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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
Giving up our exhausting and fruitless efforts to fix, manage, and control our own lives Distinguishing between when willpower is essential and when it is futile Discovering how God can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves, and living authentically, joyfully and in communion with God and other people. Ortberg shows us how to
Our spiritual attachment styles Our core doubts The benefits of practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness God’s sufficiency in our inadequacy In 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
Giving up our exhausting and fruitless efforts to fix, manage, and control our own lives Distinguishing between when willpower is essential and when it is futile Discovering how God can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves, and living authentically, joyfully and in communion with God and other people. Ortberg shows us how to
Our spiritual attachment styles Our core doubts The benefits of practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness God’s sufficiency in our inadequacy In Steps, find what’s needed to experience a new freedom, a new fellowship and a new happiness no matter our circumstances.
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Published February 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
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.
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.
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.
February 15, 2026
The subtitle to John Ortberg’s book, called Steps, is: A guide to transforming your life when willpower isn’t enough. This gives the impression that the book is for everyone since willpower alone is never enough to transform our lives. Whoever we are and whatever our problem, we’re going to need God’s enabling.
However, the real audience for Steps is those with issues that affect their daily lives, which haven’t been resolved through regular spiritual disciplines. Normally, God through the process of sanctification, helps us to forgive, overcome anger and anxiety so that our lives begin to show the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Yet some are unable to find freedom from addictions or deep-seated issues that continue to dominate their lives. Steps is written for these people.
John Ortberg uses the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps program, which is normally used for those with substance addictions, to guide readers through the process of finding freedom from life-altering problems. Throughout the book, Ortberg writes about his problem of being addicted to the need to feel special for his giftedness. For Ortberg, approval isn’t just a nice thing to experience, it’s something he desperately needs to feel good about himself. This makes him sensitive to any hint of criticism and has caused him problems in his career and relationships as he has pursued the appearance of success rather than authenticity. Ortberg doesn’t reveal the particular details of the problems he caused, but it’s clear he has been through a very difficult time.
For general readers, there is much good teaching and sound advice in Steps. Ortberg has thoroughly researched his findings, as well as using personal illustrations and those of others. The book is well-written but, at times, more heavy-going than Ortberg’s other books. Personally, I found the early and later chapters were the most helpful.
Overall, a challenging and insightful read.
However, the real audience for Steps is those with issues that affect their daily lives, which haven’t been resolved through regular spiritual disciplines. Normally, God through the process of sanctification, helps us to forgive, overcome anger and anxiety so that our lives begin to show the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Yet some are unable to find freedom from addictions or deep-seated issues that continue to dominate their lives. Steps is written for these people.
John Ortberg uses the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps program, which is normally used for those with substance addictions, to guide readers through the process of finding freedom from life-altering problems. Throughout the book, Ortberg writes about his problem of being addicted to the need to feel special for his giftedness. For Ortberg, approval isn’t just a nice thing to experience, it’s something he desperately needs to feel good about himself. This makes him sensitive to any hint of criticism and has caused him problems in his career and relationships as he has pursued the appearance of success rather than authenticity. Ortberg doesn’t reveal the particular details of the problems he caused, but it’s clear he has been through a very difficult time.
For general readers, there is much good teaching and sound advice in Steps. Ortberg has thoroughly researched his findings, as well as using personal illustrations and those of others. The book is well-written but, at times, more heavy-going than Ortberg’s other books. Personally, I found the early and later chapters were the most helpful.
Overall, a challenging and insightful read.
Read
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...
March 10, 2026
This is one of my new favorite books. Easily. I grew tired of underlining quotes because the ENTIRE book was just sooooooo good. It’s my new favorite book to recommend, and it was generously given to me via my brother, @johnnybetts (this has intimately blessed me, brother).
This book has been DEEPLY formative, engaging, and has made me laugh out loud more times than I remember any other book doing. This book brings you into the realities of the Fellowship of the Withered Hand, for which we are all members of: we are people who need help, especially if we don’t think we do. It will force you into hard and heavy confrontation with yourself through gracious and tough love. It will make you find parts of yourself you have tried to cover up, and it will make you find parts of Jesus you didn’t reach for.
I started reading this book with my main prayer being a prayer for a “resurrected life” (my actual words). Too ironic then that the last line of the book ends with the final step being “Resurrection”. I can’t. He can. I think I’ll let Him.
For fans of John Mark Comer and others in the spiritual formation and Practicing the Way circles, this matches well (especially since JMC has referred to John Ortberg as one of his mentors).
This book has been DEEPLY formative, engaging, and has made me laugh out loud more times than I remember any other book doing. This book brings you into the realities of the Fellowship of the Withered Hand, for which we are all members of: we are people who need help, especially if we don’t think we do. It will force you into hard and heavy confrontation with yourself through gracious and tough love. It will make you find parts of yourself you have tried to cover up, and it will make you find parts of Jesus you didn’t reach for.
I started reading this book with my main prayer being a prayer for a “resurrected life” (my actual words). Too ironic then that the last line of the book ends with the final step being “Resurrection”. I can’t. He can. I think I’ll let Him.
For fans of John Mark Comer and others in the spiritual formation and Practicing the Way circles, this matches well (especially since JMC has referred to John Ortberg as one of his mentors).
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.
March 24, 2026
This is one of the most powerful and influential books I've ever read. It is based on the 12 Steps of AA and OA (and all the others). It resulted in some serious soul-searching and determination to change. Even if you think you aren't addicted to something, you are. I recommend that if you plan to read this, you shouldn't try to "go it alone". Find a friend and work it together. (I did it with a group of 3 trusted friends. We did it section by section. 12 chapters 33 sections.) It's definitely worth the time.
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.
January 4, 2026
Tuesday Morning Small Group
This book uses the AA 12 steps to illustrate spiritual practices & disciplines. Ortberg’s writing style is concise, humorous, & easy to follow, so many practical & tangibles ideas to encourage self-awareness & connection to Jesus. It was a good book to discuss in our small group.
This book uses the AA 12 steps to illustrate spiritual practices & disciplines. Ortberg’s writing style is concise, humorous, & easy to follow, so many practical & tangibles ideas to encourage self-awareness & connection to Jesus. It was a good book to discuss in our small group.
February 12, 2026
one of the best books i’ve read on actually living out christian life. a slow, introspective read on what it looks like to accept your own mess, invite people into it, and go/grow together out of it. 10/10 would recommend for anyone looking for practical steps on the communal side of spiritual formation
February 14, 2026
Absolutely fantastic. I filled this book with annotations and I know I’ll be referencing it for years to come. Coming into this, I wasn't very familiar with the 12-step framework, but Ortberg makes it so accessible. It really opened my eyes to how these programs position us to partner with God to overcome any stronghold. A must-read for anyone looking for practical spiritual transformation!
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 23, 2026
I'm going to re-read this with a physical copy. There were so many nuggets of wisdom that I tried to type in my notes app while driving or doing laundry. I would love to go through this again with a more intentional, focused posture.
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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews