Why give your testimony?
People are interested in people - that's why docu-soaps and Big Brother are so popular. People like stories about other people, so it's an excellent opportunity to introduce people to Christ and let them know about your own journey to faith. Non-Christians can argue apologetics with you until you're both blue in the face, but people can't argue with the facts of what God has done in your life.
Why prepare your testimony?
Like all good boy scouts - BE PREPARED.
You may think it's daft to suggest that you need to prepare your own story - surely you know it well enough? Important for a number of reasons:
Helps you to be concise Helps you make the most of an evangelistic opportunity Confidence - not caught out when people ask you questions Cover everything
You won't always get a neat opportunity to have someone's undivided attention while you give them your life story. More likely, you'll be down the boozer with some mates, or whatever, and someone will ask you a question such as:
"How did you become a Christian" or
"How does being a Christian make a difference to your life"
You need to have thought about these questions beforehand and have some short, conversational answers ready.
How do you prepare your testimony?
5 key questions. Try and summarise your answers in 2 or 3 short sentences.
(1) What was my approach to life before I took Jesus Christ seriously? Help others identify with you - pick out lifestyles and attitudes you have left behind as a result of following Christ. Your answer should point to the fact that your faith has brought about big changes and have the potential to invite further interest. You may feel you've always 'taken Christ seriously' in which case identify attitudes and actions from times when he has not had first place in your life.
(2) Why did I say 'Yes' to Christ Summarise what brought you to a point of thinking about the importance of following Christ. Challenges? Crises? Experiences? Explain how you overcame stuff hindering you from (a) accepting the truth about Jesus, and (b) giving your life to him. Don't unwittingly reinforce the view that following Jesus is a matter of blind faith or switching your brain off.
(3) How did I say yes to Christ? Make it clear how you invited Jesus to be the centre of your life (ie what you actually did) Your answer should reflect the fact that becoming a Christian is a specific process culminating in your choice to trust Christ. If you can't think of a single point where you trusted Christ, give 1 or 2 examples where you noticed this process taking place.
(4) What difference does Christ make to my day-to-day life? Give 1 or 2 specific examples where having Christ at the centre of your life makes a difference. Beware of portraying 'problem free' Christianity. If you've been a Christian a long time, ask "How has Christ had an increasingly dominant influence in my life?" You should show that being a Christian isn't primarily about going to church or religious activity, but a relationship with God that produces specific changes.
(5) What is a Christian? Your answer should be your summary of the gospel message.
Like all good Blue Peter presenters - here's one I prepared earlier!
I just lived for myself, enjoying getting drunk, smoking and hanging out with friends. However, I got involved in unhealthy relationships and was very scared of dying. I got depressed because life seemed to have no meaning. I thought that a Christian was someone who went to church, tried to be good, obeyed the rules and wore horrible clothes!
I saw university as a chance to escape from my parents' expectations and I tried to get security and identity from relationships and acting exactly as I wanted, but I felt there was something missing from my life. I knew a bit about God from being forced to go to church when I was young and decided to go to church with a girl in my halls. They preached on Romans 8 from the Bible which talked about having a choice about whether to live pleasing ourselves or pleasing God. I realised that Christianity isn't irrational or wishful thinking, but that it makes sense and it made me want to know God for myself.
On 10th January 1996 (when I was 19), I had been out with a group of reprobate friends and as I walked home I realised I needed to decide what to do with my life. When I got to my room, I read Romans 8 again and as I was reading, God helped the words to make sense. I said a short prayer asking God into my life (I didn't really know what words to use - I just spoke to God as I would a friend.)
Accepting Jesus is the best thing I ever did and he makes a huge difference to every area of my life. I now have peace, security and joy that I never had before. I know who I am and my life has purpose and significance. God has set me free from the addictions and depression of the past and I love living life to the full, which is only possible with God at the centre. Life is still hard sometimes, but I have hope and comfort even in the difficulties.
A Christian is someone who
(a) believes that Jesus died on the cross in their place to pay for the things they have done wrong and restore their relationship with God. They believe that he rose again, defeating death once and for all; and
(b) trusts in Jesus as Saviour and Lord and seeks to be guided and directed by Jesus in everything they do, by giving him first place in their life. A Christian also looks forward to being with God forever in heaven.
How do you give your testimony?
As I mentioned earlier, you're not always (or ever) going to have a soap box and a crowd of attentive listeners at you disposal, so often you will just be able to give bits of your testimony at a time. Avoid jargon or difficult terminology. Don't say things like "...and that was when I was washed in the blood of the lamb, redeemed, justified and regenerated and set on a course leading to ultimate sanctification." You may know what you mean, but it doubtful whether anyone else will. Be specific and avoid vague generalities. Mention real details - incidents, places, thoughts. Don't exaggerate. It's tempting to try and make your pre-Christian life sound very dramatic (I was a meths-drinking axe murderer). ALL testimonies are dramatic and powerful. Be honest. Don't cover up difficulties or give and unrealistic impression of the Christian life as plain-sailing. Don't mention church denominations, especially in a negative way and we wary when you mention 'church' as this conjures up stereotypes in many people's minds. Centre on Christ and your relationship with him now. Testimony cards - great to give people to read or as the result of a conversation.
