How to Give a Testimony

October - December, 2016 December, - October

Life Group Leaders notes Leaders Group Life

Telling Your Story Your Telling Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

accusers, and they will tell you it’s true’.” it’s you tell will they and accusers,

also made it clear that his story could be verified (vs 4-5): “’Ask anyone who knows me, even my my even me, knows who anyone “’Ask 4-5): (vs verified be could story his that clear it made also

but he made sure his first impression would help the king relate to the story he was about to tell. He He tell. to about was he story the to relate king the help would impression first his sure made he but

remarks would have immediately connected with him. Paul had probably never met Agrippa before, before, Agrippa met never probably had Paul him. with connected immediately have would remarks

3). He knew Agrippa understood Roman culture and Jewish religion, and his opening actions and and actions opening his and religion, Jewish and culture Roman understood Agrippa knew He 3).

Before Paul gave his testimony, he first established a relationship with Agrippa (read again Acts 26:1- Acts again (read Agrippa with relationship a established first he testimony, his gave Paul Before

Establishing a relationship. a Establishing

Read Pauls story in Acts 26:1-23 [p. 1123] [p. 26:1-23 Acts in story Pauls Read

Pauls Testimony Pauls

a Jew or a Roman, but had been brought up in Rome and had adopted Judaism as his religion. his as Judaism adopted had and Rome in up brought been had but Roman, a or Jew a

King Agrippa was a descendent of Herod the Great, the king when Jesus was born. Agrippa was not not was Agrippa born. was Jesus when king the Great, the Herod of descendent a was Agrippa King

Acts 26:1-23 Acts Paul had an opportunity to testify to King Agrippa. Agrippa. King to testify to opportunity an had Paul

these chapters we see Paul giving his testimony to Jewish leaders, Roman officials and royalty. In In royalty. and officials Roman leaders, Jewish to testimony his giving Paul see we chapters these

legal processes to finally end up in Rome. Paul really was in the middle of a legal case. Throughout Throughout case. legal a of middle the in was really Paul Rome. in up end finally to processes legal

tells the story of how Paul battled against the Jewish leaders and went through many many through went and leaders Jewish the against battled Paul how of story the tells 28 - 21 Acts

Background to Paul Telling His Story His Telling Paul to Background

Jesus. Jesus. learn from them. them. from learn

decide to leave Hinduism and follow follow and Hinduism leave to decide for us to take special note of these examples and examples these of note special take to us for

Sunita and Meena's only crime was to to was crime only Meena's and Sunita recorded in the bible and it is therefore important therefore is it and bible the in recorded

over the centuries. A few of these have been have these of few A centuries. the over was also beaten, was alive or dead. or alive was beaten, also was

Many millions of people have told their testimony their told have people of millions Many She had no idea if her sister, Meena, who who Meena, sister, her if idea no had She

was broken; a bone was sticking out of it. it. of out sticking was bone a broken; was

her town. When she awoke, her wrist wrist her awoke, she When town. her we can't help telling everyone) telling help can't we

unconscious, then dragged to the edge of of edge the to dragged then unconscious, and excited about our relationship with God that God with relationship our about excited and

by a group of men until she was was she until men of group a by (Because we should be so grateful so be should we (Because 4:20 3:1-10, Acts

attackers. She had been beaten with rods rods with beaten been had She attackers. who God is) God who

as she hid in a goat shed from her her from shed goat a in hid she as (Because it introduces others to others introduces it (Because 12:26-27 Exodus

This was the courageous prayer of Sunita Sunita of prayer courageous the was This

devil)

(Because it helps us overcome the overcome us helps it (Because 12:11 Revelation witness for you." for witness

"I can die or I can witness. Make me a a me Make witness. can I or die can "I (Because it gives praise to God) to praise gives it (Because 16:8 1Chronicles

(Because Jesus says we should) we says Jesus (Because 1:8 Acts

From Open Doors newsletter, July 2016: July newsletter, Doors Open From

encourage this thought? this encourage

To speak out and share our testimony is encouraged in scriptures. How might the following verses verses following the might How scriptures. in encouraged is testimony our share and out speak To

and nothing but the truth. the but nothing and

to a decision regarding the accused. In the witness statement, they are expected to tell the truth, truth, the tell to expected are they statement, witness the In accused. the regarding decision a to

to what they saw, heard, read, witnessed that might help the judge come come judge the help might that witnessed read, heard, saw, they what to ’ testimony ‘ gives witness

A testimony is a story about what someone knows. It comes from the legal profession where a a where profession legal the from comes It knows. someone what about story a is testimony A

READING: Acts 26:1-23 [page 1123] [page 26:1-23 Acts READING:

______

six pack!!!" How do they use before and after images to sell their products? their sell to images after and before use they do How pack!!!" six

drop two dress sizes in three days!" or, "Sagging tummy? Buy our exerciser and we'll give you a real real a you give we'll and exerciser our Buy tummy? "Sagging or, days!" three in sizes dress two drop

Have you ever seen adverts for health or fitness products? The type that say, "You can can "You say, that type The products? fitness or health for adverts seen ever you Have CREATIVE:

before King Agrippa in Acts 26 Acts in Agrippa King before

In this session we want to look at the Apostle Paul and how he shares his testimony testimony his shares he how and Paul Apostle the at look to want we session this In OBJECTIVE:

Study 1 – October 5th Pauls’ Story Pauls’ 5th October – 1 Study Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

Thank Him that you can serve Him faithfully at home, at work, at play! at work, at home, at faithfully Him serve can you that Him Thank .

