Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity and Practice

“Male and female he created them.” —Genesis 1:27

It’s one of the most important—and controversial—topics of our time.

God created men and women in his image—equal in value and complementary in roles. These distinctive roles are not the vestiges of a bygone era, but integral to God’s timeless good design for humanity.

Designed for Joy includes fresh contributions from fourteen young leaders, casting a unified vision for Christian manhood and womanhood. Whether discussing the significance of gender, the truth about masculinity and femininity, the blessing of purity, or the challenge of raising children in a confusing world, this practical resource challenges us to embrace God’s good design—for his glory and our joy.

“A fresh and engaging look at the rich, biblical teaching on gender. The world has lied to our generation: freedom and power are not found by throwing off the created order, but in recovering it. This book renewed in me an excitement to teach these concepts to a rising generation!”
J. D. Greear, Lead Pastor, The Summit Church, Durham, North Carolina; author, Gaining By Losing

Introduction: How Does the Gospel Shape Manhood and Womanhood?
Owen Strachan

1. Being a Man and Acting Like One
   Jonathan Parnell
2. Masculinity Handed Down
   Joe Rigney
3. The Happy Call to Holistic Provision
   David Mathis
4. The Feminine Focus
   Trillia Newbell
5. The Nature of a Woman’s Nurture
   Gloria Furman
6. What Is Submission?
   Christina Fox
7. Every Day Godward
   Tony Reinke
8. Discipline for Our Good
   Andy Naselli
9. Training Our Kids in a Transgender World
   Denny Burk
10. Good News for the Not-Yet-Married
    Marshall Segal
11. Purity We Can Count On
    Grant and GraceAnna Castleberry
12. My Recovery from Feminism
    Courtney Reissig
13. Immature Manhood and the Hope of Something Better
    Brandon Smith

Afterword: The Glad Conviction
Jonathan Parnell