(Fox News) – “In Redding, as it is in heaven.” That’s how a San Francisco Chronicle columnist described a northern California city that is home to Bethel Church, a ministry that has drawn attention in Christian circles around the world. To senior lead pastor Bill Johnson, it’s still a mystery how this church born and raised in a seemingly insignificant, unknown area in the mountains has managed to have such a global impact. When he took over in 1996, his message was revival — and that hasn’t changed, as was evident during recent a “Cultivate Revival” conference in New York City.
“God tends to use broken and small things to confound the wise. He put favor on us,” the fifth-generation pastor told Fox News. “It’s both wonderful and frightening at the same time because you’re responsible to use it … We just tried to be faithful with what he’s given us.” Johnson, the author of “When Heaven Invades Earth,” said there are two phases to revival. “The first is the church — the people of God get revived,” the pastor explained. “It really is demonstrated by the Holy Spirit’s presence and the ability for him to do what he wants.” “The second phase is the impact on the world around us,” he continued. “People coming to Christ measured by the impact of culture and society. It hasn’t reached its purpose until society itself is impacted positively.” READ MORE
