Your ‘testimony’ is the testimony of Christ and what he has done in your life. As such for your christian testimony to be worth anything, it should be a testimony to Jesus using you as the example!

The Apostle Peter helpfully challenges Christians to be ready to speak about Jesus when he says:

‘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

So some tips for writing your testimony…

It is helpful to:

• remember that the outcome is more important than the process.
• be personal, not preachy.
• keep it short (if written, not more than 500 words).
• use the Word of God (a verse that means something important to you).
• be honest.
• have a good opening sentence.
• have a challenge (e.g. tell others)

Above all…be Christ–centered.

Here are some suggestions about how to structure you testimony:

‘Before and After’ Model          ‘Always Believed’ Model

Before:                                                  The Present:

How:                                                      The Past:

After:                                                     The Gospel Facts:

Challenge:                                            Challenge:

 These structures are thanks to Stephen Abbott, Guidelines for sharing YOUR story! 1995.

Here is a challenge: Take a few moments with a christian mate to write down your testimony. Give it to one another. Help sharpen the way that you talk about the hope in Jesus that you have. Then tell someone who doesn’t know Jesus.

If you put it down on paper send it to testimony@trinitycity.org.au. Let it be an encouragement to others.