What do you think?
Rate this book
The Way of Life (Large Print Edition): Experiencing the Culture of Heaven on Earth
Can the Supernatural Become Natural? Bill Johnson, respected pastor, bestselling author, and senior leader of Bethel Church, lives in a culture of the miraculous. In this expanded edition of his groundbreaking book, The Way of Life , he shares not as a theological spectator, but as an active participant in a historic move of God that has been sweeping the nations. From over 40 years of personal experience with the Holy Spirit, Bill mentors you on how Learn how you can move in the signs, wonders, and supernatural power that the Bible says are available! Includes a brand new chapter on how to steward the glory of God, while pressing on for and anticipating an increase of His supernatural movement in our lives.
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2019
469 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Bill Johnson
766 books535 followersBill Johnson and his wife Brenda (Beni) Johnson are the Senior Pastors of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Johnson is a fifth generation pastor.
Johnson was born in Minnesota in 1951 and became a Christian as a young child. Soon after, Johnson read seven books on prayer, which significantly affected his perspective and subsequent ministry.
Bill Johnson and his wife have three children: Eric, Brian and Leah.
Johnson speaking at a conference
Bill Johnson and Beni (Brenda) began as singles pastors under his father at Bethel. In 1979, they became senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California.
While pastoring in Weaverville, Johnson attended a 1987 conference led by John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. According to Johnson "A number of healings and manifestations broke out and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't object to it, I wasn't opposed to it; I just didn't know how to pastor it in a way that it would continue and increase".
In 1995, Johnson attended the Toronto Blessing revival at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church. Johnson relates: "In Toronto I said, 'Lord, if You touch me again I will never change the subject.' So I went up for prayer every time it was offered. I didn't have anything dramatic happen, but I came home and said, 'I am going to give the rest of my life to this.'"
In February 1996, after 17 years of leading the Weaverville church, the Johnsons were invited to become senior pastors of Bethel. Today Johnson describes Bethel as a church where "everything we do either fuels revival or is fueled by revival." Under his leadership, Bethel left the Assemblies of God in 2006 to become a nondenominational charismatic church.
According to a recent book written by Johnson, "Face to Face with God", Bethel is "a church where supernatural encounters with God happen regularly, miracles are common, and the congregation has an infectious passion for spiritual growth." The church has approximately 1,500 members, and a School of Supernatural Ministry.
Their Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry has 1,200 students enrolled with over 370 from other countries. Johnson leads a network of churches dedicated to global, multi-generational revival, Global Legacy. Johnson has written a number of books and travels extensively as a featured revival conference speaker. Johnson is also involved with the Northern California Revival Fellowship, a group of north Californian pastors committed to revival.
Source: Wikipedia
Johnson was born in Minnesota in 1951 and became a Christian as a young child. Soon after, Johnson read seven books on prayer, which significantly affected his perspective and subsequent ministry.
Bill Johnson and his wife have three children: Eric, Brian and Leah.
Johnson speaking at a conference
Bill Johnson and Beni (Brenda) began as singles pastors under his father at Bethel. In 1979, they became senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California.
While pastoring in Weaverville, Johnson attended a 1987 conference led by John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. According to Johnson "A number of healings and manifestations broke out and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't object to it, I wasn't opposed to it; I just didn't know how to pastor it in a way that it would continue and increase".
In 1995, Johnson attended the Toronto Blessing revival at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church. Johnson relates: "In Toronto I said, 'Lord, if You touch me again I will never change the subject.' So I went up for prayer every time it was offered. I didn't have anything dramatic happen, but I came home and said, 'I am going to give the rest of my life to this.'"
In February 1996, after 17 years of leading the Weaverville church, the Johnsons were invited to become senior pastors of Bethel. Today Johnson describes Bethel as a church where "everything we do either fuels revival or is fueled by revival." Under his leadership, Bethel left the Assemblies of God in 2006 to become a nondenominational charismatic church.
According to a recent book written by Johnson, "Face to Face with God", Bethel is "a church where supernatural encounters with God happen regularly, miracles are common, and the congregation has an infectious passion for spiritual growth." The church has approximately 1,500 members, and a School of Supernatural Ministry.
Their Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry has 1,200 students enrolled with over 370 from other countries. Johnson leads a network of churches dedicated to global, multi-generational revival, Global Legacy. Johnson has written a number of books and travels extensively as a featured revival conference speaker. Johnson is also involved with the Northern California Revival Fellowship, a group of north Californian pastors committed to revival.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 8, 2024
Some very good points. Not always into the depth I prefer, but very nicely written.
September 5, 2018
This book is a book that is a must read for every christian. The words of Wisdom will impact me for years to come. I am so thankful for how God has used Ps. Bill to carry this message of the Fathers heart, God's desire for intimacy and how it has been divinely imparted in us to outwork it in all areas of life!
