Compelling Elements of a Captivating Testimony
stir gently :)
Sensitivity to God’s Spirit; inviting His evident presence. Be sensitive to every spiritual impulse. Right? We always want to invite God to be part of any spiritual adventure.
Vibrantly describe key people involved. Who did God use? My grandpa was the humble, available personality God flowed-through to deliver the gospel to my made-tender heart, as a 5-year-old boy. On time, on target. People who I knew … knew God … helped me understand more clearly how much God loved me and wanted me to enjoy His salvation.
Believe the events are NOT JUST mine. That indeed, God was involved. That God planned the intervention, and GOD wants the story told because He orchestrated a publication-worthy event. That just happened to be part of my life. But it’s well beyond me. "Here’s what GOD did … it’s amazing. You gotta hear this!”
Nothing more harmful to others than believing salvation is boring.
Clear accuracy, especially at the point of transition from death to life. Over there: death. Over here: life. Pause. Hmmmm.
Authentic emotional expression. Cardboard is not awesome. Whole heartedness, the whole soul. Bring your personality with you.
Elevate Scripture for consideration. Ask yourself, “What singular concept from Scripture most persuaded me and convicted me of my need … at the point of salvation?” Hmmmmm. Elevate Scripture keywords in the eyes of the lost, and then get out of the way. Let the words do the work of transferring. Truth resonates. Heads will nod. Release the power. Lift up the words. Consider Christ, in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, … He was the Word Who became flesh and dwelt among us. Acts 11:4 says, “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” Words. They work.
Please emphasize Jesus as Saviour. Certainly, Jesus is many things, but the key identifier we need the lost to receive is a Rescuer. A loving, qualified, willing … able-to-save, Saviour.
Consider, how did my position change? I previously believed ___________, but now I believe ____________. See, I was confused in one area. Then it made sense.
Give personality to truth. Put skin on the gospel. Be human. Talk about real life happenings. Be there.
Believe in your audience. People WANT to learn. “I believe you would do right, if you had the opportunity. Yeah!?” Envision results in the heart and mind of an unbeliever. Are they more curious about their own personal journey of faith after hearing you? Do they feel compelled to explore salvation more? We speak as to the lost, but not as to the stupid. We’re not trying to pretend they know everything. However, people are generally smart; they just don’t see the sequence of facts properly aligned. Most anyone would receive the gospel if it were lovingly, clearly explained. Let’s ask: “What one part of the gospel would you like to understand more clearly? Here are the 5 points again: God, sin, penalty, payment, acceptance. Which of those 5 would you like more clarity on?” See their future potential. Acts 18:26 says, “ … whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him {Apollos] unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.“ Apollos, you have a great thing going; let us help you get to the next level of your comprehension of spiritual things.
Audience participation demonstrates understanding through active listening. Ask and pause. Pass … the ball. Do not become Charlie Brown’s wah-wah-wah teacher. Instead ask, “Does this word carry meaning for you?” Or, “What’s a good way you could describe this concept to a teenager?” Let them lead. It’s okay, really. Be so comfortable with letting other people talk, that they can. Learn to guide a meaningful conversation where BOTH parties are involved and going somewhere together. Does that sound better? “So here’s the plan: God, sin, penalty, solution. Right? We are still on point 3. However, we ARE going somewhere, together. We are moving at your pace. Feel free to slow me down at anytime. Are we clear to proceed?”
Planning & prayerful editing. Practice presenting. What works. Chop the junk.
Technology captures and shares the story in all possible formats. Audio —> Print —> Video.
Every possible platform. Every possible believer. Doing the impossible, which is: reaching everyone. Which is the Great Commission.
Bring a couple dollars to produce a worthy product. Pro-grade. Full color booklet. Level-up! Bring your A-game. No crayons. Hire an editor on Upwork or Fiverr.
We’re looking for SHARE-ability. Something distribution-ready. On-hand. In-pocket. On-the-phone-screen. Tap-to-share. Text a link. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” Eph 6:15. Don’t go out without your shoes on.
Family photos. Include photos relevant to your spiritual transaction, at the point of salvation. Who helped introduce you to the Savior? Smiling faces. It’s really difficult to ignore someone’s family photo, given to you as a gift, along with a heartfelt story. Imagine being the receiver. You gotta accept it, right? Can’t toss it. This is not junk mail. You’re standing face-to-face with the actual author of this little story. Almost like you’d have to throw away that whole person, plus everyone who means something to them, as shown in this family photo, and their quintessential life-highlight story booklet thing … trashing someone’s whole family would not be culturally appropriate, right? Family photos help the gospel go. Make your story transmissible, by including those you love.
We’re all ears. What else would you include a gospel presentation?