How to Write Your Personal Testimony
ARTICLE • Your personal testimony is an authentic and non-intrusive way to share your faith in Jesus Christ with others. This guide helps you structure your story, share the gospel, create opportunities to share in everyday conversations, and draft your 5-minute salvation testimony.
Read time: 11 min
Introduction: The Importance of Your Testimony
Writing your personal testimony is a meaningful way to share how God has moved in your life. It encompasses the whole scope of your faith journey, not just your initial belief in Christ. Here's why it matters:
Documenting Your Faith Journey: Your salvation testimony is the story of God’s grace in your life—how he redeemed you, transformed your heart, and continues to shape your life with him. It is a personal declaration of God’s mercy, faithfulness, and the impact of his saving work in your life.
Encouraging Others: Your story can provide inspiration to those who are encountering similar struggles or who are curious about the Christian faith. It demonstrates that faith in Jesus is more than religious affiliation; it is a dynamic—though imperfect—relationship with God through his Spirit, who is at work within your life.
Celebrating God’s Grace: Writing down your testimony allows you to reflect on and acknowledge the moments when God’s grace has been evident in your life, helping you to recognize and cherish these instances of God’s saving kindness to you because of Jesus.
A Bridge for Sharing the Gospel: Your testimony should include the basics of the Christian gospel, providing an authentic context to share about God’s love, justice, grace, mercy and promise of salvation to anyone who trusts in Jesus.
Biblical Foundations
The Bible is filled with verses that motivate us to share our story of God’s kindness toward us:
Psalm 71:15-16: “My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.”
Mark 5:19: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Acts 1:8: “But 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.”
1 Peter 3:15: “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.”
Two Types of Testimonies
1. A Salvation Testimony
This category focuses on your life before and after following Christ. It highlights significant changes in your beliefs, desires, behaviors, and motivations that resulted from your relationship with him, showcasing the saving power of knowing Jesus.
2. A Providential Testimony
These are testimonies of specific instances where God has demonstrated his love and provision during critical moments of your life, such as overcoming illness, experiencing provision during financial hardship, or finding direction in challenging times, among many others. These stories affirm God’s intimate involvement and ongoing support in our lives, stirring hope and reinforcing his continual presence.
Your Testimony Is Not the Gospel, but It Should Include the Gospel
Your personal testimony is a compelling narrative of how Christ has changed your life, but it is distinct from the gospel itself. It is important to recognize this distinction: the gospel is a universal truth applicable to everyone, while your testimony is a personal experience of that truth. Your story helps illustrate the tangible impact of the gospel, making abstract concepts more relatable through your experiences.
Defining the Christian Gospel
The gospel is simply yet profoundly the good news that God, in his undeserved grace, has provided complete salvation from the coming judgment for sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the sending of the Holy Spirit, granting forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life to all who trust in him. Jesus Christ is King, and all who surrender to him are ushered into his everlasting kingdom—experienced in part in this age and in fullness in the eternal age to come.
Integrating the Gospel into Your Testimony
We should not fail to speak of the gospel when sharing our salvation testimony. To effectively incorporate the gospel into your story, consider these guidelines:
Highlight Human Sin and Need for Jesus: Begin by discussing how sin universally affects everyone and how it influenced you before your encounter with Christ.
Emphasize Jesus as the Solution: Clearly explain how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus have brought you forgiveness and a new beginning. Stress that this transformation is accessible to all who trust in him.
Incorporate Scripture: Weave in a few key Bible verses or biblical phrases to clarify and reinforce the gospel message.
Illustrate Your Transformation: Discuss how embracing the gospel has altered your perspectives, values, and actions to evidence Christ’s power to transform your life.
Encourage a Response: Conclude with a gentle call to action, inviting others to reflect on what the gospel might mean for them.
Nine Steps for Preparing to Write and Share Your Testimony
Here are some basic guidelines for writing out your salvation testimony. Later, I will give you a guide for actually putting pen to paper. For now, consider these steps in preparation:
Step 1: Pray for Guidance
Begin with praying for God’s assistance to help you recall and articulate your journey and insights in a meaningful way.
Step 2: Answer Some Key Questions
What was your understanding of God, sin, and salvation before coming to faith?
How did sin shape your thoughts, desires, and actions before Christ?
What events or circumstances led you to seriously consider the gospel?
How did you come to understand that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone?
What Scripture or biblical truths convicted you and led you to trust in Christ?
What was the turning point when you repented and believed in Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
How has God changed your beliefs, desires, and lifestyle since salvation?
How do you see evidence of spiritual growth and sanctification in your life?
How can your testimony point to Christ’s finished work rather than just personal experiences?
Step 3: Organize Your Thoughts
Structure your notes into a narrative with a beginning, middle, and end:
Before Knowing Christ: Describe your life prior to faith.
Coming to Faith: Detail how you encountered Christ.
Life as a Christian: Explain your experiences and growth since conversion.
Step 4: Integrate Scripture
Embed relevant Bible verses or phrases that resonate with your experiences to anchor your story in biblical truth and demonstrate the power of God’s Word. Here are a few you may consider:
Our Fallen Sinfulness Before God & Need for Salvation: Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The Coming Judgment of Sin: Revelation 20:12 – “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.”
