HOW TO PREPARE A PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Also known as a Faith Story

What is a personal testimony?
A personal testimony is your story of your life without Christ, how and why you became a Christian, and the results of your new life in Christ.  Jesus Christ is the center of your testimony.  Always remember that the person with whom you share your testimony may have little knowledge about a personal relationship with Jesus and why He came to earth.  Always make clear the need for forgiveness of sins in your testimony.

Should I write out and memorize my testimony?
Some people say, "The Holy Spirit leads me when I witness, so I don't need to prepare in advance."  We believe that the Holy Spirit can lead us to develop a more effective testimony by preparing in advance.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom and guidance as you write and as you speak.

How can I develop a personal testimony?

• Be simple and clear.  Prepare it for use with a group or an individual.
• Be brief (3-5 minutes).
• Don't preach at people; just share your experience.
• Speak boldly about Jesus!  He is the main focus of your testimony.
• Clarify any words that are not a normal part of the non-Christian's vocabulary, such as 'converted', 'saved' or 'born again'.  Don't use vague language like 'joyful' or 'changed' without explaining them.
• Try to identify with your audiences' interests or struggles.
• Begin with an attention getting sentence or incident.
• Include humor and/or word pictures and interesting experiences.
• Be honest.  Do not imply that Christ removes all of life's problems but rather that He enables you to live through them as you walk in obedience.
• Use at least one, but not more than two, short Scripture verses.  Explain the reference if your audience is not familiar with the Bible (for example, "One of Jesus' disciples said…" rather than "John 5:11-13 says…")
• Do not speak negatively about denominations, or name them.
• Be clear enough that a non-Christian will know why he should become a Christian, as well as how to become a Christian.  Remember, most people know neither why nor how.
• Use a three-point outline:
  1. The way I lived and thought before I received Christ
  2. How I received Christ (making clear the need for forgiveness)
  3. The changes in my life since I received Christ
• Write a closing that provides a finished and logical conclusion.
• Get input, edit and rewrite as needed.

How can I share my testimony?

• Memorize and practice your faith story until it sounds natural.
• Be filled with the Spirit and sensitively follow His leading to relate parts or all of your testimony as the conversation(s) unfold.
• Don't make any movements or gestures that may distract or offend.
• Don't argue with or condemn the listeners.