Guidance For Those Hosting Parts of Sunday Worship — Part 6. Testimonies.
Today, we continue a series exploring why we do what we do at a Sunday gathering. Last time, we focussed on announcements and updates. This week’s topic is testimonies.
What are we talking about? First, let’s explore the Scriptures. In the New Revised Standard Version, the English word ‘testify’ and its variants occur 72 times in 70 verses of the New Testament. The Greek words involved are versions of:
- diamarturomai — διαμαρτύρομαι. To testify, to declare solemnly (Acts 2.40).
- martureo — μαρτυρέω. To testify, to bear witness, or suffer martyrdom (John 18.37).
- epimartureo — ἐπιμαρτυρέω. To testify, to bear witness (1 Peter 5.12).
- katamartureo — καταμαρτυρέω. To testify, to witness against (Mark 14.60).
All in all, the emphasis is on talking gladly and boldly about the work of God.
A testimony can be how you came to know Christ or about any way you have personally seen God’s work in your life. With those principles in mind, let’s consider some tips.
Personal
Be sure to give us enough personal information so that we see you as a person, not a ‘thing’ (someone whose life was transformed by Jesus, not just someone who got baptised). For example, if you look at Paul’s testimonies about his conversion (Acts 22 and 26) you will see a lot of “I” statements, as well as mentions of God (more on Him next). The key words to remember that will help make sure your testimony is personal are — details, and, emotions. In others words not, “When I first came to church I was a young man.”, but, “When I first came to church I was 23 years old, engaged to be married and terrified.” Not, “When some men from the church studied the Bible with me I was convicted (jargon-alert!).”, but, “When Doug and Chris sat down with me and explained the teachings of Jesus I was amazed at how relevant they were to my life.”
God
Be sure to talk about God. Your story is not only your story. It is yours and God’s story. Use Scripture where relevant. When I testify about my conversion, I always mention this passage:
“Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will defile your silver-covered idols and your gold-plated images. You will scatter them like filthy rags; you will say to them, “Away with you!”” (Isaiah 30:19–22)
The reason is that I read it a month before encountering the church and had prayed for it to come true.
Conclusion
They key question to ask as you prepare your testimony, is how you can help everyone present grow in their awe at the power and grace of God.
I have written and recorded on this topic previously. You will find some more useful tips here: https://www.malcolmcox.org/tasty-testimonies-ten-commandments-for-terrific-testimonies/
Any thoughts? Please speak to me. Next time we explore speaking at the Lord’s Supper.
God bless, Malcolm