Consider your purpose and calling in Christ. in calling and purpose your Consider

into the person He desires you to be. to you desires He person the into

Thank God for those changes and pray that He would continue to change you and mould you you mould and you change to continue would He that pray and changes those for God Thank .

your attitudes, how you treat other people, how you think of yourself. of think you how people, other treat you how attitudes, your

Consider the changes God has made in your life since that commitment to be His disciple - perhaps perhaps - disciple His be to commitment that since life your in made has God changes the Consider

Thank God for showing you His grace and His mercy His and grace His you showing for God Thank .

now had you not made that decision to be a Christ follower. Christ a be to decision that made not you had now

Reflect on how you used to live before you met Jesus. Consider/imagine where your life might be be might life your where Consider/imagine Jesus. met you before live to used you how on Reflect

Prayer Challenge: Prayer

______

so that when asked you can tell YOUR story!! YOUR tell can you asked when that so

gentleness and respect. and gentleness Over the coming weeks we are going to look at ways we can all be prepared prepared be all can we ways at look to going are we weeks coming the Over ’

answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with with this do But have. you that hope the for reason the give to you asks who everyone to answer

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an an give to prepared be Always Lord. as Christ revere hearts your in But ‘ , says 3:15 Peter 1 share. to

to prepare what we are going to say ahead of time ... so that when someone asks us, we are ready ready are we us, asks someone when that so ... time of ahead say to going are we what prepare to

Unfortunately not all of us are fine/confident speakers like Paul. Therefore, it would be very helpful helpful very be would it Therefore, Paul. like speakers fine/confident are us of all not Unfortunately

clear ‘before and after’ story. Reading it out loud as if to an audience takes a mere 4 minutes. 4 mere a takes audience an to if as loud out it Reading story. after’ and ‘before clear

This passage is a great example of a simple but concise testimony. Just like the adverts, it is a very very a is it adverts, the like Just testimony. concise but simple a of example great a is passage This

Closing

passion was channelled in to serving Jesus and telling others about him. about others telling and Jesus serving to in channelled was passion

Paul was still the same passionate, zealous person that God had created him to be, but now his his now but be, to him created had God that person zealous passionate, same the still was Paul

What was Paul’s testimony about God even in the face of his own persecution? (see (see persecution? own his of face the in even God about testimony Paul’s was What ) 22 vs. .

What was the scope of Pauls commission/call? (see (see commission/call? Pauls of scope the was What ) 20 vs. .

Discuss some of the changes that occurred in Paul after meeting Jesus. Jesus. meeting after Paul in occurred that changes the of some Discuss .

Paul now tells the story of a new life in Jesus. Jesus. in life new a of story the tells now Paul

Section 3 - AC: After Conversion (vs 19-23) (vs Conversion After AC: - 3 Section

, what new job did God have in store for Paul? for store in have God did job new what , 26:16-18 Acts and

On this day, Paul was not only only not was Paul day, this On 15-16 9: Acts From . commissioned/called was he , converted .

on that journey to becoming a Christian? a becoming to journey that on

remember and describe? Or, if not a certain day, what details can you describe that led you you led that describe you can details what day, certain a not if Or, describe? and remember

What do you remember of the day you gave your life to Christ? What details can you you can details What Christ? to life your gave you day the of remember you do What .

which gives a little more detail. What things amaze you about Paul’s story? Paul’s about you amaze things What detail. more little a gives which 1102]

Acts 9:1-19 [p. [p. 9:1-19 Acts to refer to like also may You conversion. Paul’s words own your in Describe .

needed to change direction and surrender his life to God. to life his surrender and direction change to needed

been many years ago, this event was clearly etched into Paul’s mind, when he realised that he he that realised he when mind, Paul’s into etched clearly was event this ago, years many been

Probably the most deeply personal stage, Paul now tells of how he met with Jesus. Although it had had it Although Jesus. with met he how of tells now Paul stage, personal deeply most the Probably

Section 2 - DC: During Conversion (vs 13-18) (vs Conversion During DC: - 2 Section

this sound like our society today? society our like sound this

believed that everyone who opposed his way should be shut up or got rid of. Does Does of. rid got or up shut be should way his opposed who everyone that believed

o Paul passionately believed that he was living the right way and he passionately passionately he and way right the living was he that believed passionately Paul

? ? 26:9-11 Acts see - do to him lead beliefs Paul’s did What .

What did the life of a Pharisee entail? Pharisee a of life the did What .

Philippians 3:4-6 [p. [p. 3:4-6 Philippians to also Refer ? vs.4-5 from upbringing Paul’s about learn we do What .

. . Jesus met he before life his about Agrippa tells Paul

Section 1 - BC: Before Conversion (vs 4-12) (vs Conversion Before BC: - 1 Section

26 and see if you can spot the three major sections of his stand for Christ. for stand his of sections major three the spot can you if see and 26

. Reread Acts 26:4- Acts Reread . stages distinct three in testimony his shares he attention, Agrippa's has Paul Now Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

as well as negative solutions you may have tried. have may you solutions negative as well as

attempt to meet those deep inner needs? As you develop your testimony, list positive list testimony, your develop you As needs? inner deep those meet to attempt

unsatisfactory solutions. In the past, what unsatisfactory solutions did you use to to use you did solutions unsatisfactory what past, the In solutions. unsatisfactory

Non Christians are usually trying to satisfy their deep inner needs through through needs inner deep their satisfy to trying usually are Christians Non ii.

Christ?

one or two of your unsatisfied deep inner needs before you came to know Jesus Jesus know to came you before needs inner deep unsatisfied your of two or one

Many people's actions spring out of their unsatisfied deep inner needs. What were were What needs. inner deep unsatisfied their of out spring actions people's Many i.

BC - Before I received Christ I thought, lived, believed this way …. way this believed lived, thought, I Christ received I Before - BC .

Now that you have a bit of a theme, use the the use theme, a of bit a have you that Now template to write down write to template Worksheet’ ‘Testimony

Part 2 – The Three Blocks Three The – 2 Part

Give each person Handout 1 to help with ideas. with help to 1 Handout person each Give

Take 5 minutes and encourage each individual to consider a ‘theme’ for their testimony. testimony. their for ‘theme’ a consider to individual each encourage and minutes 5 Take

theme that can be the thread through the testimony. Use Handout 1 for possible ideas to help you. help to ideas possible for 1 Handout Use testimony. the through thread the be can that theme

simply because there is so much to choose from. In such instances it is good to try and focus on one one on focus and try to good is it instances such In from. choose to much so is there because simply

At times it can be difficult for us to really hone in on what Christ has done in and through us ...... us through and in done has Christ what on in hone really to us for difficult be can it times At

Part 1 - Theme of your story: your of Theme - 1 Part

– Before conversion Before – Then 1. – After conversion After – Now 3. Conversion – How 2.

