Date of Award

Spring 2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Douglas Roth

Second Advisor

Dr. James Anderson

Third Advisor

Dr. Alan Ehler

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the Enneagram profile of a lead pastor and the size of congregation. This study is motivated by the research question, “Do lead pastors of Protestant

megachurches in the United States tend to share commonalities in their Enneagram personality types?” Previous research indicates that personality plays a role in the impact of a pastor, but to date, no systematic investigation has explored the connection between the Enneagram profile of the leader and the size of the congregation. Using a sample of 58 megachurch pastors and 56 non-megachurch pastors, the Enneagram type of each pastor was obtained through the Wagner Enneagram Personality Style Scales (WEPSS) inventory. The findings from the research indicate a significant relationship between Enneagram Type 3s (Achievers) and 8s (Challengers) as a common profile of the megachurch pastor (in 79% of the cases). The findings offer insights into potential benefits of self-discovery the Enneagram can provide pastors based on the unique roles of their leadership style. While these results do not speak to the quality of leadership in these pastors, or suggest a pastor is better suited for a church based on a personality style, these results may prompt further inquiry into the pastoral selection process to determine if the current structure favors a certain personality.

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