CSSM MB Summer Missionary Manual - General 8
PREPARING YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY:
I. WHY PREPARE A TESTIMONY:
A. Because the Bible instructs us to!
1Peter 3.15 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect,
1 John 1.3 (Paraphrased & applied)"That which we have heard and
experienced we now tell you."
Acts 26 The Example of Paul before Agrippa
II. TYPES OF TESTIMONIES BASED ON OUR CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE:
A. How we invited Christ to be our personal Saviour.
B. General: Benefits of daily devotions: How God answered my prayer, How
God helped me conquer a specific sin, Witnessing etc.
III. STEPS IN PREPARING YOUR TESTIMONY OF COMING TO CHRIST:
Tip: You are not trying to convince - you are sharing what happened to you!
A. Talk out your story
B. Follow this simple outline:
i. Give a brief sketch of what your life was like before coming to
Christ. Use both good and not so good aspects of your life. Don't
overdo this.
ii. Describe how you took the step of inviting Christ into your life.
a. Communicate the Gospel: Fact of sin, penalty of sin, Christ’s
provision and your response.
iii. Tell at least one difference that Christ has made in your life.
i.e.: Some of the benefits of coming to Christ. You should conclude
with the most important benefit, "Eternal life".
C. Make it personal. Don't read it, just tell your story
KISS = “ Keep It Simple, Saint!”
D. Be sensitive. Don't preach by saying "you", share saying "I" &
"me".
E. Avoid words or phrases that are not understood outside of the
church setting.
F. Generalize so more people can identify with your story
G. Use some examples.
H. Help people see what you are talking about by using “word pictures".
I. Avoid unnecessary clutter