93624.8 Lesson 8. How? Your Story

Posted byJonathan Kobayashi

I. THE POWER OF YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY

  1. Why Your Story Matters: Your story of transformation is unique and can reach people in ways theological arguments cannot. It reflects God’s work in your life.
  2. Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul shared his testimony multiple times, adjusting the details depending on the audience. In Acts 26, Paul shared with King Agrippa about his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
  3. Key Principles: Honesty, humility, and focusing on what God has done.
  4. Their Story: It is helpful if you can get them to share about their spiritual journey in order that you might be able to adapt your presentation about your story and God’s story to be appropriate for their worldview, values, and priorities.

II. CRAFTING YOUR TESTIMONY

  1. Structure to Follow:
  1. <- Life Before Jesus: Describe who you were before you met Jesus. Be specific but avoid unnecessary or overly graphic details. For example, talk about a struggle, a sense of emptiness, or fears you had.
  2. † Why you chose to follow Jesus: Describe how you met Jesus. Emphasize what made you realize you needed Him.
  3. -> Life Following Jesus: Share the changes that occurred after accepting Jesus—how your mindset, actions, and relationships have been transformed.
  4. ? The Ask: Make sure to ask for a response at the end of your story that leads into God’s story. Or tell them that you are going to share with them the story that changed your life.

NOTE: If you want another way to share your story, you can always share about how God has made a difference in your life, helped you, healed you, or brought you through a difficult circumstance, etc.

Exercise: Write down your story in three sections. Aim for no more than 300 words per section to keep it concise.

III. EFFECTIVE STORYTELLING TIPS

  1. Be Authentic: Share both the highs and lows of your journey. People connect with authenticity.
  2. Avoid Religious Jargon: Instead of saying “I was being sanctified,” explain it in simple terms—“I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and peace.”
  3. End with an Invitation: You can conclude by inviting the listener to explore their own relationship with Jesus or ask if they would like to hear more.
  4. Reminder: The main idea behind sharing your story is to open a door for you to share God’s story. Once the door is open, share God’s story with the person.

IV. PRACTICAL EXERCISES FOR CRAFTING AND SHARING YOUR STORY

  1. Group Practice: Each person shares their story with a small group and receives constructive feedback. The focus should be on clarity, impact, and natural flow.
  2. Three-Minute Testimony: Practice giving your testimony in under three minutes. This helps make your story concise and suitable for brief conversations.
  3. Adapt Your Story for Different Audiences: Learn to tailor the tone and focus of your story to your audience. For example, focus on emotional aspects when speaking to someone who is struggling emotionally.

V. TESTIMONY SHARING OPPORTUNITIES

  1. Everyday Settings: Share your testimony in natural conversations—during breaks at work, while waiting in line, or over a meal.
  2. Invitations to Hear More: End your story with an open invitation: “Would you be interested in learning how Jesus could also impact your life?