Sharing Your Journey of Faith
Stories are powerful. We all love stories, especially ones that give us an “inside look” into someone else’s life.
As a child of God, you have a powerful story to tell. Sharing how you came to Jesus and the difference He’s made in your life can help others discover how they, too, can know God personally.
But how do you distill a lifetime of experiences into a few minutes and communicate the significance of your faith in a way others can understand? This is the challenge.
It’s also the reason we’ve put together a template and some tips to help you draft your personal testimony. This guide will help you develop a three-minute synopsis of your story that you can share with individuals or groups. A carefully prepared testimony, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can be a tool you can use anywhere to effectively share the message of God’s love.
Getting started
As you set out to gather ideas, begin by asking God to bathe the process with His Spirit, and give you wisdom as you write. Your objective at this point is to write freely without editing–to just get all your ideas on paper.
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The outline below will provide a solid frame to build your story on. Try to think of specific examples and details that relate to each question.
1. What was your life like before you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?
- What were your attitudes, needs and problems?
- What did your life revolve around? What was most important to you?
- Where did you look for security, peace of mind and happiness?
2. How did you come to accept Christ and give Him complete control of your life?
- When did you first hear the gospel? When were you first exposed to dynamic Christianity?
- What were your initial reactions to Jesus Christ?
- When and why did you begin to feel positively about Christianity?
- What was the turning point in your attitude?
- What feelings did you struggle with right before your decision?
3. What happened after you trusted Christ?
- What changes did you see in your life? In your attitudes? In your actions?
- How long did it take before you noticed any changes?
- What does Jesus Christ mean to you now?
Threading it together
During this second step, it’s time to get selective and decide which details to include. Read through your ideas, and using a highlighter, underline the most important feelings, examples or incidents that relate to each of the three points in the outline above. Use the ideas you highlight to begin writing your story, and make sure you explain what your life was like before you knew Christ, how you came to know Him, and what your life is like now. These guidelines will help you shape your story.
- Begin with an attention-getting sentence or incident.
- Be positive from start to finish.
- Be specific. Give enough detail to arouse interest.
- Be realistic. Do not imply that Christ removes all of life’s problems, but, rather, that He walks with you through them.
- Use one or two Scripture verses, but only where they would directly relate to your experience and fit in naturally.
- Edit and rewrite as needed. Consider writing your first draft and setting it aside for a day so you can go back to it with a fresh perspective.
- Write a conclusion that makes your testimony sound finished and complete.
There are certain things you should filter from your story to avoid detracting from its essential message.
- Don’t harshly criticize the church, organizations or other people.
- Avoid mentioning denominations; the concept of different kinds of churches can be confusing to non-Christians.
- Be careful not to glamorize how “bad” you used to be.
- Steer clear of vague terms such as “joyful,” “peaceful,” happy,” or “changed” unless you explain in a concrete way what you mean.
- Do not use Christian jargon such as “saved,” “convicted,” “born again,” “sin,” or “repentance,” without clarification.
Telling your story
It might seem tough the first time or two, but the more you share your story, the easier it will get. Most people will appreciate your willingness to talk openly about your life, and no one can argue with your personal experience.
- Rehearse your testimony until it becomes natural. Practice sharing it with a Christian friend or family member.
- Share your story with enthusiasm, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Smile often. Ask the Lord to give you a pleasant expression.
- Speak clearly, in a natural, relaxed tone. Speak loudly enough to be heard.
- Stick to your time limit. Go too long and you’ll lose your audience.
- Tailor your story to your audience. Use examples from your experience that will relate to theirs.
Beware of nervous mannerisms that can distract others as they listen to your story, such as rubbing your nose, swaying, jingling coins in your pocket, playing with a pencil, clearing your throat, or using many “you knows” and “uhs.”
Also, remember that a testimony should never be a “preachimony.” Stay humble; never argue or use high pressure methods to persuade people to make decisions for Christ.
Keep it fresh
New chapters of your life are being written all the time, so in one sense, your story is never complete. Feel free to add new content and revise to keep your testimony fresh and reflect God’s ongoing work in your life.
Look for openings
Ask God to give you opportunities to tell your story, and look for openings. People you meet may comment that there’s something different about you, or even ask you why you’re such a “religious” person. Such situations are windows of opportunity to tell your story of faith.
Besides sharing your story one-on-one or in group situations, consider putting your testimony in written form to give to people you meet.
Be creative in sharing your life! And enjoy sharing with others the incredible story of what Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, is doing in you!
