An Interview with Craig Groeschel, Author of Weird

Let’s be honest. Normal is over-rated. And besides that, it isn’t working. It’s time to get weird. According to my friend, Craig Groeschel, it’s time we embraced this fact. In a minute, I’ll tell you how to get a copy of his new book FREE.

As you may know, Craig is the senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, the fastest growing church in the U.S. He is also the author of several great books, including It, which I reviewed some time ago. His new books is called Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. (Don’t you just love that title?)

Recently, I had a chance to interview Craig about his new book. (By the way, I did this via Skype, but, due to a glitch, the software only recorded his side of the video.)

Craig starts in the book and in the interview with Jesus’ famous saying,

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13–14).

According to Craig, what most people call “normal” is the broad path. Most of us go out of our way to fit in with the crowd and appear normal. But Jesus calls us to the narrow path, which, to the world, appears “weird.”

Craig then takes that basic premise and applies it to five key areas:

  1. Time
  2. Money
  3. Relationships
  4. Sex
  5. Values

He covers each of these in three separate chapters.

In this video interview, I zeroed in on his application to time management, since I know that so many leaders struggle with this area. I asked him the following five questions:

  1. When it comes to how we use our time, what does normal look like to most people today?
  2. What is the role of courage in taking back control of our time?
  3. Technology can be a huge time suck for most families. How did you and your wife Amy address this in your own home?
  4. The biblical concept of the “Sabbath” is definitely weird by today’s standards. What assignment did your your counselor give to you and what did you discover?
  5. What does a Sabbath day look like at the Groeschel household?

I loved this book, and I think you will too. I found it inspiring and challenging. I’m ready for weird. Are you?

I gave away 100 copies of Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. To qualify, my readers had to comment below. You can find the list of winners here.
Question: If you read this book, what did you think? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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  • Kat A.

    I would love a copy of this book, since I can’t afford to buy it right now! I always hear the passage about the wide and narrow path quoted, and would love to read about practical ways to apply it in my life. I’ve seen several positive reviews of this book and would love to learn to be “God weird” and pass it along so my small group can too.

  • Mycupofgrace

    I would love a copy of Craig’s new book. I have read excerpts from his other books to my husband and daughter since they are not readers themselves but will take an interest in things I am interested in. Our daughter is 17 now and as she is trying to find her way into the adult world and figure out where she belongs it is very important to me that she realizes the main thing to do is keep God front and center of everything she does. The main way for her to realize that is to see us do it and if we step off track to see us admit it, dust ourselves off and get back on the path all with God’s help.

  • Linda Vogt

    Craig Groeschel is an excellent communicator. He knows how to challenge his readers. I have been perceived as being “weird” from family members ever since I surrendered my life to Christ and home-schooled my oldest son. I think this book will be an interesting read. Thank you for the giveaway.

  • Josh

    Craig always communicates in such a clear and easy-to-read style. WEIRD sounds like it is just continuing the conversational-style writing he is so good at. The areas of life it addresses are practical and highly needed to reflect on with Godly wisdom and a focus for being a radical Christ follower.

  • Charlotte d

    Hey.. I am not totally normal, but I am not yet wierd… that is why I need to read this book… I need to get wierd to show how Gods – non “normal” – act of behaving ( or asking us to behave) can change my thinking so that I am not so affraide to be wierd… hope this makes sence…
    bless you charlotte

  • http://profiles.google.com/acs32072 Amy Stewart

    I’m fairly young in my faith and am soon to be married to the man who lead me to Jesus. The 5 keys areas discussed in this book would be something I would like to delve into as I am seeking to have a better grasp of how to live a life more in line with what God has called me to live and the person He has called me to be.

  • Jtomblack4

    Loved Craig’s last book. My son has read it twice as he enters college. It challenged both of our faiths. I expect from the title that this will do as much to push us as well.

  • Anonymous

    The Rapture will be the true separation of church and state. I don’t want to be one of the “normal” ones left behind. Help me get Weird!

  • brad

    I first heard Craig speak at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit several years ago and have been a fan ever since. He speaks in easy to understand language, making often complicated discussions clear and concise. I can’t wait to check out his new book, Weird.

    My wife and I lead a small group out of our home and I’m confident that many of the topics in Craig’s book will be relevant to our group as we attempt to grow believers in their walk with Christ. It’s a refreshing concept to think that being “normal” in God’s eyes is nothing like that definition on Earth. I pray that many are impacted by his book, and thanks for the consideration of providing a copy to us.

