Bill Johnson is back at Bethel, returning with his new wife by his side.
“It’s good to be back,” the Bethel Church senior leader told the congregation during the Sept. 20 Sunday service as he and his wife, Linda, were greeted with cheers and applause following his extended break.
Johnson couldn’t resist having a little fun with everything that happened while he was away.
“Something happened when I took a break,” he joked.
“We got married one month and two days ago,” Johnson continued as the crowd erupted. “One month and two days of heaven on earth.”
For Johnson, the return marks more than simply coming back from time away. He is stepping back into ministry as a newlywed and into what he previously described as “a whole new season” of his life.
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Johnson also thanked the Bethel congregation for the outpouring of support surrounding his relationship with Linda. He recalled watching the church’s reaction when they previously showed a video announcing their engagement.
“You all cheered and brought tears to my eyes,” Johnson said. “So, thank you. Thanks so much.”
The marriage comes after a season of profound loss and change for Johnson. His first wife, Beni, died in July 2022 following a battle with cancer. The two had been married for nearly five decades.
When Johnson announced his engagement to Linda Francoeur on July 26, he made clear that this new beginning was never about replacing Beni.
“She’s not going to be filling Beni’s shoes. That’s impossible,” he said. “Beni took her shoes with her, and Linda has her own shoes to fill.”
Now, the wedding is no longer something on the horizon.
Johnson is married, back at Bethel and beginning the new season he told his church family was coming. This time, with Linda standing right beside him.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
