Teaching Youth to Share Their Stories

Written by Karen Dockrey

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Adapted from an article in ec: Essential Connection, a student devotional magazine. 

T - Transformed Behavior
People see your testimony in your actions as well as in your words. You may give a glowing testimony, but it won't mean much if you turn around and gossip or cheat. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying that Christians should preach the gospel at all times and use words if necessary.

E - Enthusiasm
Your love for God shows in the way you talk about Him. Think about how people talk about their passions. wing testimony, but it won't mean much if you turn around and gossip or cheat. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying that Christians should preach the gospel at all times and use words if necessary.

S - Scripture
It doesn't matter how firmly you believe something if it's untrue. Let the Bible teach you truth, so you won't deceive yourself or others.

T - Turning the Spotlight
It's all about Jesus - not you. Stress what He has done since you became a Christian and not the gory details about your life without Jesus.

I - Including People
Your testimony should help people connect with you, not compare themselves to you. With all your differences, we all have one thing in common - a need for Jesus. Your testimony should help others see their own need as you explain your need.

F - For Real
Be authentic because nobody likes a fake. Let your sincerity reveal God's real love.

Y - You and Me
Occasionally you'll give your testimony before a group, but testimonies also are powerful in one-on-one conversations.

1. Plan a theme fellowship. Plan your activities around the theme of testifying. Set up a courtroom setting. Write a skit to support your theme. In addition to setting up a courtroom setting in which one testifies before a crowd, you can also have a time of confession (sharing the person's testimony) with an investigator interviewing the person in a police office with only a few people present. Show how a person's faith testimony is the same in front of both crowds and individuals. Prior to the time, enlist several youth or youth leaders to be prepared to lead small groups in strengthening their confidence in sharing their testimonies.
2. Schedule testimony training. As a new school year approaches, train students to return to the classroom armed with the confidence they need to share their personal testimonies. Offer training to all youth or just to those who want to strengthen their skill.

Karen Dockrey has guided teens and their families for more than 30 years. He books include The Youth Worker's Guide to Creative Bible Study and Reaching Your Kids.