activity but an 'identity' and a way of life.
As their views of God began to expand beyond the boundaries of their traditions, the conflict with those in authority came to a breaking point when they were told they could no longer be in fellowship with the only church family they had ever known. When asked, "Why would you want to stay where you no longer hold the same beliefs?" Earlene didn't have a satisfactory answer. That answer became clear, but only after much heartache and introspection.
Earlene and Denée share their story of how they each made the transition and dealt with the trauma through the eyes of their perspective personality types.
Today, although no longer a part of any organized religion, they continue to work with people in a variety of environments to offer comfort, support and validation to those going through similar experiences. Rather than promoting more division, their hope is to point to the whole Spiritual community where all every 'type' is not only welcome, but is already a part. It's through honest conversation that we truly get to know each other. It's through our stories that we connect.
