Your story

YOUR STORY

The story of how you came to know Jesus (your testimony) is one of the most potent weapons you have in your utility belt. People may argue with matters of Christian belief, but no one can dispute your story because it happened to you! Telling your story doesn’t require you to remember lots of facts and, as such, is a really simple way of explaining how knowing Jesus makes a difference.

Read: 1 Peter 3v15.

Do you have a way that you usually share your journey to faith?
Have you ever “prepared” an answer in the past?

Take some time to work through the following three questions. See if you can answer them each in a couple of sentences. Steer clear of Christian jargon and any negative references to other churches, organisations or religions. Let the focus be on you and Jesus.

PRACTICE

Go around the group and get others to give constructive feedback on your answers. Are they too long? Do they use words from a Christian dictionary? Do they invite questions?

ACTION POINT:

Write out the story of your journey to faith. It should be about 3-4 min to read out. Arrange a time to meet as a group to listen to each other’s stories and give helpful feedback.

TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR STORY:

What to do:

• Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you write.
• Prepare your testimony so it communicates with groups as well as with individuals.
• Keep within your time limit.
• Be realistic. Do not imply that Christ removes all of life’s problems, but rather that He enables you to live through them as you walk in obedience.
• Consider your audience. Write and speak to communicate with the group you are addressing so that they are able to identify with you.
• Speak boldly about Jesus. He is the main focus of your testimony.

What to avoid:

• Do not make statements that reflect negatively on the church, organizations or people.
• Avoid mentioning denominations or churches by name.
• Avoid speaking in a preaching manner. Make your delivery in a normal, conversational tone.
• Do not use vague terms such as ‘joyful’, ‘peaceful’, ‘happy’, or ‘changed’, without explaining them.
• Avoid using biblical or religious words such as ‘saved’, ‘converted’, ‘convicted’, or ‘sin’, without clarifying what you mean. These words do not always communicate to non-believers.

Writing style:

• Write as though you were speaking to a friend rather than giving a formal speech.
• Begin with an attention-grabbing sentence or incident.
• Be positive from start to finish.
• Be specific. Give enough details to arouse interest.
• Be accurate.
• Include interesting, thought-provoking experiences.
• Use one or two Bible verses, but only where they relate directly to your experience. Explain the references if your audience is not familiar with the Bible.
  (Example: “One of Jesus’ disciples said…”, rather than “1 John 5 v 11 to 13 says…”)
• Edit and rewrite as needed.
• Write a closing that provides a finished and logical conclusion.

EVALUATING YOUR STORY

Does my testimony express assurance that I know I have eternal life?
Have I clearly communicated how a person can receive Christ?
Does my testimony deal with things not related to my testimony theme?
What positive benefits of my relationship with Christ have I emphasised in my testimony?
Have I included an attention-grabbing opening sentence?
Do I have a clear statement to close the testimony?

PRAY

Ask the Lord to help you remember how He brought you to faith and for opportunities to tell others your story.