The Enneagram for TeensSample

Type Eight: The Challenger

Type Eights are known as the Challenger and the Protector. They are sometimes called “intense” because of their straight-forward and honest nature. They are the type with the most energy and a natural self-confidence that is truly inspiring to those around them. Truly, the self-confidence an Eight has is why they are amazing motivational speakers.

I call Eights jelly beans because despite their tough exterior, they are softies on the inside, especially if you are in their inner circle of people they love and trust. Many people are easily intimidated by Eights, but when you know they are tender inside, you realize they are easy to love.

They portray a tough exterior for self-preservation because they don’t feel like the world is a safe place to be vulnerable and open. The Enneagram Eight is your “tell it like it is” friend, which can be helpful or harmful depending on how they present the information and who they are communicating to. One of the most valuable things I learned about the Eight is that they aren’t trying to be hurtful and they don’t always know how their tone comes across, so it’s important not to take many of the things they say personally.

My favorite thing about Eights is how honest we can be with them. They will be honest in return, and if you’re in their inner circle, they will have your back no matter what. Their superpower is being an incredible protector to their friends and family.

Their core fear is losing their power or feeling controlled by their circumstances, environment, or people around them. They are very fearful of being vulnerable because they believe people may take advantage of their vulnerability and use it against them. They cope with this by always needing to be in control.

Their wounding childhood message is “No one is trustworthy” or “It’s not okay to be vulnerable.” Little Eight was forced to be independent far too early. They saw the world as a place to “eat or be eaten,” which caused them to rely on survival instincts like a lack of vulnerability or gentleness. The thing is, though, since they are gentle on the inside, the fear of betrayal is hidden deep within them. They have an armor around their hearts to prevent anyone controlling their emotions, but practicing trust can help them find a healthy balance when it comes to allowing vulnerability while keeping boundaries.

On the flip side, their core desire is to protect themselves and the ones they love. They defend their nearest and dearest at the drop of a hat, and will be at your side immediately if you need them, ready to defend you in any way you may ask. They also protect themselves by seeking independence.

The Enneagram Eight is typically passionate, so their faith may be the same way. Confidently standing their ground, they’re able to talk about why they believe what they believe in a way that draws others in.

On the flip side, if they are too dependent on their own strengths and feel skeptical about faith, they will want to be in charge of their own destiny and may reject the idea of a God who wants a relationship with his creation.

The Scripture passage I believe is helpful for an Eight is in 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, which reminds us God’s strength is shown when we are weak. This gives us all permission to show up as we are, broken and weak, allowing him to be our strength and protection. What a relief for an Enneagram Eight to know that they don’t have to only be the protector, but are welcome to be the protected by God. The truth is God will not betray his children, something the Eight can truly rest in. It may be easier said than done, as Eights can struggle with relinquishing control, but the Lord wants the Enneagram Eight to know their vulnerability is safe with him because he is the Protector of his children.

Are you a type Eight? Before we move on to the next type, there’s one thing I want you to know. You can approach God with complete and total vulnerability, knowing he holds your heart with so much care. You can put down being the protector and rest in being protected. Walk in confidence, dear Eight, that you will not be betrayed by God.