What is a Testimony? The dictionary defines it as ‘A declaration or affirmation of fact or truth; A public declaration regarding a religious experience. ‘
Sharing a testimony requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and letting others see you as one dependent upon God, one who admits that you cannot possibly do everything on your own. Preparing your testimony takes soul searching and reflection on your life – before you allowed Jesus Christ into your life and after He came into your life. When you hear or read the testimony of one of God’s children, understand that this individual is sharing something that touched them deeply and that is not comfortable for them to share. But know that their words are inspired by God, and are shared because of their love for God and their desire for others to know Him.
We all have a story to tell of how our lives were changed once we asked Jesus Christ to become a part of our lives, and we should be ready at the drop of a hat to tell our story to others! If you need help getting started, here are some guidelines for writing your testimony so that you can begin practicing it and sharing it with others. Thanks to Campus Crusade for Christ for putting these guidelines together!
After you've written your testimony, if you want to share it with Dragonfly Ministries, we would love to read it! You can send your own story to Dragonfy Ministries c/o info@dragonflyministries.com.
1. Describe your
life before you received Christ
(Write on the basis of what
you know today about people and God. Don't talk about cause
(e.g. I was lost) but effect (e.g. lonely, aimless, fearful, purposeless).
Don't focus on the things you did, but on the emotions you felt.
Jesus Himself described the lost as those who were "distressed and downcast,
like sheep without a shepherd." Remember that you're not writing
your story for you, but for those who do not yet know Christ.)
2. Describe how
you became a Christian
(Explain how you turned away
from trusting in your own efforts to earn God's favor and how you came
to the point of trusting in Christ to give you forgiveness and an eternal
relationship with God.)
3. Describe your
life now that you have received Christ
(Write about your new identity
in Christ. Describe how Christ meets your needs for forgiveness,
peace, significance, lasting relationships, etc.)
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING
YOUR STORY
A. What to do:
1.
Ask God to give you wisdom and guidance as you write.
2.
Write your story so it communicates with groups as well as with individuals.
3.
Be realistic. Do not imply that Christ removes all of life's problems,
but rather than He enables you to live through
them as you walk in obedience.
4.
Consider your audience. Write and speak to communicate with the particular
group you are addressing.
5.
Talk about Jesus. He is the main focus of your story.
B. What not to do:
1.
Do not make statements that reflect negatively on the church, organizations
or people.
2.
Avoid mentioning denominations or churches by name.
3.
Avoid speaking in a preaching manner. Make your delivery in a normal, conversational
tone.
4.
Do not use vague terms such as "joyful", "peaceful", "happy" or "changed"
without explaining them.
5.
Avoid using biblical or religious words such as "saved", "converted", "convicted",
or "sin" without clarifying what you mean. These words do not communicate
to non-Christians.
C. Writing style:
1.
Begin with an attention-getting sentence.
2.
Be genuine from the start to finish.
3.
Be specific. Give enough details to raise interest.
4.
Be accurate.
5.
Include interesting, thought provoking experiences.
6.
Use one or two Bible verses, but only where they relate directly to your
experience. Explain the references if your audience is not familiar
with the Bible.
7.
Edit and rewrite as needed.
8.
Write a closing that provides a finished and logical conclusion.