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A Weird Request
Thank you for being a part of our Swerve community. I’ve got a personal favor to ask.
I’m finishing up a manuscript based on Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Jesus calls us to live a different life. If we are living like everyone else, we are probably not following Jesus.
We are wrestling with possible titles. I’d love to know which of these you like (or see if you have better suggestions).
1) Weird Rules
2) Weird
3) Weird in a God Way
The working subtitle is: Better Than Normal Living in a Settle For Normal World
Thanks for any input!
Visit 
I like #2 -”Weird”
Sounds like a great series - I’ll look forward to it.
I kinda like the working title…but from the choices I like - 1) Weird Rules.
Maybe with an exclamation point…or a question mark…nah, Weird Rules works.
Sorry it is a little early for me and I am in a weird mood.
:^)
#2 - Weird
Great potential series…
I like “Weird” too. It kinda leaves it a bit clouded and thus fuel expectations. Looking forward it!
What came to mind for me was The Road Less Travelled. Don’t know why.
How about wiredto be wierd? That’s not really answering the question. So I’d say #1
Weird
How about “Stranger than Fiction”?
We always joke about how we stick out like a sore thumb… so maybe something like that?
Otherwise I like wierd rules…because the world does consider us wierd!
I like “weird ways of God”. I know it’s not one of the choices. But kinda like the way it sounds! Looking forward to the message!
My vote is “Weird.” It is intriguing and draws you in…
I’d go for “Weird”. Shorter is better, and the word is open for everyone who thinks Christianity is weird in some way.
I am leaning a lot towards “Weird”, but I like where Jason was coming from. The world looks at us as nothing but a bunch of “Jesus Freaks”. So, if you were to pull away from the “Weird” theme, I’d say something like Jesus Freaks, or Freaks, or even Weird Freaks lol
Weird in a God Way
I like “weird”. Just Plain Weird would be cool, but a different direction might be something like “Rogue” or something that implies a person not going with the flow…yeah, I like Rogue.
#2 definitely
I like #2 Weird! Definitely an attention getter!
I think “Weird” works best. It’s a good attention getter.
Weird - simple and provocative!
Personally none of them really stand out… Sorry!. seems like you are trying to distinguish between just existing and true life in jesus. I would personally try and tie in existing vs living or even the statement ‘middle of the road’ for christians who are trying to live and walk both roads. With jesus taking the small road equals a big life…hope that helps mate. Dylan
I like “Weird in a God Way” - b/c it might be picked up simply because someone thinks it says “weird in a good way”. I’m excited for this book as well!
Thanks for all you do to advance the Kingdom of God. I have been blessed, as well as my church by the great resources coming out of LifeChurch.
I pray that today God blesses you and gives you strength when you need it.
Weird…attention grabbing graphic on cover would be cool.
#2 Weird
Maybe also The Way of the Weird
But about Weir-DO…not (dough) but DO…You are considered Weird when you DO what God asks…
How about something around the word weirdo? How to be a weirdo?
Or how about “Why Weird Works” (or just ‘Weird Works”)?
*Tight
*Narrowgate: Scandal of the Christ-centered Life
*Weird
*The Ironic Journey
Weird Life
#3 “Weird in a God Way”….or, “It’s Good to be Weird”, or “Weird is Good”
Of the 3 i like “Weird”
Other thoughts:
Abnormal L
#2-Weird is definitely the best idea.
#2 Wierd
*Opposites Attrack*
Living a life that is opposite of the ‘world’ will in turn attrack them to Jesus
I prefer “Weird in a God Way.” “Weird Rules” kind of goes against your message last week…it’s not about rules, it’s about relationship! And “Weird” just seems a tad incomplete. I can’t wait to read this!!
“Peculiar Paradox”
The weird side of normal.
If not this great suggestion then #2.
Of the 3 i like “Weird”
Other thoughts:
Narrow Minded (a play on the scripture and on how we need to think differently to live as Christ did)
I like “Weird Rules” in the context of God rules our lives. =)
If it were me, I would title it “Abnormal”
The definition is “deviating from what is normal or usual”
It fits kinda cool with the subtitle “Better Than Normal Living in a Settle For Normal World”
Weird.
