Testimony meeting is not meant to be an open mic event. It is not the appropriate forum for people to go on rants, confessions, publicity stunts or calls for attention. These are NOT testimonies. In a matter of fact, the prophets have actually told us the types of testimonies that are not appropriate. But just as important as knowing how we can share a true testimony is also not judging others for their testimony. With that understanding, here are three types of testimonies we should stop sharing during fast and testimony meeting and what we should do instead.
1st. The Sermon-mony.
Everyone has heard the sermon-mony. The person approaches the pulpit and proceeds to share quotes, scriptures, and lecture on a topic they think we need to hear. Nothing is wrong with sharing a quote or verse and testifying about it. But don’t sermonize; it is not the right place and you lack the authority to hijack a meeting like that.
“A testimony is not an exhortation; a testimony is not a sermon (none of you are there to exhort the rest); . . . The moment you begin preaching to others, your testimony ended.”
Spencer W. Kimball (Teachings of the Prophets Spencer W. Kimball Chapter 7)
Read 2-3 here.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
