We're going to double the church in a year, and to make it happen easily, everyone needs to be ready to tell their story.

Your story is the witness Jesus talks about just before He leaves earth in Acts 1:8. It's also what Peter wrote about:

"But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15

Get ready to tell your story!

Already know how to share your story? Awesome! You're the exception. The majority of the church doesn't know how—yet. But that's about to change.

If you haven't been equipped to tell your story yet, you can get started now.

Just answer these questions:

Start by praying for guidance and clarity. Pray that God will use your story—your witness—to help others meet and follow Jesus. Then, answer these questions:

1. What was your life like before you started following Jesus? How was your life different?
   If you've known Jesus as long as you can remember and you can't remember a time you didn't know Him and follow him, think about the next question instead.
2. What do I think my life would look like/would have looked like without Jesus?
   If you're like me, you know your struggles and your weaknesses. You know how knowing Jesus has changed and enriched your life in a million ways. Now, imagine no Jesus in your life.
3. Who do you say Jesus is?
   If you need help, here's a quick 1 min. summary from The Bible Project: Who is Jesus?
4. How did you meet Jesus? How did you find out about him?
5. Why did you decide to follow Him?
6. What did your life look like after you started following Jesus? How does it look different now? How might it look in the future?
7. How does someone follow Jesus? What did you do? 
8. Why do you go to church?

Your goal is to be able to share your story in 3-5 minutes (tops) and ideally in just a couple of minutes.

Practice with someone you trust.

As you practice, things will change. As you talk to people, you'll add, change, and delete portions until you feel confident—and confidence will come.

While you're learning to tell your story, start praying for your A List. Your A List is the list of people you're committing to pray for this year. Download the list, fill it out, put it in a safe place, and start praying.

Then, expect that you'll have the opportunity to share your story. When the opportunity arises, you'll be ready.

Have questions? Concerns? Thoughts? Let me know.

THIS is how we double the church.

Best,

Liz B. Baker

September 23, 2022

Back