Many Christians are afraid to tell others of their faith in Christ. They have difficulty getting started, or just do not know how to witness.

The tools and methods listed in this chapter have been designed to enable the Christian to be more effective in his witness for Christ. They are grounded in solid, biblical truth and have been used successfully over the years to help lead many thousands into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Remember, however, that people are not won to Christ through literature and methods, but through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who uses people, methods and literature to draw others to the Saviour for the glory of God.

The "Knowing God Personally" booklet

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

A. The benefits of using the four points in the booklet

See Appendix 4 "Knowing God Personally".

1. It helps you begin a conversation.

Simply ask the question, "Could you say you know God personally?"

2. It begins with a positive note: God loves you.

3. It presents the claims of Christ clearly.

4. It includes an invitation to accept Christ.

5. It offers suggestions for growth and emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship.

6. It helps you stay on the subject.

7. It enables you to be brief, prepared and confident.

8. It provides a transferable method for presenting Christ to others.

Not only can you use the booklet to lead others to Christ, but because it is transferable, other Christians also can learn to use it.

9. It can be left with the individual.

10. It is an immediate follow-up tool

The new believer can receive immediate follow-up from the Scriptures provided in the booklet.

B. Introducing "Knowing God Personally"

Initiating the conversation.

Let's assume that the other person and you have been talking for a little while and are getting to know each other. In the course of the conversation, you can say something such as: "I've been sharing this booklet with some people and getting their opinions on it (or response to it). It explains how a person can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Would you mind if I took a few minutes and shared it with you?"

"Could you say you know God personally?"

"I have been a Christian for years, but I have just recently found a way to express my faith that really makes sense. I would like to share it with you. It's called 'Knowing God Personally'. Have you heard of this?"

 

C. Principles of presenting the Knowing God Personally booklet.

1. Personalize the presentation by using the person's name.

2. Involve the person by asking questions and by listening to him.

3. Give the person an opportunity to accept Christ.

4. Read through the entire booklet. By reading the entire booklet, you make sure he has assurance of salvation.

5. Give the booklet to the person and encourage him to share it with someone else.

6. Always carry a booklet with you. Though it can be used effectively by simply reading the booklet to another person, you will eventually want to memorize the content so that it becomes very familiar and natural to you. Then you will always be prepared to communicate your faith whenever an opportunity arises.

D. On the basis of I Corinthians 2:4,5.

Successful witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.

E. Essence of "Knowing God Personally"

1. God loves us.

2. We are separated from God by our sin.

3. Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins.

- to do for us what we could not do for ourselves (I Peter 3:18)

- to provide new life for us (John 14:6)

4. Our response

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the sift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9).

The response one must make to the gospel is a definite act of the will decision. This decision involves two things: first, repentance - turning to God from self, or wanting to go God's way; second, we must rely upon Christ and His sacrifice as the only way to pay for that sin that separates us from God and to put us in a right relationship with God. At this point we can begin to know God and the reality of His love. Many people with whom you speak will want Christ in their lives if they understand who He is and how they can welcome Him.

a. Revelation 3:20 - Explains that opening the door of your heart and inviting Christ to come in is a helpful picture that clarifies the faith commitment one must make to get right with God. It is a figurative expression of the choice one makes to depend or rely on Christ and His payment for sin.

b. Last Paragraph - Point 4

Underline the key words as you read through "It is not enough to know..."

1. Commitment

2. A decision of your will.

3. Before moving on to the two circles ask, "Why would a person want to make this decision?" Those who do not put their faith in Christ will be faced with eternal separation from God, while those who accept Christ and His death on the cross have the promise of eternal life. (They are separated from God because of sin and need to trust Christ and His payment for sin in order to spend eternity with God.)

This question will tell you if the person understands the gospel you have just presented. He will not be able to tell you what circle he is in if he doesn't understand the gospel. In that case briefly review the main ideas of points 2, 3 and 4.

