STUDY GUIDE
RICK WARREN
BestSellingAuthorof thePurposeDrivenLife
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
EVERYONE HAS A STORY & EVERY STORY HAS A PURPOSE
Copyright ” 2016 by Bayside Church
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Published by LifeTogether
Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
ISBN #: 978-1-945589-18-8
Printed in the United States of America
Welcome by Rick Warren
Dear Friend,
I’m excited to welcome you to What’s Your Story—a journey designed to help you discover, embrace, and share the unique testimony God is writing in your life.
Evangelism isn’t about memorizing the perfect script or having all the answers—it’s about sharing the real, personal ways God has worked in your life. Every believer has a story worth telling, and when we recognize the power of our testimony, sharing our faith becomes a natural and meaningful part of our daily lives.
This study will guide you through six weeks of intentional reflection and practice, helping you articulate your testimony with confidence and clarity. Through Sunday messages, daily devotionals, small group discussions, and personal journaling, you’ll explore the biblical foundation of testimonydriven evangelism, learn how to identify God’s work in your everyday experiences, and develop the skills to turn ordinary conversations into opportunities to share your faith.
Whether you’ve shared your story before or are just beginning to recognize its impact, this journey will encourage and equip you to live a testimony-ready life. As you engage in this process, my hope is that you will experience a renewed awareness of God’s presence, a deeper connection with others, and a greater boldness to share the hope within you.
My prayer is that this journey will transform your perspective, deepen your relationships, and amplify your impact. May you experience the unique joy of seeing your story unfold with meaning, inspiring others as you embrace the narrative God is writing through you.
For such a time as this,
Rick Warren
Using This Workbook
1 Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.
2 If you are hosting or co-hosting a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.
3 Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.
4 Enjoy your Small Group experience.
5 Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, or wisdom and insights.
6 Read the Outline for Each Session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.
Outline of each session
A typical group session for the Born for This study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured:
WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES.
Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. The verses for our seven sessions are also listed in the appendix.
INTRODUCTION.
Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group.
SHARE YOUR STORY.
This section includes some simple questions to get you talking— letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing.
HEAR GOD’S STORY.
When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity discuss the teaching and the text.
DAILY DEVOTIONS. Check out the Refuel devotions – text “refuel” to 56316.
Why Your Story Matters
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”
Psalm 66:16
Every person has a story, and that story is more powerful than you may realize. Your experiences, challenges, and moments of transformation are part of a larger narrative that God is writing in your life. When you share your story, you are not
just recounting past events—you are testifying to the ways God has been present in your journey.
In John 4, we see a powerful example of personal testimony in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. After her encounter with Jesus, she didn’t need a theological degree or a well-crafted speech—she simply shared what Jesus had done for her. Her testimony was so compelling that many in her town believed in Jesus because of her words. This reminds us
that our stories, no matter how simple or complex, can have a profound impact on those around us.
Many people hesitate to share their story because they feel it is not dramatic enough or that they don’t have the right words. But the truth is, God works in both the big and small moments of our lives.
Your story matters because it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, grace, and love. It is not about having a perfect life but about
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
-1 Peter 3:15.”
Appendix
Frequently Asked Questions
How is What’s your Story? approach different from other evangelism programs?
What’syourStory? approach transforms evangelism from a scripted presentation to a natural expression of your personal story. Rather than focusing on memorized techniques, it equips believers to identify and share authentic testimonies of God’s work in their lives, creating natural bridges for spiritual conversations.
Do I need to be an experienced evangelist to benefit from this study?
Not at all. What’syourStory? is designed for everyone, regardless of evangelism experience. In fact, those who feel most uncomfortable with traditional evangelism often find this approach liberating because it focuses on simply sharing your authentic experiences with God rather than “convincing” others.
How much time should I allow for homework and personal reflection?
We recommend setting aside 15-20 minutes daily for the devotional readings and journal reflections. The “God-Sighting Journal” can be integrated into your regular spiritual practices. Some weekly
exercises might take an additional 30 minutes.
Is this study primarily about conversion testimonies?
While conversion stories are included, What’syour Story? helps you identify and develop multiple types of testimonies—everyday experiences of God’s work in various aspects of your life. This approach recognizes that God is constantly at work, providing countless opportunities for authentic witness.
Can this be used for individual study or is it designed for groups?
The material works well in both settings. While the group discussions enhance learning through shared experiences, the book includes reflection questions and exercises that make it effective for individual study as well.
How does What’s your Story? help me recognize and articulate my personal faith journey?
This study provides guided reflection and journaling exercises to help you recognize moments where God has been at work in your life. By developing a habit of noticing and articulating
these experiences, you become more comfortable sharing your faith naturally in everyday conversations.
What if I’m afraid of rejection or not knowing what to say?
What’syourStory? approach emphasizes authenticity rather than persuasion. It equips you to share your story without pressure, trusting that God is at work in the other person’s heart. The study also includes guidance on handling doubts, difficult questions, and moments of hesitation.
Does this study align with a particular denomination’s beliefs?
What’syourStory? is rooted in biblical principles and is designed to be accessible across various Christian traditions. It focuses on personal testimony and relational evangelism rather than doctrinal debates, making it applicable for believers from different denominational backgrounds.
How can What’s your Story? be integrated into a church or small group setting?
Many churches and small groups use this study as part of their discipleship programs. The group discussions, interactive exercises, and shared
testimonies create a supportive environment where members can grow in confidence and encourage one another in their faith-sharing journey.
What makes What’s your Story? sustainable as an ongoing lifestyle rather than just a short-term study?
The study fosters lifelong habits of recognizing and sharing God’s work in your life through daily reflection, intentional conversations, and an ongoing awareness of spiritual opportunities. Rather than being a one-time program, it equips believers with skills they can continually apply in their faith journey.
How does What’s your Story? address cultural differences in evangelism?
This approach recognizes that every person and culture has unique perspectives and experiences. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method, What’syourStory? encourages believers to listen well, understand different backgrounds, and share their faith in a way that is respectful, relevant, and meaningful to each individual.
Small Group Agreement
Priority
Our Purpose:
To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.
Confidentiality
Encouragement to
PRIORITY: While we recognize that schedules occasionally conflict, we will prioritize our group meetings during this 40day journey.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in discussions and testimony practice, but no one will be pressured to share beyond their comfort level.
We will listen attentively to others’ stories without judgment or interruption, recognizing that each person’s testimony is valuable.
To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.
We will support one another through prayer, encouragement, and constructive feedback as we develop our testimonies.
We will challenge ourselves to take action steps based on what we’re learning, not just discuss concepts. Participation Respect
We commit to being real with one another, sharing both successes and struggles in our evangelism journey.
Small Group Calendar
Week 1: Why Your Story Matters
Date: _____________ Host: _____________
Focus: The Biblical Foundation for Testimony-Driven Evangelism
Key Scripture: “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” (Psalm 66:16)
Week 2: Discovering the Stories God Is Writing in You Date: _____________ Host: _____________
Focus: Finding God’s fingerprints in your life journey
Key scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Week 3: Turning Everyday Conversations Date: _____________ Host: _____________ into Spiritual Opportunities
Focus: The art of spiritual conversation
Key scripture: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
Week 4: Storytelling That Overcomes Barriers
Focus: Navigating challenges with grace and authenticity
Date: _____________ Host: _____________
Key scripture: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)
Week 5: Living a Testimony-Ready Life Date: _____________ Host: _____________
Focus: Building a lifestyle of spiritual awareness
Key scripture: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Week 6: Unleashing a Testimony Movement
Focus: The ripple effect of shared stories
Date: _____________ Host: _____________
Key scripture: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Steve’s
Dessert/Meal
Joe Leader
Bill
Memory Verse Cards
SESSION ONE
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”
Psalm 66:16
SESSION TWO
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
SESSION THREE
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6
SESSION FOUR
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
Romans 1:16
SESSION FIVE
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
SESSION SIX
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Prayer and Praise Report
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Small Group Roster
