Conversion Stories

For those of us who have been Orthodox since our birth the concept of ‘giving a testimony’ is foreign. Since we have always been in the Church, we don’t understand why anyone would need to explain their faith. We’re here because we have always been here, but not everyone.

In those days, while Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. Now the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” But Peter began and explained to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, something descending, like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came down to me. Looking at it closely I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘No, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.”

Acts 10:44-48;11:1-10

For the Apostles who ‘walked and talked and ate’ with Jesus Christ, the tradition of bearing witness was a part of everyday life. In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Peter took a moment and shared the story of his vision of God welcoming the Gentiles to the Church.

Whether we were born into the Church, just arrived into the Church as ‘converts’ or are considering joining the Church, hearing the conversion stories of shared by others is helpful for our faith. For everyone who chooses to remain in the Church, there is a conversion story.

Conversion stories are often very personal, so I wouldn’t recommend sharing them publicly via social media etc., but I would recommend sharing them. Conversion stories inspire and teach that faith, deep moving faith, converts the heart more than the brain.

My invitation to you today is to consider why the Orthodox Faith is so important to you. Try to remember the time when you realized, “This is for me!” Once you have developed your conversion story, sit with your spiritual father and talk about it. Literally, practice sharing it.

Then when you meet someone ‘on the street’ who asks about God or your religion, begin to share the story of your conversion to Christ and His Church. Share with them ‘that one time’ when God spoke to your heart and you discovered His Church was True.

Faith is personal, not intellectual. I hear many stories about people ‘reading their way’ to the Church, but it isn’t until they step into the Church and worship God in the Orthodox way that their heart is converted. Share those moments, not which 1000-page book to read.

Jesus told stories. The Apostles told stories. We should tell stories, our stories. Let others share your heart and love for God, not your debate points about Him. One last point. Don’t ‘just wing it’ when you share your story. Have a story that you practice sharing. Then tell it over and over.