The Self Compass®

Dr. Dan and Kate Montgomery’s Self Compass growth tool is both a scientifically validated model of personality and descriptive of Christ’s behavior as presented in the Gospels.

Love and Assertion, and Weakness and Strength: these complimentary polarities are the LAWS of personality and relationships. Like Christ, healthy people express both tender care and diplomatic assertion. They are competent and strong, yet humbly aware of their weakness, maintaining rhythmic access to all four compass points of the Self Compass. By enlisting these compass points in rhythmic dialogue, people find the hidden originality of their selfhood that yields a dynamic, flexible personality.

Unlike Christ, however, human beings are less than perfect; they often get stuck in self-defeating personality trends that are too loving, too assertive, too weak, or too strong. The Trends Compass both diagnoses where people are stuck and offers guidelines for growth out of these rigid trends.

What happens when one or more compass points are exaggerated or avoided at the expense of the others? Exaggerated love deteriorates into Dependent pleasing and placating. Unchecked assertion escalates into Aggressive blaming and resenting. Overblown weakness collapses into Withdrawn detaching and avoiding. Inflated strength balloons into Controlling dictating and judging.

How is the path for growth determined? By recognizing where a person is stuck. The Withdrawn pattern, for example, requires growth stretches toward the opposite compass point: Strength. With guidance, the person’s thoughts can shift over time from “No one feels as scared as I do. I may as well give up,” to “I might blow this, because I’m human. But I’m doing it anyway.” Confidence, balanced by humility, as appropriate to the situation.

These Compass books that explore the Self Compass in an easy-to-read style may be ordered by clicking on the titles:

THE SELF COMPASS: CHARTING YOUR PERSONALITY IN CHRIST

“The Self Compass is a vital instrument in clear thinking and focused living. I commend it to every thoughtful reader serious about a healthy life of service to God and others.”

— Charles Self, Ph.D., Professor of Church History, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

CHRISTIAN PERSONALITY THEORY: A SELF COMPASS FOR HUMANITY

“People interested in a comprehensive Christian personality theory will find this book a helpful and refreshing guide for persons seeking wholeness.”

— Raymond F. Pendleton, Ph.D., Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

FAITH BEYOND CHURCH WALLS: FINDING FREEDOM IN CHRIST

“I’ve waited a long time for a book like this! Like a caring counselor in private session, Dan Montgomery writes to anyone who thinks being a Christian means conforming to someone else’s pattern. To anyone turned off by squabbling among denominations. To anyone who believes his current situation is hopeless. To anyone seeking a more intimate walk with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

— Guideposts Magazine, Elizabeth Sherrill

COMPASS PSYCHOTHEOLOGY: WHERE PSYCHOLOGY & THEOLOGY REALLY MEET

“Compass Psychotheology offers a fascinating and creative perspective on how psychology and theology are necessary partners in understanding human nature, its vulnerabilities and the possibilities for transformation.”

— Lallene J. Rector, Ph.D., Psychology of Religion Professor, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Northwestern University

Dan Montgomery describes the complete Compass Series, including a Christian fiction novel: VIDEO.

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