I think using the word “weird” in the title is weird. Would you want to read the next book: “Weird” by Bill Hybels? It’s weird.
How about using the word “Normal” - that feels a little better to me. Titles like:
- Not Normal
- Normal
- Norminal (like nominal)
- The Normal (what’s not normal in the world is actually normal in God’s Kingdom)
- The New Normal
“Weird” It sounds really cool and it expresses everything linked in one word.
I like WEIRDO and Less Traveled. But also looked up some different translations and NLT mentions Highway to Hell. :) The Message talks about following the crowd. Excited for this message CG!!
I love Weird…
“GPS to life” or “The Path Less Traveled”
A mi me gusta: “Weird” o en español “Raro”
Amazing feedback! Thanks so much! Would love to hear more opinions!
“Weird” will draw in Christians. If you’re looking for a more secular audience, how about “Swerve” with a graphic of a windy road on the cover?
#2 Weird
Abnormal Rules
I don’t really like any of them either, but what do I know. I saw a promo video a church did recently titled “Uncool.” Based on a series they were doing about being uncool in the world’s eyes… sounds similar… of your three “Weird in a God Way.”
I like “Weird” it sparks more interest than the others. However, I don’t like “Weird.” I think you could go a different way with it. Like “New Normal” or “The Path.” You are most likely set on Weird though, so go with the simple title. “Weird book, Weird Life”
I like the idea of “Different”
Saw a teaching graphic one time that had a bunch of paper clips in one pile and off to the side there was one red paper clip.
Series was “Be Different”
Really eye catching…perhaps something like that.
how ’bout
“Stranger In A Strange Land”
The Countercultural Life Of Jesus - A Real Life
(or for the modern literature major “Grocking Jesus, The Real Michael Valentine Smith” Smith is from the book “Stranger in a Strange Land”, Robert Heinlein and was a kind of cultural messiah born in the social foment of the 60’s, the same cultural discontinuity that set me upon the road to Jesus Messiah, My Lord and Savior.)
Exodus 2:22, Deuteronomy 10:19, Psalm 119:19, Jeremiah 14:8, 3 Maccabees 6:3, Hebrews 11:9, 1 Peter 2:11
“where the weird things are”
I like # 3 Weird in a God way the best.
How about “Big Things:Small Packages”
Enter small - humbly before God through the narrow gate
Exit small - humbled before God
I think out of the three choices “Weird in a God way” fits best because it’s a clever play on the frequent phrase “weird in a good way” and also because people associate Christians as being weird anyway (because of their faith in God!).
Alternatively you could call it “when weird is good!”
Hope this helps
What about just “different”
Out of all of them I like #2 Weird. Or you could go with “Living Weird” or “Living the Weird Life” or something along those lines.
Why not use the Title of this blog post?
“A Weird Request”
I like “Weird,” and I love the sub-title, too! Can’t wait to read it!
Did you already take “narrow is the new wide” off the table?
I like the simplicity of Weird like many others who have commented. I’m also reminded of the MuteMath song “Peculiar People.” Cool tune off of their first EP (Reset).
I like #3
3) Weird in a God Way
I think “Weird” is cool. I think it would catch people off guard because it’s so different. It’s vague enough that people would want to know more, but specific enough that people could take something away from it.
We’re not in death anymore: Follow the narrow gate road!! Follow the narrow gate road!!
Narrow or Wide? How’s your aim?
Lost? How to find the narrow gate…
Easier fit? Narrow or Wide?
I outdid myself on corniness here, but it was fun and thought provoking. Have fun!
In a different world…
- Path of Illogical Paradox
- Narrow is Wide Enough
- Paradox Trailhead
- Freedom Pass
“Why Be Normal When You Can Be Abey Normal?” Flash back from one of my favorite films… “Young Frankenstein” Great series! We just finished the “Wired” series… Hmmm…
What about “Peculiar”, we are called to be a peculiar people in this world, and the narrow road can look peculiar to others.
Just Plain Weird!
