Using Testimonies on Alpha

Thank you to Eldon Eddy and John Niewald, Mlps, MN

1. How do you find people to testify?
2. What questions should be asked? 
3. When do you use testimonies?
4. Why use testimonies?
5. How can I use testimonies to promote the Weekend Away?

1.    How do you find people to testify?

Begin by asking your Leaders and Helpers who would be a good candidate to share their story. Then approach these people privately during supper time.  Interview them using the questions offered below (#2).

If you feel their testimony would be helpful, ask them if they are willing to share their story with the larger group. Most will be reluctant. Encourage them with scripture or simply reassure them that their story has the potential to help someone else in their relationship with God.  Tell them the questions that you will be asking them and recommend no notes…just speak from the heart!
 
Coach them a bit if needed on the importance of being brief and remember that a testimony from someone who is still seeking, but had a positive experience on the course can be very powerful.

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2.   What questions should be asked? 

From experience, we have found that it is good to interview the Alpha guest using one of the following set of questions.  If using a microphone, let them know that you plan to hold the microphone.  This allows you to stay in control of the interview and limits the temptation for the guest to get off track.

One approach used is to ask the following questions:

1. What brought you to the Alpha course?
2. What did you experience?
3. How has your life changed?  

Another set of typical questions are:

1. How did you happen to take the Alpha course?
2. What were you like spiritually when you came on the course?
3. What happened at Alpha that had an impact on you?
4. What difference has Jesus made in your life?

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3.  When do you use testimonies?

• At the Celebration Supper plan to have 3 or 4 
• The last night (Week 10) of Alpha have several (5-6) 
• Testimonies can be very effective at Church services 3-4 weeks before the beginning of your first Celebration Supper and before each subsequent course. This is an excellent way for people to hear what the course is about and one of the best ways to promote the course to your congregation.

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4.    Why use testimonies?

Many people have told us that they came on the course because of someone’s testimony given at the Celebration Supper or at a church service.

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5.  How can I use testimonies to promote the Weekend Away?

We have found that having a few testimonies in the weeks that precede the Weekend Away is helpful  to promote the weekend to those who are tentative or undecided.  Here are a few suggested  questions. 

1. Did you have any hesitations about going on the Weekend?
2. What did you experience on the Weekend Away?
3. How have you changed since that time?
4. What would you say to someone who is not sure if they want to attend the Weekend?

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