Bill Johnson (pastor)

Bill Johnson
Senior leader
ChurchBethel Church
Personal details
Born
Bill Bryant Johnson

(1951-07-18) July 18, 1951
Alexandria, Minnesota, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
DenominationCharismatic movement
Spouse
Brenda "Beni" Johnson
​
​
(m. 1973; died 2022)​
[1][2]
Children
OccupationAuthor

Bill Bryant Johnson (born July 18, 1951) is the senior leader of Bethel Church, a charismatic megachurch in Redding, California.[3][4] Under his leadership, the congregation reportedly grew from approximately 2,000 members in 1996[5] to more than 11,000 by 2019.[6] Johnson promotes beliefs related to revival, faith healing, and supernatural manifestations—topics that have become central to the global Bethel movement and influenced segments of contemporary charismatic Christianity.[7] In 1998, he co-founded the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, which has drawn students from around the world and received significant attention from media outlets.[8] Johnson is also an author and itinerant speaker and has appeared in Christian media and documentary films.[9] His ministry has attracted both widespread support and criticism, particularly in relation to theology, charismatic practices, and political involvement.[10][11]

Biography

Johnson is a fifth-generation pastor and has held the position of senior leader at Bethel Church since 1996. His ministry is associated with a charismatic movement emphasizing revival, healing, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. According to Christianity Today, Johnson holds "considerable influence among charismatic Christians all over the world".[12] When he accepted the role at Bethel, he reportedly did so with the understanding that the church would prioritize revival and the pursuit of God’s supernatural presence.[12] His father, M. Earl Johnson, previously served as Bethel's senior pastor from 1968 to 1982, during the church's affiliation with the Assemblies of God.[12] Before joining Bethel, Johnson and his wife served as the senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California from 1978 to 1996.[13]

In 1987, Johnson attended a "signs and wonders" conference led by John Wimber in hopes of advancing healing ministry, but later expressed disappointment: “They had fruit for what they believed. All I had was good doctrine.” He identified this as a turning point, stating that embracing “faith”—understood as taking risk—opened the way for reported healing manifestations in his ministry.[14] In 1995, he traveled to Toronto, Canada to attend some of the Toronto Blessing revival meetings, where he described being significantly affected by the spiritual atmosphere and shifted toward a stronger emphasis on charismatic gifts and supernatural ministry in his leadership.[14]

In 1998, Johnson, along with Bethel Senior Associate Leader Kris Vallotton, started the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry to train students to become revivalists. The school has over 2,000 students from 57 countries.[12] Johnson is also part of the Core Residential Faculty at Wagner University in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.[15]

Brenda ("Beni"), the wife of Bill Johnson, died of cancer on July 13, 2022.[16]

Bill and Brenda Johnson have three children including: Brian Johnson, Eric Johnson and Leah Valenzuela.[17]

Johnson has appeared in multiple documentaries, including Father of Lights and Holy Ghost Reborn, produced by Darren Wilson.[18] He has also been interviewed and highlighted in several CBN news stories.[19][20] He was featured on the cover of Charisma magazine in August 2016 with a story titled "Born for Revival."[21] Johnson was also a guest on Sid Roth's It's Supernatural in October 2016.[22] He was later featured in the 2018 documentary American Gospel: Christ Alone which critisized aspects of the prosperity gospel and portrayed Johnson as a key figure within that movement.[10]

Political and cultural views

In a 2016 Facebook post, Johnson explained his decision to vote for Donald Trump, citing concerns about abortion, same-sex marriage, and globalization, which he described as contrary to biblical values. His wife, Beni Johnson, also expressed support for Trump.[23] Johnson reaffirmed his endorsement during the 2020 presidential election.[24]

Bill Johnson opposes homosexuality calling it a sin and "violation of design".[25] In a Facebook video blog he elaborated on the issue stating that "God did not make those human bodies to come together, to fit, in that way".[25] Bethel Church later published an official statement affirming its belief that sexual intimacy belongs within heterosexual marriage—but also expressing compassion and respectful engagement toward LGBTQ individuals.[26]

In 2018, Bethel Church publicly opposed three bills in the California state legislature that would have restricted conversion therapy, expressing concern that the bills could limit their ability to provide ministry to individuals seeking to change their sexual orientation. The church released a public statement, submitted letters to lawmakers, and encouraged congregants to contact legislators. These efforts included a sermon titled "What Would Jesus Do in a PC World?" by senior associate leader Kris Vallotton, who also tweeted in support of individuals who had "come out of homosexuality".[3][27]


