John 4:39
Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.”

If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, you have a testimony. Yes, you!

Never dismiss or underestimate the power of sharing your encounters with the One True Living God. People remember and are moved to action by stories, especially true personal stories, far more often than by facts or debate.

Stories open us up and make deep connections. Our brains are literally different when someone is telling us a story. 

Your story, your witness, your testimony needs to be heard. Don’t worry if you don’t have a dramatic testimony. Your authentic voice and experience are enough. Like the little boy’s loaves and fishes, offer Jesus what you have and watch him make abundantly more than you could ask or imagine.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTIMONIES:

Type #1: Conversion
How did you come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

Type #2: Character
What character traits of God and/or promises of God are most meaningful to you? Why?

Type #3: Calling
Where do you join Christ in serving others? Why this place/project? What have you seen God do in you, through you, or in spite of you? How does serving shape your faith?

Type #4: Circumstance
Tell of an important event which shaped and/or strengthened your faith.

Type #5: Commendation
For centuries, the faithful wrote their last will and testament, aka their testimony. What spiritual message would you like to leave your loved ones?

IMPORTANT POINTS FOR ANY TYPE OF TESTIMONY:

1. Pray first and often as you prepare. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, empower you, and draw the right situation to mind.

2. Focus on Jesus more than any other person or detail of your testimony. Point to Jesus again and again so it is clear who deserves the glory.

3. What scripture speaks to the main point of your testimony? Include it! If you’re having trouble finding one, ask for some help.

4. Speak as you usually speak. There’s no need for formality or fancy church words.

5. Be vulnerable, honest, humble, and real. 

6. Write your testimony down. Be prepared to write several drafts with some time in between each one. The writing process will help you organize and clarify your testimony. Take a breath, it won’t be graded. It doesn’t have to be grammatically perfect.

7. Testimonies include a beginning, a middle, and an ending.

• The beginning focuses on what life was like before your transforming experience.
• The middle focuses on your awakening. You awaken to your need of salvation, to God’s presence, to God’s action on your behalf, to God’s healing, to a need or injustice you are to address, etc. What brings you to the moment of decision and action?
• The ending focuses on God’s action in and through you. Your life is now different, and hopefully the lives of others. How so? Consider including an invitation or call to action as part of your ending.

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Reflection Questions to Help You Write a Christian Testimony
© 2019 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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