20-Second Testimony

The idea behind a 20-second testimony is to share a little bit about your story with someone so that you can ultimately share His story with them. The story of Jesus is what can change a person’s life. Your story may be the bridge to telling the gospel story with someone who desperately needs to know of God’s love.

In the Bible, from time to time you hear someone sharing a short version of their faith story. One Sabbath day, Jesus healed a man who was born blind. The religious leaders claimed that Jesus had sinned by healing on the Sabbath. The man answered them, “Whether he’s a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see!” (John 9:25). Did you notice his short testimony? He said, “I was bind, and now [because of Jesus] I can see!”

Here’s another example. The woman at the well in Samaria declared this message to the people of her community after she met Jesus: ““Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). The people’s reaction to her words changed their lives: “Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, ‘He told me everything I ever did'” (John 4:39). Her short testimony led to the salvation of many.

My 20-second testimony goes something like this:

There was a time in my life that I was very self-centered and spiritually lost. Somebody told me about Jesus, how he died for my sins and rose from the dead, and I surrendered my life to him. I trusted him as my Lord and Savior. He changed my life! Now I have peace with God and purpose and meaning in life. Do you have a story like that? 

How would you share a 20-second version of your story? Think about a couple of words or phrases that describe your life before you met Christ and share that in a sentence. Then share a sentence or two about the fact that Jesus saved you. Next, think of a couple of words or phrases that tell how your life is different now that you have a personal relationship with Jesus. After you share your story, ask, “Do you have a story like that?”

Remember that you are sharing your story so that you can share HIS story. After you share your story, if the person is open to a longer conversation, expand on the message of the gospel. Tell them all about Jesus. And invite them to trust in Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their life.