F. The Circle Diagrams.

The two circles represent two kinds of lives. The circle on the left represents the self-directed life. This is the person who has not made a decision for Christ. The circle on the right represents the Christ-controlled life. This person has made a willful decision to ask Christ into his life. Following the circles are two very important questions:

1. Which circle better represents Your life?

2. Which circle do you want to represent you life?

G. Purposes of the Circle Diagrams.

1. They further clarify why people need Christ.

2. They help a person identify his own relationship to God.

However, it is important to remember that one of the objectives of this presentation is to show someone how to invite Christ in which is accomplished after the prayer is read. Don't allow the circle questions to stop you in your presentation, even if the person with whom you are sharing identifies with the circle on the right, the Christ controlled life.

H. Responses to the two Circle Questions.

1. Which circle best represents your life? Now let's consider three possible responses to the first of the two circle questions. One response could be ...

a. If a person says his life is represented by the circle on the left, simply continue through the booklet by asking the next question.

b. If a person says he is not sure which circle represents his life, or if he says he is in-between, or if he remains silent, continue through the booklet by asking the next question.

c. If a person says that his life is represented by the circle on the right, skip the second question and continue by saying, "Joe, it always interests me to find out how a person made that decision. When did you make that decision?"

2. Which circle would you like to have represent your life?

a. If the person answers that he would like to have his life represented by the circle on the right, continue reading through the prayer.

b. If he answers that he would like to remain in the circle on the left, maintain a positive and loving attitude. Continue the presentation by showing him how to respond to Christ if he should decide he wants to know Christ in the future. You might say, "Let me explain how you can invite Christ into your life when you decide to do so." Then continue reading through the prayer.

c. If a person says he is not sure which circle he wants to have represent his life, continue reading through the prayer, showing him how to accept Christ should he want to do so in the future. Experience has shown that some people who may be antagonistic at first are open to receiving Christ when they hear the prayer. So keep reading whenever possible. If this is impossible, be kind and thank him for his time. Leave the booklet with him.

I. How to encourage a person to pray and accept Christ.

1. How to introduce the prayer.

a. Read the prayer aloud.

b. Ask, "Could you say this to God, and mean it?"

2. If the person says "yes".

a. Ask, "What do you think would happen if you prayed this prayer to God?" There are individuals who will want to pray the prayer yet not really understand what it means to trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Their response to this question will help you to discern whether or not they have a clear understanding of their need for a Saviour. If their answer indicates the need for more explanation, review the appropriate portion of "Knowing God Personally".

b. Once you feel that the individual understands, ask, "Would you like to pray this prayer now?"

c. If the person is ready, ask him to pray.

Once a person expresses his desire to invite Christ into his life, explain that God is interested in the attitude of his heart, not the exact words he uses. Tell him that he can initiate his relationship with Christ right where he sits. Suggest to him that he may pray in any of these ways:

1. He can pray by himself aloud.

2. He can repeat the prayer aloud, phrase by phrase, after you.

3. He can pray silently, saving "amen" when he finishes.

d. If the prayer expresses the desire of his heart but he isn't ready to pray, do not become anxious or upset. Always take the positive approach. At this point, tell briefly how you came to know Christ. Let him know what your reasons were and the changes Christ has made in your life. Following your testimony, he may be ready to make his own commitment to Christ.

1 Be loving.

2 Be positive.

3 Relate you testimony.

4 Give another opportunity to pray.

3. If the person says "no"

1. Make sure the person knows how to accept Christ. Ask him what he would do if at a later time he wanted to commit his life to Christ. Asking key questions such as this one is the most effective way to help you determine what the other person is thinking if he really understands the issue.

b. Explain what would happen if he received Christ (on the next page in the booklet).

c. Give him a final opportunity to receive Christ. As you continue to talk things over and ask questions, you may find that he wants to receive Christ. It is a good policy to give him further opportunities as you continue. However, always remember to be sensitive to him. Never become pushy.

If he still is not ready to pray, encourage him to continue to consider the issue.

4. If the person is not sure that the prayer expresses the desire of his heart, maintain a Christ-like attitude. Do not become upset or impatient. Continue to allow the Holy Spirit to direct your response.

