What makes a great discussion of Scripture even more impactful? A personal testimony from someone in your group! God’s Word is meant to be lived out. So, it’s especially helpful to hear how people are doing that and how God is using it in their lives. Sharing a personal testimony impresses upon the sharer just what God has done; alternately, it can be a powerful learning experience for those who are listening. So, how can you weave in a group member testimony? Here are three tips:
- Identify a group member and invite them to share a testimony. It’s best to extend this invitation and request in a personal conversation to avoid adding pressure to him or her to say yes. No one likes that! Asking a couple weeks ahead will allow him or her time to consider it, pray about it, and prepare.
- Be specific. Let your group member know what the Bible study topic will be. Then, give him or her a specific question to answer and a time limit. A time limit of 2-3 minutes is plenty. This will allow the testimony to be a highlight, but not the focus, of your Bible study session.
- Encourage them to practice ahead of time. Having someone to listen is a gamechanger! Invite them to practice what they will share with someone before your Bible study. It will help with nervousness and instill confidence in what they’ll share.
Personal testimonies show us how others live out their faith. We get to see where faith and life intersect. And, knowing someone’s “story” encourages us to grow spiritually as well. Don’t miss out on what God can do with a group member testimony!
I learn so much from a person’s testimony. It is a way for me to connect with the person speaking and with God. I get to hear about the amazing ways God has been active in someone’s life – so inspiring.