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“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”
Pope Paul VI, EVANGELII NUNTIANDI 41
A witness or testimony is a story about what God/ Jesus/The Holy Spirit has done in your life. It could be a major change or something very simple. In most circumstances, it should be short…3 minutes or less. It’s always about God /Jesus/ the Holy Spirit, personal to you. Don't tell someone else’s story.
There are three parts to a good testimony:- Where were you in your life? (in relation to God, Church, faith and this story)
- What did God/ Jesus do? (this is the most important)
- How has that changed your life?
Take your time. Start looking back over your life to times when God was especially near to you. Make a list and then focus on one at a time.
Keep cutting out the unnecessary details. Ask yourself if this detail clarifies the story or just adds words. Details tend to be about us and our trials rather than what God has done.
We all have many stories. Here are some ideas to get you thinking.- A major conversion: it’s what most people think of first, but we don’t all have those.
- A sign that God has given you when you’ve asked for one.
- Sitting to pray and feeling His peace.
- Looking back at troubles and major hurdles and how He helped you through them.
- Death of a family member when you sensed God’s presence.
- Clear confirmation of a decision you were making.
- A course, retreat, program, book that had an impact on your life and how.
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ext, start sharing. People love hearing other people’s stories. That is what makes reality TV so appealing, it is a glimpse into someone else’s life. So is a testimony. Share with a friend over coffee or on zoom. Say that you’ve been challenged to write something about how God has worked in your life, and you need someone to listen, or practice with. You might be surprised how happy they are to do this and the impact it may have on them.
The beauty of a personal testimony is that you know it from the heart. It doesn’t require theology studies or catechism courses or answers to the difficult questions. It’s simply your story…go ahead and share it.