The individual who is uncertain as to whether he wants to commit his life to Christ may be encouraged to do so through hearing your personal experience with Christ.

a. Be loving.

b. Be positive.

c. Relate your testimony.

d. Give him another opportunity to accept Christ.

5. If the person states he has already prayed the prayer, sensitively discern if he has made a real commitment to Christ. Many people may tell you that they have prayed the prayer before; however, not all of them will have genuinely trusted in Christ. To help determine whether or not a person has made that decision, ask him to share with you how he came to know Christ. However, be careful not to put him on the defensive.

a. Be loving.

b. Be positive.

c. Ask him to relate his testimony.

J. Key points in sharing "Knowing God Personally"

1. Be sure you are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Through the Holy Spirit, we are given a supernatural love for others. As we allow Him to fill us, we will communicate this love to others.

2. Take a genuine interest in the person

a. Use their name.

b. Watch your attitude.

Remembering the person's name from time to time will add to the warmth of your conversation and will help create a personal and friendly atmosphere.

c. Be sensitive to his needs. As we allow God's Holy Spirit to shape our lives, His love for others will become our love for others. We want to talk to people about Christ, not to earn God's favor, but rather because our love for Him and others compels us to do so.

d.  Stop reading if necessary. You want to be sensitive in your presentation; there may be times when urgent needs or questions must be dealt with before going on.

e. Be gentle.

f. Maintain eye contact. Maintaining occasional eye contact with the individual adds to the warmth and personal nature of the atmosphere.

3. Never force a person to listen.

Forcing an individual to listen to your presentation may cause him to develop an unfavorable impression. For example, he could easily conclude that you are pushy and insensitive or lack good manners.

   4. Help him understand.

a. Hold the booklet so that the person can see it. Not allowing him to see the booklet creates the impression that you want to read the booklet to him rather than wanting to read it with him.

b. Read the booklet aloud.

c. Don't read the booklet too fast.

Reading the booklet through at a very rapid pace may detract from his ability to focus on the message and understand it clearly.

5. Avoid answering questions until you have finished reading the booklet.

In many cases, a person's questions wiII be dealt with as you continue the presentation. As questions arise, say something like, "That's a good question. I think that it may be answered as we continue through the booklet. If not, let me know."

K. Basic Assurance.

1. Read through the section "What happens when you put your trust in Christ?"

a. A person may know Christ is in his life without understanding all the benefits of having Christ in his life. We've already discussed some of these benefits. Although you will want to read through all of them with a new believer, right now we will look at two in particular.

1. Your sins were forgiven

1. What did God do with your sins (Colossians 2:13)? Answer: forgave them.

After reading this point in the booklet, look up Colossians 2:13.  Ask the new believer, "What did GOd do with your sins?"

     b. How many of your sins did He forgive? Answer: all.

2. You became a child of God (John 1: 12). After reading this point in the booklet, look up John 1: 12 and ask these two questions:

- What does this verse say you have become? Answer: a child of God.

- If you and I are children of God, how are we related? Answer: We are brothers (or sisters).

b. Use the "thank You" prayer.

- Encourage the person to pray a "thank You" prayer to God.

Say something like, "I'll pray first and then you can do the same, okay?" If he seems reluctant, then just pray for both of you.

- Pray a "thank You" prayer yourself which leads the new believer to pray, too.

A suggested prayer is "Lord, thank You for coming into my life (specific number or "a few") years ago and forgiving all my sins. Now (new believer's name) wants to thank You, too."

2. The Bible promises eternal life to all who accept Christ (I John 5:11-13). Read, or ask the new believer to read, this section aloud. Then ask these questions that require the person to evaluate his new relationship with Christ.

a. What has God given us? Answer: eternal life.

b. Where is the life found? Answer: in His Son.

c. Do you have the Son? Answer: yes.

d. If you have the Son, what else do you have? Answer: life, eternal life.

e. When did eternal life begin for you? Answer: when I accepted Christ.