  • Zachary_Johnson

    I want this book because I spend countless hours a week mentoring and teaching teenagers who are striving so hard to be normal. I want to better be able to show them the benefits to not going with the flow! That is the key to changing this generation!

  • Kristyn

    I think this generation needs weird, and not normal any more. we’ve been going after the ordinary in churches across America, and it just won’t work to see what we want to see. This generation is desperate for something different, in a word, WEIRD, and we, no matter what, will give it to them one day!

  • Heather

    Mr. Groeschel’s books have been impacting my life since I heard him speak about IT at the WCGLS a few years ago. As a female leader I often struggle to be seated at the table, let alone heard. I firmly believe that we must be different – weird even. If our walk doesn’t raise a few questions then just maybe we need to reevaluate. I look forward to Pastor Groeschel’s insights.

  • http://twitter.com/jimlbest jimlbest

    My daughter is constantly saying her friends at school think we are weird. I keep telling her to embrace it. We are weird for a good reason. :-)

  • Kathleen Leslie

    Weird is working at a Catholic Church with big screens, big music, and a big evangelical message. Weird is Catholics hosting of an online worship experience for everyone. Weird is doing Craig’s “Christian Atheist” book as a series called “Catholic Atheist.” Weird is me trying again to get a free book off of you and hoping I’m weird enough to finally get one.

  • Jessica Canaday

    My dad, who isn’t much of a church goer, is a religious listener of talk radio. He heard Craig discuss his new book, Weird, while driving during a business trip. Dad called me and said “isn’t that the church you go to? He seemed like a nice guy. You should pick up the book”. I’m an avid reader, a college student and in
    almost every way, normal. My dad seemed impressed, and I know I will be too. I would love to learn how to be Weird.

  • GiLBERT

    Times I’ve committed to reading the entire bible, but failed: 11. Number of times Craig Groeschel blinks in this interview: 532. Times I wished “normal” would buzz off: COUNTLESS! I want Wierd — I’m going nuts here!

    • GiLBERT

      Ha! I even spelled it wrong, *Weird.

  • Kendra

    I was first introduced to Craig through the Global Leadership Summit and have been interested in reading his book ever since. “normal” has never seemed normal to me and I would love to read more about his thoughts on our call to be weird. Thanks!

  • ttuckchatt

    I would really appreciate and be able to use a copy of the book. It would help me grow first, and then I could use it to incorporate into lesson plans at the high school where I teach. Students are hungry for honest, loving truth conveyed in a contemporary message, and that’s what Craig’s books do well. Hope I can get started soon!

  • http://www.kirstenjoywilson.com/ Kirsten Wilson

    The money “Weird” point struck me the most. Right now my husband and I are fighting our way to financial freedom. It’s easy to hold on the your money tighter when you got none. But if you have your fist clenched so tight that you don’t give as God commands us to, your hands won’t be open for God to give you His blessings!

    This is why I REALLY want to get my hands on this book and dig into it. I want to be WEiRD in EVERY aspect of my life :)

  • http://twitter.com/maenche maenche

    I have never read one of Craig’s books but I am very interested in Weird after hearing Dave Ramsey interview him earlier this week and listening to your interview with him. Wow! I love the philosophy he is sharing! His personal stories of things that he and his family have done are very inspiring and challenging! My wife and I have some of the same desires for our family but struggle with the ways to implement them. There are definitely times when we feel that we are weird. I am sure Craig’s book will help us to pursue weird ideas that will only help our family and bring honor and glory to God. So excited! I am glad I saw your Twitter post – thanks Michael!

  • http://twitter.com/coltmelrose coltmelrose

    Michael,

    Thanks for your wisdom in sharing and for recognizing Godly wisdom from others. Thanks also to Zondervan for their generosity for giving away these books. I really resonated with what Craig said about limiting technology. I have been struggling with how much time I spend on social media, television, browsing the web, etc… I love how he has guided his family to have specific days of tech use and specific days without tech use. As a young husband and technological minister in the church this balance is so critical to my long-term success. I would love to engage with this book more and hear more wisdom that Craig shares on time and the other topics as well.

    Blessings

  • Annpaullk

    Why? Because I want to continue to grow in Christ ……no matter my age in years! Challenge me Craig!

  • Katie Ramirez

    I’m loving the set-apart life for Christ! To be quite honest I have felt weird for some time & have no desire to ever be “normal” again! Hopefully I’ll be chosen so I can read Craig’s book & pass it on to another weirdo! lol God bless!

