How to Share Your Story

It was in 1973 that I, as a seventeen-year-old, made a public profession of my Christian faith at a large Baptist church in Toledo, Ohio. Shortly after this, I enrolled in the church’s Evangelism Explosion program. In groups of three, we traveled the streets of West Toledo, knocking on doors with the hope of receiving an invitation to enter a home and talk about Jesus and the Gospel. Through this intentional training, I gained the confidence to present the salvation of Christ to people I encountered. I felt brave enough to speak out in my college classes taught by secular professors and proclaim my beliefs. I shared the Gospel with instructors and fellow students.  

However, as time went on, that new-believer enthusiasm began to fade. While I still served faithfully at church, I found that I’d lost the confidence I once had to speak to strangers or acquaintances about the Gospel. Today, my extended family, friends, and neighbors know that I attend church and that my Christian faith is an integral part of my life. I try to share the bits and pieces of the Gospel that meld into my personal story, but my description always seems incomplete, and I worry I’m not sharing enough information or posing the right questions to attain a response from my listeners.   

I admire the boldness of my brother-in-law, Dave, who is a layman evangelist. He carries a box of Bibles and Gospel tracts in his truck, always eager to share Scripture with anyone who will listen. Dave, a humble man, is simple in his approach to witnessing: each morning, he prays for opportunities to talk about the Lord. Whether standing in line at Home Depot or Sam’s Club, Dave takes every chance he can get to meet someone new. 

“First, I just start talking to people, listening to their stories. Or I will look for a conversation starter, such as ‘Tell me what your tattoo stands for,’” Dave says. 

If he can engage a person in a conversation, Dave will bring up God and Jesus in minutes. Then he’ll pose this question: “If you were to die today, do you know if you would go to heaven?” This springboard elicitation goes directly to the heart of a person’s eternal destination. Few contacts reject the Bibles and tracts he offers. People are open to Dave’s kind, sincere demeanor and genuine description of God’s love for them.   

While this evangelistic approach may not work for everyone, it begs the question: how can we boldly share our faith? How can we make an impact for Christ in our everyday lives? As I’ve asked the Lord how to revitalize the confident faith of my younger days, this is what He’s taught me: 

▶️ Make It a Matter of Prayer 

“…my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” – Romans 10:1 

Who is in your sphere of influence right now? How do you relate to your extended family, neighbors, or co-workers? Consider making a list of people God has placed on your heart and pray for them regularly. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to opportunities to share God’s love for them.   

▶️ Make It a Matter of Faithfulness 

“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” – 1 Peter 3:15  

Do you attend church regularly? Are you in God’s Word daily? To be a witness, we need to be prepared. Our knowledge of the Word is essential in sharing our faith. At Woodside Bible Church, Life Groups, studies, and classes are available at every campus to supplement weekly services. Through faithful study and discussion, fellow believers can educate and encourage one another in their quest for spiritual growth.  

▶️ Make It a Matter of Lifestyle 

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 

How do you enjoy spending your time? What experiences do you enjoy relating to others? Christians share a common language with each other, but we also need to build relationships and find common ground with unbelievers. Think of ways to invite unbelievers into your life, such as showing hospitality, attending a concert, or grabbing tickets to a sporting event together. When unbelievers witness your family lifestyle, they may be more prone to hearing your personal story of salvation and how Jesus has made a difference in your life.  

▶️ Make It a Matter of Practice 

“But Jesus said, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’” – Mark 5:19  

What is your story right now? Where do you see evidence of God working in your life? After experiencing the death of my late husband, I became unmoored and suffered from so much grief and sorrow that I had trouble reading my Bible or praying. I relied on dear friends and family to pray for me, which helped me navigate those dark days. However, through His love and mercy, God brought me through that valley, renewed my spirit, and gave me a fresh start. I have seen my story resonate with others who have gone through similar losses. One neighbor said to me, “It’s obvious your faith pulled you through your grief.” 

I love the story of one Life Group from Woodside Lake Orion coming together to practice sharing their testimonies for several weeks. Shortly after, group leader Mike Wall was able to share the Gospel story with his boss.  

“That time of practice in our group not only brought an amazing and divine connection within the group, but emboldened each one to be prepared to tell their story,” Mike said. “The practice of sharing the truth in our stories and all the vulnerabilities that comes with that brought a sense of freedom and confidence to be ready to give accounts of our faith anytime we get the chance.” 

As Christians, we should be willing and wanting to share our faith, relating to others how God has made a difference in our lives. We offer a message of hope, healing, and eternal impact. Who can you share that message with today?  

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3 

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