January 24, 2019
What does heaven look like? Don't wait until you get there to find out! Reading this book will give you a glimpse right now how to live in it and exhibit it in your life every day. You will be filled with great insight from remarkable teacher and pastor, Bill Johnson. If every Christian read this book right now, we would see amazing revival take place, because people would run to experience what we are living. A book I'll reference again and again!!
May 19, 2019
This is a solid, clear explanation of pretty much everything Pastor Bill has preached and taught over the years (albeit with not much on healing -- go get his and Randy Clark's book "Essential Guide to Healing" for an excellent explanation of the history of healing and how to pray for healing).
I found it a nice summary, and a good reference. For others newer to the "Bethel Culture", it might bring clarity.
I found it a nice summary, and a good reference. For others newer to the "Bethel Culture", it might bring clarity.
December 25, 2020
This book is quite different in terms of style than the normal books I read, but I found it to contain significant nuggets of useful and important thoughts and ideas. I greatly respect Bill Johnson, despite the abundance of people who want to vilify him. I especially appreciate the way he responds in kindness and grace to those who choose to insult him and the ministry he is part of. However, most of his books are too loose for my taste, where I continually find myself disagreeing with minor points, that distract me from what he is trying to say. In this book, those distractions were less than normal, and I was able to track with his main points. Similarly, his books read more like a blog, or perhaps a series of sermons. There is no systematic set of arguments or teachings in the book, which makes me confused with how to understand his thought processes. But thankfully, this book was filled (from beginning to end) with very valuable points and encouragements. I am very happy that I read the book.
January 25, 2022
I read this in my continued pursuit to understand those from a different theological position fairly.
My response to this book is... wow, Bill shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a pulpit. He functionally denies the sovereign rule of God, although he would deny that as he pays lip service to the idea a few pages later. Unfortunately for Bill, God's sovereignty means that he is both in charge and in control however uncomfortable that concept can be.
He also makes weird claims and conclusions like saying that Joseph wasn't in charge of the nation of Egypt (sorry, but Pharaoh gave him all authority second to himself) or saying that he served the dream of Pharaoh as if Pharaoh had some grand vision for Egypt that he needed Joseph to carry out.
My recommendation... run away unless you're looking to understand the theology at Bethel a bit better
My response to this book is... wow, Bill shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a pulpit. He functionally denies the sovereign rule of God, although he would deny that as he pays lip service to the idea a few pages later. Unfortunately for Bill, God's sovereignty means that he is both in charge and in control however uncomfortable that concept can be.
He also makes weird claims and conclusions like saying that Joseph wasn't in charge of the nation of Egypt (sorry, but Pharaoh gave him all authority second to himself) or saying that he served the dream of Pharaoh as if Pharaoh had some grand vision for Egypt that he needed Joseph to carry out.
My recommendation... run away unless you're looking to understand the theology at Bethel a bit better
April 25, 2022
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast*”… this book is about culture. Full of wisdom. Each chapter spills over with faith, insight, and real life experience. From an outside perspective, what seems to make Bethel in Redding,CA unique is their culture. This book contains insight into the foundation and values of that culture. I appreciate Bill Johnson’s humility and desire to adore Jesus above all else. I also appreciate that he took time to write this book to unpack some of the values that he has embraced and cultivated in his ministry. This is the kind of book you read, make notes, reflect, read again, pray about, wish their was a class on the subject, and then re-read your notes and think about deeply again. It’s jam packed and I enjoyed it.
*Peter Drucker
*Peter Drucker
May 19, 2020
I have read some of Bill Johnson's books in the past and I think this is my favorite. We did this as a book study and it took awhile to finish but it wasn't because the book was bad. It is so good. I think my favorite insight was that God sees all humans through the saving blood of Jesus. This is a great book when looking at culture of a church organization. Bill shares a lot of Bethel's culture in this book and it is a great read for churches looking to establish their culture.
January 28, 2021
A challenging concept
I’m always interested in Bethel’s writings, and I read them to get a good understanding of the church’s culture.
This book is extremely challenging, in that Bethel has had such success with their church. Few church leaders are willing to take the chance that Bill Johnson does to invest in people, and fewer are willing to make the choices he makes to see his vision come to pass.
Great read; worth every minute you’ll spend reading it.
I’m always interested in Bethel’s writings, and I read them to get a good understanding of the church’s culture.
This book is extremely challenging, in that Bethel has had such success with their church. Few church leaders are willing to take the chance that Bill Johnson does to invest in people, and fewer are willing to make the choices he makes to see his vision come to pass.
Great read; worth every minute you’ll spend reading it.
April 5, 2023
No sooner did I finish this book then I thought I should start it again. It is so full of rich wisdom and discourse on so many subjects. There was so much to chew on that I only read a small section a day (probably why I need to start over again). The end was full of more to research and consider as well as a great interview with Bill. You can just feel his heartbeat in this book and the interview. What a gift.
