Why Fear of Criticism & Gossip Doesn't Consume Me Anymore | Sadie Robertson Huff & Jenn Johnson

Summary

Summary of “Why Fear of Criticism & Gossip Doesn't Consume Me Anymore” | Sadie Robertson Huff & Jenn Johnson

Episode Release Date: February 19, 2025

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Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of the WHOA That's Good Podcast, host Sadie Robertson Huff sits down with renowned worship leader and Bethel Music artist Jenn Johnson. The conversation delves deep into overcoming the fear of criticism and gossip, maintaining joy and authenticity in faith, and the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in their lives and ministries.

Balancing Joy and Faith

Jenn Johnson opens up about the intrinsic link between joy and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that joy is a vital fruit of the Spirit alongside love. She shares her daily routine of starting the day with Bible reading, highlighting its transformative power:

“I get up every morning... and just read my Bible for the first hour, and, man, it just changes the day, changes my life.”
— Jenn Johnson (04:23)

Sadie acknowledges the importance of recognizing all fruits of the Spirit, adding that Jenn's approach provides valuable insights for listeners navigating their spiritual journeys.

Walking with the Holy Spirit

The conversation transitions to actively living in step with the Holy Spirit. Jenn recounts her experiences at Passion Conference 2025, where she was deeply moved by Earl's message on the Holy Spirit. She uses a relatable analogy to explain the Trinity, likening God to an apple with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as its skin, inside, and seeds:

“Understanding God like that, in his three different parts, we walk with the Father... Jesus, the Son... and the Holy Spirit...”
— Jenn Johnson (05:18)

Jenn emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit's prompting, sharing a powerful anecdote about encouraging a former boxer to reconnect with his passion through a simple act inspired by the Spirit:

“...something beautiful about the Holy Spirit. He's present with us, he's talking to us... he can just meet us right where we're at.”
— Jenn Johnson (08:02)

Impact of Worship and Testimony

Jenn discusses her latest worship album with Bethel Music, "We Must Respond", highlighting the collective effort and testimonies that underpin each song. She describes the collaborative process, involving multiple worship leaders and songwriters, to create music that is biblically grounded and Spirit-filled:

“The goodness and holy and the Church as well is just the collection of people behind the song... it was a holy moment in that room.”
— Jenn Johnson (20:03)

Sadie praises the album’s cohesiveness and the meaningful stories behind each track, particularly the song “The Church”, which Jenn explains as a prayer for unity across global denominations.

Overcoming Fear of Man

A pivotal moment in the conversation centers on overcoming the fear of man—a struggle many face in expressing their faith authentically. Jenn shares a transformative experience from her childhood where she chose to raise her hands in worship despite fearing ridicule:

“I just closed my eyes and just raised my hands and just breaking past the fear of man to do what I knew I was supposed to do.”
— Jenn Johnson (32:04)

She reflects on how this courage has evolved, allowing her to focus more on partnering with God rather than worrying about others' opinions:

“...focused on listening to him and going for that than I am on the fear of man and messing up.”
— Jenn Johnson (33:30)

Sadie relates by sharing her own experiences with fear of judgment, reinforcing the message that embracing vulnerability in faith leads to genuine worship and personal growth.

The Power of Community and Unity

Jenn highlights the significance of community in worship and ministry. She speaks about the collaborative nature of her music projects and the unity found within diverse church denominations:

“It's a passion for the unity and celebration of diversity within the global church... a prayer for the global church to sing in unity.”
— Jenn Johnson (20:03)

Sadie echoes this sentiment, discussing her personal journey through various church settings and how embracing different expressions of faith has enriched her own understanding and practice.

Personal Stories and Spiritual Growth

Both Jenn and Sadie share personal anecdotes that illustrate their spiritual journeys and the profound ways they've experienced God's presence. Jenn recounts moments of divine intervention during songwriting and the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit during her worship leading:

“The Holy Spirit kind of meeting him right there... it's a beautiful thing about the Holy Spirit.”
— Jenn Johnson (08:47)

Sadie adds her story of how witnessing Lauren Daigle worship freely inspired her to overcome her own fears and embrace authentic worship without concern for others' perceptions.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with reflections on the necessity of responding to God's presence daily through worship and the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Him. Jenn's upcoming solo album, "Happy", is introduced as an extension of her journey towards embracing joy and authenticity in worship.

Jenn leaves listeners with an empowering message about the responsibility to respond to God's ongoing work in their lives, encouraging them to integrate worship into their daily routines to stay connected and inspired.

“We must respond because... it's a charge for us to be aware of our need for worship every day.”
— Jenn Johnson (52:11)

Sadie expresses her gratitude for Jenn’s openness and the inspiring dialogue, underscoring the episode's central theme: overcoming fear to live a life of joyful, authentic faith.

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This episode serves as an inspiring guide for listeners seeking to deepen their faith, overcome societal pressures, and embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance in their daily lives. Through personal stories and profound insights, Sadie and Jenn offer a roadmap to living fearlessly and joyfully in one's spiritual journey.

Transcript

[A]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

What's up, friends? Happy woe. That's good. Wednesday. I hope you're having a great week, but per usual, it is about to get so much better, y'all. We have a treat. This girl is no stranger to the what? Let's go podcast. We have our dear friend Jen Johnson back on the podcast. Hey, the hype is real. We're black. Much live audience. I know. And we're matching in our black sweats because Friday is our chill day, and we're chilling together today. So I love it.

[B]

Except for you had your hair appointment before mine. Mine's tomorrow, so your hair is looking fresh.

