Everyone has a story. The story of how Jesus has changed your life, how He has been faithful, and how His grace has given you freedom. The longer we journey with Christ, the more stories of encounters we have.
Writing out your story helps arrange your thoughts, brings to light hidden pieces, and ultimately enables you to share your story with others who need to hear it. Your story may give comfort to those in similar situations. Most importantly, it allows others who may not know Jesus to look into a life that does.
There are two parts to sharing your story:
“Write” your story
Whether you write your story down or just think through the journey of your encounter with God – at its simplest, it has three parts: I was…, Then God…, And Now…
- I was… (Describe your life before Jesus or a situation or experience you were in)
- Then God… (Describe how you met Jesus or how Jesus worked through the situation or experience.)
- And now… (Describe the difference Jesus made in your life or the outcome of the situation or experience.)
Writing out your story helps you arrange your thoughts into an orderly account. This is helpful whether you are sharing your story in a blog, on video, or in a conversation or talk. If you need some help check out our Step-by-step Guide to Writing Out Your Story.
Share your story
When you share how God has changed you and continues to work in your life, people are more open to your invitation to join you at church!
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before other, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Each time you share your story with someone, let us celebrate with you by letting us know about it here.
Pro Tips
- Be conversational. Focus on expressing your thoughts and feelings, not on the words.
- Be specific. Use concrete situations, details, and emotions. Help people visualize.
- Be honest. Embrace the messiness. Don’t exaggerate or sugarcoat.
- Be real. You are a work in progress. So is what God is doing. Don’t feel the need to tie things up in a bow.
- Be simple: Don’t clutter your story with details, tangents, backstories or people that aren’t really connected to your focus.