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Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough
Is there really any hope for a spiritual way of living that actually works?
Admiration, comfort, love, power, success, pleasure, escape, we’re all addicted to something, whether we realize it or not.
In this deeply heartfelt book, author John Ortberg offers a guide for transformation when we know something needs to change but we can’t do it on our own. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and using the framework of AAs 12 steps as a guide, Ortberg offers all of us a freeing roadmap up our exhausting and fruitless efforts to fix, manage, and control our own livesDistinguishing between when willpower is essential and when it is futileDiscovering how God can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves, andliving authentically, joyfully and in communion with God and other people.Ortberg shows us how to spiritual attachment stylesOur core doubts The benefits of practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulnessGod’s sufficiency in our inadequacyIn Steps, find what’s needed to experience a new freedom, a new fellowship and a new happiness no matter our circumstances.
Admiration, comfort, love, power, success, pleasure, escape, we’re all addicted to something, whether we realize it or not.
In this deeply heartfelt book, author John Ortberg offers a guide for transformation when we know something needs to change but we can’t do it on our own. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and using the framework of AAs 12 steps as a guide, Ortberg offers all of us a freeing roadmap up our exhausting and fruitless efforts to fix, manage, and control our own livesDistinguishing between when willpower is essential and when it is futileDiscovering how God can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves, andliving authentically, joyfully and in communion with God and other people.Ortberg shows us how to spiritual attachment stylesOur core doubts The benefits of practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulnessGod’s sufficiency in our inadequacyIn Steps, find what’s needed to experience a new freedom, a new fellowship and a new happiness no matter our circumstances.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
305 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 4, 2025
“I can’t, He can, I think I’ll let Him.” This book is a wealth of wisdom, packed with memorable quotes, and a way of life that must lead to beauty. It works, if you work it. One of the best books I’ve ever read on Formation. I’ll keep coming back.
June 13, 2025
I cannot recommend this book enough. I will be re-reading and referencing for likely the rest of my life. I’ve had mostly a negative association with the twelve step program of AA largely due to experiences with people who leave the programs with a primary identify as “addict”. But this book and going through a recovery program myself has changed my perspective. I’m not confident this practice is the way we were called to live. Pulling from Curt Thompson, Atomic Habits, Emily P. Freeman, and many more, Ortberg compiled almost every helpful book I’ve ever read and seemed to simplify and put them all together. Not only that but every step and practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and the way of Jesus. I can’t. He can. I think I’ll let Him. It works if you work it. Something is shifting in my brain about the way this whole grace and his strength is made perfect in my weakness thing. It’s kinda wild.
May 3, 2025
This was a great read. Fourteen years ago, I took one of my favorite classes at Fuller, a two week intensive called "Recovery and Spirituality". We learned how the church should look more like a recovery group - experiencing connection and healing through openness about faults. This is exactly what Ortberg is arguing for and I couldn't agree more. As he says, "AA got the Twelve Steps from the church. And now the church needs them back."
Ortberg helpfully summarizes the first three steps as "I can't. God can. I think I'll let him." And he talks about how there is Step 0 needed for most Christians, who can struggle with admitting brokenness, as we want to maintain an image of being spiritually mature - "We admitted that, despite all appearances, we were not fine."
I really appreciated Ortberg's humility and transparency about his own specific faults and struggles in his own journey. These examples helped me explore the ways I am defensive, short with others, and unwilling to admit to myself, God, and others "the exact nature of my wrongs" (Step 5). The nature of sin is wanting to hide and I too often forget that this brings isolation, when what I really desire is connection and healing. As Ortberg says, “You can be impressive. You can be connected. You can’t be both.”
A few other quotes I found helpful:
"The longer we follow God, the more we realize how unmanageable our lives have become."
"Don’t just do something. Sit there.”
“In surrender, we give up control, but we do not give up agency.”
"You don’t need a cure. You need a witness."
Ortberg helpfully summarizes the first three steps as "I can't. God can. I think I'll let him." And he talks about how there is Step 0 needed for most Christians, who can struggle with admitting brokenness, as we want to maintain an image of being spiritually mature - "We admitted that, despite all appearances, we were not fine."
I really appreciated Ortberg's humility and transparency about his own specific faults and struggles in his own journey. These examples helped me explore the ways I am defensive, short with others, and unwilling to admit to myself, God, and others "the exact nature of my wrongs" (Step 5). The nature of sin is wanting to hide and I too often forget that this brings isolation, when what I really desire is connection and healing. As Ortberg says, “You can be impressive. You can be connected. You can’t be both.”