There is another equally valid format that might be helpful to think about … about think to helpful be might that format valid equally another is There

- After conversion After - AC 3. Conversion During - DC 2. Conversion Before - BC 1.

down his testimony? his down

included in all. Remembering back to Pauls testimony in Acts 26 from session one, how did we break break we did how one, session from 26 Acts in testimony Pauls to back Remembering all. in included

While everyone's story will be unique and different, there are certain elements that should be be should that elements certain are there different, and unique be will story everyone's While

reading and rewriting to get it how you want it. want you how it get to rewriting and reading

Don’t worry too much about the detail getting it perfect tonight. It will take several occasions of of occasions several take will It tonight. perfect it getting detail the about much too worry Don’t

we came to faith in Christ. Over the next 45-60 minutes, we simply want you to grasp the process. process. the grasp to you want simply we minutes, 45-60 next the Over Christ. in faith to came we

Therefore, we are going to follow a ‘four-step’ process to help us all construct our testimony of how how of testimony our construct all us help to process ‘four-step’ a follow to going are we Therefore,

will not only want to know Him, but they will also know how to know Him personally. personally. Him know to how know also will they but Him, know to want only not will

should be our desire to present Christ in a clear, attractive and simple way so that those who hear hear who those that so way simple and attractive clear, a in Christ present to desire our be should

prepared testimony can be an effective resource when given an opportunity to speak about Christ. It Christ. about speak to opportunity an given when resource effective an be can testimony prepared

In the last session we studied Paul’s testimony to Agrippa in Acts 26. We noticed that a well well a that noticed We 26. Acts in Agrippa to testimony Paul’s studied we session last the In

Constructing ‘Your Story’ ‘Your Constructing

story and do it in a very practical way. practical very a in it do and story

and the difference He has made in our lives since then. For this session, we are going to work on this this on work to going are we session, this For then. since lives our in made has He difference the and

how we came to be a follower of Christ of follower a be to came we how is tell to ready be always should we story one and us of all

There are many ‘testimonies’ or stories about God working in us we could tell. One common story to to story common One tell. could we us in working God about stories or ‘testimonies’ many are There

telling our story - with others. What challenge does Peter leave for all Christians from from Christians all for leave Peter does challenge What others. with - story our telling 1 Peter 3:15? Peter 1

The Bible often talks about us as Christians being witnesses for Christ and sharing our testimony – – testimony our sharing and Christ for witnesses being Christians as us about talks often Bible The

______

What is the strength of a witness giving their testimony? their giving witness a of strength the is What .

witness tell the court and the jury? the and court the tell witness

Imagine a scenario – e.g. a murder, a break-in, a car accident. What kind of things might the the might things of kind What accident. car a break-in, a murder, a e.g. – scenario a Imagine .

What is the oath a witness must first state before giving their testimony? their giving before state first must witness a oath the is What .

In a court of law what is the purpose for a judge calling a witness to the stand? the to witness a calling judge a for purpose the is what law of court a In CREATIVE:

testimony – one of how they came to Christ. Christ. to came they how of one – testimony

In this session we want everybody to start the process of preparing and writing one one writing and preparing of process the start to everybody want we session this In : OBJECTIVE

Study 2 – October 19th Telling Your Story 1 Story Your Telling 19th October – 2 Study Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

into consideration the Do’s and Don’ts from Handout 2. Handout from Don’ts and Do’s the consideration into

. As you prepare, please take take please prepare, you As . minutes three than less in story your tell can you 2 November on that

stories to one another. another. one to stories I want you to refine and practice your story … so so … story your practice and refine to you want I weeks two next the Over

little homework. In session three we are going to be coming back together and sharing/telling our our sharing/telling and together back coming be to going are we three session In homework. little

You are now well on your way to being able to tell your story. This week we are going to assign a a assign to going are we week This story. your tell to able being to way your on well now are You

CLOSING

Take 10 minutes to consider a great opening statement and a challenging closing statement. closing challenging a and statement opening great a consider to minutes 10 Take

that would challenge them and encapsulate your story. your encapsulate and them challenge would that verse or statement closing

thinking about or encourage them to ask further questions. What might be a a be might What questions. further ask to them encourage or about thinking pertinent pertinent

Landing - Equally, you want to leave your listener with a bit of a challenge to either go away away go either to challenge a of bit a with listener your leave to want you Equally, - Landing 

attention-stirring opening sentence sentence opening attention-stirring What - Take-off could you start off with to do this? do to with off start you could 

When telling your story, you want to try and get your listener(s) interested right from the beginning. beginning. the from right interested listener(s) your get and try to want you story, your telling When

Part 4 – Take off and Landing and off Take – 4 Part

home!!

of the three blocks. Don’t worry if they don’t get three blocks completed. They can do this at at this do can They completed. blocks three get don’t they if worry Don’t blocks. three the of

Take 10 minutes to look for some verses or write down a story that might be pertinent to any to pertinent be might that story a down write or verses some for look to minutes 10 Take

quickly and concisely? and quickly

jot those down as you write. How can you slip those verses or stories into what you want to say say to want you what into stories or verses those slip you can How write. you as down those jot

Are there pertinent bible verses or personal stories that relate to any or all of the three blocks? If so so If blocks? three the of all or any to relate that stories personal or verses bible pertinent there Are

Part 3 – Verses and Stories and Verses – 3 Part

and space to go and rewrite it later. it rewrite and go to space and

Again, encourage everyone not to worry if it’s not perfect. Just write down ideas. They will have time have will They ideas. down write Just perfect. not it’s if worry to not everyone encourage Again,

minute slots are up to encourage them not to get to focused on one section. one on focused to get to not them encourage to up are slots minute

thoughts for each of the three blocks. As the LG leader – let people know when the five five the when know people let – leader LG the As blocks. three the of each for thoughts

