Testimony Night

Engaging the Past - Activity (PDF)

This an activity in which the congregation remembers events, people, and ministries from the past. It’ll be shaped simply by the personal testimonies that people are willing to share with the assembled group. 

Time needed for activity

an evening 

Group size

any number of current members and regular visitors

Steps for Activity 

  1. Gather all participants into one large group.
  2. The facilitator will pose one or more of the following questions for everyone to consider:
    • When did you join this congregation, and why?
    • Who has shaped your life during your time with this congregation?
    • What’s the one thing you’re most proud of in relation to this congregation, and why?
    • Describe your most significant memory during your time with this congregation.
  3. Participants share their testimonies with one another. These testimonies can be formed as responses to the questions posed in step 2, but they could also go beyond those questions.
  4. If the group is large, this activity could be done initially in small groups formed from the evening’s participants. Some testimonies from the small groups could then be shared among the large group. 

Option: This exercise could take place during a regularly scheduled or special worship service.

Facilitator’s Questions

After the activity, allow time for discussion around some questions like these:

  1. What values/virtues/passions do you see in your past that you can carry into the future?
  2. Which people or groups from your past do you need to honor?
  3. What mistakes, misuses of power, and conflicts should you acknowledge and/or confess together?
  4. With whom do you need to reconcile?*
  5. What hardships do you need to lament?*
  6. What do you need to thank God for?
  7. What are some key moments when you saw the Holy Spirit lead you into something you wouldn't have been able to do yourself?
  8. How has your community been transformed in big or little ways because of God’s work in and through you? 

*If this question leads to a sense that there is work to be done in the areas of reconciliation and/or healing, then the group should feel free to seek assistance from Pastor Church Resources.