The Power of Your Testimony + How to Draft Your Testimony Workbook

Your Testimony

Today I’m going to talk about why your testimony is so powerful and give you some tips on how to put it together.  You will also find a cool link at the end for a workbook that is designed specifically to help you draft your story. There is nothing that rivals the power of your testimony, aside from the Bible, which is God’s Testimony. Seriously, your story is yours and when you share how God has revealed himself and changed your life it’s hard to argue.

People who struggle with Religion typically find it hard to debate with personal experience, because to do so requires calling the other person a liar, which most people have a hard time doing without overwhelming evidence.  When you share your story of how God has met you and what has changed as a result, it underscores the truth of the Gospel. The Gospel is powerful, but many still choose unbelief.  The power of your testimony is that it’s a witness that always points back to the outrageous love of God.

 

I have become a huge champion of crafting your testimony.  Your testimony has the power to encourage me and push me forward.  I need that.  You need that from me.  We need to hear how God is showing up, because the enemy works relentlessly to undermine the goodness of God.

 

Circumstances can tower and distract from the truth, so it is important to hear what God has to say.  He speaks through his testimony (the Bible) and he speaks through your testimony too. God loves it when his children brag about his goodness, not because he is narcissistic, but because he knows that remembering and declaring are the keys to alignment.

 

Be Ready with Your Testimony

 

A year and a half ago we were away on a mission trip with a small team of intercessor.  We were about three days in when our missionary casually asked who would be willing to share their testimony in each of the house churches we visited.  I think there was an audible gasp and a look of fear over the faces of our team.

 

These men and women are gifted, capable leaders, who in that moment felt real fear about having to share their testimony.  Ask any of the them now and they’ll tell you, “Of course!  A prepared testimony is essential and nothing to fear.”  But that particular afternoon a simple request set in motion a true sense of fear.

 

I realized something that day.  Testimonies tend to be associated with evangelism which can feel intimidating.  I decided that I would not take another team away without talking about preparing a testimony a head of time.

 

 

 

 

Your Testimony Is not an Autobiography

 

You should write out your testimony.  Besides the fact that we are commanded to share the Gospel, the power of your testimony also has personal benefits.  This is a great exercise that will yield some amazing growth just because you press into the process.  And that’s all before you speak it out loud releasing it into the atmosphere.

 

I grew up going to church.  In fact, the church I attended shared the Gospel out loud through the entire service every single week. My parents were God-Fearing people, so I was very aware of the Gospel story.  But it wasn’t until I was 12 years old, at a youth retreat, listening to the testimony of the man leading the retreat, that I realized the Gospel was for me.

 

It was a pretty humble setting, just a small town hall building of a very rural village in Ontario cottage country.  There were perhaps 40 teenagers sitting on the floor, listening as Bob (the minister) shared his story of how God met him.  He shared the Gospel in a way I’d never heard before and it caused me to see that knowing the details of the Gospel isn’t the same as knowing Christ.

 

It was my “Aha” moment.  For me it was a practical moment, because I realized I simply needed to align my heart with truth.  I grew up with this story all around me but for the first time I saw how I was actually a part of the story.  So I went down stairs and sat with my Dad who prayed with me to receive Christ. I’m thankful that our friend Bob was ready with his testimony because it brought me to the place of acceptance.

 

 

Your Testimony

 

 

Your Testimony is Worth Pursuing

 

“But I don’t have a “Gutter to Glory” story!”

 

Umm, yeah you do.  Everyone has a redemption story, it just may not be a colorful as others.  Don’t compare your story to someone else’s. Those who have walked the extreme wild side of rebellion do not have a monopoly on the best testimony.  If you tend to think that’s true, I’m here to set you straight.  Your story is unique and valid.

 

“I’m not good at talking to strangers.”

 

That’s okay, I’m not so good at it either.  While I’m not shy, I do tend to settle a little more on the introvert side of the personality scale.  I’m here to say, that’s okay.  Your testimony is powerful when you share it in the context of relationship. When you are going through a challenge and God shows up, the power of your testimony can affect change in the lives of those around you.

 

“I’m not good at speaking in front of people!”

 

Okay, well, that can be a legitimate fear, but most people can talk to at least one other person.  This is not about standing in front of a crowd, although it can be done that way.  The power of your testimony is that it’s truth spoken in a moment which encourages another person to look at Jesus.  That’s it.

 

“I’m not good at explaining things!”

 

That’s why you should write it out, before you ever try to speak it out.  Start with an outline and jot down thoughts and ideas.  Once your thoughts are mapped out it is easier to craft the story.  I promise.  Just keep it simple.