Take 15 minutes – 5 minutes on each section - and encourage the group to write down their their down write to group the encourage and - section each on minutes 5 – minutes 15 Take

the gospel. the

you say. Often it is natural to move from the testimony into a clear presentation of of presentation clear a into testimony the from move to natural is it Often say. you

that I have eternal life." The person you talk to will tend to comment on the last thing last the on comment to tend will to talk you person The life." eternal have I that

Conclude with a statement like: "But the greatest benefit is that I know for certain certain for know I that is benefit greatest the "But like: statement a with Conclude ii.

show the difference that Christ has made in your life. life. your in made has Christ that difference the show

your needs and how you tried unsuccessfully to meet them. You now want to briefly briefly to want now You them. meet to unsuccessfully tried you how and needs your

State how Christ filled or is filling your deep inner needs. In the before, you expressed you before, the In needs. inner deep your filling is or filled Christ how State i.

AC - After I received Christ, my life is now different because …. because different now is life my Christ, received I After - AC .

penalty • Christ paid the penalty • Must receive Christ receive Must • penalty the paid Christ • penalty

Include the gospel clearly and briefly. The gospel includes: • All have sinned • Sin's Sin's • sinned have All • includes: gospel The briefly. and clearly gospel the Include iii.

paraphrase it. it. paraphrase

passage of Scripture that applies here, you may want to use it. Usually you will simply will you Usually it. use to want may you here, applies that Scripture of passage

State specifically the steps you took to become a Christian. If there is a particular particular a is there If Christian. a become to took you steps the specifically State ii.

may have taken place over a period of time. time. of period a over place taken have may

deep inner needs. Identify the events that led to your conversion. In some cases this this cases some In conversion. your to led that events the Identify needs. inner deep

Describe the circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the solution to your your to solution the as Christ consider to you caused that circumstances the Describe i.

DC - How I received Christ – situation, circumstances, leading factors in making the decision .. decision the making in factors leading circumstances, situation, – Christ received I How - DC . Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

Listen sensitively and prayerfully and then ‘share your story’ as it relates to them!!! to relates it as story’ your ‘share then and prayerfully and sensitively Listen

What issues are they dealing/battling with? dealing/battling they are issues What .

What questions are they asking? asking? they are questions What .

What things are they talking about? about? talking they are things What .

the audience or individuals you are speaking to!! speaking are you individuals or audience the

to Christ. At other times you may simply need to talk about the ‘Now.’ Just be sensitive to to sensitive be Just ‘Now.’ the about talk to need simply may you times other At Christ. to

may be enough just to talk about the ‘BC-AC’ or the ‘Then-Now’ and leave out how you came you how out leave and ‘Then-Now’ the or ‘BC-AC’ the about talk to just enough be may

format to tell those stories as well. At times it it times At well. as stories those tell to format ‘Then-How-Now’ or ‘BC-DC-AC’ the use can You

and stories of God working in and through you are equally valid stories to tell and to share. share. to and tell to stories valid equally are you through and in working God of stories and

your life to bring about growth and a Christ-like character in you. Those different accounts accounts different Those you. in character Christ-like a and growth about bring to life your

Why? Because after you become a Christian, God goes to work in many different ways in in ways different many in work to goes God Christian, a become you after Because Why?

to talk about and relate to others. others. to relate and about talk to stories’ ‘many have actually you however, is truth The

of why/how you came to faith in Jesus in the first place. place. first the in Jesus in faith to came you why/how of

This exercise - the testimony you are about to write - is just the starting point. It is the story story the is It point. starting the just is - write to about are you testimony the - exercise This

Please note: Please

_ Watching/observing a Christian friend, neighbour, family member family neighbour, friend, Christian a Watching/observing _ _ other _

_ Seeking answers to life’s BIG questions BIG life’s to answers Seeking _

_ Fickleness of materialism, success, ambition success, materialism, of Fickleness _

_ Making sense of pain, suffering pain, of sense Making _

_ God's miraculous intervention in your life your in intervention miraculous God's _

_ Gods divine revelation of Himself of revelation divine Gods _

_ Assurance of eternal life eternal of Assurance _

_ Freedom from fears from Freedom _

_ God revealing Himself expectantly Himself revealing God _

Alternatively, your story may reflect something more akin to the following the to akin more something reflect may story your Alternatively,

_ religion – cults, mystic religions mystic cults, – religion _ _ other _ friends wrong _

_ hobbies/entertainment _ _ sex _

_ money _ _ education _

_ sports/fitness _ drugs/alcohol _

_ work _ marriage/family _

you may have tried. Some examples are: examples Some tried. have may you

deep inner needs? As you develop your testimony, list positive as well as negative solutions solutions negative as well as positive list testimony, your develop you As needs? inner deep

solutions. In the past, what unsatisfactory solutions did you use to attempt to meet those those meet to attempt to use you did solutions unsatisfactory what past, the In solutions.

Non Christians are usually trying to satisfy their deep inner needs through unsatisfactory unsatisfactory through needs inner deep their satisfy to trying usually are Christians Non

_ no sense of hope of sense no _ anxiety or fear with living _ _ other _

_ search for truth for search _ shame guilt, of feelings _

_ love missing from my life my from missing love _ motivation no _

_ no real friends real no _ significance of lack _

_ lack of purpose of lack _ security of lack _

_ loneliness _ control in be to desire _

_ no meaning to life to meaning no _ missing something _

_ fear of death of fear _ peace of lack _

two of your unsatisfied deep inner needs before you came to know Jesus Christ? Jesus know to came you before needs inner deep unsatisfied your of two

Many people's actions spring out of their unsatisfied deep inner needs. What were one or or one were What needs. inner deep unsatisfied their of out spring actions people's Many

Possible themes around which to base your testimony: your base to which around themes Possible - 1 Handout Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

above all make sure that it is natural is it that sure make all above

or phrases, pausing for effect at appropriate spots, using hand/facial gestures - but but - gestures hand/facial using spots, appropriate at effect for pausing phrases, or

Practise your story – changing your voice tone and pitch, emphasising certain words words certain emphasising pitch, and tone voice your changing – story your Practise .