Wired to be Weird
I like Jose’s comment “Why weird works”. Possibly work DC Talk Jesus Freak into the worship set.
Craig, are you sure you’re capturing the heart of this passage?
Like the one-word title, “Weird.” LOVE the tag line (working subtitle). That’s good stuff. To me it’s clear and compelling.
Weird Science (put a graphic scratching through the word science and follow it with handwritten style) Faith
- Off the Beaten Path
- Leaving the Highway to Hell
- Godsense
Christians are Weird and other observations
I though I like weird rules. I like Jesus said what? or Say what? better.
I like “Weird in a God way.” Nice play on words. And speaking of words, why isn’t the I before the E in weird? THAT’S weird!
I like “Weird” somewhat, but not “Weird Rules.” The word “rules” implies legalism, and Christianity is not about a bunch of rules, e.g. dos and don’ts. I also like the concept of “Upside Down,” which came to mind.
I like “Weird in a Good Way” but with the second “o” marked out with a pen slash so it reads “Weird in a God Way”. Weird and the slashed God being big and bold… search on Amazon with “Weird” still gets it…
was thinking “Narrow-minded Christianity” too
or “Uncommon Cracks”
or “Mysterious Path”
or “Tough Trail”
or “The Way of the Weird”
How about “Narrow Minded”?
- bizarre rules
- wacko
- bizarre living
- God made you Bizarre
- God thinks you’re a weirdo
Living strange or Strange Living
How about “Alien Lover” as we are not of this world.
ZAG - when the world says zig Christ says ZAG
Simple is better most often. I vote for “Weird”
My suggestion is to call it “Narrow” with subtitle living narrow in a wide world. I think that plays on the text.
I’m just going along with the flow because I”m a follower. My vote is for “WEIRD.” :-)
Not real crazy about Weird in a title. As someone said already, “Sounds weird.” How about Living Life Different or You are Different or UnSqueezed (play on romans 12…”don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold).
Forgot to add: I will read it no matter the title. :)
I like #3, Wierd in A God Way
“The Straight & Narrow, Weird Or Not Weird?”
AbNorMal
Better Than Normal Living in a Settle For Normal World
ABNORMAL… I was going to suggest and see someone beat me to it. But of the 3 you have listed I like WEIRD the best.
Looking forward to seeing it. I love the way you guys do things at LIFE CHURCH.
Picking from the 3 choices I would say #3 but I was thinking what Jesse said- I like the Not Normal.
It’s Cool to be Not Normal
Not Normal
Being Not Normal for God
How to Live a Not Normal Life
Unnormal
Like all requests for input from the masses…all over the board. I won’t add to the confusion. Whatever the title ends up being, I’ll read it. Craig and LifeChurch have impacted my leadership probably as much as anyone else. Thanks!
Wired to be Weird? Or The Wonderful World of Weird! www for short.
I like “Weird” because it is simple and catchy. The working subtitle brings a balance to this title.
I like Weird: Better Than Normal Living in a Settle For Normal World.
My other suggestion would be Are you Weird? or Who’s Weird? For something like this I like having a question for people to think about. It sounds like you are challenging them to live different. No one wants to be weird, but after your talk they’ll see the spin you are putting on it and be able to answer if they are weird or not.
“Weird” I also love the saying “New Normal”.
I would offer up Living Weird God’s Way
I like simply “Weird”
And the subtitle should have hyphens so it’s easier to read.
I have a suggestion… “The Narrow Few” or “Narrow Few”
I like # 3 Weird in a God way.
Just some random thots that came to mind:
Enter here
Proceed with caution
Your best shot
Step In
Squeeze in here
Awkward - living God’s way in a wrong way world.
You could play off the ABC tv show “Gates”. Not too sure all the ins and outs of the show but I know it is pretty popular - maybe using the logo or something.