[A]

My hair is fresh and clean and silky. Day before and tomorrow, day before hair day. You are always a beauty queen, though. Like, I remember the first time I went to your house and your makeup was just, like, perfect, but you were like, no, I had someone come and do it. I was like, oh, that's awesome. Like, you're. You're epic. You're welcome.

[B]

We take all the help we can get.

[A]

And then when you came for conference, my friend was. I hope you're okay. If you don't want me to say this, I can cut this out.

[B]

I am an open book.

[A]

My friend was hosting you, and she was like, it was the most fun thing ever. She had me go get her eyelashes from Ulta. I was like, that's the most Jen Johnson request ever.

[B]

Yes, it's a frequent request. It's got to the point now where my guy who travels with me, he keeps just extra eyelashes in his bag at all times. And he's just the tech guy.

[A]

So you're gonna have to tell your eyelash secrets, though, because I'm always scared to wear them because I'm always subject to cry at any message, any worship moment. But do yours just stay on or do you just not cry?

[B]

I am a crier, especially if it's Jesus. But it's the glue. I have a good glue, so it's all in the glue.

[A]

We're gonna have to link.

[B]

The ones I have on today are extra wild. My friend actually picked them up and the doordasher brought her the really extra wild one. So if you look closely, they're, like, really dramatic today.

[A]

I love it. That's awesome.

[B]

I was like, feels right for this Friday.

[A]

It feels right wearing a black swe. But if you're chill here, you can go a little extra with the lash.

[B]

Am I right?

[A]

That's right. Okay, so we're gonna get to all of our serious stuff. But now that we're on the topic of lashes and fun, you are. You truly, like, carry the balance of just one of the most fun people to be around. You're such a girl's girl. You're such a. You love the eyelashes. You love to laugh. You're hilarious. But you also, like, sincerely love the Lord with all your heart and follow Jesus, so. With so much dedication. And I do think that there's such a. There's such a sad thing where people think if you follow Jesus, you gotta have just be so serious and you can't have the fun in life and all the different things. How do you carry that balance? Did you ever feel that pressure? Or is that something that you just. You've just always been like that?

[B]

You know, I think, you know, I've grown up my whole life loving Jesus, and I just think that joy is such a fruit of the spirit. And love obviously gets the most, you know, know press when I think when it comes to the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but joy is right there behind. And so I think that, first of all, it really is a gift that comes just from knowing the Holy Spirit and that no matter what's happening in our life, good, bad, or ugly, that he's with us and that he is filling us with those. Those things. So I think it's. It's a gift in a big way. But, yeah, I don't know. Life is. Life is just. No matter what's going on, you can find the good and just staying anchored in the word of God, no matter what is happening in the world around. You know, I get up every morning unless my kids have had a, you know, one of those nights, there's always grace. But I get up every morning and just read my Bible for the first hour, and, man, it just changes the day, changes my life. And so I think that's a big key to it is too. Just starting my day from the very beginning with the Lord just keeps you on the right track.

[A]

That is so good. I love that I love that you said love gets the most press, but Joy is there, too. That is so true. Love does get the most press and for good reason. But there are a lot of fruits of the spirit, and it's amazing when you see those begin to come out of your life, which actually is so cool, because, you know, I do every now and then I'll ask my Instagram, like, hey, ask me anything. And I'll answer questions. But then there will be some questions that are like, man, this is like, so deep to answer in like an Instagram moment. But I hold it because I'm like, maybe I'll talk about in the podcast. And then specifically I'll pull them if I think, oh, man, this guests would. Would probably nail this question, because I see this person living this. So today I had an answering DM thing or answer whatever the question thing, and someone asked, how do you actively live in step with the Holy Spirit when he seems foreign or far away? And knowing you were going to be on the podcast, I was like, man, this is a great question to ask Jen. And now that we're already talking about the Holy Spirit, can you talk about that a little bit?

[B]

Yeah. You know what, honestly, we were both just at Passion and Earl spoke on the Holy Spirit. I think it's one of the best messages on the Holy SP ever heard. So I would just encourage all the listeners, go back, listen to Earl's message from Passion Conference 2025. But, you know, I think that walking with the Lord, you really have to understand that you're walking with the Trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And they all have three very vital roles in our life. I used to explain it to my kids when they were little, and now I have little kids again that we've adopted. But that God is like an apple. There's three different part. The skin, there's the inside, and then there's the seeds. And it's all the same apple, just different parts. They have different functions, but all the same thing. And I don't know how sound that theology is, but it just came to me in a moment when I was trying to explain God to my daughter, and I'm like, hey, this works. And so I think that just understanding God like that, in his three different parts, we walk with the Father. God created us. He's there for us, so loving and present, and he is wisdom and all things that the Father represents. And then Jesus, the Son, the sacrifice, the friend forever, you know, on and on, on. And just looking through the Word to define Who God is in those three parts so that you can understand who he is and celebrate and enjoy those aspect of him, aspects of him throughout your life. So I think that's a big key, is just staying centered and understanding who he is and all the three parts and walking with him. And, you know, a big part of the Holy Spirit is. Is risk. I think that when he. When you get that prompting in your heart to do something or say something, you know, you're in line at the grocery store and you just have this little thing that you feel like you're supposed to reach out and go beyond that wall. You know, sometimes there's just that wall of like, oh, man. I know if I say this, it means we're now in an interaction. You know, maybe it's, hey, do you need healing in your body? Or maybe it's, hey, I just wanted to encourage you with this simple word that I'm practicing hearing God. And I just wanted to share this with you. You know, those. Those things are. I had a really fun one at passion, actually. There was a guy who was sitting across from me, and I just had this little picture that I felt like the Holy Spirit gave me. And I just saw him with boxing gloves on, and he was just boxing this, like, beating the snot out of this boxing bag, you know? And I just saw the Holy Spirit kind of meeting him right there in that. And so I just went over to him in between passion sets and I said, hey. I said, I'm Jen. And I just had this picture for you that I wanted to share, and I shared it with him. He looks at me, he goes, no way.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

