A short workshop on how to formulate our own personal testimony as well as the good news of Jesus Christ.
Download for offline viewing (from Vimeo)
Our first Pope, St. Peter the Apostle, wrote in his first letter: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”(1 Peter 3:15) If someone were to ask you “Why are you a Catholic?” or “Why do you go to church?” or “Why do you believe in Jesus?” What would your response be? In these next activities we will look at forming our own testimonies that we can share with those who ask us these questions and we will also form a presentation of why everyone needs to believe in Jesus and be members of His Holy Church.
Part I: Forming our own Short Personal Testimony
When someone asks why you personally follow Jesus or live your faith you need to share a personal testimony. In this activity you will form a 1-minute personal testimony you can refer to anytime someone questions you about your personal faith. Answer the following questions:
- When did my faith become important to me?
- How did your life change when you began living it in Christ?
- How important is your relationship with God to you now?
Now, putting those 3 responses together, tell your 1-minute testimony to the group or, if doing the course individually, share it with a person you trust. Write about your experience.
Part II: Giving a reason to why all are called to faith in Jesus Christ (the Kerygma)
A common response to your testimony will be “well, that is good for you, and if that’s what makes you happy, I am happy for you” or something to that effect. The truth God wills everyone to enter into a relationship with Him in Jesus, who is the only way to salvation and fellowship with the Father. God wills everyone to be a part of His family, the Body of Christ, the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
First, let’s remember from the video the steps of the proclamation of our faith:
- Recognizing we are created for communion with God
- Recognize that we have lost that communion through sin
- Recognize that God’s plan to rectify this Jesus Christ
- Recognize that it is up to us to say ‘yes’ to that plan
- Recognize that the Church is where this takes place
Now, answer the following questions as simply as possible:
- In your own words, what does it mean that God is love and he created us for love?
- Explain briefly how sin separates us from the love of God.
- In your own words describe how Jesus’ life and death was His plan for us.
- In your own words describe how Jesus’ plan is for everyone and how we can say ‘yes’ to Him.
- How would you explain to someone how we can receive this relationship with God through the Church?
Now, put those 5 responses together and share with someone in your group your first proclamation of our faith in Jesus!
Each of us should find ways to communicate Jesus wherever we are. All of us are called to offer others an explicit witness to the saving love of the Lord, who despite our imperfections offers us his closeness, his word and his strength, and gives meaning to our lives.