How about “Abnormal: A Different Way of Living in a Settle For Normal World”
How about Narrow gates - Narrow roads
Trying to keep focused on the main words in the scripture text
I do like #3
1. Weird to the End
2. Weird and Weirder Still
3. Weird for Jesus
4. Eternally Weird
5. Clearly You Can’t Make it in to Heaven with a Big Butt!
6. God’s Weirdo!
Lots of great ideas… a couple more to consider:
1. R U ready to settle for Norm (short for Normal)
2. Living with Norm (short for Normal)
3. Another Normal
The whole weird thing is cool, but do the weird emphasis in the graphic if u choose to go that way
I’m gonna go with #2, “Weird,” for what you have as options. You go do number with emphasis on Weird and “in a God way” in small print, though.
I’m surprised, with all of the Abnormal comments, no one suggested “unnatural”.
Are there any other keywords you are making use of?
“Weird in a God Way” seems to sum up your book’s content and looks more appealing to those who shop online. A book titled (only) “Weird” is too…. weird. After slaving away on writing your book, I’m sure you want as many people to be drawn to it as possible. A broad road of accessibility.
Where’s Waldo? Can you see the Christian?
I like ABNORMAL. But the gates idea isn’t a bad one either.
“DOH!” ….. I think that says it all
- Weirdos for Christ
- Freaks for Christ
- Weirdos
- Jesus Freaks
- Jesus Weirdos
Maybe you can do a play off of “settlers of catan.”
Or, instead of weird, play off of wired magazine about being wired for a different life. Maybe just calling it “Wired” and have all the graphics look like a wired magazine cover.
“Bizarre Blvd.”
… simply because it connotes both the sense of being weird, and its path.
I think the graphics would be a fork in the road.
Thanks! Can’t wait to hear the outcome.
I’m reminded of the two roads in Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”
One more thing…
The line, “I’m not weird. I’m limited edition,” comes to mind. Can’t take credit for it and not sure where I heard that from, however it’s a great affirmation; very Stuart Smalley-esque, who you referenced in a recent sermon :)
how about “Be Weird…” or “Being Weird…”
How about “hmmm. That’s weird”
The inside, outside, upside down Kingdom of God.
ab:normal
How about:
Being Weird: Better Than Normal Living in a Settle For Normal World
(or)
Weirdo: Better Than Normal Living in a Settle For Normal World - This one could make for some cool cover concepts.
Craig Dunnagan
SVP, Integrity Media
Hello Detour
Too good to be true
2 way ticket
Paper (World), Rock (God), Scissors (Enemy)
To give you my honest opinion, I’m not in love with the word weird. Sounds too weird! LOL!
“Be Weird”
“Being Different”
“Weird is Required”
When Wide isn’t Weird and Narrow isn’t Normal
I really like the idea of this. I am just not sure weird is the best way to capture it. I think that word catches attention, but doesn’t necessarily inspire or motivate.
Other possibilities….
Unexpected
Different
Upside Down
Flipped
Flip
What?
Opposite Attracts
Not Normal
Square Peg
Possible sub titles:
Be the unexpected
What’s right with this picture?
Normal is boring
Surprise. Surprise.
That’s not what I expected.
Really?
Did He just say that?
Of course, these can be mixed and matched.
That’s my four cents. Two cents is too normal. :-)
Jeremy
#2 is my vote… but another idea “Weird Ways”
How about ‘Watch the crowd; Do the opposite.
“Wierd?”
I like the use of the question mark.
a second thought…
1. “Weird, Really?”
2. “Who’s Weird?”
Hey Craig, what about “Beautifully Bizarre?” I also liked what Jeremy Cox posted…”Square Peg.” I even just like “Bizarre.” From your choices I like “Weird.”
What about “Narrow Minded”?
#1 hands down
“Weird” is good because it’s simple, people will be inquisitive about it, and because you can unpack it in the series.
“Narrow Focus” may better fit the passage.
I like “Weird in a Good Way” with a slash through the second O as someone else suggested.
Weird in a Good Way with a slash through the second o
Oops, didn’t mean to say that twice
I vote for Weird. Simple and to the point!
How about: “God Is Somethin Else!”
Yay! Swerve is back….I take the extreme route and go for “Alien or Alien Invasion”…Christian’s in today’s society are “Aliens” to the current ” me me me” culture. Alien is defined as a foreign being! We are unique and Foreign to this current world…but most are intrigued by who we are at the core. Or just pick weird…I am so WEIRD…just ask my friends but I’m cool with that..lol.
