"T" - Tell THEM Your Faith Stories

You have some items in your evangelistic tool kit that are more powerful and more effective than any other. You can use these tools with cynics, skeptics, seekers, or believers. They are stories of your personal experiences with Christ. When you tell your faith stories, they are not up for debate or debunking. They carry weight with anyone who knows you well enough to listen to what you have to say. As you identify THEMs, nurture relationships, verify spiritual condition, and introduce THEM to your church family, sprinkle your faith stories all along the process as they seem appropriate. For example, if your THEM is dealing with fear, you can tell them about how God has conquered fear in your life. If they are facing health issues, you can tell them how God helped you through your own health crisis. If they are struggling with parenting issues, you can tell them the valuable lessons God has given you in parenting.

As you live out your faith in this world, God works through all things for your good, but not for your good alone. You can share life lessons with anyone and demonstrate how faith is something alive and active in those who find and follow Christ together. As 2 Chron. 16:9 says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro, throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on the behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him." 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that we should show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Of all the stories you have, probably the most powerful is the story of your own salvation. A great example is found in Acts chapter 26. Paul had been given the opportunity to defend himself against charges levied against him for sharing his new found faith. In just 22 verses (2-23) Paul shares his story with King Agrippa, Governor Felix and those in the crowd surrounding them. If you read those verses at a normal rate you will find them to be under 3 minutes long.

Can you share your conversion story in under three minutes? Can you talk about your life before Christ, how you came to realize your need for a relationship with Him, and what your life has been like since you trusted Christ and became a born-again believer? If not, take some specific steps right now.

1. Read over Paul's story a few times.

2. Take pen and paper and write your own conversion story, editing out churchy words and religious jargon. Be critical and try to hear it with the ears of an unchurched hearer.

3. Practice your conversion story until you can say it naturally in just a couple of minutes.

4. Practice multiple entry points into your conversion story. Bridge statements like "I used to be afraid, but now. . ." or "I used to worry a lot, but now . . ." can easily move you into sharing your conversion story.

5. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)