Everyone has a story and we want to hear yours. Here are some guidelines (not requirements) to help you develop your story so that it can be an effective tool that you can share with others.

BC: What was your life like before Christ? (125 words or less)

• External Issues: What did your life look like from the outside? What issues were you dealing with?
• Internal Issues: What emotions were you dealing with? What were your priorities?
• Realization of your need for Christ: What happened that allowed you to see that you needed more than what your life was providing?

†: How did you come to know Christ personally? (125 words or less)

• What caused you to consider Christ as a solution to your need for more?
• What motivated you to finally trust Christ?
• Be specific about where and how you actually put your faith in Christ.
• Is there a key verse that describes your salvation experience? What one verse opened your eyes to your condition?

AD: How did your life change after trusting Christ? (125 words or less)

• External Issues: How does your life look now to those around you?
• Internal Issues: How has your attitude and personality changed?
• Ongoing Struggles: What challenges do you face and how does your relationship with Christ help?

Things to keep in mind:

• Develop a theme – this is a “hook” to help others remember and relate to your story. It should reflect a central issue that shows the contrast in your life from before Christ to your life with Christ.
• Keep it clear, simple, brief and to the point.
• Avoid Christian jargon (“saved,” “washed in the blood,” etc).
• Focus on the other person and share aspects of your life that relate to their concerns and interests.
• Share your story, don’t preach it.

Practice and practice. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it helps to be polished.

“Disclaimer: itellthestory.com reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and content. All submissions are not guaranteed to be published.”