One Minute Witnessნიმუში

Tell your story with fresh compassion and confidence!

Now that you’ve learned some opening ways to ask permission, you will feel more confident in transitioning your conversations to talk about your faith story. Once they’ve agreed to listen, they will listen to your short story for usually about one minute.

No preaching, teaching, or autobiographies are allowed here. This is the time to give a very brief testimony of how Jesus has changed your life. This second part should only take ten seconds.

Finger 2: "Before Christ"

Since some people paint all churches and Christians with the same brush, let’s not start talking about Jesus right away. Rather, let’s be vulnerable and talk about what our life was like before Christ entered the scene. This candid and transparent approach will quickly engage them and open a door. When you begin with your own brokenness, they will immediately relate to you, because they often feel the same way.

Here’s how you start. Do not say “Before Christ.” But begin your story like this:

“There was a time in my life when . . .”

Finish your sentence by filling in three words or phrases that describe your life before Jesus became your personal Savior. Your ten-second phrases might sound like this:

“There was a time in my life when I was empty in my heart, looking for purpose, and wondering what happens when I die.”

“There was a time in my life when I was lonely, fearful, and depressed.”

“There was a time in my life when I was prideful, greedy, and addicted to _______.”

“There was a time in my life when I was successful but still searching for meaning, educated but lacking wisdom, and looking for love in all the wrong places.”

When we are vulnerable like this, it gives them permission to be more honest and forthcoming about their own struggles. But we still haven’t mentioned Jesus. That’s our next finger, in our next lesson. Today we challenge you to find a partner and practice the first two fingers, and a few times.