TRIBES

Today we are living in a generation where terms are dramatically changing the scope of how we understand who we are and what we do.

In ministry, I intentionally use the term “Apostolic” to bring new language and understanding to the work and ministry of discipleship. Another term currently being re-purposed in the Christian community is, “Tribe.” I believe this term Tribe, more accurately depicts what the community of Believers look like in this generation and this new breed of believers is growing all over the world.

For generations, the universal body of believers have been defined by the word “Church” but now it seems in this generation the term church, in general, has become marred with a spiritually distorted, compromised, passive, religious and complacent image, becoming now more of an obstacle to the community of faith in particular among those under 40yrs old. In this traditional concept of church we envision a more routine and stabilized body of believers rather than a creative and mobilized one. It represents a building and a place more than a people and culture. Therefore, this is why I believe God is introducing the term tribe to this generation because a tribe more clearly represents its people, mission and culture. 

A Tribe could also be defined as a “Network” of individuals with a common purpose or identity. When you think of tribe you can also see a family unit but you might envision that they are defined more by who they are and not by where they go. Therefore, as a tribe they are a community that is inspired by their connectedness as individuals and therefore, in a spiritual context, they are connected through a common belief and purpose. So, it would seem that it is their cultural spiritual language and how they are mobilized together and throughout the world that is at the heart of their identity, beliefs and purpose, which defines them as a TRIBE. Are you a part of the tribe of Jesus? Are you mobilized in his beliefs and purpose? 

Our former concepts of Church has appeared to empower the building, the place and what we do there to be the substance that shapes our lives as believers both individually and corporately. However, the concept of Tribe, seeks more to empower each of us to think individually and corporately as a people walking out our common mission and unique passions, which consequently connect us anywhere and in a variety of ways.  What Tribe(s) are YOU apart of? Is it cultivating a present move of God? Is your life growing, maturing in the image of Christ, spiritually transforming and becoming mobilized in the faith? These spiritually authentic characteristics are unique to our growing modern day Church called, TRIBES.