Deborah, It sounds like you’ve had quite the experience. I’m not sure if I’m reading your comment correctly, but it sounds like you’re suggesting that all churches and church leaders are deceivers. If that is what you’re saying, I have to disagree. I think that church leaders and pastors can be an enormous help in understanding the scriptures and in learning how to live a Christian life. I do believe that it’s possible to know that God exists without having been in a church. Luke 19:40 tells us that, “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” But I also believe that people are built for community. We thrive in groups, in relationship.
most of my life in christian churches and ministries believing i was saved,filled with his spirit over 15 years. I was living a lie. the true Spirit of God came on my flesh and revealed after 15 years in christian ministries and believing in God that I was not filled with his Sprit, not saved/born again, false tongues, and had numerous demons and one devil in me. How could I have been ministering side by side with many well known ministers are anointed of God and they did not detect I was in darkness? When you have the true anointing of the Holy Spirit you will know all things in truth! I do now! No man will need to teach you. The true Creator thru his only son pulled me out of the ways from churches and ministries of this world. they are all greatly deceived by the god of this world. the mystery of babylon the great all (churches of world). mystery of iniquity which is the great city in the spirit realm reigns above the kings(all church leaders) of earth. A spiritual blood bath of many believers including all slain on the earth. I have a 9 page testimony that I am a witness in True power of the Holy Spirit that I saw Satan in spiritual relam ruling all church leaders of the world and gathering a great many deceived followers down road of destruction. 2thes2:3,4
come out! Revealtion 18:4
Rev. Simon Peter,
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. The power of God in your story is able to change lives. Continue seeking His Kingdom in your daily life. You have our support.
May God continue to bless you, your family, and His ministry through you.
MY TESTIMONY
My name is Simon Peter which I took up after becoming to Christian. I was born and raced in an Aristocratic High cast Hindu family. Being from a high cast Hindu family my daily routine included visiting temples, worshiping idols performing rituals according to the Hindu system of faith.AS I was growing I experienced emptiness within myself. This feeling gradually increased.
When I entered college I was totally depressed and could never understand why I was depressed. I visited many Hindu Pilgrim places like Sabarimala (Kerala). Etc. in search peace. In college indulged all kind of pressures that my society had to offer. I started getting addicted to intoxicants. Though I tried to satisfy my senses with the treasures of this world there was a deep longing within me for something which I didn’t understand them. I got totally addicted to smoking and began to roam around like a lunatic person in search of meaning for my life. All my efforts to get some peace wherein vain.
I n the meanwhile I took up a job in company located at Coimbatore Tamilnadu.I lavished my salary in finding more pleasures. However emptiness despair was still hunting. I began to contemplate suicide.
One day I noticed an advertisement about Good Shepherded Bible Training Center in a News paper. It caught my attention and I got a motivation from my heart to join the training program. I correspondent to Dr.Babu, who was the director of the training centre about my problems. Very soon I got a reply from Dr.Babu and he shared the gospel. I realized that I am a sinner and needed Jesus in my life to set me free from the guilt of sin and the emptiness that I experienced all through my life.
I received Jesus as my personal savior and Lord. From that day life was changed and I have been experiencing lasting peace and joy. On May 26th 1994 I took water baptism in obedience to God’s word and proclamation of my faith to the world. I was forsaken by parents and other members for receiving Jesus. In 1997, I got married to a born again Christian her name is Giji God has blessed us with three wonderful children. Jemuel 12 years He is in sixth standard, Jemeema 9 years she is in 4th standard and Jackie 5 years He is in 1st. Lately I have moved to Mumbai city with my family and we are involved in full time Gods Ministry. We have started an Independent Ministry registered by the name Hosanna Mission trust India. We have Sunday worship services, weekly prayer meeting, Fasting prayers & Bible teaching systems. Each day we experience Gods Faithfulness as we trust in the Lord for our provisions.
It is my vision to serve the Lord in whatever capacity possible. I wish to preach Gospel and plant churches. I believe that youths can be used enormously by God for which I wish to set up bible training centers to train them. I praying fervently and waiting patiently for Gods time.
In the Service of the Master
Rev.Simon Peter.
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Thank you Latasha for telling us your story. God is able to do amazing things and He will continue to use you as a testimony to many others.
Lord God, I am grateful for the healing that You have done in Latasha’s life. I pray that Your Spirit would protect her from the schemes that Satan would have to destroy her testimony. Keep her eyes focused on You so that she will be able to follow wherever You lead her. Amen.