  • Nater2d

    I would enjoy this book because I have loved all the books he’s written and I benefit from them a lot. I also enjoy lending them to friends!

  • Spope78

    I think it would be cool to find out why we are weird I hope this book helps me to see that being weird is the new normal among christians and I can’t wait
    Prov 28:12

  • A Kasch

    Normal is boring, weird gets people’s attention and that’s what this world needs right now. I am still an infant in my Christian walk but know we need to get the word out and sometimes I think weird might just be what will get the job done. Very interested in seeing what Craig Groeschel has to say about getting Weird about Christ!

  • Knoxstraw

    I thoroughly enjoy listening to Groeschel, but have never read any of his books. What I hope to read about in Weird is a push for the Christian community to truly behaving in a Gospel-centered manner. The way in which the Gospel calls us to be counter cultural and the way in which the Christian culture has become so commercialized, we are still left thirsty. We desire to be so hip and cool, that we now often toss out the Gospel so as to not seem so weird to those outside the Christian bubble. I hope that Weird explains and displays how to be real in a world where church has become an entertainment show.

  • Jcfluhr

    Reasons why I need a free book:
    I’m probably not going to read the one my great aunt gave me, I’m adopting and it might help the waiting pass easily, I was really weird for a year and a half in high school and Im trying to be more like Charlie…”winning!”

    • D K Snyder

      Not to mention, that you probably discovered this from my tweet, so we should both win, then we could discuss being weird together! See Michael (Megan) you’d be fostering accountability if we both won!

  • Reganbennett13

    This book sounds exactly like I should read it! I’m so open to new ideas to push myself. I have so many friends who act like “normal” people, and I’m tired of acting “normal” too. I need to be weird. I need to in order to please and get closer to God. This sounds exactly like what I need.

  • Ruth

    Because I want to be Weird! Craig is one of my absolute favorite pastors. He is so down to earth it’s just really easy to take something away when he speaks, I would live the opportunity to read his book. And I would pass the book on after reading it. And I’m a stay at home mom, so Im probably already weird, but I have a feeling his weird is different than mine. :P please please please pick me!!!!

  • http://www.journeychurchbg.com Journeychurchbg

    I am six months into pastoring my first church. I am trying to take this church from “normal” to “Weird.” I love Craig’s writing, how down-to-earth he is, and how open and honest he is. I really can’t wait to jump into this book as well

  • Amanda

    Weird is what I love. I don’t want to be normal, Jesus didn’t call me to that. I want to be weird, would love to read what Craig has to say about this.

  • Davis Cutshaw

    It looks like an interesting read! I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve heard of Craig Groeschel before this post but this book looks like it’s in my wheel-house right now. I’ve been trying to absorb information on living intentionally and this book looks like it hits the spot! Definitely looks like it’s worth checking out.

  • http://twitter.com/BarbaraThayer1 Barbara Thayer

    I really am looking forward to reading “Weird” because I am a “workaholic” myself and need some insight on how to live a productive life on the narrow road as versus the wide road. Pastor Craig was helpful, direct and honest in his interview and shared ideas that really spoke to me. I definitely want to get this book!

  • http://twitter.com/BobEwoldt Robert Ewoldt

    Michael, this interview was fascinating. Over the past 3 months, I’ve been working on a “strategic plan” for my family of five, to set out some 5-year and 10-year goals, and to look at where we spend our time now, and where we need to make changes in order to meet our goals. Since I work 2 jobs and have 3 small children (and a fourth on the way), making time for a Sabbath day is difficult, but over the last month, we’ve been making a LOT of progress in this area. I’m excited to read “Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working” to see what Craig has to say on the other 4 topics that you listed, to see how else we might be able to live “weird.”

  • Nathan

    I would love to get this book. Looks amazing.

    (creativity: using the same amount of words as your instructions.
    “Tell me why you want this book. Be creative.”

  • Patrick Roy

    My pastor pumped this book up so much. It would be awesome to get a copy! I have to agree with Craig that normal isn’t working. Look at what’s going on in today’s word. Today I went to see Soul Surfer and in there the character that plays Bethany Hamilton said that “normal is overrated.” I thought that overrated and not working work hand in hand. It’s time to be weird!!

