God’s biggest assignments have always been entrusted to those
leading a small tribe. From the twelve families of Israel to early
Christians who met in one another’s homes, great leaders begin by
serving a core group of people who ripple outward for
ever-extending social and spiritual impact. They go big by leading
small.
Today, leaders don’t fail because they lack vision. They fail
because they neglect their tribe. It could be a father losing sight
of his family, a lead pastor failing to leverage the strengths of
his staff, or a small group coordinator ignoring a tiny but
important process.
Tribal Church helps pastors recognize the potential and
power of various tribes within their congregations—one family, a
network of small groups, maybe an entire age group—and then
recalibrate ministry efforts to maximize the impact of each. Steve
Stroope has spent three decades mastering the art of leading small
in a church that has multiplied from dozens to over ten thousand.
He explains why big impact does not come from any sort of
mega-church ambition. It rather comes by attending to the little
details and the smallest tribes.
Endorsements:
"Steve Stroope has done us a favor by collecting three
decades of experience into one book. One glance at the
manuscript and I thought of a dozen uses for it. First, it
will strengthen my leadership skills. I can envision our
leadership team reading it as a group. Seminaries should tap
into its wisdom. Thank you, Steve, for living out an example of
godly leadership."
Max Lucado, pastor and best-selling author
"Steve Stroope is one of the finest pastor-leaders of our
generation. In his candid look at Lake Pointe Church's first 30
years, Steve shares helpful insight, wisdom, and practical
experience that can help churches become more fruitful in
fulfilling Christ's Great Commission. With a heart for local and
global missions, Steve has modeled leadership methods that have
been tested in the modern church world and can be great tools for
equipping leaders in the days ahead."
Bryant Wright, senior pastor, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
of Marietta, GA, and president of the Southern Baptist
Convention
"Steve Stroope is one of the most quietly influential voices in the
growth and robustness of American Christianity. He is a
collector of good ideas, what he calls 'little things,' the small
but essential acts that cumulatively demonstrate the character of
Christ in American church leadership. This book is by a leader
I admire."
Bob Buford, founder of Leadership Network and author of
Halftime and Finishing Well
"I've known Steve for 15 years and he's the real deal.
His life and leadership inspires me and so does the tribe of Lake
Pointe Church. The straightforward, practical wisdom in this
book will recalibrate any leader and any church at any stage of the
game."
Bill Hybels, senior pastor, Willow Creek Community
Church
"Steve Stroope is more than knowledgeable about leadership and
ministry. He is wise. He leads with strategic skill, discernment,
and intuition. Every conversation with Steve has marked me and
impacted my ministry; therefore, I am eager to read anything he
writes."
Eric Geiger, acting vice president, Church Resources
Division, Lifeway Christian Resources
"Steve Stroope is the wisest and most effective pastor I know! This
book is a treasure chest of godly wisdom for church leaders. Steve
gives us an inside look at the actual tools and methods he's used
to lead Lake Pointe from a handful of people to a thriving and
healthy multi-site church of thousands. Every pastor needs this
book in their library."
Nelson Searcy, lead pastor, The Journey Church