The First Steps

After sharing your story, maintain the flow and impact of your testimony. Thank your listener(s) and ask if they have questions. Prompt them with a question. When interrupted by questions, stay focused on finishing your story. Answer only those questions directly related to what you shared. Refrain from being tempted to respond to other questions, even if you have good answers. Instead, schedule it for another time to answer additional questions. Engaging in lengthy discussions right after sharing your story will weaken the effectiveness of your testimony. Instead, let your listeners have time to digest what you just shared. If you sense anyone is willing to take the first step of faith, help them pray or repeat the following simple prayer after you:

"Our Father in heaven, I admit I'm a sinner with sinful thoughts and motives. I ask you to please forgive me. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to set me free. I invite Jesus into my life to be my friend and my Lord. Please pour the Holy Spirit on me and give me the power to live a new and honorable life. I ask in Jesus' name! Amen."

Then welcome your friends to the new family!

The above prayer is just an example. You want to choose your own words if necessary, but include the following points:

• Begin by addressing God as “Our Father in Heaven.”
• Admit having thoughts, actions, motives, or inappropriate words you may have expressed.
• Ask God for forgiveness, recognizing that Jesus died to pay for your sins.
• Invite Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior.
• Ask God to pour the Holy Spirit upon you and empower you to live a new life.
• Finally, close your prayer with “I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The first few days of a new believer's life require follow-up and support. So, please follow up with those who prayed with you, face-to-face or by phone, and encourage them in their faith. New believers may ask you many questions, but you may not have all the answers. Listen to them and be a friend! Encourage them to pray, read the Bible regularly, and attend church and fellowship groups to meet believers.

Please click on "A Simple Story" to continue.