I was de-churched for the beginning of my adult life and have just found my way back in the past year. I've heard references about giving testomonies. I am not sure exactly what that is but I figured it's sharing your story about how you found your way to Christ. Can someone clarify? Also, is there a place on this board where we can give them?
Thanks
~A
please explain testomonies to me
Discussion in '2005 Archive' started by chipsgirl, Jan 17, 2005.
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A testiminy is where you tell what Jesus has done for you and you can give yours on the welcome forum.
Joseph Botwinick -
thanks
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Most churches (Baptist) would expect you to share your "salvation testimony" with the congregation. This way, they can hear of how Jesus saved you by His grace.
One need not go into sordid life details to show the depth of sin. Focus is on the amazing grace of God.
Every Sunday we have "guided sharing" (not little mini-sermons) where any can testify of a blessing or promise or working of God. While only men pray or teach, all attending can share in this time of testimony! -
Scarlett O. ModeratorModerator
Also, in a testimony, the focus is on what Jesus has done for you. You may have to give a little background on how low you were when he saved you or renewed you, but not much.
Most people "get it" in just a brief statement.
For example, we had very nice guest speaker in the pulpit once, when our pastor was absent.
Unfortunately, he spent 35 minutes outlining his three extra-marital affairs and 5 minutes on what Jesus did for him.
We could have understood the magnitude of his past in 3 minutes flat.
Also, you don't necessarily have to tell about the depths that Jesus has pulled you from.
A testimony can also be about telling how God has increased his relationship with you through prayer, fasting, meeting the needs of others.....etc.
A testimony can be about a "mountain top" experience with God or a "place of the pits" that He pulled you from.
It doesn't matter, because a testimony is all about Him anyway.
Peace-
YSIC
Scarlett O.
<>< -
In Christ,
Brooks -
By the way:
I heard a testimony yesterday at my church. It was Sanctity of Life Sunday. A woman gave a short testimony about her having had an abortion before she knew Jesus Christ and the change He had made in her life since. She did not go into big details but gave her testimony in about four minutes. It was not focussed on what she had done but what God had done for her.
In Christ,
Brooks -
Many churches have a regular few minutes during worship services to allow someone (or more than one person) to give a testimony to the congregation. One local church I know of calls this a "FaithStory" in the worship bulletins. At our church, we will oftentimes have such a time; calling it by certain different titles. For example, a missionary may provide a report on their field in a "Mission's Moment".
Not only are these intended for the edification of the believers present, but I've also heard someone once say: "They can serve to provide any unbelievers present with evidence that Christianity isn't just a lot of theory, but that it works in practice". I rather like that. -
Karen -
Dr. Bob, I'm surprised that women can't pray aloud in your worship service. Women in ours are regularly asked to pray aloud, either from the pulpit or congregation, after testimonies, after missions reports, after announcements and in closing the service. I do not pray aloud but we have many godly women who pray beautiful prayers.
Our choir director often asks a woman to pray before we go to the choir loft.