A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic

By: Rick Howerton

Some people have asked me why I chose to do a revised version of A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic.

The truth is this: When the first version was released in 2012, we lived in a post-Christian era. But the culture has transformed from simply being post-Christian to secularized. Accompanying the West’s secularization is an abhorrence in the hearts of many for the things of Christ. And, while our church’s worship services are essential, transformational, inspirational, and biblical, it is in a small group that those who abhor Christianity are most apt to experience a Christian community that exhibits the heart of Christ. And, when they do they will consider the gospel. Not only that, those who are far from Christ are more likely to attend a conversational small group with some friends than to attend a worship service in a building that, in their mind, wreaks institutionalism. 

The group ministry community needed a guide for creating a dynamic that would appeal to secularized people and an understanding of the needs of secularized people and others attending a group. For instance, I point out five types of people and their needs. 

Convinced Biblically Functioning Followers of Christ —With all of their being, these people are striving to live lives as outlined in Scripture.

Saved Cynics —They’re saved but, due to life circumstances, they’ve grown cynical. 

Secularized Strugglers — Secularized strugglers may or may not be followers of Christ. They are group members who tilt more toward secular ideology than biblical theology. 

Not-Yet Converted Conversationalists —They are people who are exploring spirituality or Christianity. They are willing to join in the dialogue concerning Christ and Christianity, but they haven’t yet crossed the line of faith.  

Militant Dissenter – Militant dissenters are, in most instances, unbelievers aggressively opposed to Christianity as they perceive it to be.

I then go on to unearth the needs of each type. 

As I say in A Different Kind of Tribe,  “We’re not in Kansas anymore, and there’s no yellow brick road.”  But there is a road for every person on planet Earth to come to Christ, grow in their relationship with Christ, and be with Christ for eternity. 

I pray that Group Pastors will embrace the fact that they spearhead a group ministry in a secularized era and use A Different Kind of Tribe to prepare their leaders to lead people to Christ and full spiritual maturity. 

    AUTHOR

Rick Howerton

Rick spent thirteen years as an author, trainer, coach, and consultant at LifeWay Church Resources, three years with NavPress, and five years aiding churches for the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Prior to these experiences he served as a Campus Minister on two campuses, a Teaching and Groups Pastor at a thriving church, and planted The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Most recently, Rick served as the Central Groups Pastor at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, a church with a weekly attendance of over 25,000, where he set the pace for the Groups Ministry. 

Rick’s varied ministry experiences as a pastor, teaching pastor, church planter, small group pastor, collegiate minister, elder, full-time trainer, and church consultant and having been a successful church planter gives him a perspective of church life that is all-encompassing and multi-dimensional. Rick is a highly sought-after communicator and trainer. 

Rick is the author of many books, including A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic.

This game changing book will help you discover:

• What leadership traits the new small-group leader must gave

• How to start groups that are more about making disciples than assimilating people into church life

• Why it’s important for groups to live a missional mindset

• What holds small-group members captive and how to set them free

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