Brief Description:

This exercise helps us prepare, practice, and be able to share the Gospel with others by using our story. God is writing an epic story and our stories have been consumed by His. My Story really only has 3 parts that all point to Jesus, not us. Our stories all center on:
1) who we were before we met Jesus,
2) why we need Jesus and
3) what has changed since we’ve decided to follow Jesus.¹

Use any or all of the fill-in notes sections to take your own notes as you go through this exercise. You can save the notes and email a copy to yourself. Saved notes are located in the Notes section of app menu.

Scripture:

Acts 26:4-29 Primary model for sharing our story. See outline below.
Psalm 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story”
Revelation 12:11 “And they have conquered him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”

Explanation:

Your story can be used to transform lives because your story is about Jesus. You don’t need a theology degree to talk to people about Jesus. No one can refute what God has done in your life.

Oftentimes, people fear talking about their faith or beliefs because they are worried they will get a question they cannot answer or an argument they cannot defend. Some may fear these conversations because they don’t think they know enough about the Bible to be able to explain the gospel. The truth is, if you are active in sharing your faith and talking to people about Jesus, then you will more than likely encounter these conversations. You may not know how to answer every theological question you are asked, but people cannot deny that God has changed your life and you will never be the same because of it.

Your story is the story of a sinful human that was in need of a savior. When you repented and made a decision to follow Jesus, you became alive in Him. This is the greatest part of your story. This story has the power to save every family member, friend, classmate or co-worker that you will encounter. This is the confidence the believer has as they give their lives to the proclamation of the gospel to ALL people.

One of the easiest ways to transition from general to spiritual conversations is by bringing up your story. When in general conversation, you are hoping to get personal and uncover needs or things that are broken in their lives. As they share about their lives, share with them about your struggles and hardships and how you found hope and strength in Jesus. Ask them if they have ever heard your story before or why your life has changed so much.

There is a tendency for people to tell their story as a timeline of events (ie. grew up in Christian OR non-Christian home, got saved, got baptized, walked away, rededicated my life, now life is awesome). Frankly, this story is not helpful as it is incomplete. Your timeline of events may very well be along those lines, but a timeline points to your life and accomplishments. Another common mistake is using “christianese” (asked Jesus in my heart, rededicated, falling away). Use words that a five year old would understand. Aim to share your story in a simple way that brags about everything Jesus has done and accomplished in you. Your story is great because it is about someone great, Jesus.

In all of our stories, there are three main points; before Jesus, why Jesus, and since Jesus. Your story is unique. Think about what the Lord has done for you in your life. Talk about the things Jesus restored and made new in you. When you share why you decided to follow Jesus, tell the story (the gospel) that someone told you that made you repent of your sin and decide to follow Jesus. Then tell what has happened since that point in your life.

Story Outline (Read Acts 26:4-29):

BEFORE JESUS
- What was your life like before Jesus?

- What did you chase after?

- What was your identity built on?

- What did you feel stuck in that you just couldn’t shake no matter how hard you tried?

WHY JESUS
- What made you consider Jesus?

- How did you come to a realization that there was something more?

- What clicked?

- What do you believe Christ did for you and how did that change everything?

SINCE JESUS
- How has this decision affected your life since?

- How are you becoming a new creation?

- What events in your life has He used to deepen your understanding of Himself?

- Moving forward, where is He taking you?

This outline communicates God intersecting your life when it was headed in one direction. You heard from God, repented and believed, and then your life was headed in a new direction, eternally.

Application Questions & Action:

When you think of your story through this lens, how does it help you better understand your own salvation and God’s pursuit of you?

Does this help clarify what God is asking you to do?

Take 5-10 minutes to write out your story. Try to condense your story into 2-4 minutes. Then practice by sharing your story with your family or friends. Share as a group or one-on-one.

Share your story with 3 people this week. Be intentional with who you share with. Make a plan now as to how you are going to share with your 3. Then share with your Life Group how this went.

¹ Information & exercises adapted from Resonate.net