"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith."
-- Philemon 6Personal testimonies of mature Christians can be effective in motivating newer believers to embark on their own personal displipleship journeys. When you're coaching the more experienced believer on how to share his or her testimony, keep the following in mind.
* Explain why testimonies impact people. People who know you are interested in you and your life. They can relate to your story, and can't argue with the fact that your life has been changed.
* Ask the person to Read Acts 26 to hear Paul telling his story.
* Ask the person to write down his or her testimony by answering the following questions:
- What was your life like before you knew Christ? Where were you spiritually before receiving Christ and how did that affect you--your feelings, attitudes, actions, and relationships? In what ways was God drawing you to Christ?
- What was your life like as a new Christian? Specifically, how did you receive Christ and His forgiveness? What motivated you to get into the Bible and develop spiritual disciplines? What role have spiritual disciplines played in growing your relationship with Christ?
- What is your life like now with Christ? Describe the spiritual disciplines you now practice. Convey the benefits you currently enjoy through "loving obedience" to His Word. Finish this sentence: "My suggestion to a new believer, just starting on his/her walk with Christ, is …"