Memorise your story … so that you can be ready to tell it without notes without it tell to ready be can you that so … story your Memorise .

Once you are happy with your story your with happy are you Once

Don’t ‘glorify’ how bad you used to be. Mention it – but don’t dwell on it. on dwell don’t but – it Mention be. to used you bad how ‘glorify’ Don’t 7.

sentence. Follow the KISSS principle – Keep it short, sharp, succinct. sharp, short, it Keep – principle KISSS the Follow sentence.

Avoid being wordy or vague – ‘word clutter’. Try to convey something with every every with something convey to Try clutter’. ‘word – vague or wordy being Avoid 6.

now I am saved." am I now

Avoid pointing your finger spiritually as if to say, "I was once a sinner like you, but but you, like sinner a once was "I say, to if as spiritually finger your pointing Avoid 5.

on people. You’re not attacking someone else and their beliefs, values. beliefs, their and else someone attacking not You’re people. on

Avoid statements which reflect negatively on the church, on other organizations or or organizations other on church, the on negatively reflect which statements Avoid 4.

prayed and God gave me a job," or "God said to me…." to said "God or job," a me gave God and prayed

Avoid dogmatic and mystical statements that sceptics can question, such as, "I "I as, such question, can sceptics that statements mystical and dogmatic Avoid 3.

personable. personable.

Avoid preaching at people. Remember, you are telling your story, so make it very very it make so story, your telling are you Remember, people. at preaching Avoid 2.

Avoid using words such as sin, born again, saved, etc. saved, again, born sin, as such words using Avoid

Avoid Christian terminology/jargon which may well be meaningless to non-Christians. to meaningless be well may which terminology/jargon Christian Avoid 1.

Don’t ….. Don’t

Edit carefully and rewrite as necessary before final draft. final before necessary as rewrite and carefully Edit 9.

Close with a statement about the benefits of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus with relationship your of benefits the about statement a with Close 8.

include humour. include

Make it sound conversational. Use informal, everyday language and where possible possible where and language everyday informal, Use conversational. sound it Make 7.

them out with peace and confidence. confidence. and peace with out them

Be realistic. Christ does not eliminate the problems of life, but enables you to live live to you enables but life, of problems the eliminate not does Christ realistic. Be 6.

course, the preacher!! the course,

Saviour and Lord – not the Bridge Church, the Alpha course, the Freedom in Christ Christ in Freedom the course, Alpha the Church, Bridge the not – Lord and Saviour

Emphasize the thing that made the difference in your life was accepting Christ as as Christ accepting was life your in difference the made that thing the Emphasize 5.

personal.

them. Say "I" and "me," not "you." This helps keep the testimony warm and and warm testimony the keep helps This "you." not "me," and "I" Say them.

Share about what happened to you. Don't preach about what should happen to to happen should what about preach Don't you. to happened what about Share 4.

your story is about seeking truth, to what lengths did you go to find ‘the truth’? truth’? ‘the find to go you did lengths what to truth, seeking about is story your

Use personal illustrations to highlight different aspects of your testimony – e.g. if if e.g. – testimony your of aspects different highlight to illustrations personal Use 3.

Use at least one, but at the most two Scripture verses. Scripture two most the at but one, least at Use 2.

Begin with an interesting, attention-getting sentence attention-getting interesting, an with Begin 1.

Do ….. Do

Handout 2 - Some Do’s and Don’ts…. and Do’s Some - 2 Handout Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

Pertinent closing statement or verse. or statement closing Pertinent

include:

Possible verse/story to to verse/story Possible …. because different now is life my Christ, received I After - AC

ii. State specifically the steps you took to become a Christian. a become to took you steps the specifically State ii.

solution to your deep inner needs. needs. inner deep your to solution

i. Describe the circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the the as Christ consider to you caused that circumstances the Describe i. include:

DC - How I received Christ – – Christ received I How - DC Possible verse/story to to verse/story Possible

deep inner needs? inner deep

ii. What unsatisfactory solutions did you use to attempt to meet those those meet to attempt to use you did solutions unsatisfactory What ii.

came to know Jesus Christ? Jesus know to came

include: you before needs inner deep unsatisfied your of two or one were What i.

Possible verse/story to to verse/story Possible way: this believed lived, thought, I Christ received I Before - BC

Attention-stirring opening sentence: opening Attention-stirring

Name: ______Name: heet Works Testimony Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

Pertinent closing statement or verse. or statement closing Pertinent

include:

Possible verse/story to to verse/story Possible …. because different now is life my Christ, received I After - AC

ii. State specifically the steps you took to become a Christian. a become to took you steps the specifically State ii.

solution to your deep inner needs. needs. inner deep your to solution

i. Describe the circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the the as Christ consider to you caused that circumstances the Describe i. include:

DC - How I received Christ – – Christ received I How - DC Possible verse/story to to verse/story Possible

deep inner needs? inner deep

ii. What unsatisfactory solutions did you use to attempt to meet those those meet to attempt to use you did solutions unsatisfactory What ii.

came to know Jesus Christ? Jesus know to came

include: you before needs inner deep unsatisfied your of two or one were What i.

Possible verse/story to to verse/story Possible way: this believed lived, thought, I Christ received I Before - BC

Attention-stirring opening sentence: opening Attention-stirring

Name: ______Name: Worksheet Testimony Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

listener, 3 = the ‘assessor’ – the one who will provide constructive feedback! constructive provide will who one the – ‘assessor’ the = 3 listener,

** Another format you may wish to explore is doing this exercise in three’s: 1 = speaker, 2 = the the = 2 speaker, = 1 three’s: in exercise this doing is explore to wish may you format Another **

encouragement, repeat the above exercise but with a new partner!! new a with but exercise above the repeat encouragement,

After each person has had time to tell their story and has received some feedback and and feedback some received has and story their tell to time had has person each After

After an appropriate amount of time, the LG leader now asks each pair to switch roles. Repeat! roles. switch to pair each asks now leader LG the time, of amount appropriate an After .

