Few things can be more encouraging than hearing about how God has worked in someone’s life. Below are few commonly asked questions about sharing a public testimony.
- What is the goal in sharing a testimony? The goal of a testimony is to build up the church by giving God glory (1 Cor. 14:22). Be sure to use words and stories that edify the church. A testimony is also a great way to share the gospel with unbelievers and/or seekers (Acts 26:1-23).
- Who should receive the glory in a testimony? Sharing a testimony is an opportunity to make much of Christ. Certainly, this will include sharing some things about yourself or a personal experience, but the focus of every testimony should be God. Additionally, while we are thankful to other people for reaching out to us, the hero of your testimony should be God. One way to ensure this is by thinking through what it is about God that you are trying to exalt and share: God’s grace, goodness, providence, sovereignty, love, longsuffering. Let the person of Christ and the attributes of God serve as the center of the story. Finally, when talking about your past, there is a tendency to either say too much or omit details in a way that would be helpful to listeners. Remember your audience, especially if children are present. If you have any concerns whether or not to say something, feel free to ask an elder or church leader.
- Do you have any practical advice?
- Consider writing out your testimony in advance, especially if you are not used to speaking publicly.
- Remember that a testimony is not a biography. The goal is to focus on how God saved you or how the Lord worked in your life in a certain way.
- Be careful not to include too many details. In most cases, one or two events serve well as illustrations.
- Be sure to stay within the time allotted.
- Again, emphasize God’s work in your life, not your own achievements.
- Do you have any thoughts on structure? Your personal testimony can be structured in three parts. 1) Your life before God’s grace 2) How and when God worked in your life 3) Your life since Christ changed you by grace.
Can you think of anything further to add to this list?