3. Explain to him how to know that Christ is in his life. Turn to "How to know that Christ is in your life", and explain that we can trust Christ's promise in Revelation 3:20.

4. Encourage the new believer to thank God often that Christ is in his life (Hebrews 13:5).

Now that the new believer knows that having Christ in his life assures him of eternal life, he must understand that he needs to invite Christ into his life only once.

a. What did He promise you in this verse? Answer: to never leave me.

b. How many times do you need to ask Him into your life? Answer: once.

c. Will he ever leave you? Answer: NO.

5. Caution him not to depend upon feelings.

Confidence that Christ will never leave him will grow as the new believer learns to live by faith, not by feelings.

a. Ask the new believer to describe the train diagram to you in his own words.

b. Read or ask the new believer to read the section entitled. "Do Not Depend Upon Feelings."

c. Accept his explanation, communicating positively any necessary corrections.

 

L. Motivating new believers for follow-up.

It is important to remember that basic follow-up establishes the foundation upon which a new believer will grow.

1. Understand the definition of follow-up.

Follow-up is the process through which we establish and equip new believers with the basics of their faith so that they can move on to spiritual maturity and become spiritual multipliers (Ephesians 4:12,13). See the chapter "How to Follow-Up" for further information.

 

2. Encourage the new believer to come to the first follow-up appointment.

a. Seek to arrange an appointment with the new believer within a day, or at the most two days after he receives Christ (Mark 4:14,15).

It is important to meet with the new believer very soon after he receives Christ, because the moment a person trusts in Christ as his Saviour and Lord, Satan goes to work. A baby Christian is especially vulnerable to Satan's attempts to bring doubt and confusion into his life. So it is important for you to be with the new believer in the early hours of his new life.

b. Make him aware of his need to grow in his relationship with God.

c. Arrange a specific time and place to meet with the new believer.

Point out to the new believer that being a Christian is having a relationship with God. As in any relationship, you have to spend time communicating with each other to see the friendship grow. Then tell him you would like to meet with him again to pass on some information that will help him learn how to grow in his friendship with God.

d. Ask him to review the "Knowing God Personally" booklet before you meet again and to thank Christ once more for coming into his life.

e. Give him the follow-up booklet, "New Life in Christ".

If you have a copy of "New Life in Christ" give it to the new believer. Encourage him to read the Scripture passages in the first study and to start answering the questions in the booklet. If you don't have a booklet, plan to give it to him at the first appointment.

3. Help the new believer gain assurance of his salvation. Assume that a student named Joe has already accepted Christ and you want to help him be assured of his salvation.

You: "Joe, today you prayed and invited Christ into your life. You have now begun a personal relationship with Him. This is really only the beginning. We have just met each other today. In this sense, we have begun a personal friendship. But suppose that, after today, we never see or communicate with each other again. Will our friendship grow?"

Joe: "No."

You: "Why not, Joe?"

Joe: "Because a friendship depends on getting to know the other person and communicating with him."

You: "Well, Joe, it's the same way with Christ. Even though you began a relationship with Him today, if your friendship is going to grow, you need to get to know Him better. The better we know God, the more we will be able to trust Him. How do you think a friendship grows, Joe?"

Joe: "By spending time together, I suppose. You know - talking with one another, doing things together."

You: "That's right. In other words, we need to learn how to spend time with Him so that our friendship with Him can grow. You know, Joe, I would like to get together with you and share how you can build your friendship with Christ. Would you be interested?"

Joe: "OK."

You: "Are you free tomorrow about this time?"

Joe: "Yes."

You: "All right. Why don't we meet right here at ___ o'clock tomorrow. Is that all right?"

Joe: "Yes, that's fine."

You: Joe, why don't you read through "Knowing God Personally" on you own before

you go to bed tonight. Then thank Christ that He has come into your life. By thanking

God, you communicate faith, which pleases Him. There is a little booklet entitled "New

Life in Christ" that I would like to give you. If you have time, you might want to fill in the

answers to some of the questions in the first study."

Joe: "I'll do that."