Handout 3 to jot down notes and make suggestions) make and notes down jot to 3 Handout

Allow the listener to give a couple of minutes constructive feedback and encouragement. (Use (Use encouragement. and feedback constructive minutes of couple a give to listener the Allow .

. (The leader may give a 30 second ‘warning’ when coming towards the end!!) the towards coming when ‘warning’ second 30 a give may leader (The . finish must speaker

testimony for THREE minutes. After three minutes the LG leader will say ‘Stop!’ upon which each each which upon ‘Stop!’ say will leader LG the minutes three After minutes. THREE for testimony

When everybody is ready, the LG leader will start all pairs pairs all start will leader LG the ready, is everybody When and will time the the time will and time same the at .

Take a minute to discuss who is going to be the ‘speaker’ and who will be the ‘listener’. the be will who and ‘speaker’ the be to going is who discuss to minute a Take .

Split into pairs. into Split .

Activity:

worry if it’s not perfect or smooth or polished. It will get better with practice. practice. with better get will It polished. or smooth or perfect not it’s if worry

We are going to take some time now to tell our story. This is a practice run for many of us. Don’t Don’t us. of many for run practice a is This story. our tell to now time some take to going are We

Telling Your Story Story Your Telling

story as well!! as story

Pray that you are encouraged and uplifted as you tell YOUR story YOUR tell you as uplifted and encouraged are you that Pray – being reminded that it is also HIS HIS also is it that reminded being –

as you communicate. Pray that you will get some ‘tips’ that can help your testimony go smoother. smoother. go testimony your help can that ‘tips’ some get will you that Pray communicate. you as

times. Pray that the Holy Spirit helps you. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you a peace and a calmness calmness a and peace a you gives Spirit Holy the that Pray you. helps Spirit Holy the that Pray times.

Pray for each other. Tonight you are going to get the chance to share your testimony two or three three or two testimony your share to chance the get to going are you Tonight other. each for Pray

Prayer:

Bun – one more very positive aspect. positive very more one – Bun .

maximum a offer – Meat to work on/consider work to points two of .

Bun – offer one very positive aspect in the critique the in aspect positive very one offer – Bun .

When offering feedback – use the Hamburger approach Hamburger the use – feedback offering When

appropriate with them at the end. the at them with appropriate

someone sharing their story, keep these things in the back of your mind and then share what is is what share then and mind your of back the in things these keep story, their sharing someone

. As you act as a ‘listener’ to to ‘listener’ a as act you As . 3 Handout discuss quickly and through read group, a As another. one

Before going into the testimonies it is helpful to know how we can offer constructive feedback to to feedback constructive offer can we how know to helpful is it testimonies the into going Before

Constructive Critique and Feedback and Critique Constructive

o If anyone responds to this question, it might be good to spend a little time in prayer! in time little a spend to good be might it question, this to responds anyone If

you feel now? feel you

Has going through your story brought up any feelings or emotions about your past? How do do How past? your about emotions or feelings any up brought story your through going Has .

prayed and prepared? and prayed

How has it blessed you? What has God reminded you of or reinforced in your heart as you’ve you’ve as heart your in reinforced or of you reminded God has What you? blessed it has How .

YOUR story YOUR preparing and about praying been have you weeks two past these Hopefully .

Introduction:

______

How would you go about telling them? telling about go you would How

achieved or something you bought. Would you be bursting to tell your family or friends about it? it? about friends or family your tell to bursting be you Would bought. you something or achieved

Think about something you've seen or done that excited you, like something you've you've something like you, excited that done or seen you've something about Think CREATIVE:

another.

In this session we want everybody to practise sharing and telling their stories to one one to stories their telling and sharing practise to everybody want we session this In : OBJECTIVE

Telling Your Story 2 Story Your Telling 2 November – 3 Study

nd Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

would provide opportunities!!! provide would

opportunities of when they might be able to share/tell their story to someone. Pray that God God that Pray someone. to story their share/tell to able be might they when of opportunities

Close in prayer – praying that this week all members may keep their eyes and ears attentive to to attentive ears and eyes their keep may members all week this that praying – prayer in Close 2.

Life Group. Life

No pressure at all – but ask for a volunteer who would be willing to share their story to all the the all to story their share to willing be would who volunteer a for ask but – all at pressure No 1.

In closing ….. closing In

CLOSING

witness for Christ? How should this verse shape our attitude towards witnessing for Him? for witnessing towards attitude our shape verse this should How Christ? for witness

Luke 12:11-12 [p. 1044]. [p. 12:11-12 Luke Read What promise is made to us when we step out to share or or share to out step we when us to made is promise What .

What are some of the different considerations you now need to make as you tell your story?? story?? your tell you as make to need now you considerations different the of some are What .

Coming back together – together back Coming

together.

it on the spur of the moment. Maybe the pair can work through changes/adaptations changes/adaptations through work can pair the Maybe moment. the of spur the on it

speakers to ‘talk through’ the changes that they might make rather than actually trying to do to trying actually than rather make might they that changes the through’ ‘talk to speakers

** Leaders note: Some people may be ‘frightened’ by this. In such cases, simply get the the get simply cases, such In this. by ‘frightened’ be may people Some note: Leaders **

How could you now need to ‘adapt’ your testimony to speak to the needs of that specific individual. specific that of needs the to speak to testimony your ‘adapt’ to need now you could How

An struggling mother of two toddlers. two of mother struggling An .

A retired banker and grandfather and banker retired A .

A teenage lad from a local high school high local a from lad teenage A .

