Twelve Tribes Culture

When joining, new members move into the group’s housing, giving the Twelve Tribes all their money & belongings.
Members typically live together in large, extended-family households without TV’s.
New members are given new Hebrew names. Hebrew is also used for common words such as: mom, dad, Jesus, God, church, etc.
Upper leadership may enjoy additional prividges such as having their own houses, pool, fridge, TV, and even an island in Florida.

The organization began in the 1970’s hippy culture, and some “natural, down-to-earth” aspects carry over into their lifestyle even today.
The group is known for their folk-style music and dancing, the style of artwork used in their publications & buildings, distrust of government, and rejection of other organized religions.
Children attend school only up to grade 8, with all classes taught by group members (though in France and Germany, the Tribes have run into severe legal pushback in regards to their schooling practices).

Members wear simple clothing without designs or messages on them.
Members are allowed to wear only wool, cotton or linen clothing.
Women wear dresses (or “sus pants”) and religious head coverings.
Men must have beards, with medium-long hair tied back in a short ponytail roughly the size of a fist.

The Tribes believe that people of African decent are cursed and are intended for service.
Interracial marriage was previously prohibited, but is now permitted.

Food is eaten with chopsticks in order to appeal to Asians and for cleanliness.
The biggest meal of the week is Friday evening, a time often used to recruit new members.
Food made from pig (pork chops, bacon bits, hotdogs) is not allowed, nor is chocolate.
Babies and children are not vaccinated, and for most medical issues the Tribes avoid the use of doctors.
If sickness or injury occurs, the Tribes often consider this to be an indication that the person has sinned. The suffering is considered God’s punishment, and person is called to confess and repent (with additional punishing consequences provided by the Tribes).

The Tribes have a hierachy with firm authority (and priviledges) at each level.
Until his death, founder Gene Spriggs was the lead apostle, roughly equivalent to the Catholic Pope, but with more power and revelations from God. He and his wife Marsha were considered the “2 witnessses” from the Book of Revelation.
The “3-Cord” (3 apostles) reported to Gene Spriggs. Under them is the Tribal Council (3 leaders from each tribe = 36 total). Locally, there are Community Coordinators, as well as “the voice from behind” and “shepheds/elders.”
Obeying authorities within the group is expected and required. Areas of submission include: where to live, what work to do, who to marry, and the daily schedule. All members have a “covering” — a person(s) who provides guidance and oversight.
Adults use corporal punishment with children. There have been many reports of child discipline crossing the line extensively into child abuse.
Independent thinking or dissent is viewed as a spiritual threat. Rebellious members who don’t accept correction are sent away from the community, with their eternal destiny considered to be at risk.

While members are intentionally very hospitable in public, outsiders are typically not allowed to be present for the “Breaking of Bread” ceremony on Saturday night.
Non-members are also not allowed at “councils,” “apostolic workers meetings,” and “intertribal meetings” where leaders gather to discuss doctrine, legal issues, or community management.
A judgment meeting or “kahal” (also spelled Qahal & Chahal) can be called as needed.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

“Freepapers” are magazine-style publications intended to convey beliefs & perspectives for both public use and internal use.
The “InterTribal News” is intended for internal use.
Hundreds of teachings from the founder are also intended for internal use (which are further studied at the “School of Prophets”).

Generally, the Tribes hold to many aspects of conservative Christian teachings & values, but stray into new territory across a variety of doctrines, include some foundational ones.
Additionally, they put some Jewish Old Testament teachings into modern practice, similar to the “Hebrew Roots” or “Torah Observant” trend associated with parts of Protestanism.

Members are told that they are doing God’s work and preparing for the End Times. Therefore, a high level of commitment and work-ethic is expected.
Members often work many hours per week (with no paycheck), with many former members reporting 80+ hours of work per week.
Members are moved around the country (or internationally) where the leadership deems they are needed.

Twice a day: each local community gathers for worship, singing, and dancing.
Friday evening: The Sabbath begins at sundown with a festive celebration designed for inviting & evangelizing outsiders. The evening includes a meal, circle dancing, and folk music.
Saturday night: The “Breaking of Bread” begins at 10pm and is only for baptized members. This ceremony is expanded beyond the traditional Lord’s Supper that most Christians would recognize. Candles are lit and members participate barefoot (after washing their feet). Soup is provided with the bread, but members are not allowed to dip the bread in the soup. The ceremony includes bowing, sharing victories and defeats from the week, prayer, and singing.
After a death: There’s a meeting among leadership to decide which direction the dead member will go: heaven, death (pergatory for 1000 years), or hell (referred to “Tartarus”).