To help you write your story and to prepare you to share at any time, answer the questions below. Work through each question and then combine them into your story. Add transitions so your story flows. The best stories have conflict, plot, climax, and resolution – your testimony of how Jesus changed your life is no different.
- What was life like before you met Jesus?
- What was central in your life before Jesus?
- Where did you find security, happiness?
- What made/makes you feel valuable, significant?
- In what way did see these areas let you down?
- When was the first time you heard the gospel?
- What were your initial reactions?
- When did your attitude begin to turn around? Why?
- In your own words, what is the gospel?
- In what way/s do you find yourself drawn to Jesus?
- How does this truth that you are greatly loved while also being deeply flawed compel your heart towards worshiping Jesus?
- How do you see Jesus continue to meet you in your brokenness?
Key points to remember:
- Keep it short and simple. Don’t go into a tangent – this could confuse the listener.
- Your story is only a little about you, but all about Jesus. Jesus is the starring actor, while you are the supporting role.
- Choose a theme and carry it throughout the testimony. If you know that a certain part of your story would relate better with the listener, then use that theme to share from. Our stories can be shared from multiple themes and perspectives, so choose the one you think is best for that person.
- Write the way you speak—make the testimony sound natural not rehearsed.
- Don’t be overly negative or positive. Be truthful and honest. Life after becoming a Christian is not perfect. Share how you still have struggles and are not perfect.
- Don’t criticize or name any church, denomination, organization, etc. You never know what religion your listener grew up in or near.
- Practice it until it flows naturally.
Here are some ways you can share your every day testimony with your online and offline community
- When you meet a new mom who seems to be struggling, hold her baby for her and let her know you struggled too and there is hope
- Share pictures of your life when it is less than perfect. Your messy kitchen, dirty car, floordrobe to say how you’ve learned that you are loved and valuable and useful to God even when your life is looking messy on the outside
- Share praise to God for answered prayers
- When a friend shares their heartache with you, offer them your heart and the hope you have for them all because of what hope has empowered you to do
- Share praise to God for unanswered prayers
- Share a picture that signifies a mindset you have triumphed over through your trust in God. Maybe it is anxiety in motherhood, negative body image, perfectionism, an addiction
- Write about a relationship that you never thought would be repaired but alone by the grace of God is has
- Show ways that measuring your worth in God gives freedom to those who have their worthiness trapped in this world
- Share the ways you find yourself trapped in worldly things and how God frees you from that
- Post about someone special in your life that God has used in your life as a blessing
- Share about something you are struggling with today but you are giving it to God
- Encourage others to forgive themselves for something today, something that you yourself have had to forgive yourself for
- Post about the big dreams that have got you where you are and how you see God’s hand in that
- Share about your fears and doubts in what God is calling you to do and praise his obedience and grace in empowering you
- Post about something you never imagined you would be doing but for God. It could be simple like driving a car, planning a social event, or quitting your job and traveling the world in an RV
- Claim out loud a dream that is in your heart and let others see you seeking to embrace the unique way God made you as you work towards this dream
2 – Study an Example in the Bible
Read Acts 26. Here the Apostle Paul gives his personal testimony before King Agrippa. He tells about his life before his conversion on the road to Damascus when he persecuted the followers of the Way. Next, Paul describes in detail his miraculous encounter with Jesus and his calling to serve Christ as an apostle. Then he goes on to tell of his new life after turning to God.
3 – Spend Time in Preparation and Prayer
Here are a few things to consider before you start writing your testimony: Think about your life before you met the Lord. What was going on in your life leading up to your conversion? What problems or needs were you facing at the time? How did your life change after knowing Jesus Christ? Pray and ask God to help you share what he wants you to include.
4 – Use a 3-Point Outline
A three-point approach is very effective in communicating your personal testimony. This outline focuses on before you trusted Christ, how you surrendered to him, and the changes in your life since you began walking with him.
- Before: Simply tell what your life was like before you surrendered to Christ. What were you searching for before coming to know Christ? What was the chief problem, emotion, situation, or attitude you were dealing with? What motivated you to seek a change? What were your actions and thoughts at the time? How did you try to satisfy your inner needs? (Examples of inner needs are loneliness, fear of death, insecurity, etc. Possible ways to fill those needs include work, money, drugs, relationships, sports, sex.) Remember to use concrete, relatable examples.
- How: How did you come to salvation in Jesus? Simply tell the events and circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the solution to your searching. Take time to identify the steps that brought you to the point of trusting Christ. Where were you? What was happening at the time? What people or problems influenced your decision?
- Since: How has your life in Christ made a difference? How has his forgiveness impacted you? How have your thoughts, attitudes, and emotions changed? Share how Christ is meeting your needs and what your relationship with him means to you now.
5 – Words to Avoid
Stay away from “Christianese” phrases. “Churchy” words can alienate listeners/readers and keep them from identifying with your life. People who are unfamiliar or even uncomfortable with church and Christianity might not understand what you are saying. They may mistake your meaning or even be turned off by your “foreign language.” Here are some examples:
Avoid using the term “born again.” Instead, use these words:
- spiritual birth
- spiritual renewal
- spiritual awakening
- come alive spiritually
- given a new life
- my eyes opened
Avoid using “saved.” Instead, use terms like:
- rescued
- delivered from despair
- found hope for life
Avoid using “lost.” Instead, say:
- heading in the wrong direction
- separated from God
- had no hope
- had no purpose
Avoid using “gospel.” Instead, consider saying:
- God’s message to man
- the good news about Christ’s purpose on earth
- God’s message of hope for the world
Avoid using “sin.” Instead, try one of these expressions:
- rejecting God
- missing the mark
- falling away from the right path
- a crime against God’s law
- disobedience to God
- going my own way with no thought of God
Avoid using “repent.” Instead, say things like:
- admit I was wrong
- change one’s mind, heart, or attitude
- decide to turn away
- turn around
- make a 180 degree turn from what you were doing
- obey God
- follow God’s Word
THE PURPOSE OF SHARING YOUR STORY
- In a 3-5 minute story, express how you came to know God personally and how this changed your life. Don’t focus solely on you –it’s really a story about God.
- Communicate the basis of the Christian faith in the context of your personal experience.
- Open the door for a more extensive conversation on spiritual matters.
- Explain to others the reason why you believe certain things or act in certain ways.
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR FAITH STORY
1. Pray.
Begin with prayer, asking God to help you in this process. He is the only one who can truly change the heart of another person, so invite Him to be a part of this entire process.
2. Be authentic – be you!
Tell your story the way it happened – be real! Resist the temptation to compare your story with others. There is no need to embellish your story or dwell excessively on past sins. Your story is unique to your life, and an authentic testimony of what God has done in your life is powerful!
3. Be intentional.
Think in chapters or blocks and bridge them together. The blocks can be:
- What my life was like before I became a Christian
- How I became a Christian
- How Jesus has changed my life.
The three sections do not all have to be equal in length. Just identify one main idea or theme you want to communicate, and go from there.
4. Be concise.
Avoid language that sound overly religious. Many people in today’s world have never been to church, so some words may be unfamiliar. You don’t have to do a bunch of teaching – just share what God has done in your life.
Try to keep it short and interesting. Rambling can lose the real impact of your story. Remember: this is your faith story, not your entire life story!
5. Write it Out
Once you have your thoughts pulled together, it’s time to write out your faith story. After it’s on paper, review it to make sure there are no churchy words that may be confusing, or details that don’t need to be included.
Double check to make sure the focus a
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