I was like, are you a boxer? Like, what? And he goes, you're not gonna believe this. I was like, what? And he goes, I used to be really into boxing and would box all the time. He goes, and I haven't for a long time. And this morning, I went down to the gym in my hotel room and I put the gloves on and I just wailed on that bag. And it was just like this moment where, like, of anything in the world that God could just reach in and go, hey, I. I see you. And it wasn't this profound word that was gonna happen in his future. I love all that stuff. But it was just this simple meeting. And I think that's something beautiful about the Holy Spirit. He's present with us, he's talking to us. He's meeting us right where we're at. And sometimes just leaning into what God's saying and connecting that, giving that to someone else can just change their life.

[A]

It's so true, man. That's so cool. It's so funny too, because when you said that a passion that you had a moment, I was like, oh, I know about this, because one of my friends came over and was like, Jen had a word for it was her husband. And she was talking about how powerful it was and how much it helped her, but it was a totally different word. This is. This was another moment. And, like, I love that you do that, though. You, every time I'm around you, you have like, these moments where you're so in tune with the spirit. And you even gave us a word last year at ELO conference or two years ago lo conference that our family refers to all the time. And so it's just amazing when you allow yourself to be used like that by God. And I love how you said it takes risk. Like, it is risky to go up to someone you don't know and share a word like that, but that has a potential to, one, let them feel loved and met and seen by God. And then two, yeah, it can be life changing for real. I mean, I think about. I was thinking about that this morning with even naming Haven Haven. I was just thinking back on just how we got that name. And it was so from the Holy Spirit because it came out of nowhere. It was just like something in me. And then I never had it on any baby name list we thought of or anything like that, but I just knew that was just from the Lord. And then like, you know, a year later, we had like the coolest moment where we realized on me and Christian's first date. We only took two pictures on our first date. And the first picture I was holding a mug that said honey. And in the second picture, there was a banner behind me that said Haven. And I've never ever noticed that, ever.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

It was so cool because I was like, whoa, God one, you gave me that name. And even if it was just for this moment to be like, wow, God, you truly are knitting them together in my womb, writing the coolest story over our life. Have had them in mind since our very first day. Like, it just gives you this awe and wonder of, like, wow, God, you are in every detail. And so I love that. I love. You know, her question is, like, how do you. How do you feel that? Whenever he feels form, but I think it's just inviting him in. Like, don't let him feel far away. Like, invite him into that nearness and listening. But yeah, you and asking him to speak.

[B]

Just asking. That's what really I feel like started it for me going from know knowing the Lord my whole life. But when I was like about 15 years old, that's when I really started asking the Holy Spirit to speak to me. That God speak to me. I'll do anything, I don't care what it is. And I so I think just to encourage the that asker of that like just ask him to speak to you and then when you feel like he does, no matter what it is, do it to the best of your ability. And you know he would never ask you to do something that's outside of his His Word. And so I think that it's important for people to know that, to study even in the Word how God speaks. And you know, I was reading this morning at Exodus just you know, God just speaks some wild things sometimes and I just. It's an adventure to follow God. Anyone who's a bored Christian is because they're not listening and following the Holy Spirit because it's an adventure. When you listen, he'll have you do wild stuff.

[A]

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[B]

Yeah, it has been incredible. It just came out a couple weeks ago and it's 17 new songs and so that we also redid made for more. So it's. I think it's 18 songs on there, but 17 brand new songs. And we really pushed the team. You know, we've been doing this for 25 years and we really pushed the team this time to craft these songs to another level of excellence that I just am so proud of. You know, our team are really incredible. We have so many worship leaders and musicians and they're just the best humans. I'm very proud of our team. And they write great songs and they are filled with the holy spirit so in these moments, especially in this spontaneous portion, they're just hearing what God's saying and they're doing their best to sing it out and say it out, you know, and that these songs would be biblically based and just full of the power of God, you know. And so I feel like every artist on the collective has their own song on the album and they have just come through in a special way. There's a song Hannah McClure sings called Even though I walk through the valley of the Shadow. And you know, she's incredible, but she almost died after a miscarriage and had to have a blood transfusion. And the song that she sang through that, those lyrics, Even though I walk through the valley, they said I will fear no evil when she sings it. And you listen to that. The power of testimony echoes into your own life of what God's brought you through and anchors you that no matter what you're going through, he's right there in the middle of it and you will not fear. And so I love when there is truth that we sing these strong songs, but the power of the testimony behind that song, it hits at a different level. That's really profound. So we encourage everyone who listens to this project to start it from the beginning and listen all the way through. Take the journey. We say take the ride because it really is such. And I think anytime you. You listen to someone's music at least the first time do it justice for any project you ever listen to. To listen to it from start to finish, to take it in kind of what is being said in the whole project because it really is special. The layers that are in this song so are in this album. So good. We're proud and we have Brooke Lidgerwood and Aiden King.

[A]

It is stacked.

[B]

Abby Gamboa.

[A]

It's a fun of the ones that are yalls artists that I didn't know before necessarily are incredible like it is. It is totally stacked and I love that cuz I was listening to the even though this morning and I love listening to songs that just quote scripture. I was actually talking to someone today about the song wait on you and how like that song has been so helpful to me in certain times where I feel like I'm waiting on God and because I'm like literally singing the scripture, they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength and I'm like getting it in my spirit like this is going to be true and is true about me. And so to hear you say that these songs are coming from that place of like testimony. You. You do feel that. I was listening to that this morning. I was like, man, I'm so thankful for a song like this because I have walked through seasons like that where you want to have the words. Yes. To read over yourself, speak of yourself. But I feel like there's something so powerful when you're able to sing it over yourself. And people like you guys who are so musically talented give a melody to so much truth. So it's incredible. I. I love it. And. And it's. Yeah. It's just an absolutely incredible album. So I love that you even said, take the journey, take the ride. It's one of those. I was thinking back when I was younger and listening to a pop artist that I'm not recommending, but there was, like, an album that they put out, and it was like, every song was so good. I'm like, there's not one song that's a sleeper. Like, at this concert, I will be up on my feet the whole time. That's this album. It's like, there's not one sleeper. It's all good.

[B]

That's encouraging that you say that. We've gotten that with this album a lot, which is amazing to hear. So we're excited about that.

[A]

Well, I didn't even know I was. There's so many good ones. I'm like, which one is their one song? And I was singing that, like, the Church, which. That song is incredible, and I want to hear your heart behind it. But it could have been so many of them. I don't know so much about the music world other than, you know, we started Ella worship, so I'm dipping my toes in the water we've gotten. But every time they're like, what's going to be your single? I'm like, I don't know. But this album, I'm like, I really wouldn't know, but tell us about the church and singing that song. I mean, that. I feel like that's your. Your heart cry. There's a lot of heart cries. But that one really felt like that for you.

[B]

Absolutely. I feel like this song was maybe the one I was put on the planet to write. I'm thankful for the other ones, too. Goodness of God is. That's pretty special.

[A]

Holy Forever is right forever. There's a couple.

[B]

There's a couple, but great team. Surrounding yourself with a great team. And that's what's special about all of those songs. The goodness and holy and the Church as well is just the collection of people behind the song. It's not like it's just my song by any means. And this was, was no different. We wrote this song. We had a little songwriters retreat with some, some people from Passion City Church, some people from upper room, some Bethel guys. And we just sat together and we, we were, we had two hours left in the retreat to write and we sat down together and I just said what if we just all try to write one together in the same room. There was like probably 14 of us in the room.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And, and one of the keyboard players I think played a melody and I mean I've always, I have such a passion for the unity and celebration of diversity within the global church. So Jenny Allen's actually doing this Gather 25 event and when she heard this song or she actually called me to be a part of the event and didn't know I had this and we, we got together and we just lost our minds. I was like, this is a song that's so cool. But we just, we really wrote this song, the church as a prayer to the global church. All of us representing that, that say Jesus is Lord and that we have the same faith that we would unify and to stop the. I'm better than you. To stop all of that and to really celebrate the body of Christ. Jesus has the head. He does a great job at that. We'll leave that to him. But all the different body parts and the different denominations, expressions of who he is in his church. And instead of pointing fingers of, you know, to alienate and divide, instead a call to gather and celebrate the uniqueness of each denomination. And I know from traveling all over the world to a million different churches and movements, I'll go there. And the part of God that they are so beautifully celebrating, it just kind of. It charges my faith to take back. Maybe it's reading the word, maybe it's following the Holy Spirit. Maybe it's prayer, maybe it's. Maybe it's whatever their movement is carrying a great gift for in their faith I'm encouraged and like iron sharpens iron. And so this song is just such a beautiful song for the churches to sing in the unity of all of us being the cry for the Holy Spirit to make us one. Praise the Father, praise the Son. So it's been a special one.

[A]

It is so special. That's so cool. And my life, I've gotten to go through different experiences with church. I grew up very traditional in like a church Christ setting and then kind of went off and did a non domination. But it was like very Holy Spirit led so I went, like, complete opposite and then found myself somewhere in the middle now. But it was like, such a gift for to grow up like that and then go there for a little bit and now kind of be planted in the middle. But I'm like, I'm so thankful for that. And I always tell people that because sometimes when people ask me, like, you expect maybe there to be, like, a hurt or a pain or like a problem with why you left, I'm like, no, really. You know, there's stuff. And church is messy sometimes because people are people and whatnot. But I'm actually so grateful for the things that I learned from those spaces and places. And, man, I feel like it helped me become who I am. But not even that, but just know God the way that I do. And I'm so grateful now that my family does get to travel and go to different places because we do get to see the beauty of the church and the different aspects of the church. And so I love that, like, you're celebrating the different denominations and what they bring to the table and the beauty that they bring. That's so true. Like the Bible focus here, the spirit focus there. But when you bring the unity together of all of it, like you said, the apple, the skin, the middle, the seeds, like, it is a gorgeous thing. So I love that you wrote a song like that with. It seems like the church in the room, 14 different people is a lot of people to write a song with.

[B]

It was a great collaboration, and it honestly, like, it just really, it just happened like it was. It was a holy moment in that room. We were on our faces, actually, a lot of us, and crying. It felt like when you write a song that really was right out of the heart of God. So we did our best to capture the lyrics, but it really just felt like a wholly special one.

[A]

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[B]

Yeah, it. It's wild. People ask how we write a lot and I would say every song is different in how we get the song. I remember I have a song called Come to Me. And the song, I didn't have it, even the thought of it in my head. But it was a time where there were a lot of natural disasters happening in the world kind of popping up everywhere and people were just so freaked out that they were gonna, you know, something, a tornado or earthquake or something was gonna happen. And so I went into my room and I laid down with my notebook and I just said, lord, what. What do you want the whole world to know? And this, I mean it was like I couldn't Write fast enough of him just downloading to me like, I'm the Lord your God, you know? And just like this. This biblical, like, do not fear Come to me I'm all you need I am your anchor in the wind and the waves I'm your steadfast do not be afraid. And I just wrote as fast as I could these lyrics. And so sometimes it happens in a kind of a download moment, we call it, and sometimes it's a lot of crafting. You know, when. Goodness of God, when we wrote that, I wrote probably 60 or 70% of that song just singing in the car to God. Just so thankful. After we had adopted our.

[A]

Our.

[B]

Our son Ryder, which would have. Was our fourth child at the time, three biological. And then him. And then we adopted another baby as well. So I just. I felt like just pouring out this. This song of gratefulness, but then at the crafting part of it, Jason Ingram, Ed Cash, my husband Ben Fielding, they really helped it to get where it was. And then the. The flip side of Holy Fresh is Brian and Chris Tomlin, my husband Brian, they had been writing, and I think Phil Wickham had been writing verses on a bridge, but they didn't have a chorus. And so they showed me what they had so far at the time. And instantly I just sat down at the piano and I went. And the angels cry Holy. And they were like, that's so cool.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

You know, so it's kind of like a puzzle piece, but we have found Bethel Music. We have found. It's almost like God smiles and winks on the collaborations, especially of the church coming together. It's almost like he shines on and, you know, downloads to us even more when we work together outside of our. Our own streams. So cool. So, yeah, it's. It's. It's the best. It's absolutely. It's so fun. So we've got a lot more coming. We, you know, we. We had this coming out, and then Top secret, you heard it here kind of first.

[A]

We dropping it here. Let's go.

[B]

I'm working on my first ever solo album.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. That's so cool.

[B]

Yeah, that's hopefully gonna be out this year, and so it's getting really close to going into the finals of things.

[A]

So cool. That's your first ever.

[B]

I know. I've just really. The funny thing is, is I just never have had the desire to do kind of my own thing. I'm much happier to just do a collab. That's my vibe. But I have a collection of songs. It's really fun. I have like a love song to my husband. I have a love song to my kids.

[A]

Oh my gosh. I'm so.

[B]

Yeah, it's all I've got like every genre of music because I love it all on. I have like a crazy gospel song. I have like a fun pop song. Like, I've got like a Billie Eilish vibe. Like, it's. It's gonna be really fun. So. And we're gonna call it Happy. So the album title. The album title is Happy.

[A]

So back to joy, back to the whole thing. I was like, this is what I know you as. Like, that is so cool.

[B]

You're. Yeah.

[A]

Your voice is so insane. I was thinking that today I was listening to it and I think it's the way you start church. I was like, Jen is just on another planet. Like, and you're so humble about it. You really are. You're so humble. But that's true for many reasons, but no, specifically your voice. Like, you're so humble. You're such a team player. You're. You are a collaborator. But then it's like, okay, hold on. But this is like insane that your voice is so amazing. And so I'm so excited for that. How did you even get started leading worship? You mentioned 25 years. Is that 25 years of doing Bethel music or when did it all start for you?

[B]

Funny enough, I started singing in church at age five. I sang my first solo in church and started playing. I started piano lessons at five as well. So that's really when. But my mom said I, I always sang as a little kid. My mom played piano for church, my dad sang in church. So we kind of just grew up in it. And then I just started leading worship in kids church. Like they needed somebody to, you know. And I knew a few chords when I was like probably 10 or 12. And so I started playing for kids church and Bible study and you group and you know, any kind of anywhere that I could serve and just kind of grew in my gift. And back in the day, my pastor wouldn't let me lead worship for big church because I think he thought I was a little wild, which. True. And so it wasn't actually until I moved to Reading when I was 17 and Bethel and joined their team that, you know, we, we just started on the, on the journey of, of kind of the next season of my life, but definitely didn't see it coming.

[A]

So you. You started at such a young age and you've been doing this for so long. Can you remember like a time that you like shifted in how you led. Like when you think back of all the years, like, was there a time that it's like, oh man, this happened and from that point on I led differently? Or has it been like a gradual, just learning as you go? Does that make sense? Because I feel like sometimes I look back even as speaking. I look back last year, like a specific moment speaking that I had where I actually forgot everything I was about to say on stage. And I've never done that before. It was like total blank out moment. But the Lord used it so much in my life. And like since then, I literally approach every single message so differently than I used to. I put so much less pressure on myself and lean so much more into the spirit. But I feel like there's just moments in your life where it just kind of shifts the way you lead in a humbling and good way. Do you have any of those that you can think of?

