Guidelines for Writing Your Personal Testimony Everyone has story to tell Wonderful way to be reminded of God’s grace Powerful way to impact others’ lives to encourage & change It’s YOUR story No one can argue, tells how God transformed YOUR life Its really about Jesus Christ - HIS power, love, mercy, grace Your story can bless others Not selfish but brags about the Savior What He has done in your life & what He can do for others

500 Words or Fewer – Keep Brief – Chronological Do Include: BC - Brief description of your life Before coming to Christ and what you were like before you became a believer D - How you came to Christ, with a focus on your Decision and a brief, non-preachy gospel message AD - How your life has changed After your Decision to accept Christ A realistic viewpoint that does not imply Christ removes all life’s problems A clear message about Jesus, the main focus of your story.

Do Not Include: Statements that reflect negatively on other people, churches, or organizations Christian-only terms such as “saved,” “joyful,” “transformed,” “happy” …….unless you can clearly explain them

Struggles, Fears, Insecurities, Desires Examples: BC – Your life Before Coming to Christ Struggles, Fears, Insecurities, Desires Examples: “Before I came to Christ, I struggled with loneliness even when around lots of people.” “Before coming to Christ, my life was out of control…bad choices, bad relationships put me in bad circumstances.”

D – How You Came to Christ – Decision Your Decision and a brief, non-preachy gospel message When you made the decision to accept Christ, how did it happen? Key person, life event, life challenge? Example: “I made a decision to accept Christ when a good friend took time to show genuine concern for me and my circumstances. That person was patient and used the Bible to explain God’s clear and loving plan that He has provided for my guilt and shame to be forgiven….” (John 3:16 gospel presentation)

AD – After Your Decision to Accept Christ What has your life been like now? Note specific changes that have happened. Give hope! Examples: “My life has dramatically changed. I don’t struggle with loneliness and fear as before. I’m not perfect, and life has it challenges, but I know I’m not going through them alone.” “The guilt and shame I once felt are gone….”

Compose Your Story Goal – share your own personal salvation story. Purpose – connect with readers in a way that Sows the seed of the gospel Challenges the reader to think about his or her own life story and relationship with Christ Challenges the reader to realize if he or she does NOT yet have a relationship with Christ.

Think About the Title Choose something that will grab readers’ attention and make them want to read your story Examples: “Thanks for Reading My Story” “From Panic to Peace” “Filling the Emptiness”

Changed Lives Coming Soon! REJOICE! Changed Lives Coming Soon!