Q:What guidelines can you offer for sharing our story of Jesus with others?

A:How we say what we say can have an impact. At dinner, my 15‑year‑old daughter said, “Mrs. Sloan is an awesome teacher.” My son asked, “How do you know? She doesn’t teach our group.” She replied,  “I remember from Vacation Bible School four years ago.” That teacher’s message was clearly communicated, producing long‑term impact.

We all have opportunities to share what we see and know about Jesus Christ in our personal lives but often miss those chances. Be realistic and avoid unnecessary drama. Your personal story is unique enough. Refrain from speaking in “christianese,” or terminology that is not easily understood by non‑believers, such as “getting right with God” or “washed in the blood.” You’re not trying to scare anyone.

Try writing out a five‑minute testimony based on this outline. Include the way you lived and thought before you experienced Jesus. You may include your spiritual background and what you thought about God. I doubted God’s message until I realized everything He has declared in the Bible really does come to pass. (See Joshua 21:45.)

Next, tell them how you received Christ personally. People may assume they understand what it means to become a Christian, yet be totally off base. You may emphasize your previous misconceptions of what Christians are. Many church members never bothered me. It was the real thing that bugged me. I always thought born‑again Christians were off the deep end with a few loose wires dragging. Now look who’s talking. “Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Cor 1:20)

Finally, it is important to share the changes that have taken place since you received Christ. Your thoughts concerning God, religion, relationship, church and the Bible are most likely different now. Share how these changes have affected the rest of your life, marriage, temper, and ability to love others.

Ed Kimball spent time with a boy working at a shoe store. That boy was Dwight Moody, who rocked two continents for Jesus. After hearing Moody preach, F. B. Meyer shifted his ministry toward evangelism. J. Wilbur Chapman heard Meyer and eventually began holding evangelistic crusades, and later became a coworker with Moody. Billy Sunday became Chapman’s helper and later took his place in ministry. Sunday led Mordicai Ham to Christ, and Ham eventually introduced a tall, lanky young man named Billy Graham to Jesus, who led me to Christ on the 50‑yard line at ASU in 1974. Tell people what you see and know about Jesus. He’s ready to use your experience.

1 Peter 3:15,