A Muslim lady in her 40’s her in lady Muslim A .

scenario to speak to. For example, the listener is …. is listener the example, For to. speak to scenario

Repeat the Activity of sharing testimony in pairs again. Only this time, give the speaker a specific specific a speaker the give time, this Only again. pairs in testimony sharing of Activity the Repeat

identify with. identify

Paul knew that the believers story had to be told in a "language" his listeners would be able to to able be would listeners his "language" a in told be to had story believers the that knew Paul

Paul the apostle understood that different methods were required to appeal to different people. people. different to appeal to required were methods different that understood apostle the Paul

for Christ? for

Imagine you are not a Christian believer. What might you need to hear that would reach you you reach would that hear to need you might What believer. Christian a not are you Imagine .

19-23 9: Corinthians 1 Read:

If time permits ….. permits time If Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

What suggestions can you make that would help your partner in sharing their story? their sharing in partner your help would that make you can suggestions What

Does the speaker have any ‘distracting’ tics or habits noticeable when they speak? they when noticeable habits or tics ‘distracting’ any have speaker the Does

Gestures – both facial gestures (smiles, eyes,) and hand gestures. gestures. hand and eyes,) (smiles, gestures facial both – Gestures -

Posture - head up, sitting/standing straight, making eye contact; contact; eye making straight, sitting/standing up, head - Posture -

Does the speaker utilise positive ‘body language’: language’: ‘body positive utilise speaker the Does

Does the speaker use variations of ‘pitch, pace, punch’ as they speak? they as punch’ pace, ‘pitch, of variations use speaker the Does

Does the speaker use any Christian jargon or difficult Christian language? Christian difficult or jargon Christian any use speaker the Does

Does the speaker use fillers or repeated words a lot – e.g. umm, err, ahh, ok, like? ok, ahh, err, umm, e.g. – lot a words repeated or fillers use speaker the Does

Communication tips: Communication

are solved? are

Avoid making the Christian life sound like a bed of roses and that all life’s problems problems life’s all that and roses of bed a like sound life Christian the making Avoid

Come across humbly, respectfully and reflect the personality of the speaker? the of personality the reflect and respectfully humbly, across Come

Glorify the past …. or glorify the present? the glorify or …. past the Glorify

Have too much unnecessary detail? What could be said more concisely? more said be could What detail? unnecessary much too Have

Clearly highlight the difference of before and after – then and now? and then – after and before of difference the highlight Clearly

Express how to become a Christian and receive Christ into our hearts? our into Christ receive and Christian a become to how Express

the Church, Alpha course, Freedom in Christ course, Cookie, etc? Cookie, course, Christ in Freedom course, Alpha Church, the

Clearly express that it is God / Jesus who has made the difference in their lives – not not – lives their in difference the made has who Jesus / God is it that express Clearly

Does their testimony …. testimony their Does

good testimony to make it a great testimony. great a it make to testimony good

Use this handout to jot down notes or highlight areas that might help your partner sharpen their their sharpen partner your help might that areas highlight or notes down jot to handout this Use

Handout 3 – Telling Your Story – Critique and Feedback and Critique – Story Your Telling – 3 Handout Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

Step 5 – The Solution – Romans 5:8 - Jesus Christ died for our sin – He died in our place. our in died He – sin our for died Christ Jesus - 5:8 Romans – Solution The – 5 Step

Step 4 - The Consequences – Romans 6:23 - The price (or consequence) of sin is death. is sin of consequence) (or price The - 6:23 Romans – Consequences The - 4 Step

Step 3 – The Problem – Romans 3:23 – Sin came into this perfect world perfect this into came Sin – 3:23 Romans – Problem The – 3 Step

world to start with. start to world

Step 2 – Creation – Romans 1:20 - God is revealed through the world He created – a perfect perfect a – created He world the through revealed is God - 1:20 Romans – Creation – 2 Step

Step 1 – Good News – Romans 1:16 – There is a message of salvation of message a is There – 1:16 Romans – News Good – 1 Step

form an easy, systematic way of explaining the message of salvation. of message the explaining of way systematic easy, an form

through a series of Bible verses from the book of Romans. When arranged in order, these verses verses these order, in arranged When Romans. of book the from verses Bible of series a through

The Romans Road Romans The – a little more in depth than the other two. It lays out the plan of salvation salvation of plan the out lays It two. other the than depth in more little a –

Green(2) – Grow / 2 Peter 3:18 / Grow in the knowledge of the Lord the of knowledge the in Grow / 3:18 Peter 2 / Grow – Green(2)

– Heaven / John 14:2 / Believe on Jesus and receive eternal life eternal receive and Jesus on Believe / 14:2 John / Heaven – Yellow

– Purity / Psalm 51:7 / Jesus washes away confessed sin confessed away washes Jesus / 51:7 Psalm / Purity – White

– Blood / John 1:7 / Jesus’ blood covers all sin all covers blood Jesus’ / 1:7 John / Blood – Red

– Sin / Romans 3:23 / All have sinned have All / 3:23 Romans / Sin – Black

Green(1) – Creation / Genesis 1 / God created a perfect world perfect a created God / 1 Genesis / Creation – Green(1)

colours, each colour representing an important Bible truth about salvation. about truth Bible important an representing colour each colours,

– again simple and basic, the Wordless Bible communicates the gospel through through gospel the communicates Bible Wordless the basic, and simple again – Bible Wordless The

I need to decide to live for God for live to decide to need I  

Jesus died for me for died Jesus 

I have sinned have I 

God loves me loves God 

of the Christian message in four simple points and with the aid of four simple symbols: simple four of aid the with and points simple four in message Christian the of

– simple and basic, the Four Point Gospel presents the wonderful good news news good wonderful the presents Gospel Point Four the basic, and simple – Gospel Point Four The

The 3 Tools are: Tools 3 The

strategy for use in the future. the in use for strategy

previously shared our faith to lead people to Christ and how with the use of these tools develop a a develop tools these of use the with how and Christ to people lead to faith our shared previously

During this session we will have the opportunity to work in groups of 2/3 and look at how we have have we how at look and 2/3 of groups in work to opportunity the have will we session this During

more structured approach to sharing their faith would help them in the future? the in them help would faith their sharing to approach structured more

How did they feel about sharing their faith? Did they think a think they Did faith? their sharing about feel they did How .

