I was invited to preach at two different congregations yesterday. They had specifically asked that I come and share my faith story. Certain women had heard me give my testimony at an ELW convention last October and they had encouraged their pastor to invite me.
Although I ‘know’ my faith story I was a little uncertain about what to say. I was thinking I should be “preaching” in a formal sense – relating directly to the assigned lectionary texts of this past Sunday. But the texts didn’t specifically relate. I was talking with Doug and he provided me with his insight and reassurance. He said, “When guest speakers come to the church, lots of times I can’t remember what they preached on. But when they share personal stories and experiences, then I can relate to that.”
I needed that reassurance. I told my story. And my story, by the grace of God, can become their story. For some people they may identify with different aspects or people who are part of my story. For others they relate to the experience of unbelief and how they too, might be able to grow in faith as they surrender. And others might hear how I experienced complete forgiveness and love from Jesus.
We need to hear each other’s stories. To build us up. To reaffirm the profound presence of Jesus in our lives. To encorage us to reach beyond ourselves and share the good news. And the amazing thing is that I feel such a blessing – the giving and receiving.
Hey Kristin,
I was cleaning out my email, and came across a link to your website. Since I haven’t been here for a while, I thought I would check it out.
And it was cool to read this post. I can relate to Doug’s remark. There have been countless guest preachers at our church, and I rarely remember what they have to say. But one of the “sermons” I remember very clearly was during our Lenten Series last year, which was on Faith Journey’s – or something like that.
It was from Amy Hillis, and she talked about how her faith has been formed, and I really related to what she had to say, as I think her and I have grown up in a similar family environment. I particularly appreciated the fact that at first she didn’t know what to “preach” on, because she felt her faith journey had been pretty normal and uninteresting! haha! Sometimes I feel like that myself.
But anyway, I guess what I’m saying is that I guarantee there were people listening to you yesterday that really appreciated what you had to say . . . even if it didn’t follow the Lectionary.
Take care.
Nice to hear that you could share your faith story yesterday. Like Doug said, people relate to other folks faith walks. Some are not always happy stories, but need to be told.
YEAH GOD!! Yeah Kristin!! Yeah Doug for encouraging your wife, even if it was long distance!