Review: Never Settle for Normal

Never Settle for Normal: The Proven Path to Significance and Happiness

By Jonathan Parnell (Multnomah/Penguin Random House)

Jonathan Parnell, lead pastor of Cities Church in Minneapolis and long-time writer for John Piper’s DesiringGod.org speaks to both skeptics and searchers in Never Settle for Normal. Parnell’s main premise is that there is a difference between mere normality and the transcendent glory of God.

The first chapter is entitled “The Stupid Normal,” taken from a very cute family illustration. From that starting point, Parnell explores the idea that our relationship needs to be anything but a normal relationship. Parnell talks about a Father who loves us even though we are fallen. God has blessed us with his Son, Jesus, to come and through the cross, he saved us in a violent rescue. Parnell discusses creation, the fall, redemption and being a new creation.

The book includes a chapter study, exhaustive endnotes and both topical and Scriptural indices.

Never Settle for Normal would be a good addition to any minister’s library, and it would be an excellent resource to hand to seekers and new Christians.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio