Tribble's experience in pastoral ministry allows for his work to bridge the gap between academic research and practical church leadership.
Tribble was ordained as an elder in 1992, when he then served as the pastor at St. Andrew A.M.E. Zion Church in Gary, Indiana (1991–1997).
He is also Presiding Elder for the Atlanta District, Georgia Annual Conference and Candidate for Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church for 2016.
From this point of view he emphasizes his research on how the Black Church "must continue its historic mission of being an instrument of survival, elevation, and liberation for its people.
[4] He has published numerous books, articles, and chapters that are used in this context by people and institutions across the world and across denominational lines.