Why The One Lost Sheep Ministries?

For the first post, I believe it is necessary to answer the question, “Why do we need The One Lost Sheep Ministries?” Well, I will let you determine the need for it after reading this post. The below statistics are but a small picture of a much, much larger reality. For the full report, visit our Porn Stats page for a more in-depth analysis.

“If you think you can’t fall into sexual sin, then you’re godlier than David, stronger than Samson, and wiser than Solomon.” – Bill Perkins

Tell me if you think there is something wrong with this picture…

64% of Christian men and 15% of Christian woman view pornography at least once a month.1

56% of divorces involved one party having “an obsessive interest in pornographic websites”.2

90% of boys and 70% of girls aged 13-14 accessed sexually explicit media on at least one occasion.3

More than 560 college students responded to an online survey:4

  • 93% of boys and 62% of girls were exposed to pornography before 18.
  • 14% of boys and 9% of girls were exposed to pornography before 13.
  • 83% of boys and 57% of girls have seen group sex online.
  • 69% of boys and 55% of girls have seen same-sex intercourse online.
  • 39% of boys and 23% of girls have seen sexual bondage online.
  • 32% of boys and 18% of girls have seen bestiality online.
  • 18% of boys and 10% of girls have seen rape or sexual violence online.
  • 15% of boys and 9% of girls have seen child pornography.

According to a Symantec study, after analyzing 3.5 million online web searches done between February 2008 and July 2009, “sex” was the 4th most used term and “porn” was the 6th most used term. This reflects searches done by children in households that use Norton Family.5

According to a 2013 ChildLine poll of 500 children in the United Kingdom, aged 13 to 18:6

  • 60% said they have been asked for a explicit picture or video of themselves.
  • 38% said they had created a sext. Of these, 32% said they had sent it to someone they knew online only (a stranger).

1 in 5 youth pastors and 1 in 7 senior pastors use porn on a regular basis and are currently struggling. That’s more than 50,000 U.S. church leaders.7

43% of senior pastors and youth pastors say they have struggled with pornography in the past.8

7% of pastors report their church has a ministry program for those struggling with porn.9

With the above statistics (and this is just the tip of the iceberg), does it make sense why only 7% of churches offer a ministry for those struggling with porn? To ask the question more directly, why do only 7% churches offer a solution to the 64% of men and 15% of women struggling with porn?

why do only 7% churches offer a solution to the 64% of men and 15% of women struggling with porn?

By no means am I speaking poorly of the church, but rather I am shocked by the available resources to help those in need. As one who has experienced the negative consequences of having a porn addiction, my heart goes out to anyone who is going through similar experiences. You can find more of my testimony HERE.

Don’t get me wrong, porn is a touchy subject. Even saying the word “porn” changes the atmosphere in the room. But does that mean we shouldn’t talk about it? Of course not! If anything, it should be at the top of the list of topics to talk about. I am not suggesting it be spoken about from the pulpit and let that be the end of it.

No, what I am proposing is long-term, ongoing education, support and guidance to what appears to be a massive problem within the church. I was asked recently “how long have you been wanting to do this?” Well, back in 2018 I first started this website, theonelostsheep.com, but felt like “I wasn’t ready to help.” Fast forward to now, I am hearing left and right about families and individuals suffering from the consequences or pornography and I have so much to share with these people that would give them hope. Hope in the sense that their life isn’t over, their marriage isn’t over, fill in the blank. Whatever the case may be, I am more than ready to come along side those who want to escape the grip of pornography addiction.

What do I pray for in terms of an outcome? Men who glorify God. Men who love their wives more. Men who love their children more and give them more of their time. Men to use their God-given talents to further the Kingdom. Men chasing after their dreams, having purpose and passion.

It is with great pleasure to say that as of June 3rd, 2024 The One Lost Sheep Ministries is officially a Nebraska Nonprofit. Much, much more is to come!

 

References

  1. Barna Group, 2014 Pornography Survey and Statistics.
  2. Jonathan Dedmon, “Is the Internet bad for your marriage? Online affairs, pornographic sites playing greater role in divorces.” Press Release from The Dilenschneider Group, Inc., Nov. 14, 2002. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/is-the-internetbad-for-your-marriage-online-affairs-pornographic-sites-playing-greater-role-in-divorces-76826727.html (accessed June 7, 2018).
  3. Bev Betkowski, “1 in 3 boys heavy porn users, study shows,” Eurekalert.org, Feb. 23, 2007. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_ releases/2007-02/uoa-oit022307.php (accessed June 7, 2018).
  4. Chiara Sabina, Janis Wolak, and David Finkelhor, “The nature and dynamics of Internet pornography exposure for youth,” CyberPsychology and Behavior 11 (2008): 691-693.
  5. BBC News, “Kids top searches include ‘Porn,’” Aug. 12, 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8197143.stm (accessed June 7, 2018).
  6. Daniel Martin, “60% of teens face ‘sexting’ pressure: More than half have been asked to take explicit self-portrait in practice that is now seen as ‘pretty normal’ by youngsters,” DailyMail.co.uk. Oct. 16, 2013. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-2463751/Sexting-More-half-teens-asked-explicit-self-portraits.html (accessed June 7, 2018)
  7. McDowell, The Porn Phenomenon.
  8. Ibid.
  9. Ibid.