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“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who

asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

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Craft Your Story

Over the next few sections, you will learn how to craft a powerful story by...

• Using the Apostle Paul’s testimony as an example

• Answering a few helpful questions

• Doing a lot of thinking through own your experiences

 

Grab a piece of paper and a pen or get your Word doc ready so you can begin to formulate your story as you go.

 

READY?

 

LET’S GO!

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PART ONE: Before (read Acts 26:4-11)

Many people’s actions spring from unsatisfied deep inner-needs.

 

What were one or two of your unsatisfied deep inner-needs before you came to know Christ? Some examples are:

• Lack of peace

• Fear of death

• Something missing

• No meaning to life

• No real friends

• Loneliness

• Lack of purpose

• Desire to be in control

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Non-Christians often attempt to satisfy deep inner-needs through unsatisfactory solutions.

 

In the past, what kind of solutions did you try to throw at your unmet needs? (When you share your story, be sure to include both positive and negative examples.) Some of them may include:

• Marriage

• Family

• Work

• Drugs/alcohol

• Sports/fitness

• Money

• Education

• Hobbies/entertainment

• Sex

• Wrong friends

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PART TWO: How (read Acts 26:12-20)

Describe the circumstances that caused you to consider Christ as the solution to your deep inner-needs.

 

Identify the events that led to your decision. In some cases, this may have taken place over a period of time.

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State specifically the steps you took to become a Christian. If there is a particular passage of scripture that applies here, you may want to use it. Usually, you'll simply paraphrase it.

 

Always include the Gospel briefly and clearly.

 

The Gospel includes:

• All have sinned

• Sin’s penalty

• Christ paid the penalty

• We must receive Christ

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PART THREE: After (read Acts 26:21-23)

State how Christ has filled or is filling your deep inner-needs.

 

In the "before," you expressed how you had tried unsuccessfully to meet your needs with unsatisfactory solutions. Now you may want to briefly show the difference Christ has made in your life. What has changed for you?

 

It is very important to avoid "church" words or religious words here (i.e. "fell under conviction of my sin" instead of "I was ashamed of disobeying God"). Instead, speak in more common terms. The Gospel is very effective when presented sincerely and with everyday language.

 

It is also extremely important to point to the assurance of eternal life. This is often a good place to land, and you may provoke a comment or question from your listener(s).

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“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard.” 

1 John 1:3

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Write and Practice It

Now that you have crafted the elements of your story, the next step is to write out your testimony using Paul’s three elements (Before, How, and After).

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When writing your story, follow these tips:

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• Make it conversational. No fancy language. No preaching. Be authentic and informal.

• You, not them. Share about what happened to you; don’t tell them what they should do.

• Keep it general. No need to be specific about churches or denominations. Dates and ages are not all that important to the listener(s).

• Humor helps. Smiling and laughter reduces tension. Funny moments are disarming and draw the listener(s) into the story.

• Word pictures work. Don’t just say, “Joe shared the Gospel with me.” Briefly describe the setting so your listener(s) can visualize it happening.

• No embellishing. Life is not perfect now that you know Christ. Be real! Christianity isn’t all rainbows and sunshine… although Heaven might be.

• Simplify. If you talk for days or your story is meandering, you will lessen the impact.

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Once you have written out your story, have another Christ-follower, read it and provide feedback. Ask them to point out any areas that need clarity.

 

When you have a final draft that you like, put it on a 3x5 index card. Practice giving your testimony... the whole thing... in front of a mirror, your pet, a Christian friend, etc.

 

Just think… Pastor Alex practices several times for a sermon!

 

Practicing out loud helps you become more comfortable in front of others when you are sharing, and in front of a camera if you choose to share your story on video.

 

If you are feeling brave, put your phone on audio recording and listen to yourself afterward!

 

We are praying for God to use your story in big ways!