Westshore Christian Church
Join us as we look at how outreach can become a natural and organic overflow of our life with Christ. What we cover in this series will help us put feet to our vision to be a vibrant, transforming community where we love God, love people, and serve that all may know Jesus! We have been given great news. Let’s learn how to live it and share it with those around us!
Our Vision
We seek to be a vibrant, transforming community where we love God, love people and serve that all may know Jesus.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV
The Vibrant Transforming Community of the Early Church
Devoted themselves to…
• The Apostles Teaching
• The Fellowship
• The Breaking of Bread
• Prayer
Telling Your Story
“Christians don’t have just one testimony; we have many. Our testimonies are stories of God’s power and presence in our lives. Every new day brings fresh stories of God’s goodness and grace.”
–Kevin Harney: Organic Outreach for Ordinary People
The Apostle Paul's Testimony
Acts 22:3-8 NIV
You have a story to tell!
“Every Christian has a personal story to tell.… God has called you to be a very specific, very special person, and your story, your life, is a testimony to God’s goodness, His Grace, His forgiveness. So share who you are with people. Let them know you have struggles, but that God has made a difference.”
–Rebecca M. Pippert: Out of the Saltshaker
Not a testimony, but testimonies
The Woman at the Well
John 4:28-30 NIV
John 4:39-42 NIV
Helpful Reminders When Sharing Your Story
1. Ask for permission and don’t be pushy
2. Use ordinary language
3. Start briefly and share more as it becomes appropriate
4. Highlight God’s Presence and Power
5. Clearly present the before and after pictures
6. Share the source of life transformation
7. Let Joy shine through
8. Communicate with Humility
9. Remember you have many testimonies
So What? Organic Activities
1. Try the 100 Words Exercise
• Let an area where you have experience growth or transformation shape your story
• Try to capture God’s part in the process
• Goal ≠ speech to memorize
• Goal = learn to be brief when sharing
2. Practice Sharing Testimonies
Prayer Direction
God of power, You are at work in my life each and every day. You are doing amazing things all the time! Help me notice where you are moving and learn to share these stories with a confident and joy-filled heart. I also pray that You will tune me in to Your presence as I walk through each day. Make our relationship so intimate and rich that when I tell others about my story, I sound like I am talking about my closest friend—because I am. Amen.
–Kevin Harney: Organic Outreach for Ordinary People