[B]

Yeah, absolutely. I think that when I was younger, I actually was the BGV background vocal is what that stands for. I wasn't ever really the main worship leader because I wasn't good enough. And I think that what really changed for me along my life is staying faithful for one. And as I stayed faithful, I just kept getting better and learning and growing and taking lessons. But it really changed for me when I. When I got a hold of the courage, I think, in a big way. And I remember being younger. I was in chapel when I was younger and I was sitting there and I remember I wanted to raise my hands when I was like 7 years old, but I didn't because I was so scared of what people would think around me. They'd make fun of me. And other people weren't doing that really. But I wanted to. And I remember closing my eyes and just raising my hands and just breaking past the fear of man to do what I knew I was supposed to do. And it was a marker. It was one of the markers in my life. And so, you know, as I grew up and got older, I felt like I've just grown in that to where I am so much more focused on partnering with who God says I am and what he's asking me to do than I am. I don't really care. So if I sing a wrong note or if I say something weird like I'm so much more focused on listening to him.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And going for that than I am, than the fear of man and messing up. Because everyone messes up everyone. No one's perfect. And I think in life that's what the, the Lord's looking for in us is that willingness to obey no matter what it looks like or what people think or say. And so I think growing in that was huge. But as you walk with God in your life, you, you gain authority with him and you learn him in a sense of confidence, not arrogance. Arrogance is disgusting, but confidence is really beautiful because there's humility and confidence with the Lord and so you know, know that you're absolutely nothing without him, but with him and with that submission and that courage to follow him, he can really use that in a powerful way. And so I think I've learned and grown and I still feel like I am learning and growing in my life. I think it's something like you have to tune a guitar every time you play it. And I think that's how it is with our lives. Like we always need to be tuned. We always need to be leaning in or growing or learning and not getting staggered magnet. And I think that's just evident and gotta tune a guitar every single time before you play it. So that's good.

[A]

I love that. That's really good. That's a. Well, that's good advice moment. Let's talk about something that the Robertson family loves. That is Liberty University. It has been such a difference maker in our lives and the lives of so many families and it will always hold a special place in our heart. Liberty is a Christian university in Central Virginia that has been fulfilled fulfilling its mission of training champions for christ for over 50 years. I actually took online classes at Liberty and loved it and I know you will too. I only did one semester so I can't speak as much as my sister can. But it was such a great experience and made it so doable even for a really busy schedule. And I actually learned so much in just one semester. I still talk about it online. Classes work great for a lot of us, but if you're looking for a more in person experience, Liberty has you covered. My brother and sister in law went to Liberty in person and loved it. With more than 350 residential programs offered, Liberty has a program that will help you turn your passion into a career. Plus with an amazing 7,000acre campus, state of the art facilities and Division 1 sports programs that include an FBS football team with six straight bowl appearances. What is not to love? Liberty also has tons of scholarships and other financial assistance so that you can achieve your dreams at a price that you can afford if you're a transfer student. High school Second semester sophomore, sophomore, or a high school junior or senior, check out college for a weekend from April 3rd through April 5th. You don't want to miss this. It's a three day event that lets you explore Liberty University as a student include. It includes intending classes, actually eating in the dining hall, enjoying sporting events, and making new friends at student activities. To learn more about Liberty University, go to Liberty. Edu Sadie. And because you're a, well, that's good podcast listener, you'll actually get your application fee waived. So friend, don't wait. Go to Liberty Edu Sadie now and get started on your future today. You know, that's so cool to hear you talk about like when you were younger being afraid to raise your hands because of that fear. And I think everybody feels that. I mean, maybe not if you go to a church that you grew up from that from a young age. But I remember for me, I had the same memory whenever I was young of really wanting to raise my hands because I just was beginning to like feel that and wanted to express stuff in worship and just I did. I couldn't. It was like, I don't even want to hold it back because I'm just so into this moment worshiping God. And I was like, okay, I'm going to buzz past it. And so I raised my hands in worship. And the first time I did though, this guy literally came up to me and this is like youth. So we're like middle school. And he taps on my shoulder and he says, we don't do that here. And it like embarrassed me. I was like, oh my gosh, like, put my hands down. And then years later, fast forward, years later, this was like Doug Dynast days before I'm speaking or anything, we got invited to go to the Dove Awards. And I sat right behind Lauren Daigle and her friend. And I will never forget this mo. It had such a significant impact on me. They were worshiping like no one was watching. And it was so beautiful. They both had on like so many bracelets too.

[B]

And they were just, they love their bracelets.

[A]

They do. They were just going for it. And I just remember just watching them and being like, they, they do not care what anyone thinks about them and, and they're expressing themselves in worship so beautifully. But it's not to. No one's like, it's not to gain attention. It's not like it was so pure hearted. It was so beautiful and it really inspired me. And I don't know if it was after that. It was the first time I started Raising my hands again. But I just remember being like, okay, I'm not going to care. Lord, I care so much more about you than what people think. And like that. That was from middle school to all the way till I was like, you know, 16, went to the double wards and saw Lauren. And so that's. It had a grip on me. And it was. So now that Lauren and I have become friends, to be able to share that with her, and now I've actually become friends with her friend who was there too. And I didn't realize I was her friend until. This is so cool. This story comes full circle. Like two weeks ago, I was texting this Lauren's friend. She's. Her name's Jen, actually. Also great name, Great, fantastic name, wonderful people. And she's just become such a prayer partner for me and so amazing. And she goes, we talked about meeting. We're like, hey, we need to meet sometime. Like, it's so amazing that we always text and you're such a great prayer for my family. And I pray for your family. And she goes, oh, actually you. You don't remember this, but we did meet when you were so young. We sat in front of you at the Dove Awards. I was. I went with Lauren and I was like, are you kidding me? I sent her a voice memo asap. I was like, you don't even know that my life, like 10 years ago, you changed my life. She was like, what? It's just so cool how the Lord. One, it's so amazing whenever you get out of your head and you just surrender to the Lord and obey the Lord. One, it benefits and blesses your life so much because you're in relationship with him. But two, it inspires every single person around you. Cuz when I'm looking at that, I'm like, I want a relationship with the Lord like that. Not necessarily. I want to worship like that. True. That would be a, you know, overflow. What comes from the relationship that I wanted to have with the Lord to where I could get to the place where I really didn't care what people around me thought and I could just worship the Lord freely. And so I love that you shared that about your story because when I look at you, it's like the most freedom and worship person. Like, I've been so inspired by you in so many of those moments. And I remember that moment for me in my life where kind of overcoming that fear of man too. I remember praying a prayer before I would go preach where I would say, God, I would rather face Plant in front of all these people, you know, than miss what you have for me and these people in this moment and just having to, like, actually pray off that fear, man. One thing I want to ask you, because you've been to West Monroe several times now for ELO conference, and you just love it. Such a sister and a friend and encouraged me so much. But, like, one thing I love about planting ourselves here is that it's a small town, and when people come here, there's nothing, like, really impressive about it besides, like, what God is doing. And when I think about Bethel and reading like, that is so y'all story. Like, does it blow you away? Like, the global impact that you guys have at Bethel? And when did that even start? How did that start? Like, what does that even look like to see something like that happen? Yeah, I.

