Thank you for taking the time to check out Shepherding the Next Generation.
Shepherding the Next Generation began in 2009. Our mission is to advance and equip a movement of Shepherd Advocates: evangelical pastors and ministry 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.
Consider some troubling statistics.
- In 2009, over 700,000 children in the U.S. were victims of abuse or neglect.
- Seventy two percent of young Americans do not graduate high school on time.
- Each year there are approximately 375,000 births to unwed teen mothers between the ages of 15 and 19.
- Annually, more than 2 million juveniles are arrested.
- In 2010, 27 percent of children under age 18 were living apart from their father. And, more than one in four of those fathers (also 27 percent) say they have not seen their children at all in the past year.
Today, millions of American children are growing up in family situations that put them at high risk for long-term poverty, delinquency, teen pregnancy and addiction. These families are in our churches and in our communities. They are our neighbors. And, we are commanded to “love our neighbors as ourselves” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 19:19, Romans 13:9 and James 2:8).
As a former pastor myself, I realize that pastors and ministry leaders today face ever greater challenges in ministry as the family is torn apart. Too often, children are the ones who pay the biggest long-term price. As Christian leaders we work to build ministries within and alongside our churches that will help to strengthen families. But the scope of the challenge before us is staggering.
As Shepherd Advocates, we identify programs and services that are proven to help at risk children and their families overcome educational, financial, and social barriers. But, it is our hope that as we encourage and equip the Body of Christ to engage in ministries of mercy at the local level, children and families at risk will experience healing, wholeness, and freedom as the gospel reconciles each one to God, their family, and their neighbor.
I encourage you to browse our web site. I hope that you will give prayerful consideration to joining with other pastors and ministry leaders across our nation in helping to make sure at risk children have the best opportunities for a healthy and happy life.
Blessings,
John K. Crupper, D.Min.
National Director