Published works

  • When Heaven Invades Earth (Destiny Image Publishers, 2003) ISBN 0-7684-2952-8
  • The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind (Destiny Image Publishers, 2005) ISBN 0-7684-2252-3
  • When Heaven Invades Earth Devotional & Journal (Destiny Image Publishers, August 2005) ISBN 0-7684-2297-3
  • Shifting Shadow of Supernatural Power: A Prophetic Manual for Those Wanting to Move in God's Supernatural Power (co-author) (Destiny Image Publishers, August 2006) ISBN 0-7684-2369-4
  • Dreaming With God (Destiny Image, December 2006) ISBN 0-7684-2399-6
  • The Supernatural Ways of Royalty (co-author) (Destiny Image Publishers, 2006) ISBN 0-7684-2323-6
  • The Supernatural Ways of Royalty Leader's Guide (co-author) (Destiny Image Publishers, 2006) ISBN 978-0768415810
  • The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind 40-Day Devotional and Personal Journal (Destiny Image, September 2006) ISBN 0-7684-2399-6 ISBN 0-7684-2375-9
  • Here Comes Heaven!: A Kid's Guide to God's Supernatural Power (co-author) (Destiny Image, October 2007) ISBN 0-7684-2502-6
  • Face to Face with God (Charisma House, 2007) ISBN 978-1-59979-070-1
  • Strengthen Yourself in The Lord (Destiny Image Publishers, 2007) ISBN 0-7684-2427-5
  • A Life of Miracles: A 365-day guide to prayer and miracles (Destiny Image, February 2008) ISBN 978-0-7684-2612-0
  • Strengthen Yourself in the Lord (Audio Book) (Destiny Image, February 2008) ISBN 0-7684-2610-3
  • Release the Power of Jesus (Destiny Imae Publishers, 2009) ISBN 978-0768427127
  • The Essential Guide to Healing (co-author) (Chosen Books, 2011) ISBN 978-0-8007-9519-1
  • Walking in the Supernatural: Another Cup of Spiritual Java (Destiny Image Publishers, 2012) ISBN 978-0768440775
  • Hosting the Presence (Destiny Image Publishers, 2012) ISBN 9780768441291
  • Hosting the Presence Every Day: 365 Days to Unveiling Heaven's Agenda for Your Life (Destiny Image Publishers, 2014) ISBN 978-0768405248
  • Hosting the Presence Workbook: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda (Destiny Image Publishers, 2013) ISBN 978-0768403640
  • Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate (co-author) (Destiny Image Publishers, 2013) ISBN 978-0768403350
  • Discovering Your Purpose: A Short Interview with Bill Johnson (Bill Johnson Ministries, 2014) ISBN 978-0989684729
  • Spiritual Java (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016) ISBN 978-0768434880
  • Healing Unplugged: Conversations and Insights from Two Veteran Healing Leaders (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016) ISBN 978-0800795276
  • Releasing the Spirit of Prophecy: The Supernatural Power of Testimony (Destiny Image Publishers, 2014) ISBN 978-0768414363
  • Experience the Impossible (Chosen Books, 2014) ISBN 978-0-8007-9617-4
  • The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind Study Guide: Access to a Life of Miracles (Chosen Books, 2014) ISBN 978-0768404234
  • Strengthen Yourself in The Lord Leader's Guide (Destiny Image Publishers, 2015) ISBN 978-0768407785
  • Strengthen Yourself in The Lord Study Guide (Destiny Image Publishers, 2015) ISBN 978-0768407778
  • Power That Changes the World: Creating Eternal Impact in the Here and Now (Destiny Image Publishers, 2015) ISBN 978-0800796860
  • Defining Moments (Whitaker House, 2016) ISBN 978-1-6291-1547-4
  • God is Good (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016) ISBN 978-0-7684-3716-4
  • God is Good Interactive Manual: He's Better Than You Think (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016) ISBN 978-0768410365
  • A Daily Invitation to Friendship With God: Dreaming with God to Transform Your World (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016) ISBN 978-0768434880
  • Jesus Christ is Perfect Theology (Destiny Image Publishers, 2016) ISBN 978-0768415988
  • Encountering the Goodness of God: 90 Daily Devotions (Destiny Image Publishers, 2017) ISBN 978-0768414868
  • God is Really Good (Destiny Image Publishers, 2017) ISBN 978-0768415841
  • When Heaven Invades Earth for Teens: Your Guide to God's Supernatural Power (Destiny Image Publishers, 2017) ISBN 978-0768416886
  • Is God Really Good?: Bill Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions about the Goodness of God (Destiny Image Publishers, 2017) ISBN 978-0768419252
  • The Way of Life (Destiny Image Publishers, 2018) ISBN 978-0-7684-4272-4
  • The Resting Place: Living Immersed in the Presence of God (Destiny Image Publishers, 2019) ISBN 978-0768448238
  • Meeting God Face to Face: Daily Encouragement to Seek His Presence and Favor (Charisma House, 2019) ISBN 978-1629995816
  • The Way of Life Leader's Guide: Experiencing the Culture of Heaven on Earth (Destiny Image, 2019) ISBN 978-0768448603
  • Born for Significance: Master the Purpose, Process, and Peril of Promotion (Charisma House, 2020) ISBN 978-1629998381
  • Raising Giant-Killers: Releasing Your Child's Divine Destiny through Intentional Parenting (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0800799380
  • Raising Giant-Killers Leaders Guide: Releasing Your Child's Divine Destiny through Intentional Parenting (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0800799267
  • Raising Giant-Killers Participant's Guide: Releasing Your Child's Divine Destiny through Intentional Parenting (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0800799250
  • The Mind of God: How His Wisdom Can Transform Our World (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0800799540
  • How to Respond to Disaster: By Living Anchored in the Goodness of God (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0768456813
  • HOPE in Any Crisis: Stop Fear and Release God's Goodness In Uncertain Times (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-1629999043
  • The King's Way of Life (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0768451108
  • Mornings and Evenings in His Presence: A Lifestyle of Daily Encounters with God (Destiny Image Publishers, 2020) ISBN 978-0768455991
  • Rejoice Into Joy: Three Keys to Experiencing the Fullness of Heaven's Joy (Destiny Image Publishers, 2021) ISBN 978-0768457407
  • Your Journey to Significance: A Daily Discovery of Who God Created You to Be (Charisma House, 2021) ISBN 978-1629999579
  • Open Heavens: Position Yourself to Encounter the God of Revival (Destiny Image Publishers, 2021) ISBN 978-0768457698
  • Peace in Every Storm: 52 Declarations & Meditations for Difficult Times (BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, 2021) ISBN 978-1424561919
  • Bible Promises and Prayers for Children: Releasing Your Child's Divine Destiny (Destiny Image Publishers, 2021) ISBN 978-0800762124
  • Born for Significance Study Guide (Charisma House, 2021) ISBN 978-1636410005

References

  1. ^ Warren, Steve CBN [1] Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  2. ^ Johnson, Beni. The Happy Intercessor. Destiny Image, 2009, pg. 21.
  3. ^ a b Hitt, Tarpley (July 20, 2019). "The Mystical Megachurch Ruling Over Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe's Hometown". The Daily Beast. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  4. ^ "Leadership Archive | Bethel Church". www.bethel.com. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  5. ^ Winters, Amanda (January 16, 2010). "Bethel burgeons under pastor's visions of prosperity". The Record Searchlight. Archived from the original on September 24, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  6. ^ Parke, Caleb (September 19, 2019). "Pastor Bill Johnson on the recipe for revival, how Bethel Church exploded onto the global scene". Fox News. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  7. ^ "Christian Idolatry? Evaluating Bethel Church and Bill Johnson | Christian Research Institute". www.equip.org. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  8. ^ "Buzzfeed News: INC Christianity Spreads through Bethel School of Supernatural Minsitry". October 16, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  9. ^ "Authors | Baker Publishing Group". bakerpublishinggroup.com. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  10. ^ a b ""American Gospel" Shows Real-Life Consequences Of Poor Theology – MinistryWatch". Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  11. ^ "Bethel Church 'Dead Raising Team' Fails to Save 2-Year-Old". December 16, 2019. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  12. ^ a b c d Wendell Jones, Martyn (April 26, 2016). "Inside the Popular, Controversial Bethel Church". Christianity Today. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  13. ^ Biography. Bill Johnson Ministries Archived May 12, 2015, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on April 12, 2017
  14. ^ a b Johnson, Bill. When Heaven Invades Earth Destiny Image, 2003, pg. 88
  15. ^ "Residential Training Instructors – Wagner University". wagner.university. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  16. ^ "Bethel's Bill Johnson Gives Message of 'God's Goodness' After Death of Wife Beni". CBN. July 19, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  17. ^ "Celebrating the Life of Beni Johnson | Bethel". www.bethel.com. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  18. ^ Bill Johnson Film Credits. IMDb. Retrieved October 8, 2017
  19. ^ Strant, Paul. Living a Life of Miracles. CBN TV. Retrieved April 7, 2017
  20. ^ Strant, Paul Miracles Outside the Church Walls. CBN TV. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  21. ^ Staff Writer.Born for Revival. Charisma Magazine, 2016
  22. ^ Roth, Sid. Guest: Bill Johnson. It's Supernatural. Retrieved October 8, 2017
  23. ^ Lodge, Carey (November 10, 2016). "Bethel Church's Bill Johnson: Why I Voted For Trump". Christian Today. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  24. ^ Parke, Caleb (October 31, 2020). "California pastor explains Trump vote with 'clear conscience'". Fox News. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  25. ^ a b Gledhill, Ruth (December 8, 2016). "Pastor Bill Johnson Condemns Homosexual Practice As 'Violation' Of God's Design". Christian Today. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  26. ^ "Beliefs on Sexuality | Bethel". www.bethel.com. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  27. ^ Sandhu, Amber (March 28, 2018). "Bethel comes out against LGBT bills pending in state Legislature". Record Searchlight. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
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