Can you share your testimony in 15 seconds?
You can. And we have something that can help.
Last week pastors from across Sovereign Grace Churches in the US gathered to pray for the lost and receive training on how to lead our regions in mission and church planting. Part of the training included a section from Mike Seaver on developing a short, clear 15 second testimony that can spark gospel conversations. While it’s no substitute for clear explanation of the gospel, a short provocative testimony has been used in Mike’s church to lead to many gospel conversations. The methodology is adapted from the 4-1-1 evangelism training.
Here’s Mike’s comment after using this for a number of years:
“The 15 second testimony is a tool that has allowed us to naturally flow into gospel conversations with strangers, neighbors, and friends. It briefly opens up our own story and asks others if they have a story like that, inviting more interaction. We have seen many conversations open up with this easy tool.”
What’s the 15 second testimony format?
It goes like this: “There was a time in my life when I was self-righteous and constantly anxious. But Jesus saved me and taught me to follow him. And now I’m happily less proud and have found real peace and freedom in Jesus. Do you have a story like that?”
The format is simple:
Introduction → Past → Encountering Jesus → Present → Question
Introduction: “There was a time in my life when….”
Start simple and introduce the difference Jesus has made
Past: “I was once _______ and _________”
This is different for everyone. But you want to highlight 1-2 areas Jesus has changed.
Jesus: “But Jesus saved me and taught me to follow him…”
This is the core – the difference was Jesus. And you quickly reference both Jesus as Savior and Jesus as Lord in a helpful way.
Present: “Now I am becoming ___________ and ____________”
This is the difference Jesus has made or is making in your life.
Question: “Do you have a story like that?”
This invites people to respond and engage. It starts a conversation rather than ending it.
Can I see more examples?
During our regional church planting retreat last week we all shared our stories in this format and it was profoundly encouraging. Here are a few of the kinds of stories shared:
“There was a time in my life I was addicted to porn and stuck in depression. But Jesus saved me and taught me to follow him. Now I’m free from those sin patterns that enslaved me and I’ve found peace and joy in Jesus. Do you have a story like that?”
“There was a time in my life I was angry and arrogant. But Jesus saved me and taught me to follow him. Now I’ve found reconciliation with God and others and I want to serve others instead of being self-focused. Do you have a story like that?”
“There was a time in my life I was never at peace and always restless and agitated. But Jesus saved me and taught me to follow him. Now I’ve found true peace that’s not tied to my circumstances but to being right with God. Do you have a story like that?”
In fact, on the plane home from the training I shared my own story in this format with the person next to me and it sparked a long conversation about life.
Why is this helpful?
In the years of using this, Mike’s church has found some key benefits:
- It’s simple and memorable enough for anyone to use
- It’s immediately personal and creates a personal connection
- It moves the conversation from general conversation to spiritual conversation clearly
- It’s short enough that you won’t be interrupted
- It easily leads into a full presentation of the gospel
Where can I use this?
Use it with people you already know
It’s a great way to deepen a conversation with a co-worker, neighbor, or extended family member. Sometimes those conversations get “stuck” in superficial topics or in a certain pattern of conversation and you’ll wonder how to shift things to a spiritual conversation. This can help.
Use it when meeting new people in everyday life
It helps turn a short conversation in the checkout line, in the bleachers of a kids sports event, or at a game shop into something meaningful. When you meet people it’s natural for them to tell you a little about themselves, and for you to share about yourself. Why not share the most important thing that’s ever happened to you?
Use it when going out to share the gospel intentionally
One one Mike’s church uses this in a broader evangelism training. They’ll often go to a public space, ask people for prayer, and then ask if they can share from their own life. This often leads into a full gospel presentation using a How Good Are You? booklet or the three circles.
How could a church use this?
Baptism Testimony
My church (Cross of Grace in El Paso, TX) has used this format when inviting people to share their testimony before public baptism. It’s a succinct way to share someone’s story.
Easter and Other Services
At particular services you may want to very explicitly showcase some examples of the difference the gospel makes in someone’s life. You can easily line up 3-4 of these short testimonies and have people share, testifying to the power of the gospel.
Membership Process
In our church membership process we already ask people to share their testimony. We’re considering adding another bit of the membership process where we help people develop a 15 second testimony as part of the class, so that every one leaves with some basic equipping in this area.
Want to start?
Take just five minutes to write out your testimony in this format and see where God might use it this week:
“There was a time in my life when I was __________ and ___________.
But Jesus saved me and taught me to follow him.
Now I’m __________ and ____________.
Do you have a story like that?”
About the Authors
Mike Seaver has served on the National Church Planting Group for Sovereign Grace Churches for the last ten years. He also serves as Senior Pastor of Risen Hope Church in Summerville, SC.
Ricky Alcantar is the Editorial Director for Digital in Sovereign Grace. He’s also been the Lead Pastor of Cross of Grace Church in El Paso, TX since 2010.