The Thick Practice of Testimony

Sam Hamstra | Nov 16, 2010

When envisioning the shape of the weekly gathering of Living Hope Church, I thought that at least once a month individuals should be encouraged to share testimonies of how God has worked in their lives. Over the years I have heard several individuals share testimonies during Sunday morning gatherings and, with a few exceptions, found them to be personally encouraging and God glorifying. Plus, I had a hunch that people would benefit from hearing that the stuff I am preaching is more than theory—it really impacts life.
 
Since that envisioning process, our small congregation has adopted a “Testimony Sunday” model. One Sunday a month, we ask someone to bring a prepared testimony of how God has worked in his or her life. We also ask that person to prepare the testimony in such a way that it deflects attention from the one testifying to the Lord. Once a year, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we simply open the microphone for anyone to share a brief word of thanks to the Lord, as we will do this coming Sunday.
 
Since adopting the model of a monthly “Testimony Sunday” I have discovered that there is far more to testimonies than I had first envisioned. When I first dreamed of a liturgy with room for testimony, I viewed the testimony as a “thin” practice, that is, one that would accomplish one objective: allowing people to see that ancient faith works today. But recent experiences, as well as conversations with some seminarians at Northern, helped me realize that the practice of sharing testimonies is a “thick” practice, that is, one that simultaneously accomplishes several objectives. And for this realization I thank the Lord who blesses me in ways beyond my imagination. 
 
I invite you to consider the following “benefits” of testimony. Perhaps it will encourage you to share yours. Perhaps you will add to the list. Why testimonies on Sunday morning?

  1. By our testimony we direct attention to the grace and glory of our Lord. A testimony deflects attention from what God has done for us to the love and faithfulness of the Lord. So, our prayer before giving a testimony may be “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).
  2. By our testimony those who hear it receive hope for what matters in life. As they hear our testimony they may conclude, “If God can work in that way for her, He can do the same, if not more, for me.” They may receive encouragement to hold on just a little while longer.
  3. By our testimony we build community. The sharing of joys and sorrows, victories and defeats, allows our brothers and sisters in Christ to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Furthermore, as a testimony often provides a window into the soul of the one who testifies, it deepens our relationships with one another to those who hear it.
  4. By our testimony we prepare ourselves to share the Gospel with others. After all, if we can’t share our faith to our friends in Christ, will we ever be able to share our faith with non-Christians? Sharing our testimony on Sunday serves as a practice session for doing the same on Monday.
  5. By our testimony we cultivate the gift of discernment in ourselves and in the church. It may be safe to conclude that every Christian has a testimony but many don’t realize it. They have not yet learned to discern the providential work of the Lord in their lives. They attribute to chance what should be attributed to God and therefore don’t think they have a testimony of God’s marvelous grace. But, when we hear someone else’s testimony, it encourages us to look back over our lives with discerning eyes to discover the personal attention and direction of a loving God who never leaves us or forsakes us.

Perhaps the practice of testimony is thicker yet? Might you add to the list?

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