The perfect testimony?

Posted by Dalene | March 11, 2009 | 29 Comments

Over the past few years, since they’ve really been emphasizing that you should only be bearing brief testimonies about the five key points of the gospel, I have more or less stopped bearing my testimony. I’m not sure who would want to hear me go up to the pulpit and recite a list of five sentences? I have never been one to do “thank-a-monies” or travelogues, and I certainly have never taken more than about three minutes, but there’s got to be a happy medium between repeating a list by rote and telling a novel.

How do you bear your testimony? How can I make mine more than just five sentences and make sure it is heartfelt, interesting to listen to, and still within the guidelines?

After a brief hiatus, I am excited to resume our Ask Nine Women posts. (And no worries, the follow-up to this post is still coming soon.) We very much appreciate your submissions and your comments.

Want to bring something to the table to discuss? Please suggest appropriate discussion topics via e-mail to askninewomenATgmailDOTcom. Submissions are chosen at random and contributors’ names will not be disclosed unless requested.

Category: Ask Nine Women

Comments

29 Responses to “The perfect testimony?”

she-bop
March 11th, 2009 @ 4:25 pm

I bear my testimony when I literally feel like I am going to have a stroke if I don’t. I too, want to make sure I say something meaningful. I have a hard time with people who just want to hear themselves talk, or made some kind of goal to bear theirs every month.

I want to know how someone came to their knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel, or something specific that they have gained a testimony of. I don’t want to hear a travelouge (sp?) or all about every problem you’ve had, or even every joy you’ve had.

Tell me how you KNOW something. I don’t think you have to testify of all of the five key points – just tell me how you came to know one of them. If you are speaking from your heart, people will know, and feel it.
Justine
March 11th, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

You know it when you hear it.

That’s the only way I can verbalize it. Because you certainly know it when you don’t hear it.
wendy
March 11th, 2009 @ 4:39 pm

I don’t share my testimony very often, either. I like what she-bop said about saying HOW we know something. It seems like there is a fair amount that could be said to elaborate on something we know, without going overboard. I have been very happy with the council to keep our testimonies simple and focused. I have heard some very moving testimonies that were just that.

In defense of the every-monthers, there is a woman in our ward who has made that commitment. I honestly love her testimonies. She is in that newly converted stage and I love to feel her enthusiasm and faith, which I too often lack.
Becky
March 11th, 2009 @ 4:40 pm

The immediate thought I had was very similar to she-bop’s. First of all, I try listen for the Spirit’s direction. However, to be prepared for that prompting, throughout the meeting, and even before, I’m trying to think of specific experiences that show how one of those five basic testimonies was strengthened. Then I’m ready to share what someone needs to hear. Hope this helps.
JM
March 11th, 2009 @ 4:51 pm

My 8 year old son summed it up best for us. We had an FHE on the elements of a testimony. We discussed that a testimony is your personal knowledge that something is true. He was very excited for the next Fast Sunday so he could bear his testimony for the first time. When Saturday came we asked him if he remembered everything we had talked about. He said, “yes, I remember. I know what I want to say. I want to bear my testimony about prayer. I know Heavenly Father answers prayers because he answered mine when…” There it is. Personally, I think the 5 points are maybe a guideline for those who do get up and do thank-imonies and travelogs. The rest of us who have just been sharing bits of what we know about those 5 points have had it right all along.
cheryl
March 11th, 2009 @ 5:03 pm

Amen to all the above comments.

I don’t think they asked people to bear their testimony about the key elements of the Gospel (“they” meaning the First Presidency –we’ve had that letter read many times over our pulpit, and we needed it!) to get rid of experience –I think the point was to stop cluttering up Sacrament Meeting with travelogues and ego-trips.

So, yes –talk about the experience that got you your testimony. It’s better that way (imho). Just keep it to the point (under 5 minutes!) and you will be loved by all.
jenni
March 11th, 2009 @ 5:21 pm

Our testimony meetings are mostly kids getting up saying the same exact thing. Adults have to rush up and wait behind a line of kids to talk. I don’t want to sound discouraging but it’s been a long time since I’ve been to a testimony meeting and felt the spirit. I would appreciate parents being more like JM who encourage them to bear testimony of a specific incident, not get up there and spout of a rote list of what they’re thankful for and “I know this church is true” – that sentence means NOTHING to me anymore.
Lisa
March 11th, 2009 @ 5:25 pm

I’m not good at bearing my testimony, but will when my heart beats so hard I think I might die. I don’t think we’ve heard “the letter”. Just the Bishopric asking us to bear a “brief testimony”. Those that need to be reminded still don’t get it!!
Brenda
March 11th, 2009 @ 6:05 pm

I have a problem with kids bearing testimony before the age of 8. Not that they don’t have them, but it’s a real sore spot with investigators that we are brain washing our children. They should be old enough to understand what they are saying and when you have a three year old up there with their father whispering in their ear what to say, it just isn’t right.