  • http://twitter.com/ShareeLynn ShareeLynn

    Weird is simply a matter of perspective. From God’s perspective, it is completely normal; from the ‘world’s’ well that’s quite another issue. Though when busy being weird, often that’s when I find others saying that my life is an enormous inspiration to them. Normal, well that’s when I’ve dried up and have nothing left to give. I want to be weird – ever changing the scope of what is, into a beautiful story of what Christ did for us on Calvary. I want to do a ‘huge’ Christian Education endeavor, but I’m going to have to be pretty ‘weird’ to accomplish it.

  • Cathycummings14

    Well, Craig is my pastor so I can get a book, but when I get this book, I plan of gifting it to my Realtor!!!

  • http://twitter.com/MBAtoRN Carolee Mitchell

    I read this tweet and followed the link a couple three days ago. I did not take the time to post as to why I would like the book, but I was interested from the post and book info. Over the wknd, the verses in Matthew 7: 13-14 really burdened my heart. Not only the actual verses, but Craig’s explanation in the interview. I’m interested in reading and learning more about “What is normal?’ from Craig’s perspective. More importanly, weeding out what’s not normal and employing the tools he suggests that is Christ based to be more Christ like. As a natural leader and a life called for service, this would be a great read for me. And a great one to share with others. Narrow is the gate, and the welcome message states “I am Weird.”

  • Bethany Paget

    Because I am tired of trying so hard to be normal and would much rather be weird if it means being like Jesus.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_K7CYWKP6RMIIKJ4GWE46EM2ZKM Kelsie

    Wow wow wow! Let me just start off by saying I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE a copy of Craig Groeschel’s new book , “Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working.” After listening to the amazing interview I was not only challenged but encouraged to be even more “weird.” As a female 19yr old college student I sometimes feel like I have to go above and beyond to please people, and to have my voice heard. I have a major problem with saying no which sometimes causes me to not only over work myself but physically tire my body out. All of my “teenage” life has been spent with technology so that is all I know, but sometimes it takes over my life. I find myself not being able to go longer than a hour without looking at my Ipod, computer..etc. I know that being blessed with a copy of this book would not only give me the courage to say no to except a higher calling, detoxify me from my addiction to technology, teach me to rest and be fully present when needed, but also bring knowledge to me in the 5 areas that are so very vital in my life especially at this stage.

    Craig Groeshel himself is a amazing role model to me. He not only inspires me as a person to go above reproach but to also step ahead of the crowd. I am excited to say that when I finish this book I will be even more comfortable being weird, but in a good way. As a young follower of Jesus I am impelled to be “weird for Jesus”, but encouraged to boldly be a “trendsetter” for this next generation.

    Thank you so much for this opportunity,
    Kelsie

  • http://crashleadership.com Curtis Marshall

    I read Craig Groeschel’s book “it” and it changed my life. I gave it to my dad in hopes that it would change his too. I would love to get my hands on “Weird.”

  • Daniel Bourque

    I would like to read “Weird” because I know that I am unique and want to get a better handle on being “me” best.

  • Jerry

    First of all, I would like a copy of Craig Groeschel’s new book because I am an ever learning pastor. Secondly, as a pastor, it is in my DNA to always attempt to get a book for free. Is that wierd :-)

  • http://RemedyChurchDenver.org RemedyChurchDenver

    I’m the wife of a pastor and we would both read it…and we’re pretty weird already…so I think it’d be a good fit! :)

  • Nicholas W Madden

    I’ve loved all of the books that I’ve read by pastor Craig. I believe that you can never learn to much or read to much. I’m constantly looking for new ways to stretch my leadership and challenge my thinking. His books are always challenging me to do something better in my life and to make changes if necessary. I would love to pick up a copy to help further my thinking and stretch my mind.

  • http://tonychung.ca tonychung

    I always knew that Lifechurch.tv was behind the incredible Bible.us site and accompanying Bible app for every mobile device. However, I did not know who was behind Lifechurch.tv . As a songwriter and worship leader unable to live out my true passion due to the constraints of a “real job” to maintain a “real life”, I think I stand to use a little bit of weird right about now.

    Plus, I could review it on my blog and Amazon.

    I’ve always loved what you do, Michael. Be blessed!

  • http://www.facebook.com/iamhaack Ryan Haack

    Wait, what’s happening? I love books. And I love weirdos. Or is it weirdoes? Hmm. Good luck, everyone!

  • Chris Mi77er

    I heard this book mentioned on the Dave Ramsey show and it sounded very inspiring. I want a copy of this book because I feel I would benefit from it in my everyday life. Thank you for the opportunity and good luck to the winners.

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