[B]

You know, I loved also passion. I loved John Tyson's message. He went to all these places around the world that had experienced God in a profound way or revolution, revival, or. And just to study, you know, the why or the how, just to learn and to receive also those. Those precious places that God had. Azusa street, you know, just these places. And he came to Bethel. And, you know, it's just been this really special, and it still continues to this day. Like, we're at church, you know, every Sunday we're home. And I just think that Bill says that, you know, God chose a person, and, you know, he and that person chose a city. And I think that's really true especially of Bethel, our Johnson family legacy. Before my husband's dad pastored it, his dad pastored in the history of Bethel as well, and was a forerunner, actually. Brian's grandpa was a really. Was a forerunner even in worship and expressions. In worship and out of the traditional setting. And so he really was a pioneer for our family. That obviously carried on to Bill and really losing the fear of man. If you've ever heard Bill's testimony of. I think it's in his book. I don't know what it's called, but something about having an encounter with God, but it's really profound. And his testimony about that, and he was just shaking, like, under the power of God in his bed. And he had to say, you know, God, if this is what it looks like for the rest of my life to have the more of you, I'll take it whatever it looks like. And so I'll figure out what that book title is, and we'll put it in the chat.

[A]

Yes, we'll put it in the. We'll Put it in the, the show notes.

[B]

It will, it will shake you up. It's. It's an intense, powerful book. But just what does that look like to be hungry for God, for your city? And I love it. In John's message, after going around to all the places in the world that had experienced revival or a move of God, that was what it came down to is that there were hungry people that said, God, we want you here. And I, I, even in Passion, I just cried at that. I just felt so rocked by God of, like, God, have I lost that cry? Have I been so surrounded by fire and by a move of God that I have actually gone cold myself? Because I'm. I'm around the fire and I'm hot just because I'm around the culture. I'm constantly around where God is moving. Have I not even noticed it and, and gone cold? And I actually had an encounter at Passion where I just. The Holy Spirit, just in that moment, actually after he spoke, I just closed my eyes and I sat there and I. I cried and cried as, as I just heard the Holy speak into me. Wake up. Wake up. And I hadn't even realized that I had been slipping. We'd had a really few. A hard year, honestly, in our family with a couple different things going on in our family. And I just found myself like, I'm slipping, like, emotionally a little bit. And, you know, I was still reading my Bible. I was still. But I knew I needed to fast and I knew I needed to cut alcohol out completely. And, you know, alcohol is a hot topic. It's like, do we, don't we. I don't know. Um, I think alcohol is a different journey for every human, and it's between you and God. Um, but I do think that there's times in our life where with anything could be food, could be, you know, addiction of anything that, that we just have to. To monitor it and know when God's asking us to. To make a big break from anything that's kind of clouding our life or, you know, distracting us in a big way. And so I started a fast and man, that next week, even I did like 21 days. And it just changed my life just to realized, wow, I really was slipping and finding comfort in things that was replacing the Holy Spirit and was clouding me. And so it was a gift in that moment to have the Lord say, wake up to me. But anyway, back to where God moves and why, oh, gosh.

[A]

If you're like me, then you love learning new things this year. Let Audible expand your horizon with their selection of over 1 million audiences, audiobooks, podcasts, Audible originals and more. Whatever your interests are, Audible has a listen just for you. Open up the app and tap into your well being with advice and insights from leading experts and influencers. You'll find titles on things like personal fitness, nutrition and relaxation. If you're looking for ways to improve your personal or work relationship, start a new career, make better financial decisions, or invest in your future, Audible has got your back on all of those things too. I'm actually listening to an audiobook right now called the Happiest man on Earth and it has been in impacting me so much. Every time I get my car, I'm listening. Whenever I have any second to myself at the house, I'm listening. I am just absolutely obsessed with the story. It is so sad, but so powerful and so inspiring. I love a good listen. So let Audible help you reach your goals that you set for yourself this year. Start listening today when you sign up for a free 30 day trial. Audible.com Whoa. That's Audible A, U, D, I, B, L, E.com/Whoa. You know, it's like so powerful in these moments. Like, you can have a message plan, but it's whenever you share your testimony, what you're actually going through, that's what people are going to take away. And this podcast has been amazing. There's a million things we've learned from you, but that moment is what so many people are going to go, man, I need to hear that. And to hear it from someone like you, where it's like hearing someone say, like, I read my Bible for an hour in the morning. Like, you automatically, wow, this person has it like going on. She's figured it out. And I'm like, But then to say like, no, I do read my Bible. And, and I do love the Lord, but like, it's been a hard year because we've gone through hard things as a family and there were things I need to go to. Like, that's so real and so honest and so something that not everybody, especially in leadership, shares and you need to hear that. And so for me personally, thank you for sharing that. And I know so many people are going to be like, man, I needed to hear that. And I was thinking about in my own life, there was like a time where I felt like the Lord just telling me to cut out coffee and I was like, I don't want to.