Other than that, I think most people now understand what a testimony should be about and the appropriate time they should take. There’s always going to be a few that don’t follow those guidelines, but what can you do?
Michelle L.
March 11th, 2009 @ 6:11 pm

JM– your 8 yo did put it perfectly!

I teach Sunday School so I feel like my testimony-bearing is done there, but I’ll follow shebop’s advice and get up in Sacrament Meeting if I feel like I’m going to have a stroke!
Giggles
March 11th, 2009 @ 6:17 pm

I think a good guideline to use for testimonies is to look at those the General Authorities share in General Conference. It is an interesting way to study the General Conference edition of the Ensign by looking for the testimony portion of their talks. It is generally just one paragraph, or a sentence or two at the end of the talk. The rest of it is a talk, but that paragraph is their testimony. It’s not elaborate. It’s not long. But it’s always the most powerful portion of the talk for me. I’m highlighting those parts differently in my November 2008 Ensign so they stand out even more for me.
Tamlynn
March 11th, 2009 @ 6:27 pm

I’ve heard “keep it brief” but nothing about any five key points of anything. It amuses me to hear things that are so common in certain areas that don’t trickle down to every ward or stake in the world.
m&m
March 11th, 2009 @ 6:35 pm

I am also the ‘get up when I feel that pounding in my chest’ feeling.

Think about what you know, and how. Sometimes it’s just a simple experience where the Spirit has confirmed more truth to me about the gospel when I have felt to share.

I’d just add don’t be afraid of sharing what is in your heart, even if it doesn’t fit a perfect mold of what you think a testimony ‘should’ be. Few things kill the Spirit more than fear, imo.
Kristin
March 11th, 2009 @ 6:54 pm

If you bear your testimony with the spirit, it will be interesting and heartfelt even if it is short. I like the idea of sharing a short testimony-building experience on a specific principle, as already mentioned.

Honestly though, I think the most powerful testimonies for me are those that do testify of the key doctrines of the restored gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Those that are simple, yet heartfelt, even just a few minutes long.

As far as children…in our family the rule has been that our children can bear their testimony in sacrament meeting when they can go up by themselves and share something meaningful and thoughtful. This happens at different ages for different children. I strongly discourage them from the whole, “I’d like to bear my testimony, I know this church is true,” etc, etc. We practice at home, and they know what to do. I am pleased when they do share their testimonies, because it isn’t the same every time, but it always feels like it is from the heart, based on what they are feeling that day.
Leslie
March 11th, 2009 @ 7:16 pm

I go up when i feel it’s right. Usually when I feel a sudden appreciation for some element of the gospel or have some small experience that inspires me. I think the 5 parts comes from that article in the friend that showed the fingers on a hand and covered the basic points of a testimony (or in which bascially all other points are contained) while those are the foundations certainly we aren’t meant to all get up and reiterate wrote phrases. While the gospel can be summed up in those things. Each category has infinite points of doctrine, meaning contained therein. There are many, many important parts of the gospel. I think a testimony is to bear witness of Christ- which comes in many ways in our lives. A testimony may show the hand of the Lord, truth, faith, hope, etc.
Shalissa
March 11th, 2009 @ 7:23 pm

Some entire testimony meetings pass without anyone smiling from the podium. Even though this bugs me (we’re testifying of love in the plan of happiness, right?) I catch myself also speaking soberly, as though that were more humble and reverent. Anything worth testifying about is also worth smiling about, right?
Sue
March 11th, 2009 @ 9:01 pm

I like what JM said about bearing testimonies. I think the 5 points were for people who are doing travelogues, etc. Most people already have it right, and I think the best testimonies are borne out of experience…

I don’t like it when testimonies give me no background at all. I want to know what it was that touched or moved the person that week, what got them thinking and growing, and what taught them to believe in one or all of the main points of the gospel more strongly.

If I can feel a little of what they felt, I can be strengthened, too. I LIKE the sharing.

(But I don’t like the travelogues…or the little sermons, either.)
La Yen
March 11th, 2009 @ 9:44 pm

I have a major problem with the little kids bearing their testimonies. But I am crabby. I know that the old people always get up and say “What a beautiful testimony little Ammon had about how he loves his mom and likes broccoli” or whatever. Our family rule is bear it in FHE until you are eight. Then you can bear it at church. But, again, I am crabby. I also hate kittens and rainbows.

When I bear my testimony I try to just talk about how I know that God knows me and loves me. I try to talk about the things that are close to my heart. I know that it is true, and I say so. I find that I save the stories that require background and details for RS or if I am asked to give a talk.
FoxyJ
March 12th, 2009 @ 12:01 am

I just got back from a primary presidency meeting where we discussing children and their testimonies–the church has discouraged children from bearing testimony until they are able to do so on their own and have it be meaningful. However, our stake recently decided to create a blanket rule that no one under 12 can get up and bear testimony–I don’t how they are going to enforce it and I’m not very comfortable with it. I wish we could have more encouragement to parents on how to teach their children, like the example given here. We are also trying to encourage parents to help their children prepare for giving talks in primary that are like this–what is your experience with this principle? How did you learn it and feel it to be true? That is what testimony is and we really can teach our children (and ourselves) to do that. Along with testimony meeting I’ve made a goal that whenever I have to give a talk (not that often, but still) I try and find my own personal experiences and feelings about the topic rather than going to the words or others.
dalene
March 12th, 2009 @ 7:47 am

Foxy J–I wouldn’t be at all comfortable with such a blanket rule either. I have heard poignant testimony come from people under 12 and anything but coming from people old enough to know better.

People need to learn and two of the best ways to is by doing and by seeing what touches you–as well as what doesn’t–when someone else has a go.

I’m pretty laid back when it comes to bearing testimony. That said, I do appreciate it when parents take the time to teach their children how to do so properly and when adults keep it real. Some of my favorite experiences have been when someone can make me laugh and cry in the same five minutes. But always, always testimony should be based on truth. When people bear witness of real truth I think the spirit can confirm that in our hearts no matter how it’s been expressed.
lee
March 12th, 2009 @ 9:05 am

In my ward the people who have real testimonies and actually live the gospel sit quietly and say nothing. Its “open mike” for the fringe elements and people who are either not bearing testimony, or are saying words their deeds don’t back up. Its kind of a frustrating freak-show.

I know that doesn’t sound very charitable, but truly, there are a lot of folks out there who just want the attention and whose “testimonies” aren’t very relevant because of how they live. When they get up one after another, the spirit leaves and the people with real testimonies seem to shrink lower and lower into their seats.

Granted this is not all the time, but it is pretty common in my ward. And our bishop (bless him) is constantly urging people to keep it short and talk about the savior.
Red
March 12th, 2009 @ 10:25 am

I appreciate almost all testimonies because I know it’s difficult to get up in front of everyone and “put yourself out there.” My ward’s culture results in very short testimonies and I often feel like I am not getting to know anyone in a real or personal way: it sometimes feels robotic, like the more solemn and serious and impersonal you express yourself, the more spiritually serious and doctrinally grounded your testimony.

And children never bear testimony in our ward. I find it a disappointment. 1) Because my children are learning that for some reason bearing testimony is hard or distasteful (that must be why children don’t do it, right?) and 2) I really appreciate the simple testimonies of children. And I do think they can have testimonies and beliefs at a young age.

The commments make it seem like most people don’t like children bearing testimony. Is that really true?
Kristine
March 12th, 2009 @ 11:20 am

back in college @ BYUI (almost 10 years ago) we were encouraged to focus our testimonies by starting them with:

“I know . . .”
“I testify . . .”
“I bear witness . . .”
etc.

and then very quickly explain how you “know”. I have found that this really helps me. So I don’t necessarily focus on “5 things” but I try to stick to just one or two principles of the gospel (christlike love, peace found at the temple, etc.).

I am personally someone who loves to give their testimony way more than ever giving a talk. So I probably go up 6-8 times per year. Sometimes when the meeting has gone off track I feel compelled to get up and give a short, focused, Savior testimony.

You would be surprised how often it works. After I get up several other people usually get up, comment about my simple, short testimony and give one of their own.

I encourage you all to experiment the same way! If your testimony meeting is going down the tanker, try to get it back on track yourself !
angie f
March 12th, 2009 @ 1:00 pm

I have heard tender powerful testimonies from young children, but far more robotic parroting and as a result have struggled with knowing when my children are prepared and ready to share their testimonies outside primary talks and FHE. The over 12 rule sounds like a harsh backlash from too many “primary only” sacrament meetings where parents did not respond to kinder gentler counsel. I’m glad our stake hasn’t gone that far–either way. I agree that I find testimonies most powerful when they are brief but when they share how knowledge has been attained. I find I bear my testimony most coherently when I am able to tie my tender feelings to a specific experience with a gospel principle because I come from a long line of weepers and otherwise my testimony would become an unintelligible blubberfest. I find our meetings are the most tender and powerfully Spirit filled when the member of the bishopric who opens the meeting with his testimony bears it about a particular aspect of the gospel and how his testimony in that area has recently grown. It seems to lead the meeting in a similar direction.
Marie
March 12th, 2009 @ 3:00 pm

I, too, agree with the comments made here so far. I rarely bear my testimony in church these days. I find it hard to work up the courage sometimes and sometimes I just don’t feel prompted to do so.

I appreciate the brethren’s suggestion that testimonies and prayers be kept short and sweet, focusing on the gospel and not on other things. I love this and feel it very east to still bear testimony and share my love and my heart while still keeping withing those suggestions.
Claudia
March 12th, 2009 @ 6:09 pm

Any testimony that isn’t prepared ahead of time and written down on a piece of paper that will take 20 minutes to read; any testimony that comes from the heart and contains somewhere in it a witness of the Savior or expresses gratitude I think is appropriate.

When my children wanted to bear their testimonies at a young age I would ask them what it was they wanted to say. When they were aware enough of what the meeting was about and could get up without help and say what was in their hearts they were encouraged to participate. It was not at the same age for each child. Some of them did it early and often some of them did not.

Not every testimony speaks to every person. Sometimes what I am unhappy with fills a need for someone else in the congregation. When I feel prompted I bear my testimony. When the spirit my witness and builds my faith I think that is good enough.
c jane
March 12th, 2009 @ 11:37 pm

Perhaps the problem is that we don’t know what it is like to bear pure testimony. How often do we attend testimony meeting where members limit their words to declarations of truth based on the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?

Or, likewise, how often have we tried to focus our testimonies on only the first principles of the gospel?

Let me quote from Elder Ballard’s talk “Pure Testimony” (a must read before asking Nine Women, though they are wonderful women, no doubt . . .)
” . . .our meetings sometimes lack the testimony-rich, spiritual underpinnings that stir the soul and have meaningful, positive impact on the lives of all those who hear them.”

There is power in stating those words. Those words only. By virtue of their truthfulness nothing needs to be added to or expounded upon. Stories shared don’t compare to what a simple statement can do for the soul.

I plead with anyone to try it. Sometimes bearing pure testimony (declarations of truth FROM THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL starting with I know, I believe, I declare . . .)acts as a catalyst for more knowledge.

Also, I feel to add that these statements of truth (being referred to as the “5 things” in this thread) are most definitely not guidelines. They ARE testimony. Elder Ballard says

“Although we can have testimonies of many things as members of the Church, there are basic truths we need to constantly teach one another and share with those not of our faith. Testify God is our Father and Jesus is the Christ. The plan of salvation is centered on the Savior’s Atonement. Joseph Smith restored the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon is evidence that our testimony is true.” (From his talk, Pure Testimony).

Sharing a truth and adding to it with a story is also not bearing pure testimony. As Elder Jenson teaches, a testimony is “Not an experience, although experiences may illustrate belief and conviction.”

We tend to complicate a really simple and powerful opportunity. There is nothing rote about it, there is no happy medium either–done with the Spirit it can be an epic experience of Mormonism.

I so testify . . .
Tamlynn
March 13th, 2009 @ 12:52 am

cjane- I loved that quote from Elder Jenson because for the longest time I believed I couldn’t bear my testimony unless some significant event had occurred the previous week that I could talk about.

foxyj- I have a huge problem with the 12 and over ruling. How dare someone prohibit any baptized member of our church from publicly bearing testimony during a testimony meeting? A person doesn’t even have to be baptized to have a testimony! Oh, I’m too mad about that stupid idea to write coherently. Good luck in your stake, lol.
lee
March 17th, 2009 @ 12:20 pm

oh here’s one: Once a really old man got up and staggered to the pulpit. All he said was “How anyone can doubt that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is beyond me. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.” Succinct, powerful, sincere, memorable.