You don’t need to be a Bible scholar, a theologian, or a pastor to share your faith with other people. In fact, you don’t even have to fully understand what happened when you gave your heart to Christ. The best way to share your faith is to tell others your story. As a new follower of Jesus, you have a powerful story to share. We want to encourage you to begin by writing your story down.
The personal story of what Jesus has done in your life is compelling because your friends are interested, others can relate, and it’s hard to argue with. When people see the way God has changed you, it becomes harder to deny the evidence that Christianity is true. A skeptic may deny your beliefs or attack your church, but he cannot ignore the fact that your life has been changed.
The personal story of what Jesus has done in your life is compelling because your friends are interested, others can relate, and it’s hard to argue with. When people see the way God has changed you, it becomes harder to deny the evidence that Christianity is true. A skeptic may deny your beliefs or attack your church, but he cannot ignore the fact that your life has been changed.
Take a few minutes to write out your story of becoming a Christian. This is the beginning of your testimony and will be a powerful tool as you start to share Jesus with others in your life.
Here’s an outline to help you write your personal faith story.
I. BEFORE: Your life before Christ
- Where were you spiritually before receiving Christ, and how did that affect you – your feelings, attitudes, actions, and relationships?
2. What caused you to begin thinking about Jesus?
II. DURING: How you came to Christ
- What realization did you come to that finally motivated you to receive Christ?
2. How specifically did you receive Christ?
III. AFTER: Your life since becoming a Christian
1.How did your life begin to change after you trusted Christ?
2.What other benefits have you experienced since becoming a Christian?
2.What other benefits have you experienced since becoming a Christian?
As you write, remember ...
- Be concise and simple in wording.
- Avoid religious clichés or Christian lingo.
- Be direct and to the point. A favorite testimony in the Bible comes from a blind man Jesus healed. When the religious leaders asked the man how it happened, he couldn’t explain it. He simply told them what he knew, “I was blind, and now I can see!” (John 9:25 – read the whole story). Such boldness is powerful.
- 2-4 minutes is preferred. 3 minutes is ideal.
- Emphasize aspects of your story that will relate to the person you are talking to.