[B]

Like, I just, you're like, get behind me.

[A]

Say, I'm like, no, that was not from The Lord. And then also, it was, like, so real. And. And I'm like, well, it's not a sin. Like, why do I need to cut out coffee? You know what I mean? And then, like, over time, I finally had a doctor recommend that. That I take out coffee. And I was like, I speak to.

[B]

You and say, if you don't hear it the first way of.

[A]

Like, I heard it, I ignored it. Then I heard it again. I was like, okay, okay. And then I did. And. And, like, I actually just, like, physically felt so much better. But it was. It was obviously a spiritual thing, too, but I was like, whoa, God. Like, you. You're looking out for me. Like, you're looking out for my physical body, and you're looking out for my spirit. And, like, I needed to just withhold something that I care about, even though it's not that big of a deal. It's coffee, whatever, but it's like, I needed to withhold something so that I could just fill myself with the spirit. And so, yeah, I've had that happen to me so many times in. In life. And I'm thankful you shared that, even with alcohol. In that particular sense. It's. I wanted to ask you that because someone actually recently came down to Monroe, and she was. She's, like, doing stuff for us right now and helping us out, and she was, like, so intrigued by our life, and she was like, I just, like, I love it, but I don't understand it. Like, why did you choose there? Like, you could have lived anywhere. You lived in Nashville. You went to la. You've seen what's out there. Like, why did you choose here? Because it's just, you know, a small, small town. And I was like, you know, there's so many reasons, and family is a huge reason for that. I love being by my family. That is probably the biggest reason. But also I was like, what we feel like the Lord is doing here is so incredible. And what I feel like we get to be a part of, it's just, like. It's so exciting. I feel like we get to be a part of a revival, like, of a thing that God's doing. And. And it's funny because you're speaking this and you're not, like, seeing it yet, but I so feel it, and I so believe it, and I've seen parts of it, and I'm just like, man, it's so cool to be in a space where so many people want God. Who. And it's not about anything else. It's about wanting God. It's about being family. It's about being present and loving each other and walking through life together. And like, to me, nothing can replace that. You know? To me, like, big cities are fun and cool and awesome, and I love to travel to them, but it can't replace that feeling and that desire to be with God and be with family and people. And so your family is such an inspiration. Inspiration to. To mine, to. To me personally. Because I look at that and I'm like, I swear that's where I see us going. That's where I see we're at. And it's just beautiful. So thank you for being such a good example in that. It's beautiful.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You guys are amazing. Oh, man, I could literally talk to you all day. Jen, you're so incredible. Last thing I want to ask you, just, even just the title of the album. How'd y'all come up with the title? It's such a. Kind of grabs your attention because it's. We must respond. What. What made you feel like you wanted that?

[B]

Y. Okay, so it is so wild because usually with any album, you title, you know, a lyric of this song or one of the song's titles, that's your album name, you know, and we must respond is kind of two parted. It was this thing that was happening that was something actually my father in law Bill had shared is basically, how could we not respond when all that God has done for us, from creation to salvation to the daily life of him just being present with us in everything, how could. Could we not respond? But it's also. It's phrased in that way. We must respond because is that hook. It is that charge. Kind of like when they put those paddles on you when you're. When you're failing in. In health to. To charge you. You know, it was the Holy Spirit saying, wake up to me. Because sometimes, you know, when we're surrounded by church or music or, you know, you can. You can actually go days without worshiping. You can go, you know, if. If just life gets. Gets it with you, you know, you're just like, oh my gosh, I haven't even worshiped in like a week. Or. And so this. This we must respond is a charge for us to be aware of our need for worship every day, that we must respond to Him. We can't even let a day go by. And there's a. There's a verse in the Bible that says they sang responsively to the Lord. And. And so that's just the charge for all of us. Every single day, breath in our lungs. That in itself that we. All that he's given us, all that he is, all that he will do in the future that we don't even know. We must respond. We have this responsibility to respond. And worship is not because God needs it. And he's this egotistical, like, praise me, I need it. Like, it's actually for us as well to remember who he is and what he's done and to get our eyes off of our human things and just to get our eyes on Him. Because when you do that every single day, top of your morning, all throughout your day, you just keep him right here in your heart. You're connecting with him, praying, always staying on track with that, your. Your life will be pretty. Pretty great.

[A]

It will be blessed for sure. That's so good, Jen. I love it. Well, I love you. I am cheering on all that you and your family are doing. I'm so thankful for this album. And thanks for coming back on the podcast. We'll have you back again, I'm sure.

[B]

Yes. And I'm so excited for Duck Dynasty Relax Launching. Let's go, let's go. I know.

[A]

We're so excited. Thank you, friend. So sweet. Thank you.

[B]

I love you.

[A]

Love.