Missions testimony is so powerful! I love hearing how people are sharing the gospel around the world. A few summers ago, our church took mission trips to Chicago and then to Kiev, Ukraine. Sharing testimonies afterward is always such a highlight.
But a problem tends to recur. We’ve all been there. The person giving the missions testimony might be enthusiastic but tends to ramble. Because the person usually isn’t a public speaker, the presentation is a bit scattered. I’ve been guilty of that myself.
How do we stay focused and give a brief, powerful, and effective missions testimony?
In the New Testament, Dr. Luke offers great counsel on this topic. Dive into the book of Acts. Again and again, Luke tells us two things well. Read on to discover those two tips, plus a third suggestion to help anyone present an effective missions testimony.
3 Insights for Powerful Missions Testimony
1. Offer the big picture.
Look at Acts 2:42-47. In a few verses, Luke describes the life of the new church. Or look at 8:1-4 (or the corresponding passage in 11:19f). Luke is a master at giving a big overview in a compelling way.
Tell listeners where you went, who you served with, and what your main focus was.
For example: A dozen of us from Richland Creek Community Church flew to Kiev to worship with Open Hearts Church. We have served that congregation for the past few years. From Monday to Saturday, we led an English and Sports camp with almost 100 people, few of whom were believers. We sought to help campers learn the language, have fun and hear about Jesus!
2. Provide an example of the bottom-line happenings.
Again, Luke does this so well. Just after 2:42-47, he gives a remarkable and specific instance of their daily witness (daily is mentioned twice in 42-47). The Lord heals a lame man through Peter and John. The man leaps up and begins praising God. A crowd gathers, Peter preaches, and many people are saved!
A similar thing happens in chapter 8. After a general description of widespread persecution, Luke describes the specific ministry of Stephen.
Tell listeners one or two specific incidents that were memorable for you on the mission trip. Plus, you can share one more story involving someone else.
You can’t recount the whole trip, so don’t try. People really don’t want a documentary; save that for a family reunion.
