Week 9: Why and How Should I Tell Others?

The Group Has Been Preparing for This All Along

Week nine may be called story week, but stories have been shaping Rooted from the beginning.

Participants have heard the leader’s story, listened to one another and slowly learned how grace has met real people in real circumstances. Now the focus turns outward.

The invitation is simple: tell someone what Jesus has done in your life.

Simple does not mean easy. Sharing inside a trusted group is different from speaking with a family member, friend, neighbour or coworker who may respond unpredictably.

Name the Fear Without Letting It Lead

People may fear rejection, awkwardness, saying the wrong thing or damaging a relationship.

Acknowledge that fear. Do not pretend everyone should feel naturally confident.

Then remind the group that they are not responsible for saving anyone. Their part is to be faithful and loving. The other person is responsible for how they respond. God is the one who opens hearts and brings spiritual life.

We get into trouble when we try to take God’s part or the other person’s part.

Keep the Story Simple

A testimony does not need to be dramatic or polished.

A simple framework is enough:

What was my life like before I trusted or surrendered this area to Jesus?

How did Jesus meet or save me?

How is he changing me now?

Encourage people to speak honestly and keep Jesus at the centre. The point is not to make themselves impressive. It is to make grace visible.

The woman in John 4 did not return to town with a complete theological presentation. She told people about the person she had encountered.

Help People Find a Natural Beginning

Many participants are not refusing to share; they simply do not know how to start.

Encourage them to pray for an open door and pay attention to ordinary conversations.

Asking, “How can I pray for you?” can create an honest opening without forcing a speech. Sharing one recent thing God has been teaching them may lead naturally to a deeper conversation.

The story does not always need to be delivered all at once. Faithful witness often grows through relationship.

Give Grace to Those Who Have Not Done It Yet

The daily material invites participants to share their story before the group meeting. Some will arrive having done it. Others will not.

Do not turn the discussion into a success-and-failure report.

Celebrate those who took the step and learn from what happened. Encourage those who did not and help them identify one person or setting where they can try.

Sharing faith is not a one-week assignment. It is part of the ongoing life of a disciple.

Facilitate the Cardboard Testimonies

Provide the cardboard and markers and explain the two sides:

“Ten weeks ago, I was…”

“Today, I am…”

Encourage concise, honest wording. The statement does not need to capture every part of a complex life. It should name one clear way God has been at work.

Do not pressure people to exaggerate change. Some testimonies will describe a dramatic breakthrough. Others may say, “Ten weeks ago, I was afraid to pray aloud. Today, I know God welcomes my voice.”

That is worth celebrating.

The purpose is not to audition people for a stage. It is to bear witness within the group to the grace of God.

Prepare for Week Ten Affirmations

Before the group leaves, explain the affirmation time that will happen in week ten.

One practical method is to have each participant draw a name and spend the week praying about what to affirm in that person. Leaders should still prepare a specific affirmation for every group member, dividing the list between co-leaders if helpful.

Ask participants to focus on how they have seen God at work—not vague compliments or personality praise.

Give enough direction that no one arrives in week ten anxious and unprepared.

Begin Handing Off the Group

The Rooted meetings are nearly complete, so the Life Group rhythm should begin taking shape.

Encourage the future leader to organize a relational gathering after Rooted. This gives them a low-pressure first step in coordinating the group and helps the community maintain momentum.

Make sure the group has a real next date. “We should get together sometime” is how groups quietly disappear.

If someone will not continue with this particular group, help them form another plan for biblical community rather than allowing the transition to drift.

Do Not Lose People Quietly

Continue taking attendance and tell your coach or ministry leader when someone has disengaged.

The goal is not to report people as a problem. It is to make sure they are noticed and cared for.

Every person still has a story, including the person who stopped attending.

Before You Lead

Prepare the cardboard materials, review the testimony framework, think of practical ways your group can begin faith conversations, organize the week-ten affirmation process, confirm the post-Rooted gathering and continue supporting the future Life Group leader.

Week nine reminds us that our stories are not ultimately about us.

They point to the One who is still writing them.