Will Johnson on God's 'No' at Spirit of Praise
Will Johnson on Trusting God’s ‘No’ at the 17th Annual Spirit of Praise

Will Johnson on Trusting God’s ‘No’ at the 17th Annual Spirit of Praise
The atmosphere at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church was electric for the 17th Annual Spirit of Praise, and Praise 104.1’s Ronnette Rollins sat down with comedian and minister Will Johnson for a powerful conversation. Johnson, known for his viral “Choir Rehearsal with Friends” tour, brought his unique blend of humor and ministry to the event, offering deep insights before taking the stage.
During the interview, Johnson shared the origin of his interactive tour. After a decade in comedy, his former manager suggested an interactive crowd show. Though his manager passed away before seeing it come to life, Johnson took the idea and made it his own. “This is my life on stage,” he explained, emphasizing that the show is an authentic expression of who he is, not an act.
A key moment in their discussion was Johnson’s reflection on his journey. He revealed that he had always wanted to tour, but his manager told him he wasn’t ready. Johnson spoke on the importance of heeding that advice, framing it as trusting God’s timing. “We have to learn how to trust the Lord’s ‘no’ because it’s protection,” he said. He explained that a “no” from God often means there are details we’ve overlooked, and rushing ahead can lead to disarray.
Johnson also touched on the profound spiritual element of his shows, which often transition from comedy to moments of serious ministry. He described himself as being “marked” by God since childhood, a calling he cannot escape. Whether through laughter or prophetic moments, Will Johnson’s mission is clear: to follow where God leads, creating an experience that is both entertaining and spiritually enriching for the community.