Your testimony is a great way to share how Christ has transformed your life. You could take an hour to share your life story. But what if you’re on an elevator or riding a bus across town? If you only have a short time to share your testimony, the 15-Second Testimony is a good tool to succinctly summarize your story.
The 15-Second Testimony is divided into three parts: 1) your life before Christ, 2) when you met Christ, and 3) your life after meeting Christ. Let’s break down each of those parts.
Your Life Before Christ
Here, you are going to describe what it was like living without Jesus. You can say, “There was a time in my life when … .” You will finish that sentence with at least two things that you struggled with or experienced without Jesus. For instance, you might say, “There was a time in my life when I was depressed and angry.” You can say whatever struggle you faced before you became a Christian, such as addiction, idolization, comparison, or unforgiveness. (Note: If you became a believer as a child, you could share a time in your life before your relationship with Jesus deepened.)
When You Met Christ
Now, you’ll share what you discovered when you met Jesus. You can say, “But then I met Jesus, and … .” Think of at least two things you learned about Jesus when you understood the gospel. You might say, “But then I met Jesus, and I discovered how forgiving and loving He is.” Share at least two aspects of Jesus that personally resonate with you the most. For instance, you could talk about how He sacrificed Himself for you, how He pursued you when you were far from God, or how kind He is toward you.
Your Life After Meeting Christ
Lastly, you’ll share how Jesus transformed your life after you decided to follow Him. You can say, “Now, I am … .” Think of two things that now mark your life in Christ. You might say, “Now, I am full of joy and have learned how to love others.” Think of things that clearly contrast your life before Christ.
Finally, you’ll end by asking an important question: “Do you have a story like that?” This invites the person to either share their testimony of meeting Jesus or explain how they don’t have a relationship with Jesus yet.
Here is a full sample script of all three parts put together with the ending question:
There was a time in my life when I was depressed and angry. But then I met Jesus, and I discovered how forgiving and loving He is. Now, I am full of joy and have learned how to love others. Do you have a story like that?
Though the 15-Second Testimony focuses on your story, it’s a launching pad for sharing Jesus’ story.
You can use the graphic below to help outline your testimony. 
Sample Testimony
There is more than one way to share your testimony with those who don’t know Jesus. Learn about the different aspects of an effective testimony, read an example of one believer’s story of discovering Christ, and find additional resources.
