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Understanding the ESTJ: A Guide to the “Executive” Personality Type

A list of all 16 MBTI types with all but "ESTJ" faded out. The header of the image reads "What do it mean to be an..." leading the reader to see ESTJ as the completion of that statement.

In this article, we seek to understand the ESTJ personality type. Also known as the "Executive" in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), ESTJs are described as organized, practical, and decisive individuals who value structure and order. They prefer making decisions based on logic and facts rather than emotions or intuition. ESTJs excel in leadership roles and project management due to their strong sense of responsibility and organizational skills.

When it comes to connecting with Jesus, ESTJs may find resonance in studying His teachings and implementing them in practical ways. They may engage in community service or actively participate in their church as a means of feeling closer to Jesus. Setting routines for prayer and Bible study aligns with their commitment-following nature. The structure and tradition found in church practices can also provide ESTJs with a sense of familiarity and comfort, facilitating a deeper connection with their faith. Ultimately, understanding their personality traits can help ESTJs leverage them to deepen their spirituality.

ESTJ – The Executive

ESTJs are typically characterized as organized, practical, and decisive. They get their energy from people rather than being alone, take in information through their tangible senses, make decisions based on logic, and are typically pretty structured and organized. They're the sort of people who enjoy structure and order in their world - they're the people who color-code their calendars and arrive ten minutes early to every meeting. This practicality extends to their decision-making as well. ESTJs prefer to make choices based on logic and facts rather than emotions or intuition.

ESTJs are also known for their leadership skills. They're typically very comfortable taking charge in a group, guiding projects, and ensuring that everything is done efficiently. This strong sense of responsibility, coupled with their natural organizational prowess, makes ESTJs superb at project management and leadership roles.

Connecting with Jesus as an ESTJ

ESTJs are practical people, so they might connect with Jesus through studying His teachings and implementing them in a real, tangible way. The concrete teachings and parables of Jesus, like loving your neighbor as yourself and helping the needy, may resonate with an ESTJ. They like things they can act on, right? So, serving in their community or their church could be an excellent way for them to feel closer to Jesus.

ESTJs are also excellent at following through with commitments, and this could extend to their spiritual life as well. For example, setting a routine for prayer or Bible study would be right up an ESTJ's alley. This could be a specific time of day for prayer or a dedicated Bible study group.

ESTJs might also resonate with the structure and tradition found in many church practices. The routine of weekly services, the order of liturgy, the rhythm of the church calendar—all these can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for ESTJs, which can help them connect with their faith on a deeper level.

Finally, remember the parable of the talents, where the lord commends his servants for being good stewards of what they were given? That could really hit home for an ESTJ. They're natural stewards, always looking to manage and utilize resources effectively, whether it's their time, their skills, or their physical belongings.


If you're an ESTJ, hopefully, this gives you a few ideas about how to leverage your natural personality traits to deepen your faith. Remember, though, everyone is unique. Not every ESTJ will relate to everything we've covered here—and that's okay! The important thing is to understand ourselves better so we can grow in all aspects of life, including our spiritual journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About

What are the main characteristics of an ESTJ personality type?

The ESTJ personality type, often called the "Executive," is recognized by its extroverted, sensing, thinking, and judging traits. ESTJs are known for their strong leadership abilities, practical logic, and a dedication to duty. They value tradition, order, and well-structured environments. ESTJs are assertive, reliable, and typically have a clear set of standards and beliefs which they live by.

What are common career choices for ESTJs?

ESTJs often thrive in careers that leverage their organizational skills and strong work ethic. Suitable roles can be found in business, management, law enforcement, and military occupations. Their knack for detail-oriented tasks and decision-making abilities also make them effective in roles such as finance, logistics, and project management. ESTJs generally prefer careers that offer clear hierarchies and defined roles.

How do ESTJs behave in relationships?

In relationships, ESTJs are dependable, straightforward, and honest. They value commitment and stability, and they often take their responsibilities towards their partners seriously. ESTJs are generally not afraid to voice their opinions or expectations, and they appreciate partners who are equally direct and reliable. However, they may need to work on being more open to their partners' feelings and perspectives, as they tend to focus more on practical aspects.