Testimonies of Faith
We discussed sharing our Christian testimonies in our small group this week, and then had several people tell their own stories of how Christ has changed their lives. It was pretty cool to hear the different testimonies, and very encouraging. I wish you could have been there.
More than that, it was good practice for us to be ready for those opportunities the Lord provides us outside of our group to share our stories and tell others about the difference Jesus makes in us. That is a key part of our sharing the gospel with the unchurched and unsaved people the Lord places in our path, not just to explain the Scriptures but to give "witness" to how that gospel has changed our lives. That's what witnesses do, they testify to what they have seen or experienced.
But I have to wonder, how many of us are actually doing that on a regular basis? A recent survey of American church attenders sheds light on that very thing.
The Lifeway Research study from March, 2026 on the "State of Discipleship" reveals that more than a quarter of churchgoers (27%) say they have not shared their faith story with anyone in the past six months. Around 1 in 6 (17%) shared with someone once in six months, while almost 1 in 7 (15%) spoke with others about their faith story two times. A few churchgoers have done so more than once a month, with 13% sharing with someone six to 10 times in the past six months.
Perhaps one of the reasons we aren't sharing our testimonies or having gospel conversations with the lost is because we don't have relationships with non-Christians to begin with. It's hard to share your story with people you don't know, and who you don't regularly rub shoulders with already.
Only about 7 in 10 U.S. Protestant churchgoers say they have non-Christian friends, according to a different Lifeway Research study from 2024. But the latest findings show many churchgoers often aren’t looking for more of those relationships. Fewer than half (48%) say they intentionally spend time building friendships with non-Christians for the purpose of sharing Christ with them.
On a positive note, it's clear that most churchgoers still say they want to share their faith and are regularly praying for those opportunities. Almost 3 in 5 in churchgoers (58%) say they seek opportunities to speak out about Jesus while interacting with others on a normal, daily basis. Additionally, 4 in 5 say they pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus at least occasionally.
I hope you are among those who 1) want to share your faith, 2) are actively praying for opportunities to do so, and 3) are intentionally building relationships with unbelievers for the purpose of sharing the life-changing gospel message with them. This is what we as disciples are called to do. Remember, that Jesus called His early disciples to "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." And as I have said a few times before, if we aren't fishing, we're not really following.
I pray that the Lord will continue to open doors and empower our witness for the gospel in our community, as we seek to point people to Him. And I hope you will join me in praying for our Oklahoma team this week, that the Lord will use them as they share the gospel and live out their own testimonies of faith to those He leads their way. May He bear much fruit through their ministry.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
--Pastor Ken