You: Good! I enjoyed talking with you, Joe, and having the chance to share these things. I'll look forward to meeting you tomorrow at ___o'clock, right here. See you later."

Evangelistic Literature

Evangelistic literature (like the "Dear Peter" letter) is designed exclusively to communicate the claims of Jesus Christ and the dynamics of knowing Him in a personal way to the unbeliever.

Businessmen share them with their clients. Homemakers share them with their neighbors, and students distribute them among their fellow students. They are extremely effective evangelistic tools in sharing with unbelievers the wonderful discovery of knowing Christ personally. They can be used as evangelistic tools in the following ways:

A. Give an article to someone you know. Ask him to read either the entire publication or a particular article. Using the four simple questions below, move quickly and inoffensively into a personal presentation of "Knowing God Personally", giving the person an opportunity to pray and accept Christ.

Ask four questions:

1. "What did you think of the book/magazine/article?"

2. "Did it make sense to you?"

3. "Have you made the wonderful discovery of knowing Christ personally?"

4. "Wouldn't you like to?"

Continue with the "Knowing God Personally" presentation giving the person an opportunity to pray and accept Christ. Leave copies with those who are especially interested.

B. Approach individuals at random. Ask them if they would take a few minutes to read an article, or part of one, and give you their opinion; or make an appointment for the next day.

C. Use books or magazines that contain Knowing God Personally. Ask a person to glance through the publication. Then turn specifically to the four points and ask if he has ever read through them.

D. Use these publications in contacting individuals after evangelistic meetings especially if the publication includes a feature article written by the speaker.

E. Be familiar with the articles before you give or lend them to someone else.

F. Use Athletes in Action magazine to approach coaches, athletes and sports-minded people. Give them the magazine and set up an appointment on the next day to present "Knowing God Personally".

G. Use the "Dear Peter" letter. This is a letter written by Dr. Bill Bright to a friend (the name is fictitious). It may be left with students or posted with a cover letter to friends, relatives, etc.

Evangelistic literature can open many doors for you to share Christ with others. See Literature order form at the end of this manual.

Surveys

We live in a day when people are survey conscious. Surveys are regularly taken to determine the social and political thinking of people in our country and around the world. Religious surveys have frequently been taken, but not always with the specific intent of coupling them with an opportunity to share one's personal faith in Christ.

Surveys have proved to be valuable tools:

- They help to determine the spiritual thinking of people in any particular community, college, or segment of society.

- They provide numerous opportunities for students and others to share their faith and, therefore, become more effective in their witness.

- They have a flexibility that enables one to make effective contacts with people in house-to-house visiting, in public places, in churches, or in college.

- They are helpful to those who are just learning to share their faith by providing them with an effective way to establish rapport with the one with whom they are talking.

- They heighten public interest in faith in Christ when published (and all surveys should be submitted for publication).

Introduce yourself, ask for their cooperation, and after the survey is complete, share the "Knowing God Personally" booklet with them if they are willing.

See Appendix 8 "Community Religious Survey".

Way of Life Evangelism

Planned witnessing is necessary and exciting! It motivates us to share our faith. We can train disciples through it. It's biblical (Jesus sent His disciples out two by two). It helps us have an organized method of reaching our community.

Yet, is that the only thing God has called us to? No. Jesus stopped for water on a wearying trip north through Samaria. Disregarding His own needs, He spent time explaining to a seemingly uninterested woman her own need for the Messiah. He later told His disciples that people everywhere need Christ: The fields are white and ready for harvest (John 4:35). 2 Timothy 4:2 says, "Preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season."

Witnessing should be a natural part of our lives. It should become a habit to view each person we come in contact with casualty as a divine appointment from God.

Even if we don't have time to go through the "Knowing God Personally" booklet completely with a person, Isaiah 55:11 promises that the Word of God will not return to Him void. Our part is to get the message to others - to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. God's part is to take care of the outcome we are to leave results to God.

 

How do I do it?