I like the paradoxical titles (like “Christian Atheist”). So how about something like “Narrow Is Wide”? A narrow gate that leads to a widely blessed life.
The Way We’re Weird
I like something with the word “Differ” instead of “Weird”. Like “Beg to Differ” or something along those lines. Weird just reminds me of the “come out from among them and be separate” isolationist people. And weirdos.
To elaborate on my previous post, “The Road Less Traveled.”
“Born to be Weird!!!”
I’d say: “The Weird Way” as the title (mixes your 1st and 3rd suggestion and captures your subtitle) my 2 cents. Great concept - best wishes!
I like the topic.
Here are my thoughts to throw on the all.
1. Called out
2. Gods exit
3. Different in a God way
M_
I really like “Weird in a God Way”
(and as johnnyatthebod suggested to write “Good” with the second “o” slashed out)
And how about…
-”Odd for God”
-”Weird is the New Normal” or “Weird is the Next Normal
“Peculiar People”, “Peculiar” also sounded cool, and I liked alot of Jeremy Cox’s suggestions
This sounds like a fantastic project, wish much success in it :)
My husband and I always say this to each other…
“How Backwards”
because God’s ways are always backwards from our ways.
How about:
WTF?
That just ain’t normal!
I guarantee people will open it up…and when the do, they read:
“Where The Few…”
“Who To Follow…”
“Weird To Freedom…”
“Way Truth liFe…”
[...] for the help last week on brainstorming titles for the new book. Your insights were amazing. (I’ll let you know the final name when we have [...]
When I first read it, I thought of the word peculiar. What about “The Path to Peculiar”?
Doesn’t just “weird” summens it all? :)
[...] for the help last week on brainstorming titles for the new book. Your insights were amazing. (I’ll let you know the final name when we have [...]
Quick question: who is the audience? That will help me find a good name!
And about the subtitle: I like the message it conveys, but I think it can be a little confusing and turn-offish as a result…
Then again, I don’t have anything better :)
I am not sure about the word weird in reference to a Godly life.
Jesus calls us to be different in an indifferent world. That is not weird, that is just right.
I understand the title must be catchy, but it should not convey that living a Christ-centered life is weird or unappealing. True followers, like Jesus, draw people in like a magnet. Their joy and love are so inexplicable, that even people who do not understand or believe still want to know more about what drives him/her and what gives them the strength and desire to live this way in good times and through struggles.
The sad thing is that the only people who truly consider that weird are the ones who profess to be Christians, yet are not living their lives accordingly.
Whatever you decide on, it will be God inspired. Keep up the God work!
Christian Weirdos
“Wired Weird” - God wired (molded) believers to be weird in the eyes of the world (unbelievers). Like Leonard Sweet’s book, “Jesus Drives Me Crazy” where we’re un-normal in the Normal World.
Title suggestion “Everyone’s Doing It..(That’s Why It May Be Wrong)”
I like “Weird” but I had a hard time seeing the connection between “Weird” and the subtitle right away. “How to be Weird” or “Not Normal” help me make the connection quicker.
Keep it “Weird”!
Strange, Stranger, or opposed
Subtitle: Life Beyond Normal, At odds with normal
(not a fan of beyond because it doesn’t communicate the truth that normal isn’t normal/right)
Did a similar series a while ago called it resistance: Defy the ordinary
check it out: http://vimeo.com/album/76705
watch the beginning of any video for an intro and title slide.
(the idea is to put to death your old self, if you don’t get it)
“Weird” is likely to be pretty eye-catching and draw people in who might might not take a second look at a book with “in a God way” in the title
Out of those I like “Weird”, but I have a title for a book that I am going to write called “Normal is the Enemy”. I would let you have it if you want :)
[...] to all your suggestions for the title of my next [...]
[...] to all your suggestions for the title of my next [...]
One vote for Andy for SWERVE. since I’m old and feel as if I have been swerving my whole Christian life, till I jumped ship.. now I just listen to Poscast from other people who have jumped ship.