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

by Rick Howerton

Spiritual confusion isn’t coming—it’s already here.
Society’s definitions for family, spirituality, and even truth are different than they were ten years ago. Because these changes affect the people in your church, you need a different perspective for small-group ministry. In A Different Kind of Tribe, author and small-groups expert Rick Howerton explains what has changed, offers a new approach, and equips you to succeed. You will Change is already here. By understanding this new paradigm, you’ll be prepared to better serve small-group members now and in the future.

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2003

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a soon-to-be (and veteran) Small Group Leader, I appreciated the different language and viewpoint as found in this book. It is chock full of creative ideas and viewpoint in leading a small group. In a sense there is no new content here from what I learned about Small Group Leadership at my own church, Harvest Bible Chapel. What I appreciated was the different verbiage and language is used to discuss Small Group dynamics. For instance, replacing Small Group "meeting" with the word "gathering" conjures up different images as to what is taking place. We attend meetings at work....and typically groan when we have to attend. The word 'gathering' implies a warmth and connectedness. This is one of those books that I know I will go back to for fresh perspective as I seek to be the best Small Group Leader for His honor and glory!

[Rob Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick has provided an abundance of information on contemporary small groups. His insights and practical ideas provide the reader with numerous resources for developing these groups. I found there were many resources I would find myself using and many others that I would find helpful upon adapting them for house churches. The only difficulty I found in reading the book comes from my perspective of being involved in house churches. However, this can be overcome when one looks beyond the models to the concepts themselves. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about small groups.

[Michael Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best small group books I've ever read, and I've read most of them! Rick Howerton nails it! Healthy small groups and small group ministries are not about church growth, keeping people from exiting the back door, or assimilation. They are about discipleship, pure and simple. Howerton suggests a new approach that sounds an awful lot like an old approach--the one used in the New Testament church.

If you're heading up the small groups ministry or think you should be, read this book!