The Gender Code

It’s 7:00 AM and forty students are at school an hour early. They meet once a week for study and prayer. And they're not just here physically — they're full throttle.

The topic — working better than caffeine — is "The Gender Code." Arguing back and forth, they’re attempting to describe which aspects of behavior strengthen masculinity and femininity, and which trend toward deviance.

This is a phenomenal exercise for your students — and for your team. Start by reading Genesis 3 where gender tensions first emerge:

— Girls controlling through pressure

— Guys avoiding responsibility

— Shame and hiding

— Blame-shifting

— And all the rest that follows . . .

Next, draw a line down the center of your whiteboard, and number each side from "10" on the top down to "-10" on the bottom (10, 9, 8 . . . -8, -9, -10). Now you have two columns showing the progression from best (10) to worst (-10). Write "Girls" over the left column and "Guys" over the right column.

On both sides, "10" is the ideal reflection of gender — finding definition in the character of God and revealed in His Word. The bottom number (-10) represents ultimate deviance. This is where an unchecked culture will lead, fueled by an Enemy bent on destroying the image of God in men and women.

Now the fun, cross-fire, and tension begins. Fill out the chart with very practical, everyday experiences.

During the next few days we’ll post our version of The Gender Code. But you should wrestle it through on your own first. It's hard work, but in struggle there is discovery. Go for it.