 

 

Your Testimony

 

 

Your Testimony Basics

 

Start with some basic questions.  How was my life before Christ?  What was it like?  How did I realize I needed Jesus? In what way is my life different since giving my life to Christ?

 

Relax and just start jotting thoughts down as they come.  You may want to set up three columns, one for each question, so you can write your ideas in point form as they come.  Don’t feel like you need to do this in any order, begin with what is easiest for you.

 

Seriously–just do it.  As you write these thoughts down you will begin to see a picture forming.  It’s your story.  Do you see how it goes?  As you unpack the details you will start to see your heart.

 

Is there someone who played an active role in your story of coming to Christ?  What was it about this person that turned you toward Jesus?  How did the Gospel come to life for you?

 

These are all great questions to prime the pump.  I recommend that you work at keeping your testimony to a few minutes.  People have a short attention span and it is really easy to miss the point because of too many details.  You may only have a few minutes so you want to make sure your testimony is concise, clear and ready for whenever an opportunity presents itself.

 

I believe that there are thousands of opportunities missed because we are not prepared.  You have the perfect opportunity to share your story in little pieces as you come and go.  Did you know that you have territorial influence and authority?  As you interact at work, the gym, the places you do life, you have favor to speak the Gospel.  Your life spills over and touches those around you.  Why not choose what spills over?

 

 

Your Testimony

 

 

Your Testimony: Breaking it Down

 

You will not always have the luxury of sharing your entire testimony all at once.  You should still have the full thing prepared. Remember it is organic and will continue to grow as you grow.  Continue to add to it as God moves and works in your life. Don’t just stop at the conversation part of the story…there is so much more that needs to be shared.

 

Context is everything. Understand your audience so you can communicate authentically and clearly.  Are you sharing you story with one person or a group? How big is the group?  What age group is represented?

 

When you know your story and can break it down it makes it easier to share.   In the coming and going of life you will find plenty of opportunities if you simply ask Holy Spirit to make you aware.

 

Be aware of your language. There is a certain kind of Christian talk that is just plain confusing.  As you practice your testimony try to work confusing phrases and clichés out of your vocabulary.  Are you sharing with someone who speaks English as a second language?  It is really easy to forget and speak slang, so be aware and adjust accordingly.

 

 

The Collective Power of Testimony

 

When we, as a faith community, really know each other’s stories, we can move strategically in kingdom impact.  What I mean is that together the synergy of both our stories can have further reaching effects.

 

Last summer, I took my daughter Ally with me to Guatemala.  It wasn’t the first time we had gone, but it was the first time we went without my husband, who was home preparing for a Stem Cell Transplant.  He insisted that we go and so we did.

 

As is our practice when we take teams, everyone had testimonies prepared.  Ally had worked on hers ahead just as we instructed, but she refused to share any of it with me before we left.  I don’t remember which church it was, but our head leader asked her to share one night. He asked for her specifically because of her age because it was a young crowd.

 

That night Ally stood before the church and shared her story of trauma and how God showed up. Her bite size piece of the story outlined the horror of being 16 years old and facing the possibility of losing her Dad.  God showed up and faith became real.  Two students sitting in the church that night came forward sobbing because they too were walking through the  same ordeal.  Ally was able to pray with them and hug them.

 

We have others on the team who have different stories. Their stories account abuse, abandonment, rejection, and grief, all with the grace of God woven seamlessly through it.  All of our stories fit into the Gospel Message.   A concert of testimony is powerful and has profound impact on the kingdom work of God.

 

 

Your Testimony

 

 

How to Draft Your Testimony

Before you write a word, begin with prayer.  Ask the LORD to help you remember all the details of the story.  Remembering can be hard, which is why I believe many people avoid sharing their story.  The enemy is quick to condemn and shame, but that is not the way of God.  His desire is for you.  He longs to complete the work he began.  Partner with Him and let Holy Spirit lead your through.

Don’t be afraid to take your time.  God is always present in the process, so go ahead and let yourself enjoy that glorious gift.

I’ve created a workbook and template for you, so go ahead and print that off.  This will help you focus all your thoughts and ideas, which will help you tell your story.  Remember, this is not an autobiography, it is the testimony of what God has done in your life.  Everything about this story should point back to the LORD.

So because your testimony is so important and powerful, I’d love to hear from you.  Let me know if you found this helpful as your worked through the process.  And if you feel really brave, I’d love to hear your story.

 

 

 

One comment

  1. Bonnie Kirk says:

    Thanks Mo. I like the idea of three columns with the questions up top. From there you have an organized, three point message that can be developed for a longer talk or paired down for a shorter one.

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