We invite you to share your #JesusChangedMyLife story.

The idea is simple. We want to mobilize the church to proclaim the good news of Jesus by testifying on social media to how Jesus changed your life. We want people all over New England—quarantined in their homes and scrolling on their phones—to see stories about how the resurrected Jesus brings purpose, meaning, and hope.

Rather than each of us inviting one person to an Easter service, we could each proclaim the gospel to hundreds of non-Christian friends and co-workers and invite them to join one of our City on a Hill churches for our online Easter services.

Here’s how you can participate:

  1. Create a one to two-minute video of yourself sharing your testimony of how Jesus changed your life. Here are some tips on how to tell your story, as well as selfie video best practices (see also here). Include an invitation at the end of your video for others to believe in Jesus, and welcome them to follow up with you or another Christian community for help in this difficult season. If you don’t want to share a video of yourself, feel free to just write your testimony in a social-media post!

  2. Share the video on social media starting the Monday of Easter Week (April 6-12). Be sure to use hashtag #JesusChangedMyLife and tag your church’s social-media handle in your post (e.g. #JesusChangedMyLife @coahbrookline, @cityonahillbrighton, @coahsomerville, @coahforesthills, etc.) so people can learn more about Jesus through a local church. 

  3. Pray that the resurrection power of Jesus on display in these videos would inspire many to tune into a service on Easter and begin their own #JesusChangedMyLife journeys.

FAQs

WHAT IF I’M NOT ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

You can still join the #JesusChangedMyLife movement by simply engaging with those around you! At this moment in time, there are unparalleled opportunities to serve our neighbors and more ways to communicate with others. It’s easier than ever to simply say “Hey, I just realized that I’ve never shared my story with you. Here’s why I am who I am or why I do what I do….” All it takes is a little courage, maybe some creativity, and prayer for wisdom and guidance.

WHAT IF MY STORY DOESN’T HAVE A “CONVERSION MOMENT”?

That’s okay! It’s not less powerful as a result. Some of us have stories that demonstrate God’s ability to pluck us from the wreckage and save us from the worst of circumstances. Others have stories that display God’s patient lovingkindness as he slowly woos us to himself. Even in less “dramatic” stories, there are moments where God has met us powerfully and personally in our struggle and need. Tell those parts of your story because they are powerful witnesses to the God who is weaving all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

WHAT IF MY TESTIMONY IS BORING?

Maybe you grew up in the church or always “followed the rules.” While your story might lack the harrowing details of seedy bars and back alleys, it is still a story about the deathless God who loved you enough to die then rose again. There’s nothing boring about that! The fact remains that your heart was changed by the God who sees you, knows you, pursues you, and has rescued you. So tell your story and remember there’s probably another “rule follower” out there who needs to hear your story because it could be the story that changes their life.

WHAT IF MY TESTIMONY IS TOO LONG?

How do you fit your life — months, years, even decades — into a mere 60 seconds? How do you talk about the depth of your personal story and need for Christ in such a brief glimpse? The only answer we can give you is to practice! Use short sentences and precise words, think through what you want to say before you shoot it, and run through it a few times before recording. In fact, practicing with friends, family, or community who know you may actually help you process your story even more clearly.

I’M WORRIED WHAT OTHER PEOPLE WILL THINK; SHOULD I STILL SHARE?

Our name is now linked with that of Jesus Christ and it’s important to remember that our resurrected king was first our crucified king. By testifying to his greatness, we identify with him and that will always bring with it the possibility of persecution and rejection. For some of our brothers and sisters around the world this could mean being disowned by family members, beaten, imprisoned, or even killed. For most of us in the U.S. and Western world, it could mean people perceiving or treating us differently, possibly even unfairly. But you need to remember that God sees and knows all of this. This is a time to offer your fears to him and remember that he will lead you through whatever adversity you may face for proclaiming him as your Lord and Savior.

HOW VULNERABLE SHOULD I BE ABOUT MY STORY?

Some of us have pain in our stories that is hard to describe in so few words, let alone share publicly. How do we treat difficult issues or traumas such as abuse with the sensitivity and depth they require? The obvious advice is to only be as vulnerable as you are comfortable with and to use discernment. If you would be uncomfortable with anyone from your grandma to a stranger knowing what you’ve been through, then find ways to share what you’ve gone through that aren’t explicit, or maybe focus on the emotional journey you experienced when you recognized your need for the gospel. Be gentle with yourself. You can share as much or as little of your story as you like — it’s yours to tell.