October 23, 2019
Where do I start - such an amazing book. First book I have read by Bill Johnson and there is sooooo much wisdom. A book worth rereading every few years and also one that would be really good for young people who are graduating. I wouldn’t call it at easy read, many times I felt convicted which is good for growth, but it’s a stick with it read.
May 10, 2021
Yet another powerful book by Bill Johnson
An inside look into Bethel Church in Redding, CA. What moves them, where the culture came from and the intense hunger for more of God, His love, presence and glory. Bill pack so much heavy material I often found myself reading it in small chunks to better marinate on what he is saying. Fantastic read! Can’t recommend it enough!!
An inside look into Bethel Church in Redding, CA. What moves them, where the culture came from and the intense hunger for more of God, His love, presence and glory. Bill pack so much heavy material I often found myself reading it in small chunks to better marinate on what he is saying. Fantastic read! Can’t recommend it enough!!
March 28, 2023
Christian buzzwords. If you're Christian there's not really much new here, and if you weren't it would leave you deeply confused about the tenants of Christ.
Mostly there's a subtle reinforcement of the church patriarchy. You're not allowed to change the Bible, but we won't examine how it was composed. Know your place, defer to leadership, and most importantly tithe until you're uncomfortable.
Mostly there's a subtle reinforcement of the church patriarchy. You're not allowed to change the Bible, but we won't examine how it was composed. Know your place, defer to leadership, and most importantly tithe until you're uncomfortable.
March 9, 2025
Enjoyed and learned a lot.
Bill Johnson shares in a very transparent way his relationship with God. He gave me great inspiration and insight. Thank you Bill for mentoring me. I appreciate your books very much and get more excited about my growing relationship with Father God. You help me connect with Him.
Bill Johnson shares in a very transparent way his relationship with God. He gave me great inspiration and insight. Thank you Bill for mentoring me. I appreciate your books very much and get more excited about my growing relationship with Father God. You help me connect with Him.
November 30, 2019
Great foundational truths for every believer
We used the training materials for our men’s group and it was such an amazing time. Recommend this book and/or it’s training materials for any believer looking for Kingdom truths.
We used the training materials for our men’s group and it was such an amazing time. Recommend this book and/or it’s training materials for any believer looking for Kingdom truths.
September 23, 2023
Inspired me to deepen my relationship with God
This is an incredibly thought provoking and inspiring book. The incite and wisdom shared here are invaluable especially the revelation of co-laboring with God to bring His Kingdom to the earth.
This is an incredibly thought provoking and inspiring book. The incite and wisdom shared here are invaluable especially the revelation of co-laboring with God to bring His Kingdom to the earth.
June 28, 2024
Amazing!
I have been following Bill Johnson’s teaching for over two decades. His teachings have always drawn the hearts of the believers to hunger more for Jesus. This book is an excellent read of drawing closer to God daily
I have been following Bill Johnson’s teaching for over two decades. His teachings have always drawn the hearts of the believers to hunger more for Jesus. This book is an excellent read of drawing closer to God daily
October 5, 2018
Solid book again.
Worth your time reading. Great culture pieces for personal life and ministry life to reflect upon and incorporate into normal life.
Worth your time reading. Great culture pieces for personal life and ministry life to reflect upon and incorporate into normal life.
January 27, 2019
Another thought provoking book...
February 27, 2019
Supernaturally filled
April 23, 2019
There is a great deal of wisdom in this book regarding how to practically impact culture. Enjoyed the perspective and inherent challenges in the concepts presented.
May 14, 2019
A spiritual tour de force !
Bill Johnson has taken revelation,experience and practical Knowledge and created a 21st century manifesto to impact the world
A fantastic read !
Bill Johnson has taken revelation,experience and practical Knowledge and created a 21st century manifesto to impact the world
A fantastic read !
November 19, 2019
Johnson has great insight as usual. I listened to it through Audible and wish I had read it in print instead. I don’t enjoy when the authors themselves don’t narrate.
February 5, 2020
Another well written book
Don't really know what else to say another very down to earth book well written.
Looking forward to his next book
Don't really know what else to say another very down to earth book well written.
Looking forward to his next book
Read
March 26, 2020Astonished at what I just read.
Why am I always shocked that Bill's newest book is always so much better than the last? There are so many profound truths in this book.
Why am I always shocked that Bill's newest book is always so much better than the last? There are so many profound truths in this book.
January 26, 2021
This is a book that makes you slow as a reader - so many deep thoughts, that you just have to slow down and try to chew a while. Very inspiring and theological.
May 24, 2021
A great book to get insights on how to live a life modeled after your friendship with Jesus.
July 6, 2021
Great book!!
February 19, 2022
This was a very good book and I probably should reread it every couple years. An excellent basis for our life in the Lord.
April 20, 2023
I’ve been learning about the Kingdom of God. This book gives insight into how Bethel cultivates a culture that wants to constantly experience His Kingdom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews