Basic Training Part 1: My Story

Eric and I are going through Basic Training at our church. It is essentially teaching us how to train others to be disciples of Christ. One problem with American churches is that we aren't reaching the people. Churches aren't growing like they should be. With this program, we are being trained to be disciples that fulfill the great commission. As we were writing and then reading our testimonies in small groups, the discussion began that this felt so weird and unnatural. And that's not good. We should be so familiar with sharing our testimonies that it's second nature. So the fact that it feels odd to talk about our faith scares me. Lesson 1 was all about answering the four basic questions: What do I say? Who do I tell? How do I stay accountable to discipleship? and What if they say yes?
What do I say? My story. People can refute facts and figures all day, but they can't deny an experience you've had. This should only be 1-2 minutes long. Short and sweet. Real. Here's my story.

I don't remember a time when I didn't know Jesus or when I hadn't heard of Him. I became a Christian when I was eight, and even though I don't have anything to compare it to, I know that I'm a different person with Jesus in control of my life than I would have been without Him. It used to bother me that I didn't have a dramatic story of my two different lives until I realized that God spared me from all of the "rock bottom" experiences. I have always been able to go to Him when I felt alone or scared or sad. Twenty years later, I still feel that same amount of love that I always have. I'm a worrier and a planner by nature. Recently my husband and I decided that he should quit his job and go back to school. That was a time when a lot of things were up in the air, but I didn't have to stress over them because I felt a peace that God would work everything out. And He did. In a matter of two weeks, we sold our house, found a new place to live, and moved in. That was a surefire example of God being in control of my life.

 

Who do I tell? The people God has placed in your life. The people you have relationships with. Your friends and family.
How do I stay accountable to discipleship? Be in a small group that is doing what you are doing.
What if they say yes? Present the gospel and, essentially, the Roman Road.
One thing I loved that Jonathan said was we need to keep it simple, but not keep it easy. Being a Christian is about surrendering every part of your life. It's not supposed to be easy. BECOMING a Christian is simple, but BEING a Christian is a lifelong commitment to God.