Our Storybook-Sharing our Stories
There are all kinds of things that happen in life that make for a good story. While we may have gathered some wonderful stories over our lives none are more significant and encouraging than our Christian testimony-the story of how we have come to know God in a real and personal way. Of course this is a story that is ongoing but just because it isn’t complete yet doesn’t mean we shouldn’t share it. In fact, when we share it we are an encouragement to others and bring glory to God.
So will you share your story? Will you take some time to reflect and write about what God has done in your life so that others can be encouraged? Will you contribute to our congregational “storybook?” Here are few questions that can help to guide your story. There are also those that would be more than happy to sit with and help you write your story. Once completed, these stories of faith and Christian Testimony can be given to Pastor Peter or placed in his church mailbox (71). Stories will be brought together in a book that will be placed in the foyer (they can be signed or remain anonymous).
The building blocks of a story for someone who became a Christian as an adult:
1. What was your early spiritual background and how did it influence you as you grew up – your feelings, attitudes, actions and relationships?
2. What caused you to consider following Christ?
3. What realization did you come to that motivated you to invite Christ into your life?
4. Specifically, what were the circumstances when you made the commitment?
5. How did your life begin to change after you trusted Christ?
6. What benefits have you experienced since becoming a Christian? (In a conversation, this can be made especially relevant to the person to whom you are talking. The story is therefore not exactly the same for each person to whom you tell it. For a written story, try to think of those who might read it and how your story might help them.)
For someone who has been a Christian from their earliest memories:
1. The first one in the list above is relevant.
2. Two to 4 might not be relevant to you, but you may be able to remember when, as a child, you received Christ and the circumstances (3 and 4 above).