A. Pray, acknowledging the Holy Spirit as your source of power.

B. Turn the conversation to Christ. As you're talking casually with someone, use questions or a simple testimony. Say something like:

1. "Here is a book that has meant a lot to me. It talks about how to have a personal relationship with Christ. You will enjoy reading it when you get a break."

2. "Do you think about spiritual things very often?"

3. "Here is something that will answer some of your questions."

4. Share your personal three-minute testimony.

C. Always be prepared.

1. See everyone as an opportunity to talk about Jesus Christ.

2. Have evangelistic tools ready to leave with each person you initiate a conversation with.

a. "Knowing God Personally" booklet.

b. "Dear Peter" letter.

c. Evangelistic books.

d. "Jesus and the Intellectual."

e. Evangelistic articles

Our goal is to help the person understand the gospel and give him an opportunity to make a decision to trust Christ. Think creatively of ways to see that accomplished. The ideal is to sit down and share a complete and clear gospel message with the person. If you have only a minute, leave suitable literature. The Holy Spirit will work. The more you sow, making the most of every opportunity, the more you will have the joy of reaping and seeing people come to know Christ.

D. Now that you have become familiar with the main points of the gospel message by using the booklet, you will be able to cover these points naturally in conversation with a friend when you don't have a booklet.

Personal Testimonies

I Peter 3:15,16 says that we are always to be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks us to give an account of the hope that is in us. One of the best ways that you can be able to explain to others the hope that is in you is through your personal testimony.

Although people can try and argue about the veracity of Christianity's claims (e.g., the historicity of the resurrection, the reliability of the Bible), no one can argue about what Christ has done in your life. Often people are very interested in what the unchanging God of the universe is doing on a personal level. They want to know what Christ is doing in your life!

Examples of appropriate times to use your personal testimony are:

- When you have only a few minutes to talk with someone.

- When you want to give a personal illustration as part of an evangelistic presentation before a group of people.

- When you feel a need to clarify and personalize the message of Knowing God Personally.

A testimony is always more effective when it is organized and to the point. Let's look at some benefits of having a well-organized three-minute testimony.

A. Benefits of a well-organized three minute testimony.

1. A well-prepared testimony can have a direct impact in nearly every witnessing situation. But no matter how well-organized your testimony is, in order for it to be effective, it needs to be given in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. As one of the most critical tools in your ministry, it is equally effective in both large and small groups.

3. It is often more effective than a longer presentation. A well organized testimony avoids extra material that could distract from the point of personal commitment. The three-minute time limit will force you to be very selective in what you include in your testimony, greatly improving the quality of your presentation.

4. It will help present Christ in such a clear, attractive, yet simple manner that many who hear it will want to know Him personally. As you write your testimony, keep in mind that the emphasis should be on personal commitment to Christ and what this can mean in a person's life.

B. How to write a testimony.

1. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you write.

2. Prepare your testimony in such a way that you can share it with groups as well as with individuals. Keep your testimony concise and emphasize a personal commitment to Christ.

3. Stay within the three-minute time slot.

4. Be realistic.

5. Consider your typical audience; write and speak to communicate to them.

6. Use a three-point outline containing the following. As you begin, choose something typical from your experience that relates well to the unbeliever and build your testimony around that theme.

a. What was your life like before you received Christ?

1. What were your attitudes, needs and problems? Remember that examples will go a long way toward establishing you as a credible witness.

2. Around what did your life revolve? What was most important to you? Give specific examples.

3. What did you look to for security, peace of mind and happiness? In what ways did you find your activities not satisfying?

Avoid "religious" language which the man on the street doesn't use anymore.

b. What led to your decision to trust Christ? Why did you decide to give Him complete control of your life, and how did you make this decision?

This relates to the specific circumstances that surrounded your decision to ask Christ to come into your life. You could emphasize either the point at which you actually accepted Christ or the point at which you let Him begin to control your life.

1. When did you first hear the gospel? How? Or when were you first exposed to a dynamic faith?

Try to include the distilled essence of the gospel. For example: "That night as they spoke in my flat it was the first time I can ever remember hearing that God loved me, that He sent His Son to die for my sin which kept me from knowing Him and that all I needed to do was commit my life to Him by asking Christ to come into my life."

