How to Capture Compelling Testimonies
A testimony is the story of life before knowing Jesus, encountering Him, and the resulting transformation after walking with Him. Sharing these stories is relatable, real, and can reach many people.
But how can you capture one in a truthful and compelling way from your church members?
Ever ask someone their testimony and they start off with the day the were born then sloooowly work their way to meeting God? There’s an easy way to honor people’s stories and time—use the 3 part method below!
After you find a few church members who have agreed to share their story, have them write it out in 3 simple parts. Next, cut out impertinent details so they stick to the most important parts. After that, either use their written story, or give the loose script back to them and record them!
Download our one-page guide to help your people share their story in 3 simple steps.
Life Before Jesus
The first part of your testimony should set the stage by discussing your life before you knew Jesus. This is a crucial part of your story because it allows people to understand your starting point. It can also resonate deeply with those who are currently in a similar place. Whether you felt depression, faced challenges, or felt lonely or unseen—be open about it. Remember, there’s no shame in Christ any longer, and you are free!
Meeting Jesus
Here’s the turning point! Share the moment or series of events that led you to Jesus. Were you in church? Was it a conversation with a friend or a stranger? Were you at a breaking point and reached for the Word of God and found Him? The details here help paint a picture and give others an idea of how you met the Lord.
Life After Jesus
This last part focuses on how God has transformed you. How is life now that you are saved and God found you? Has your marriage since been restored? Did God replace your heart of anger and bitterness with love and kindness? Did He break depression off your life and replace it with joy and peace? This part of your story will inspire and offer hope, showing how God can reach and change anyone.
And it’s as simple as that! Capturing testimonies doesn’t have to be stressful or a lengthy process. Just get the 3 main points written out, and you’re set.
Creative Ways to Share Testimonies
When sharing your church’s member’s testimonies, you can be as creative as you like! Here are some exciting ways to give God the glory across multiple mediums:
Carousel Posts: Use Instagram's carousel feature to break down each part of your member’s written testimony. Each slide could feature a photo representing that stage of their life and the brief accompanying text. Make sure not to let each slide have too much text so it stays easy to read.
Long-Form Video: If your church member is comfortable in front of the camera, consider sharing your testimony through a longer-form video. These can be incredibly moving and allow for a deeper emotional connection with your audience. Show the video at church on Sunday before a related sermon, then share on social media later so church members can share the Good News.
Need Help? The Social Media Squad Is Here!
Not everyone is a born storyteller or a social media guru, and that’s okay! If you’re unsure about how to write out or share your member’s testimony on social media, our Communication Squad is here to help. They can help provide Visual Direction, copyedit, or even help write for your church. They do it all, and we love them for it. 🥲
Remember, testimonies aren’t just stories—they’re a beacon that can guide others to Christ. Let the Social Media Squad help you shine that light as brightly as possible.