THIS IS SHORT TESTIMONY. I HAVE MORE OF HOW GOD IS BEEN GOOD. HE KEEPS ON BLESSING ME. I AM THANKFUL FORR HIS GRACE AND HIS MERCY….GODS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT ENOUGHFOR ME!!!!!!! I HOLD THIS ENCOURGE SOMEBODY. YOU CAN EMAIL ME IF YOU LIKE. **************** [It is our policy not to publish personal contact information on our websites]
On October 14,2009 I had a slip in fall in me bathroom that cause me to be paralyze from neck down. I also broke my neck. I spent two weeks in in ga baptist hospital in Atlant,Ga. I was in ICU. After that they transfer me to the shepherd center in Atlanta,Ga. Where i begin my thearpy. I leave in this hospital for 2 1/2 months. Day in and out my husband and kids leave out of the shepherd center to help care for me. After a week had pass they started air lifting me up to my motor chair for thearpy. When I say I had no body function…I did NOT. I had no control over my bowls my bladder. I had to wear a diaper. I could no comb my hair brush my teeth,sing (I had a trac in my throat.etc! But was over whelming but through it all GOD HAD HIS HANDS ALL IN MY HEALING. WHEN I SAY I WENT FROM A MOTOR CHAIR-TO A WHEEL CHAIR- TO A WALKER- TO A CANE- TO NOTHING……GOD IS GOOD!!! I REMERMER WHEN THEY HOOK ME TO A MACHINE AND WAS TEACHING ME HOW TO WALK. I WAS OVER JOY, MY HUSBAND WAS TOO AND THE REST OF MY FAMILY TOO. SO BASCILLY I HAVE HAD A LOT OF TIME TO MY SELF WHICH SELF PITTY, SELF HATE AND SOME OTHER THINGS START CREEPED INTO MY HEART. GOD WAS SHOWING ME MY SINS BEFORE MY EYES. I WOULD SEE OTHER PEOPLE SINS AND WOULD THINK NEGATIVE AT THEM. NOT SEEN WHAT I WAS DOING. I TRIED SO HARD TO CHANGE BUT I COULD NOT CHANGE. TILL 3 WEEKS AGO LAYING IN PAIN ALL OVER MY BODY. GOD AGAIN SHOULD ME MY SIN. I REPENTED THAT NIGHT AND I WAS SET FREE. MY MIND WAS CLEAR. I WAS SPIRITUAL DEAF. I COULD HEAR CLEARLY AND SEE CLEARLY. THANK YOU LORD! BUT ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE DEVIL CAME AT ME AGIN I AM NOT GIVING HIM GLORY BUT I WANT HIM TO KNOW I DON’T BELONG TO HIM. I WAS ON FACEBOOK TELL EVERYBODY ABOUT MY ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST!!!! I MUST TELL THE WOLRD ABOT MY ENCOUNTER. I UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE MORE CLEARLY SONGS MORE CLEARLY. I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY WE SING AT THE CROSS OR NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS, ALSO UNDERSTAND WHY WE TAKE COMMUNION. IT IS SO AMAZING. I AM DONING WONDERFUL COMPARE TO BEEN PARALYZE. I THANK GOD AND HE GETS ALL THE GLORY BEHIND MY HEALING. THE SCRPTURE SAYS TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED THAT KEEP COMING UP IN MY HEAD!!!!!!!! SO WHEN THE DEVIL TRIES TO COME UP AGAINST ME….I REPLY TO TOUCH NOT MY ANONITED!!!!!!!!!!!! I BELIVE I AM ANONITED AND THAT GOD HAS SOMETHING ELSE FOR ME TODO. i HAVE MORE TO SAY.BUT I HAVE TO MAKE IT SHORT
Thomas M, thanks for sharing! It is always encouraging to hear another story of faith and God’s grace!
I just thought i’d write out my testinomy(:
Iv’e been a christian since I was 4, but never really “followed god” I would tell people I did but, but allways had a douting feeling he wasn’t real, or didn’t care about me. That all changed 2 days before my 16th birthday. My youth group and I went to this teen christian, concert/church that lasted for 3 days and had about 4000 teens.The 2 day is the day that really changed me. The paster told us to all bow our heads and close our eyes, and quote “with every eye closed and every head bowed I want you on the count of 3 to jump out of your chair, raise your hands and shout I want the cross!” and I really wanted to do this but with 4000 people, I dunno. So he counted, 1.2.3…Scilence. But then somewhere across the stadium, someone shounted, and a chain effect happend. about 90% of the teens jumped out of their chairs and shouted out to jesus that they wanted the cross. Me being one of them. So with our hands up screeming to the world the Jesus is the holy one, the paster told us that whoever wanted the gift of tounghs could have it. All they had to do was ask. And iv’e wanted to speak in tounghs since I was about 8, so of cource I asked god for tounghs. about 15seconds after this, my kness felt they were going to collapes, I was shaking, and sweating incanly. and started to speak in the holy lauanguage…At the exactly the same time that I did, about 50 people around me did also. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. People just like me. People who are told that they arn’t followers of christ because were teens jumping up and down yelling out tounghs, falling on the floor, prasing god because he is god. It was amazing. Ever since that night I gave up my life for god, and grow in him each day. I love Jesus!
Is it important for people to believe Gods people?Why did Jesus Christ ask His deciples WHO HE WAS?Who does it benifit when we believe God,or people of today?Jesus christ said,say my name so my father may be glorified.He said,let them tell there testimonies so you will know who they are in me.
In a few days ill check out the sight and your answeres,i desire you take this sereously,with no mocking or insults of any kind.Jesus Christ said,if you do this to the least of my breathren you do it to me.So please be nice,or you will be doing it to Him.I know the answeres to these questions ive given you,ill tell you what God has shown me and answere them for you.Please try yourself ok?Im not going to judge you,there is no wrong answere,because i believe God meets us where we are at in our jurneys,weather saved or unsaved,we are all searching for the truth,wich is Jesus Christ,the truth life and way.Author and finisher of our faith.Beginning and the end He is.GOD BLESS YA.IN JESUS CHRIST NAME NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES,GREATEST EAGLE OF ALL,WHO HIDES US UNDER HIS WINGS,AMEN,JESUS CHRIST HAS LAST WORD AGREES AMEN AND AMEN.
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Fab website. Xx god bless