Key Ingredients for Sharing a Good Testimony
People love to hear stories; the popularity of films and books about the life experiences of numerous people illustrates the real desire for us to hear about the lives of others. It is for this reason that we should consider how we can use our testimony to share the gospel.
Never underestimate the impact of your story. If you're a Christian, then you've experienced the love and kindness of Christ. You have a story to tell others; your conversion is a miracle! God took you, someone who was dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1), and caused you to be born again (1 Peter 1:3). This is a miraculous story that needs to be shared!
Often, when I'm sharing the gospel with the lost, I come across people who don't want to listen; instead, they want to teach. When I meet people like this, I often ask them to tell me their story, as I want to get to know them and how they got to where they are today. Normally, this opens people up, as they want to talk about their favourite subject – themselves! I listen as they talk, and then usually when they're finished, they politely ask me, “What is your story?” The door is now wide open for me to use my testimony to explain the good news.
Over the years, I've seen the benefit of sharing my story. While open-air preaching, people will sometimes heckle by asking, “Why do you believe in Jesus?” Now, when that question comes along, I can answer in one of two ways. I could make an apologetic argument for the existence and work of Christ, or I could share my story of why I believe in Jesus. Often, I will choose to use my testimony, as people are more likely to listen to a short summary of my life than they are if I make a complicated apologetic case.
When I travel to preach at different churches or events, it isn't uncommon to be asked to share my testimony before the sermon. I know some preachers hate sharing their story, but I see my testimony as another opportunity to speak of Jesus and what He has done. The focus of my testimony isn't to be upon me; it is to be upon Christ. I want to make much of Jesus in my story, and then invite people to come trust in the Saviour who rescued me.
Maybe you're reading this thinking, “I'll never be invited to speak at an event, so my testimony isn't a big deal.” If that is your thought, then let me be blunt – your thinking is wrong! You may never be invited to share your story from a stage, but you can still use your testimony to reach people around you – including strangers you may meet.
With the popularity of social media, you can even use your testimony as an online tool to share the gospel. Never underestimate your story – your salvation is a miracle. You have a wonderful story of grace to share!
When it comes to ‘how’ to share your testimony, I suggest thinking through what you'd like to say. Perhaps, it may be easiest to write out your story, detailing what your life was like before Christ, then exploring the change that occurred when by His grace He rescued you. As you write out your testimony, look for ways to share it. Maybe, you could print out your story, and then share it with unsaved friends and family. I know some who have had their testimony printed into little booklets that they give away to people they meet. By doing this, they use their story to share the bigger and better story of Jesus.
Another way you can share your testimony is by making a short video that you could upload to social media or YouTube. People are interested in hearing about the lives of others, so use your unique story to make much of Jesus.
Let me, for a moment, address a common objection. I know some argue that we should not use our testimonies in evangelism. I have friends who would openly declare that our story is irrelevant, so we just need to present the basic gospel facts. I understand where they are coming from, as oftentimes when people share their story badly, they make themselves the star, and not Jesus. But I would suggest that objecting to the use of our personal testimony in evangelism would be counter-biblical.
As Christians, we should desire to ensure all our evangelistic methods are biblical; so, do we see examples in Scripture of testimonies being used as a gospel witness? YES!
In Acts 22, the Apostle Paul used his story as a means of presenting the truth when he was confronted by an unbelieving crowd in Jerusalem. Then again, in Acts 26, Paul used his testimony when he stood before King Agrippa. Paul had a variety of tactics in evangelism – using his story was one of them.
If you are going to use your story to share the good news, what key ingredients should you include? Let me give you four key elements:
1. Life Before Christ (B.C.): Begin your testimony by sharing your background. Discuss how you lived a life of sin and rebellion against God. However, when detailing your sin, avoid glorifying it. You don't need to provide all the depraved details; rather, emphasise your desperate need for the Saviour.
2. Jesus Saves: This is the focal point of your testimony. Make much of Jesus; He should be the central figure in your story. Share the good news of Christ dying for sinners and rising from the dead. Explain how you personalised this truth and responded to the gospel with repentance and faith. Ensure that Jesus remains the core of your narrative.
3. New Life: Describe how your life has been transformed by Jesus. Talk about how your sins have been forgiven, how you've become a new creation, and how you now know God. Take this opportunity to share the promises and hope of the gospel that you've experienced.
4. Challenge for Response: As you share your testimony, build towards inviting listeners to come to Jesus. Declare what Christ has done for you, and then make it known that He can rescue others too. Conclude your story with a clear challenge, emphasising that since Jesus has rescued you, He can certainly rescue others. Encourage people to come to your Saviour.
Remember, your story is unique, and your salvation is a miracle of grace. Use your testimony to share the good news with others. Tell everyone about the Lord Jesus by declaring what He has done in your life.