New Creation Conversations Episode 054 - Rev. Sean Palmer on the Church as an Unarmed Empire, Communicating Across the Enneagram Spectrum, and Forty Days as an Enneagram Three

Welcome to episode fifty-four of New Creation Conversations. In today’s conversation I’m excited to be joined by Rev. Sean Palmer. Sean is the Teaching Pastor at Ecclesia Houston – an innovative and thriving multi-site church in South Texas. Sean has served for over twenty years in ministry and was selected by Christian Standard Magazines one of the best “40 Leaders Under 40.” He’s a frequent speaker, teacher, and writer – his work appearing in places like Jesus Creed, Sojourners, The Lookout Magazine, and Missio Alliance. 

Sean has written or contributed to several books. We talk about his book Unarmed Empire: In Search of Beloved Community (published by Cascade Books). In that book Sean reflects on the kind of community the church is called to be – an alternative community devoid of fear, wherein God’s love and acceptance are mediated to all people through the grace of Jesus.

Much of our conversation centers around his most recent works related to the Enneagram. Recently, IVP came out with a series of books called “Enneagram Daily Reflections” – a series of books devoted to each of the nine enneagram numbers. Sean wrote the volume, Forty Days on Being a Three. I am also a three on the enneagram – so having journeyed through his book -  I was very excited to talk about the enneagram and the life of a three with Sean.

Sean also has a new book – Speaking by the Numbers: Enneagram Wisdom for Teachers, Pastors, and Communicators (which will be released in May from IVP) on how to speak to and communicate in transformative ways to people across the enneagram spectrum. It’s a fascinating insight and a rich part of our conversation.

I found my conversation with Sean delightful and helpful. If you already know a bit about the enneagram, I know you will love this conversation – no matter what number you are. And if you are new to this whole enneagram thing, I think you will find what Sean has to say as an invitation to explore and understand your motivations, as well as what motivates those around you more deeply.