When I grew up in a small South Texas Assemblies of God church, the testimony service was an important part of each gathering. Treva Evans might stand up and tell of a miracle God performed during the past week. Sydney Smith might stand up and dance a Holy Ghost dance as he told about how God had saved a family member. Almost weekly, someone would testify of a healing.
Sadly, those days are seemingly long gone. Our time together each week has become so regulated and calculated. At best, the crowds have become so large that our people hear testimonies only sporadically. Or, I hate to suggest this, could testimonies have disappeared from our services and meetings because there’s nothing to tell?
I miss that portion of the church service. These testimonies serve a twofold purpose. First, telling of God’s faithfulness, His miracle-working power, His being an on-time God, and the lives and families He has transformed brings honor and glory to the Father. Second, nothing, I repeat, nothing, builds faith like hearing what God is doing in others’ lives. They remind us that what He has done for others- get ready- He can and will do for you!
Pastor, let’s bring back the testimonies. Children and youth pastor, let’s bring back the testimonies. Small group leader, let’s bring back the testimonies. Oh, I can’t quit without adding this one. FACEBOOKER, let’s bring back the testimonies. Let’s share how we’ve overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies. (Revelation 12:11)