2 What were your initial reactions to the Lord?

3 When did you begin to have a positive attitude toward Him?

4 What was the turning point in your attitude?

5 What mental barriers did you experience?

An example of a mental barrier is, "Why should I want to let someone else run my life?" Your testimony should include how that mental barrier was removed.

c. What happened after you accepted Christ?

1. What changes did you see in your life - actions, attitudes and problems? (Use specific examples.)

This point relates to the changes you experienced after Christ came into your life or after you gave Him complete control. If you received Him at an early age, what happened after you yielded control of your life to Him as Lord?

If the changes you mention correspond to the problems that you expressed in the first part of the testimony, then you will have a constant theme and your testimony will be more effective.

2 How long did it take before you noticed changes?

3 What does Jesus Christ mean to you now?

As you think about this question, imagine that a friend is asking you what Christ means to you. What would you say to describe how important Jesus is to you? Be as descriptive as you can.

C. Action Point.

Ask your friends to take notes under each point of the outline as you informally tell your story.

D. Format.

1. Avoid the following terminology.

a. Don't make statements that reflect negatively on churches, other organizations or other people.

b. Avoid mentioning denominations.

c. Don't use vague terms such as "joyful", "Peaceful", "happy" or "changed" without explaining them.

d. Avoid using theological words such as "saved", "born again", "converted" or "sin" without clarifying what you mean.

2. Learn the mechanics of writing a testimony.

a. Begin with an attention-getting sentence or incident.

Use only attention-getting phrases that are natural and won't make your audience tense.

b. Be positive from start to finish.

c. Be specific. Give enough details to arouse interest.

d. Be natural

As you write, remember that most people write much more formally than they speak. Often a written, memorized testimony will be delivered in an artificial, stilted manner.

As a general guideline, do your best to help people understand you and know you.

e. Be accurate.

                    g. Use one or two Scripture verses, but only when they relate directly to your experience and fit in naturally.

For example, you might relate Revelation 3:20 as someone told it to you. But remember that most non-Christians don't know the difference between I Thessalonians and 2 Chronicles. You will distract from your presentation by forcing your favorite, precious verse to fit the context of your testimony.

h. Write a good closing to complete your testimony.

Avoid tacking a Scripture verse onto the end of your testimony. It's much better to refer to it in the main body of your testimony where it relates to your experience. Conclude with specific changes you've experienced.

i. Edit and rewrite as needed.

See Appendix 6 "Testimony Worksheet".

Beginning a testimony with statements such as, "I was raised in a Christian home," or "I became a Christian when I was 9," tend to alienate unbelievers. Instead, you should begin by establishing a common point of identity with unbelievers. Talk about experiences they can understand.

Later, perhaps in the section on how you first encountered a dynamic faith or how you yielded your life to Christ, you can add a brief explanation of how you became a believer.

E. Presenting your testimony.

Before you begin to present your testimony, here are some principles to remember so you can communicate effectively to a group.

1. Rehearse it until it becomes natural.

2. Share it with enthusiasm in the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Speak clearly, but in a natural, relaxed tone. Speak loudly enough to be heard.

4. In a public meeting, do not talk on the way to or from your seat.

5. Avoid nervous mannerisms such as swaying, playing with a pencil or clearing your throat

Also, avoid such things as jingling coins in your pocket or using too many "you know's" and "ah's".

6. Avoid arguing or using high-pressure methods in your testimony to obtain decisions for Christ.

According to the Bible, men and women are born of the Spirit, not through the persuasiveness or logic of others. Don't argue! Remember, a successful testimony is one that you give in the power of the Holy Spirit, leaving the results to God.

7. Avoid speaking in a "preaching" manner.

Preaching won't communicate nearly as well as "sharing yourself" with the audience. Speak about personal experiences in your own life to which they can relate. Let the Holy Spirit do the convincing.

8. Action point.

Practice your testimony with a friend.

Memorize your testimony and present it to an individual or group, preferably unbelievers.