Testimony Beyond Sunday Worship

This guide was prepared by Elaine Lindridge, Minister for the Mother House in the Newcastle District

If you were asked to share your testimony, how would you feel?

All disciples have a story to tell and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to share it in an appropriate way. That doesn't necessarily mean standing up in front of a crowd and speaking. There are lots of different ways we can testify to what God is doing in our lives.

We know that evangelism is essential, but maybe some of us need to get used to talking about Jesus with one another. Below are some suggestions about how we might be encouraged to do just that.

Dos and Don'ts

• Do talk from your heart and your experience
• Don't feel you have to explain everything (God is often unexplainable!)
• Do share how your faith makes you feel
• Don't try and force a conversation
• Do be yourself - testimony at its best is part of a natural conversation, not forced, but a genuine, authentic sharing of lives in which God is proclaimed and thanked
• Don't think it's just about how you originally came to faith
• Do remember to sometimes share how you originally came to faith

Notice Boards

Question - Imagine a group of parents queuing up to pick their daughters up from Guides. As they wait, they read the church notice board in the foyer. What does your notice board tell them about the Christian faith?

Suggestion - Ask a member of your church to write down some of their faith story and display it.

At Meetings

Question - As Methodists, we certainly know how to have plenty of meetings, but do we use them as an opportunity to share our faith?

Suggestion - Introduce a "since we last met" section into every meeting.

At Church Socials

Question - How well do you know the people you worship with each week?

Suggestion - Before a meal, take three minutes for someone to share a little bit about their story of faith.

In Church Notices & Magazines

Question - Are you bored of reading the same old jokes or articles in your church magazine?

Suggestion - Introduce a regular slot called "This Is My Story".

Other Ideas

• Coffee Mornings - introduce a 'My Story' slot.
• Prayer Board - try a Story Board.
• Text-a-Testimony.
• Record your story of faith and add it to your church website or Facebook page.
• Create a WhatsApp group for your home group/cell group.

My Story Cards

• My prayers have been answered ...
• I have noticed God working ...
• I have felt God's presence ...
• God helped me when ...
• I'm particularly thankful to God for ...
• My faith has grown because ...
• Recently, God has seemed closest when ...

Pause For Thought...

If I go into a shoe shop, I'm not surprised if someone comes to me and talks about shoes. In the same way, people using the church building may not be as surprised as you think if you mention Jesus or faith.

It's not about self-confidence but God-confidence. The more you do it, the more your faith and confidence will grow.