How to share your story

In Acts 26, Paul gives us a great outline on how to share your story of how Jesus has changed your life forever. Typically, the outline follows a “before”, “but then”, and “after” pattern.

“Before…”

In this portion, you want to tell what life was like before you came to faith and why it was that you needed to change. You want to be as specific as possible. The use of specific detail works to make your story more powerful, both to those who hear it and even to you yourself as you recall just how much Jesus has saved you from.

“But then…”

This is the heart of your story. In this portion you can detail about how it was that you came to a point where you realized your disobedience and needed to turn to follow Jesus . Even if your story wasn't a sudden, radical change like Paul's, there are still signposts along the way that can be pointed to as events leading you to the decision you made. This portion is valuable in two ways. It's valuable because it is your story of life change, so the mere sharing of it brings glory to the power of Jesus to change the lives of others. It is also valuable because many people who have not come to faith struggle with what it looks like for someone to make this decision. Again, be specific. Tell the details of where you were, what you heard, how you responded.

“After…”

In this last portion, tell something about where you are now--how is your life different, how are you still growing, what are you finding hope in. If relevant, share how the things that you detailed in the "Before" section have been affected by the grace Jesus has shown to you.