Shepherding the Next Generation provides members with resources to help equip the local church in living out the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” and the information and opportunities necessary to speak effectively to policymakers about research-based initiatives that benefit children at risk and develop strong families.

There are no membership fees to join Shepherding the Next Generation and the time commitment and level of involvement is at the discretion of each member. If you are an evangelical pastor or ministry leader and would like to join our network of modern-day shepherds, committing to care for, defend, and deliver children at risk and support their families, please click here to complete the membership application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of joining Shepherding the Next Generation?

Members are equipped with tools and information necessary to serve as Shepherd Advocates for at-risk families in their congregation and community.

Just as Jesus addressed the policymakers of his day, as Shepherd Advocates, we work with local, state, and federal policymakers to support efforts that have proven to:

• Cut abuse and neglect of children of at-risk teen moms nearly in half.
• Increase the likelihood that children of at-risk families will graduate from high school.
• Decrease new arrests of troubled teens by as much as half.
• Increase the likelihood that at-risk young men will be present participants in parenting their children.

Shepherd Advocates are also given practical tools and resources that will assist in equipping Christians and lay leaders to love their neighbors, providing opportunities for engagement.

• We use our God-given platform to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8), securing the tools and resources families need to shepherd their children.
• We challenge and equip Christians to love these neighbors “with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18) and to “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless” (Psalm 82:3).

What does a Shepherd Advocate do?

As Christian leaders in our communities, policymakers want to hear our voices.  We “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8a) through a variety of avenues.  We work together to:

• Draft letters to policymakers that educate them about proven investments for children at risk;
• Meet with state legislators, members of Congress, and other key decision-makers so we can voice our concerns;
• We write opinion editorial articles and letters-to-the-editor of our local newspapers;
• We teach and preach about God’s heart for the most vulnerable citizens in our communities.
• We participate in press events where we speak out on the best ways to strengthen families;
• We equip our congregations with the tools and experience necessary to effectively minister help and hope the families at risk in our own community.

What are Shepherding the Next Generation’s vision and mission?

It is the vision of Shepherding the Next Generation that all children at risk today will have the opportunity to succeed tomorrow because the body of Christ is living out the Biblical commands to “defend the cause of the weak and fatherless” and “love your neighbor as yourself.”

The mission of Shepherding the Next Generation is to advance and equip a movement of Shepherd Advocates: evangelical pastors and leaders, who speak out on behalf of children at risk by engaging policymakers and the public and motivating fellow Christians to live out the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Does it cost anything to be a member?

No, Shepherding the Next Generation does not charge any membership fees.

Is Shepherding the Next Generation politically partisan?

Shepherding the Next Generation is a non-partisan, non-profit organization.

From where does Shepherding the Next Generation receive funding?

Shepherding the Next Generation is fully supported by tax-deductible donations from foundations, individuals, and corporations, and does not accept any government funding.

What is the time commitment?

Shepherding the Next Generation knows and respects how busy members are serving our churches and ministries, so opportunities to participate are presented on a case-by-case basis.  There are no formal time commitments, and we choose to be as involved as our schedules permit, speaking out on the issues of our choice.  On average, members spend no more than a few hours per year on activities, but the impact of this minimal time commitment is powerful.

Are you connected to any particular denomination?

No, Shepherding the Next Generation is not connected to a particular denomination; members are from a range of evangelical Christian denominations.

More questions?

Please feel free to contact us by phone or email!

Click here to become a member of Shepherding the Next Generation.