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Sharing Your Testimony
Your testimony is the basis of your witness. It is your story, your firsthand account of what God, through Christ, has done in your life. Sharing your testimony is one of the most effective ways to witness. Read 1 John 1:1-3. In these verses, John shares his testimony. The things he had seen and heard, he was telling others.
Basic characteristics of a personal testimony:
1. IT HAS AUTHORITY.
You may not be able to answer many questions about the Bible; however, you are the authority in the area of your experience with Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
2. IT COMMUNICATES.
You are not speaking merely in theological terms, but, you are speaking about things in life with which you are familiar. You are telling others what you have experienced with Jesus Christ.
3. IT RELATES.
As you talk about your experiences with God you are relating with people whose lives are like yours and who are seeking to understand the change that Jesus has brought about in your life.
Your Testimony should have these four points, use them in preparing your testimony:
1. My life before Jesus.
2. How I realized I needed Jesus.
3. How I received Jesus.
4. How Jesus makes my life full and meaningful now.
Simple facts to remember:
A. Christ lives in you and will empower you. Do not be concerned that your testimony be exciting, just that it be interesting. You don’t have to be a converted drug-dealing, ex-motorcycle gang member, axe murderer to have an effective and interesting testimony.
B. Be realistic. Do not imply that Christ eliminates all the problems of life, but rather that He enables you to live them out with peace and confidence. “I am with you always.” Jesus says.
C. Be positive, not negative, from start to finish.
D. Prepare your testimony so that you can share it in a group situation as well as with individuals.
E. Avoid the following when writing your testimony:
• Statements that reflect negatively on the church, other organizations or people.
• Mentioning denominations, especially in a derogatory way.
• Using stereotypes - people or people groups.
• Preaching at people. This is a testimony, not a "preachimony."
• Speaking in generalities or using overworked terms such as:
- Straight-laced, sober and sad.
- Fantastic, exciting and great.
- Peace, purpose and happiness.
- Changed (without giving specific changes).
• Avoid being long-winded. (Adhere strictly to trying to organize your testimony into a 3 minute format)
F. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you write (James 1:5)
G. Remember the four points of a testimony.
The first three points are past history. Once you verbalize those, you will be prepared to share them anytime, any place. The fourth point is current and refreshing - how Jesus Christ is dealing in your life now, how He is making life meaningful.
H. Begin with an interesting, attention-getting sentence and end with a concluding statement. Include relevant, thought-provoking personal experiences.
K. Give enough details to arouse interest.
L. Use at least one, but at the most two scripture verses.
M. Edit carefully and rewrite as necessary before final draft.
N. Choose something characteristic of your experience that is of general interest to non-Christians. Build your own testimony around a theme. Examples: Personal Success (your own past viewpoint and now from God’s viewpoint), Life’s Goals (past and present viewpoint), Relationships (How God has changed your approach), Life Crisis How God saw you through), Purpose in Life (God’s personal plan for you).
O. Memorize your testimony and practice it until it becomes natural. It is tremendously encouraging to practice sharing your testimony with a group of others who are also working on their testimonies.
P. When you share your testimony, share it with loving enthusiasm.
Q. Use a natural speaking voice.
R. Avoid nervous habits (especially with your hands) and other mannerisms such as rubbing your nose, jingling coins in your pocket, swaying, clearing your throat, and using ah’s and uh’s.
S. Avoid arguments.
A SAMPLE TESTIMONY:
"As a young man I began looking, searching and longing for meaning and purpose in life."
I was born three blocks from the county courthouse in Fort Worth, Texas. My father left my mother before I was born. In my early childhood - during the depression - my mother met and married a man whom she thought would offer her security she so desperately needed. I grew up in what I thought was a ‘normal home’, but my life lacked real meaning and purpose.
As a young man I began searching for the purpose in life. For a while, I really did not find what I was looking for. Then I noticed a difference in the lives of some friends. That difference was Jesus. Jesus had made a change in their lives. I began to see in them what I wanted and needed.
After one of my friends told me how to become a Christian, I realized that this was what I wanted to do. I prayed and asked Jesus Christ to take control of my life; asked Him to forgive me of my sin. I began a new life from that moment on.
Once my decision was made, I had peace in my heart. This was what I had searched for all my life.
I cannot say every day since then has been beautiful and that I've been perfect; I'm human, but I continue to grow, develop and mature.
One thing I know for sure
• Jesus Christ is always faithful.
• The Holy Spirit has helps and guides me.
• I am loved by God
• My life has purpose
Get started on your testimony as soon as possible and ask the Lord for opportunities to share it. Keep it sharp, polished, fresh, and up to date. Trust the Holy Spirit help you as you set yourself to this important task!
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