Jenn Johnson Reveals How Simple Obedience Shaped Her Worship Journey and New Solo Project

Bethel Music's Jenn Johnson is opening up about worship, obedience, hearing the voice of God, and the deeply personal journey behind her first-ever solo project in a new interview released through the "Ask Me About Jesus" podcast.

The Bethel Music worship leader joined the conversation for an honest and wide-ranging discussion about faith, songwriting, spiritual growth, parenting, and what it means to live a life fully surrendered to Jesus. The episode, uploaded on May 26, 2026, has already drawn thousands of viewers as Johnson shared stories spanning from childhood encounters with God to the creation of songs sung in churches around the world.

Throughout the interview, Johnson repeatedly emphasized that worship is not simply music or something reserved for church stages, but a lifestyle of continual surrender. Reflecting on a moment from years ago, she recalled being corrected by her father-in-law Bill Johnson after saying she needed to take off her "mommy hat" and put on her "worship hat" before leading worship. Bill responded by telling her, "The worship hat should have never come off," a statement Johnson said completely reshaped her understanding of worship.

Johnson also spoke candidly about overcoming fear and learning obedience through small acts of faithfulness. One of the most memorable stories from the interview centered on her as a seven-year-old girl in chapel wanting to raise her hands during worship but fearing what others would think. She described finally lifting her hands in worship despite feeling terrified, calling it a defining moment that marked the beginning of her journey in boldly following God regardless of public opinion.

Elsewhere in the conversation, Johnson encouraged listeners to approach hearing God's voice with humility and childlike faith rather than pressure or perfectionism. She repeatedly described herself as someone still "practicing" hearing God even after decades in ministry, explaining that spiritual growth often comes through simple obedience in seemingly ordinary moments.

One story she shared involved feeling prompted by God as a teenager to pull over and pick up a piece of garbage on the side of the road while driving to work at McDonald's. Though the act appeared insignificant, Johnson said it became a foundational lesson in obedience and surrender, teaching her to trust God without needing immediate understanding or dramatic results.

The interview also touched on Johnson's songwriting process and the origins behind some of Bethel Music's most beloved worship songs. She revealed that "Goodness of God" began after the finalization of her adopted son's adoption, describing how she spontaneously started singing in gratitude while driving in her car before eventually recording the melody on her phone.

Johnson further revealed details about her solo project - the first she has ever released independently from Bethel Music collaborations. According to Johnson, the project features a wide variety of musical styles and deeply personal themes, including songs written for her children, collaborations with friends like Brooke Ligertwood and Kari Jobe, a country-style love song with her husband Brian Johnson, and even a multilingual "African, Spanish, English" worship track called "Morning to Dancing."

The worship leader also reflected on spiritual hunger, authenticity in worship, and maintaining a childlike wonder before God. She encouraged believers not to become consumed by fear of getting things wrong, instead focusing on obedience, relationship, and continual pursuit of God's presence.

"This episode will inspire you to know Him more and respond to His voice with boldness," the podcast description reads.

The full interview is now available through the Ask Me About Jesus platform and Bethel Music's official channels.

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