A few other quotes I found helpful:
"The longer we follow God, the more we realize how unmanageable our lives have become."
"Don’t just do something. Sit there.”
“In surrender, we give up control, but we do not give up agency.”
"You don’t need a cure. You need a witness."
August 14, 2025
I have loved JO’s books for years, but THIS one is THE BEST one I’ve ever read from him. In fact, it’s probably in the Top 5 of books I’ve ever read! As someone in recovery who leads people in recovery, I found his breakdown of the 12 steps to be so fulfilling. Breaking each step into part A, B, and C was helpful as well. John’s ability to weave Scripture, Steps, and Stories together is one of the writings I love his books so much. And, after reading what he’s been through in the past few years, it was encouraging to read how he came through on the other side.
December 8, 2025
I grew up hearing the twelve steps spoken against as if it were anti-Christian. After coming to understand the history and philosophy of them I feel differently. Ortberg makes a statement in this book that the Church needs to take back the twelve steps, and after reading this book I am sure you will agree. No, twelve steps groups are not Churches but I think many of our Churches are missing a framework in which people can heal and truly change. Books like this are important for calling us back to our mission. The gospel is meant to completely transform lives, and the Church has the mission of carrying that transformation to the world.
December 31, 2025
Practical and insightful. Encouraging and sobering.
October 28, 2025
I have been waiting for this book for years--12 steps for the rest of us because we are all addicted to something.
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May 25, 2025Written on the premise that AA got the 12 Steps from the church, and now the church needs them back; If we could approach spiritual growth with the same urgency, desperation and humility that a person in addiction experiences at their breaking point, we’d find ourselves more closely connected to God and to each other, celebrating personal inadequacies and actually being real with each other.
Full disclosure: I’m a recovering addict who does not practice the 12 steps and has yet to attend an AA meeting that feels like the ones the author attended, but I respect the program. The steps laid out as they are in this book really do make a lot of sense in the context of faith and spiritual growth, and John Ortberg’s plain English writing makes them very accessible.
Full disclosure: I’m a recovering addict who does not practice the 12 steps and has yet to attend an AA meeting that feels like the ones the author attended, but I respect the program. The steps laid out as they are in this book really do make a lot of sense in the context of faith and spiritual growth, and John Ortberg’s plain English writing makes them very accessible.
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January 2, 2026Steps was the best Non-fiction book I read in 2025. It’s a hopeful, grace-filled rewrite of the 12 steps. Accessible, practical, and life-giving. A must-read for anyone seeking freedom, healing, or deeper authenticity. I took 6 pages of notes on this book but here are my top ten takeaways (which was HARD to narrow down).
10 powerful takeaways:
A true spiritual journey begins when we admit we are not in control. God is.
God is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Comforter. He is present and powerful.
The essential question: Do I believe there is a Power greater than myself?
Faith is a gift. Ask God for helpful faith, even in the presence of doubt.
In some ways God’s biggest miracle was his smallest: He condensed all his being into a single human body and came down to earth to be with people.
We often want God to change our circumstances, while God wants to use our circumstances to change us.
We cannot be in a relationship of love with Jesus and continue to harm the people around us. If we aren’t willing to make amends, we don’t really want to be forgiven, we just want to avoid pain.
Forgiveness is rarely one-and-done. It’s a lifelong maintenance practice.
Healing matters because healed people become a force for good in the world.
The antidote to fear is awareness of God’s presence: God is able. God is here. God is good. Here's a list of my top 5 picks from 2025: https://kathrynegly.com/2026/01/01/be...
10 powerful takeaways:
A true spiritual journey begins when we admit we are not in control. God is.
God is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Comforter. He is present and powerful.
The essential question: Do I believe there is a Power greater than myself?
Faith is a gift. Ask God for helpful faith, even in the presence of doubt.
In some ways God’s biggest miracle was his smallest: He condensed all his being into a single human body and came down to earth to be with people.
We often want God to change our circumstances, while God wants to use our circumstances to change us.
We cannot be in a relationship of love with Jesus and continue to harm the people around us. If we aren’t willing to make amends, we don’t really want to be forgiven, we just want to avoid pain.
Forgiveness is rarely one-and-done. It’s a lifelong maintenance practice.
Healing matters because healed people become a force for good in the world.
The antidote to fear is awareness of God’s presence: God is able. God is here. God is good. Here's a list of my top 5 picks from 2025: https://kathrynegly.com/2026/01/01/be...
April 6, 2025
12 Steps to Freedom
I highly recommend Steps by John Ortberg. As a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for over 25 years, I have read countless books on the Twelve Steps, but this one stands above the rest. Steps is not just about addiction. It is about the things that keep all of us stuck: fear, shame, control, trauma, and the struggles we carry but rarely talk about.
Ortberg brings a depth of wisdom and honesty that sets this book apart. He writes not just as a pastor or a teacher but as someone who has wrestled through pain and brokenness. His words aren’t just insightful, he lives them.
I truly believe this book has the potential to change how people, especially the church, understand the Twelve Steps. It is more than a recovery tool, it is a path to healing, freedom, and profound transformation for anyone willing to take it. Ortberg’s gift is in how he tells the story, weaving together truth, struggle, and hope in a way that pulls you in.
This book takes you to the hardest places but doesn’t leave you there. It walks you through the valleys and points you toward something greater. It is a journey worth taking, everyone should read this book.
I highly recommend Steps by John Ortberg. As a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for over 25 years, I have read countless books on the Twelve Steps, but this one stands above the rest. Steps is not just about addiction. It is about the things that keep all of us stuck: fear, shame, control, trauma, and the struggles we carry but rarely talk about.
Ortberg brings a depth of wisdom and honesty that sets this book apart. He writes not just as a pastor or a teacher but as someone who has wrestled through pain and brokenness. His words aren’t just insightful, he lives them.
I truly believe this book has the potential to change how people, especially the church, understand the Twelve Steps. It is more than a recovery tool, it is a path to healing, freedom, and profound transformation for anyone willing to take it. Ortberg’s gift is in how he tells the story, weaving together truth, struggle, and hope in a way that pulls you in.
This book takes you to the hardest places but doesn’t leave you there. It walks you through the valleys and points you toward something greater. It is a journey worth taking, everyone should read this book.
September 30, 2025
Without a doubt this is a 5 stars book. Full of trans-formative truth. But presented with a simplicity and depth and radical thinking that is so refreshing. As Ortberg says, "This is not a book about how you can triumph over your problems. This is a book about a way of life to follow when you can’t." Based in the 12 steps of AA, this manual is broadened to include all of us who desire a journey to true life.
It took me 3 months to wrestle with this book, and yet I still feel like I have only scratched the surface. This book demands a slow and deep read, and action! I have tagged dozens of quotes to ponder over and take to heart. But in summary, the plea is to submit to Jesus with this mantra:
I can’t.
He can.
I think I’ll let him.
It took me 3 months to wrestle with this book, and yet I still feel like I have only scratched the surface. This book demands a slow and deep read, and action! I have tagged dozens of quotes to ponder over and take to heart. But in summary, the plea is to submit to Jesus with this mantra:
I can’t.
He can.
I think I’ll let him.
March 29, 2025
It would probably be difficult for me to dislike a book by a Willard student, but this work by Ortberg stands on its own.
There’s a powerful place to write from—when the author isn’t writing from a mountaintop but from the valley they’ve walked through.
Ortberg’s writing in Steps carries the voice of someone who knows what it feels like to be humbled, exposed, and yet still held by the grace of Jesus.
It’s the kind of sincerity that can’t be faked.
It’s also the kind of faith that’s forged—not inherited.
I bought both audio and physical copies so I could reference this work, as I know I will many times.
There’s a powerful place to write from—when the author isn’t writing from a mountaintop but from the valley they’ve walked through.
Ortberg’s writing in Steps carries the voice of someone who knows what it feels like to be humbled, exposed, and yet still held by the grace of Jesus.
It’s the kind of sincerity that can’t be faked.
It’s also the kind of faith that’s forged—not inherited.
I bought both audio and physical copies so I could reference this work, as I know I will many times.
October 23, 2025
This book isn't happy-go-lucky discipleship. This book is like, "I'm in the mood to inventory my entire emotional life with God and feel the weight of my sin." Just fyi lol. It's great though. John Ortberg crushes this book and beautifully reclaims AA for Christianity. What I most appreciated about this read was that it reminds you, the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. Dependence and humility are the keys to the kingdom. Thank goodness because the Lord knows none of us are good enough apart from Jesus. Overall #wouldrecommend
December 1, 2025
worth the time
John Ortberg has forever been a favourite writer, speaker and thinker of mine so this review is probably biased. However this book did not disappoint. John writes in. Way that is super accessible, but still well read, researched and seamlessly weaves in research and a breadth of knowledge into what can often feel like a fireside deep and meaningful conversation. This book is a must read for all who are looking for a way back to truly being human, real and alive.
John Ortberg has forever been a favourite writer, speaker and thinker of mine so this review is probably biased. However this book did not disappoint. John writes in. Way that is super accessible, but still well read, researched and seamlessly weaves in research and a breadth of knowledge into what can often feel like a fireside deep and meaningful conversation. This book is a must read for all who are looking for a way back to truly being human, real and alive.
April 16, 2025
Ok here's the truth. I listened to this book on Audible, but I ordered it on paperback and I'm planning to turn around and read it through page by page. Even if you've never taken the opportunity to join a twelve step program, Ortberg opens up the power behind it while all along encouraging you to do more than look at it from a distance. There are so many insights, so many practical steps. It's just that good.
August 3, 2025
We read this book with our growth group. Jon Ortberg uses the 12 steps from Alcoholics Anonymous to help readers apply this same approach to any stronghold in our lives. We all have things that hold us back from achieving God's purpose for our lives--temptations, idols, struggles, etc. We may not struggle with alcohol, but I do struggle with other areas of temptation. My biggest takeaway from this book and the AA approach to healing is this: I can't. God can. I think I'll let him.
June 26, 2025
A go-to for a Christian in AA
This book is filled with life from start to finish. John offers a way to merge AA with its primitive roots and somehow keep the edginess that is AA. Steps will help you methodically make sense of each step and how to have the courage to move toward acceptance.
This book is filled with life from start to finish. John offers a way to merge AA with its primitive roots and somehow keep the edginess that is AA. Steps will help you methodically make sense of each step and how to have the courage to move toward acceptance.
September 15, 2025
Not just for addicts!
I attended a NarAnon group for nearly a decade and was taught to follow the 12 steps. But after reading this book, I better understand how to do it.
The 12 Steps are something all Christians should be doing. I highly recommend reading it
I liked how he made very few references to using this in addiction/ alcohol recovery, so that EVERYONE feels this isn't exclusive.
I attended a NarAnon group for nearly a decade and was taught to follow the 12 steps. But after reading this book, I better understand how to do it.
The 12 Steps are something all Christians should be doing. I highly recommend reading it
I liked how he made very few references to using this in addiction/ alcohol recovery, so that EVERYONE feels this isn't exclusive.
August 11, 2025
Beautiful, pastoral, and for everyone. I got so much out of this book. Started listening, but then quickly bought the book because I knew I'd want to refer back to it. Highly recommend, whether you struggle with addiction or not. Especially if you've been curious about the 12 Steps... start here.
September 8, 2025
I’ve been really enjoying to read this book.
John gives you praticial steps to use in your daily life. But combinate it with bibical stuff.
What can I say more? I would say- read it by yourself and let be transformed!
John gives you praticial steps to use in your daily life. But combinate it with bibical stuff.
What can I say more? I would say- read it by yourself and let be transformed!
did-not-finish
October 30, 2025This 12 step book would be great for dealing with a specific habit or something that needs to be repaired/controlled/fixed. Also, not the audiobook as it reads a little like a workbook. I may pick this up again but I’m not sure.
February 7, 2025
I love John Ortberg, but was skeptical about the idea of the 12 steps for all Christians. But it surprised and encouraged me. I hope you find it helpful too.
February 11, 2025
Forty-seven dog eared pages!
March 10, 2025
Recommended by a friend.
Looking forward to to re-reading. IT would be a great read for a group.
Looking forward to to re-reading. IT would be a great read for a group.
May 7, 2025
excellent read
As every book i have read, this is encouraging and insightful. Great take on the 12 steps. Great writer. Thanks, John for another fantastic book.
As every book i have read, this is encouraging and insightful. Great take on the 12 steps. Great writer. Thanks, John for another fantastic book.
June 6, 2025
Having been an Ortberg fan for many years, this book was filled with great reminders, many memorable quotes and a positive message. Well done John!
June 11, 2025
This could be my favorite book of John’s. It is a very practical approach to living life fighting our sins and addictions and just an overall great blueprint to daily life living out the faith.
July 11, 2025
Book Club Book #2, y’all should join a book club
July 26, 2025
Best book I’ve read all year
September 17, 2025
best book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews