The Tribe

Often when we talk about Jesus or God we speak about the Kingdom of God.  But relationship with God is not really like being in a kingdom.  While I am sure that most of the religious theologians of the day would like to disagree with me, I want to try and explain myself first.

Kingdoms are built around a king who is all powerful.  While I understand that God is in fact all powerful, He has done some things to show how He is willing to limit the use of that power out of respect for His children.  Kingdoms and their kings also have noble families.  People who are given rights and authority above and beyond the common man.  Again this is often associated with the clergy or minister in churches where people are told that they are “called” by God to serve His kingdom.  While I do not question the sincerity of their claim, some people in that capacity have a tendency to overplay their supposed role.  Others are quiet content to simply serve in their local church without personnel empire building.  And then of course in a kingdom you have the commoner, or serf, or peasant, or whatever name you may choose to apply to the lesser folk.  These people basically serve two purposes.  One a source for collection of taxes and two as soldiers to do the dirty work of the king.

Now while if you look at the traditional, congregational church those parallels may make sense, I would like to suggest something else.  The Tribe.  A tribe has leaders just like Jesus.  A tribe has different responsibilities throughout, not unlike ministry.  And most importantly a tribe is made up of people.  The difference between a tribe and a kingdom is, in a tribe if there is not mutual trust and respect among its members, the tribe will perish.  Hunters are no more or less important than cooks or gatherers or medicine men.  Chiefs depend on warriors for the protection of the tribe, but warriors depend on others defend their homes while away in battle.  Human tribes throughout history have not been perfect, in fact some have been down right vicious, but so have kingdoms.  However, Christ has given us all an opportunity to live in relationships where trust and respect can be readily available to all who live in relationship with Him and His followers.

I want to spend my time talking to you about becoming a tribe where you are, with people in your own community.  At times you may be a leader in that local tribe and at times you will follow.  Admittedly I will be spending a great deal of time talking about leadership but I will talk about being a regular member of the tribe as well.  I hope you enjoy finding your place in the Tribe.

For more information about Tribes, check out the page “What is a Tribe?”.