A "parenthesis" to my earlier post this month, I offer here a brief review of the discipleship materials mentioned above. In an effort to continue to point to resources seated from wisdom and experience beyond my own, let me highly recommend these two slender-yet-profound volumes.
As a speaker, author, and men's ministry specialist, Dr. Gary Yagel diligently coaches faithful understanding and expression of humanity's God-given design for men, women, and families. Yagel draws from 15 years of men's ministry leadership in the Presbyterian Church in America. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Forging Bonds of Brotherhood, a non-profit support ministry to local churches.
Yagel first published Anchoring Your Child to God's Truth in a Gender-Confused Culture before the transgender movement took its current shape—but its encouragement and insight have by no means expired. His warmth and pastoral posture shine through his books and he writes with the gentle manner of a seasoned counselor: He recognizes that counseling is a priestly ministry which requires actions that speak louder than words. The words he employs are characterized by the grace and truth he highlights in the subtitle of his 48-page booklet: Our Daughters and the Transgender Craze.
In Anchoring, Yagel succinctly summarizes the five tenets of gender ideology, succinctly providing a biblical rebuttal. His book's intention is not to argue or supply fodder for argument. Instead, Yagel engages with a clear purpose to equip Christian parents for discipling their children in the beautiful design we have been given by a good, good Father.
Daughters, companion book to Anchoring, explores helpful responses to what Yagel aptly names a "craze"—a cultural phenomenon of significant proportion, and one particularly seductive to teen girls. The solution? Tender, patient ears and careful questions which gently probe, as though removing treacherous shards of glass from a deep wound. Yagel advises that listening alone demonstrates and reflects the Love sufficient to bind such wounds. But he knows that love must go hand in hand with biblical truth—the only foundation for functioning relationships. Daughters carefully communicates both, providing excellent questions for small groups to utilize in the learning process.
These books are meant to be read in partnership. Whichever one you start with, be sure to read the second. Of the resources I have recommended this month as we tenderly tackle this area of discipleship with our young people, these are much more discipleship-oriented and pastoral than Truman's heavy philosophical tome or its more condensed little brother. Each has its merit. But if you have time only for one, may I encourage you to pursue: Daughters.
Ordering information:
To find these resources along with others from the ministry of Dr. Gary Yagel, please visit https://www.forgingbonds.org/p...
As always, let's continue this conversation as we engage the world shoulder to shoulder. Feel free to reach out to me anytime.
By His inestimable grace,
