Every Sunday, we church leaders rack our brains trying to figure out how to reach more people, how to make our services more impactful, how to help our community grow deeper in their faith. We plan better programs, create cooler graphics, and craft the perfect worship setlist.
But here’s the truth bomb that hit me square in the face recently: The most powerful tool for church growth has been sitting in our pews all along.
It’s not about the light show. It’s not about the coffee bar (though, let’s be honest, good coffee helps). It’s not even about that killer new series we’ve been planning.
It’s about stories—your stories—real, raw, unfiltered testimonies of how God showed up and wrecked your life in the best possible way.
Why Stories Matter More Than You Think
Let me paint you a picture. Once, we had a tattoo-covered former addict named “Bob” share his story during service. There was no fancy presentation, no rehearsed speech, just real talk about how God found him in his darkest moment and turned his life around.
You know what happened the following week? Several people showed up at church. Not because of my preaching (ouch, but true), but because Bob’s story gave them permission to believe their story wasn’t over.
Here’s why testimonies are straight-up church growth rocket fuel:
- They’re Undeniable: When someone shares their personal encounter with God, you can’t argue with their experience. It’s like trying to tell someone they didn’t eat breakfast when they’re still tasting the bacon. Good luck with that.
- They’re Relatable: Your perfectly polished pastors (guilty as charged) aren’t always the most relatable people. But when Sarah from accounting shares how God helped her through her divorce? That hits different.
- They’re Reproducible: Whenever someone shares their story, it creates a “me too” moment. It’s like spiritual multiplication – one story encourages another story, which encourages another story. Before you know it, you’ve got a movement on your hands.
Making It Practical
Here’s how we can leverage testimonies for kingdom impact:
Start Small: Don’t wait for the perfect story. Begin with 2-3 minute video testimonies shown before service. Real people, real stories, real impact.
Help your congregation: Not everyone is a natural storyteller, and that’s okay. Give them simple frameworks: What was life like before? How did God show up? What’s different now?
Create Multiple Channels: Use social media, small groups, and Sunday services to share stories. Different venues reach different people. That Facebook testimony might reach someone who would never set foot in church.
Here’s the reality—you’ve got to go first. As leaders, we need to be vulnerable enough to share our own messy stories—not the polished, conference-ready versions—the real ones—the ones that still make us wince a little.
The Bottom Line
Want to see lives transformed? Want to see your church grow? Start unleashing the power of testimony.
Because here’s what I know for sure: The story of what God did way back when is amazing. The story of what He’s doing right now, in regular people’s lives, in your church? That sets hearts on fire.
Your church has hundreds of stories waiting to be told. Each one is a seed that, when planted, can grow into something beautiful. Something transformative. Something that can change your church, your community, and maybe even your city.
Don’t just read this and nod. Do something. This Sunday, find one person willing to share their story. Film it, share it, celebrate it. Then, watch what God does with it.
