1. Speak to God first and ask Him to speak through you. Ask Him to give you wisdom and guidance as you write. ("If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6).
2. Follow a three-point outline:
   1. Life before knowing Christ
   2. How you became a Christian (be specific)
   3. Life after you received Christ (changes He has made, what He means to you now.)

3. Include relevant, personal experiences with enough detail to help your listeners understand your experience.

4. Consider mentioning verses of Scripture that are especially meaningful in your relationship with Jesus.

5. Avoid

   1. Statements that reflect negatively on people or organizations

   2. Preaching at people

   3. Using stereotypes or overworked terms

6. Keep in mind that your testimony should give enough detail so that someone else would know how to trust in Jesus after hearing how you did.

Now you're ready to prepare your story! Try using the three-point outline to list the major points as they come to your mind. If you write it out in more detail, keep it between 500 and 1,000 words. This will allow you to stay within five minutes when you are telling your story verbally.

As you begin, ask God to give you the right words and approach. Trust Him to do it. This is as much His story as it is yours!