Justine Welby, Welby, Justine How did the other person respond? respond? person other the did How

o What were the circumstances? What did they say? they did What circumstances? the were What witnesses to Jesus Christ.” Jesus to witnesses

receive Christ into their lives? lives? their into Christ receive church. We are called to be be to called are We church.

their faith with someone and lead them in praying to praying in them lead and someone with faith their we. This is the task of the whole whole the of task the is This we.

Has anyone had the experience or opportunity to share to opportunity or experience the had anyone Has every young person, and so should should so and person, young every .

someone to Christ. to someone God has the eyes of his heart on on heart his of eyes the has God “

story may act as a bit of an instruction manual on how to lead to how on manual instruction an of bit a as act may story at).”

Today we look at three tools / resources that in addition to our to addition in that resources / tools three at look we Today (something youth work is great great is work youth (something

reaching a couple of their friends friends their of couple a reaching

who don’t have a faith in Jesus. in faith a have don’t who Christian families and maybe maybe and families Christian

we get to share our faith with others and in particular those particular in and others with faith our share to get we trying to hold onto those born into into born those onto hold to trying

story. The primary purpose was to help us on any occasions any on us help to was purpose primary The story. Lets set our sights higher than just just than higher sights our set Lets “

In the previous sessions we have focussed on telling your / our / your telling on focussed have we sessions previous the In

______

erect or put together at home. Were the instructions good, average or poor? Did you succeed? you Did poor? or average good, instructions the Were home. at together put or erect

How many of you have bought something from Ikea (or other store) that you’ve had to to had you’ve that store) other (or Ikea from something bought have you of many How CREATIVE:

help you lead someone to Christ. Christ. to someone lead you help

In this session we want to introduce you to three evangelistic tools/resources that may may that tools/resources evangelistic three to you introduce to want we session this In : OBJECTIVE

Gospel Resources Gospel 16th November – 4 Study Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling

all part of us all taking part in the great commission (Matt 28:19-20) (Matt commission great the in part taking all us of part all

occasions when we have shared our faith, testimony or been able to lead someone to Jesus. This is is This Jesus. to someone lead to able been or testimony faith, our shared have we when occasions

It would be good if we can share with one another on a frequent basis (maybe 3 or 6 months) about about months) 6 or 3 (maybe basis frequent a on another one with share can we if good be would It

would be best for them to take. to them for best be would

using. From experience of the interactive session the group should know which of the resources resources the of which know should group the session interactive the of experience From using.

At the end of the session ask the members of the group to take some postcards and wrist bands for for bands wrist and postcards some take to group the of members the ask session the of end the At

share them with. them share

Take some time to pray about the tools / resources and also for the people in your life who you can can you who life your in people the for also and resources / tools the about pray to time some Take

And Finally… And

!! 7 December Wednesday, on night social a – Group Life next the for can anybody if See

symbols / colours or bible verse references communicate effectively? communicate references verse bible or colours / symbols

Can you hand the card over to the person you are sharing with and by just looking at the the at looking just by and with sharing are you person the to over card the hand you Can .

learn the cards off by heart by off cards the learn can you if good be would It so you don’t need to read them. them. read to need don’t you so

Homework Challenge Homework

are no wrong ways to do this) do to ways wrong no are

effectively. It would be good if the group could give each other feedback (keep it positive, there there positive, it (keep feedback other each give could group the if good be would It effectively.

one of the tools. Try and use different tools so that you can see how each of them can be used used be can them of each how see can you that so tools different use and Try tools. the of one

Ask one or two people to share with the group as a whole how they would communicate using using communicate would they how whole a as group the with share to people two or one Ask 3.

the other tools in a similar manner as discussed above. above. discussed as manner similar a in tools other the

Mix the groups up again so that everyone is working with someone new. Work through one of of one through Work new. someone with working is everyone that so again up groups the Mix 2.

If there is a third person in the group ask them to give feedback to both. to feedback give to them ask group the in person third a is there If c.

you can do this as if you were a non –Christian it would be helpful. helpful. be would it –Christian non a were you if as this do can you

Ask your partner to give feedback and ask any questions they think might be relevant. If If relevant. be might think they questions any ask and feedback give to partner your Ask b.

Take it in turns to share one of the postcards with each other. each with postcards the of one share to turns in it Take a.

gospel to the others in your group. group. your in others the to gospel

Split into small groups of 2/3 and, just as we did last session with testimonies, ‘present’ the the ‘present’ testimonies, with session last did we as just and, 2/3 of groups small into Split 1.

different people. different

with a few people in a safe encouraging environment will help us build confidence for sharing with with sharing for confidence build us help will environment encouraging safe a in people few a with

We now want to give a little bit of time to try and ‘practise’ using these tools. Working through this this through Working tools. these using ‘practise’ and try to time of bit little a give to want now We

Interactive Session – Let’s Practise. Let’s – Session Interactive

What methods, if any, have you previously used to lead people to Jesus? to people lead to used previously you have any, if methods, What 3.

Which one of the tools do you think you would feel most comfortable using? comfortable most feel would you think you do tools the of one Which 2.

Of the people you know, which of the three tools do you think would be the most useful? most the be would think you do tools three the of which know, you people the Of 1.

In your discussion, consider the following questions: questions: following the consider discussion, your In

any questions with respect to the content. content. the to respect with questions any

Hand out the postcards and wristbands and give everybody an opportunity to review them and ask ask and them review to opportunity an everybody give and wristbands and postcards the out Hand

Step 8 – His Freedom – Romans 8:1 – We no longer stand condemned. stand longer no We – 8:1 Romans – Freedom His – 8 Step

Step 7 – His Peace – Romans 5:1 - Salvation through Jesus Christ brings peace with God. with peace brings Christ Jesus through Salvation - 5:1 Romans – Peace His – 7 Step

Jesus Christ. Jesus

Step 6 – The Choice – Romans 10:9 - We may receive salvation and eternal life through faith in faith through life eternal and salvation receive may We - 10:9 Romans – Choice The – 6 Step Telling YOUR Story YOUR Telling