God’s Saving Work Through Jesus: Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Salvation by Grace Through Faith: Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The New Birth: Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
God’s Process of Changing Us: Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
The Present Reality of God's Kingdom: Colossians 1:13-14 – “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
The Promise of the Resurrection: John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’”
The Promise of Christ’s Future Return: John 14:3 – “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Step 5: Emphasize God’s Role in Your Salvation
Highlight that salvation is solely a result of God’s grace through faith in Christ alone. Discuss your realization of this truth and its impact on your life and outlook.
Step 6: Maintain Simplicity and Clarity
Craft your testimony to be understandable to someone without a church background, using straightforward language and avoiding ecclesiastical jargon.
Step 7: Review and Revise
Revisit your testimony over time to refine your growing understanding and emphasize his current work in your life.
Step 8: Seek Feedback
Present your testimony to a trusted believer or mentor for their insights. This feedback can help you hone your message to ensure it is impactful and clear.
Step 9: Practice Your Testimony
Rehearse your testimony aloud to ensure it flows smoothly and adheres to your allotted time, whether brief or extended. Practice it in the mirror!
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid Dwelling on Your Past Sin: Acknowledge your past without dwelling on prior mistakes or detailing them excessively. Focus on your new life in Christ.
Avoid Using Too Much Christian Jargon: Use simple, accessible language to ensure comprehension by all listeners, regardless of their familiarity with Christian terminology.
Avoid Glamorizing Your Pre-Conversion Life: Some Christians come across a bit proud of how bad they used to be! Your testimony is about the forgiveness and joy you've found in Christ, not about showing your “street cred.”
Avoid Being Vague About the Gospel: Ensure your testimony provides a clear presentation of the gospel, supported by Scripture, explaining salvation through faith in Christ
Avoid Neglecting the Role of Community: Mention the significance of Christian community in shaping your initial conversion, spiritual growth, accountability, and fellowship.
Avoid Sounding Like All Your Struggles Are Gone: We do not want to present an unrealistic story of triumphal perfectionism. We all still struggle in various ways. God is not done with us yet!
Initiating Deeper Conversations Through Questions
As disciples of Jesus, we should be constantly growing in the art of guiding conversations towards our Savior. If someone is passionate about their family, sports, politics, or fitness, conversations will always seem to gravitate in one of these directions. This is a basic fact of human nature: we talk about what we love most. There are thousands of ways to turn a conversation towards Jesus if we are truly passionate about him. Here are a few examples of how we could do this:
Personal Experiences
Significant Turning Points
Ask: “What has been a significant turning point in your life?”
Share: “That reminds me of a time when my whole perspective changed because of my faith. When I became a Christian...”
Reliance in Tough Times
Ask: “What do you rely on when times get tough?”
Share: “I’ve found incredible strength through my relationship with Jesus. When I became a Christian...”
Evolving Beliefs
Ask: “Have your beliefs changed as you've gotten older?”
Share: “My faith journey took a turn a few years ago when I became a Christian. For example…”
Relationships and Goals
Friendships
Ask: “Who are some of the most significant people in your life?”
Share: “I have a number of friends from various walks of life, but I have especially been enriched by my faith community. When I became a Christian…”
Future Aspirations
Ask: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Share: “I hope to _____. But I especially hope to be further along in my faith journey. When I became a Christian…”
Daily Life
Daily Routines
Ask: “What’s a typical day like for you?”
Share: “I typically start my day with God by following my Bible reading plan and praying for the day ahead. When I first became a Christian, I soon learned that…”
Hobbies and Interests
Ask: “What hobbies or interests do you have?”
Share: “I enjoy _____. But most of all, I enjoy activities that allow me to grow in my faith, such as...”
When Someone Presents an Opportunity to Share Jesus
Observations About Life
Life’s Unpredictability
They say: “Life seems so unpredictable.”
You share: “That’s so true, at least for us. I’m so grateful that God knows the future and has a plan. When I began to follow Jesus, I found so much comfort in this. For example…”
Seeking Peace
They say: “I wish I could find peace of mind.”
You share: “I struggled with that too until I found peace through a relationship with Jesus, like when I...”
Noticing a Change
They say: “You seem different lately.”
You share: “Thanks, I’ve actually experienced personal growth in my faith journey, particularly by...
Being Overwhelmed by Life
They say: Life has really been tough lately.”
You share (After listening and asking questions): “Life really can be so overwhelming. I’ve found stability from knowing that God is with me. When I became a Christian…”
Seeking Advice
Empathetic Guidance
They say: “What would you do in my shoes?”
You share: “I faced something similar, and the Lord has taught me that...”
Handling Difficulties
They say: “I don’t know how to deal with this situation.”
You share: “I’ve learned some valuable lessons from my faith in Jesus that might help, such as...
Expressing Needs and Desires
Desiring a Fresh Start
They say: “I need a new start.”
You share: “Starting fresh is tough but so rewarding, especially with the perspective my faith gave me when...”
Reevaluating Beliefs
They say: “I’m not sure what I believe anymore.”
You share: “Exploring my beliefs was a big part of my journey too, especially when I learned...”
Feeling Stagnant
They say: “I feel stuck in a rut.”
You share: “I felt that way too, but getting more involved in my faith community really changed things for me...”
Seeking Meaning
They say: “I’m looking for something more meaningful in life.”
You share: “I was in the same boat until I discovered my faith walk with Jesus...”
Two Ways to Write Your 5-Minute Testimony
1. Writing from Scratch
Word Count: Aim for approximately 625 words (1.25 pages single-spaced), based on an average speaking rate of 125 words per minute.
Structure:
Life Before Christ: Describe what your life was like without faith. Consider your former beliefs, values, behaviors, and feelings during this time.
Turning Point: Share the circumstances or events that led you to seriously consider Christianity. Highlight any specific struggles, questions, or people that played a role in your spiritual journey.
Scripture: Weave in key Scriptures that have impacted your faith or that clearly present the gospel message, such as Ephesians 2:8–10 or Romans 5:8, or the verses given above.
Conversion Experience: Explain how you came to trust Christ. This should include your understanding of the gospel and the moment or period when you made a decision to follow Jesus.
Life After Conversion: Discuss the changes in your life after trusting Christ. Focus on new beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and your involvement in church and Christian community.
God’s Grace and Ongoing Growth: Reflect on how you have seen God at work in your life post-conversion and how you continue to grow in your faith.
2. Writing by Filling in a Template
Fill in this template with aspects of your story.
Before I knew Christ personally, my life was [describe any early experiences or general feelings you recall before your conversion]. Even from a young age, I was affected by sin, though I may not have recognized it fully at the time. I sought fulfillment in [mention activities, relationships, or pursuits that were important to you], yet I often felt [share any feelings of confusion, emptiness, guilt, or conviction about sin]. Despite my efforts, I found that nothing truly satisfied the deeper longing in my soul. What really set me on a journey of thinking about God, my sin, and salvation was [describe an event, crisis, conversation, or realization that sparked your interest in spiritual matters].
As I began to consider the truth about God, I came to realize that I was a sinner, separated from a holy and just God, deserving his righteous judgment. Scripture says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). No amount of my own effort or good works could make me right before God.
The person who most influenced me toward learning about Jesus was [describe who this person was: a parent, Sunday school teacher, friend, mentor, etc., and how they introduced you to Jesus]. They helped me understand that apart from Christ, I stood guilty before God, but through him, I could find forgiveness and new life. Through our conversations, or a particular moment of conviction, I realized my need for salvation.
Through the gospel, I came to understand that God, in his great love, sent Jesus Christ to live the sinless life I could not live, to die on the cross as a substitute for my sins, and to rise again in victory over sin and death. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Salvation is not something I could earn; it is a gift of grace received through faith in Christ alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
I confessed and turned from my sin and put my trust in Christ alone for salvation after [detail the circumstances or moments that led to your conversion, including how you came to understand repentance and faith]. I realized that I could not save myself, but that God, in his mercy, had already made the way through Jesus. Trusting in him changed everything.
Since that time, my understanding and relationship with God have grown. [List significant growth points, such as increased love for God's Word, greater hatred for sin, a desire for holiness, or a deeper trust in God's sovereignty]. Though I still struggle with sin, I rest in the promise that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Now, I find freedom, joy, and purpose in [describe how your life is different now, emphasizing your new affections, priorities, and hope in Christ]. I am continually grateful for God's grace in [mention specific instances where you've seen his sanctifying work in your life]. My faith is important to me because [explain what drives your faith and keeps it strong, such as a deeper love for Christ, confidence in his promises, or a growing dependence on him]. Looking forward, I hope to [share your goals or desires as they relate to following Christ, such as growing in holiness, sharing the gospel, serving the church, or longing for Christ’s return].
I live with the hope that Christ, who has saved me and is sanctifying me, will return to bring his people into eternal glory. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). I now look forward to the day when he will return as King and make all things new.
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to consider what the gospel means for your life. No matter your past, God’s love and mercy are available through Jesus. He offers true forgiveness, lasting peace, and strong hope for the future. Would you like to talk more about this?
A Final Word of Encouragement
Your testimony, like your journey with Christ, is your dynamic and authentic story that God continues to write each day. As you grow through the Holy Spirit's work in you, so does your story. Embrace this ongoing development, and actively pray for opportunities to share your evolving story with others. Invite God to open doors for you to witness his goodness and grace. Remember, your personal experiences can profoundly affect others towards our Savior for his glory and our good. ❖
Cite this Article
Footnote: Timothy J. Harris, “How to Write Your Personal Testimony,” Practical Theologian, March 1, 2025, https://www.practicaltheologian.com/blog/article-z9dtw-69b3c-39w4a.
Bibliography: Harris, Timothy J. “How to Write Your Personal Testimony.” Practical Theologian, March 1, 2025. https://www.practicaltheologian.com/blog/article-z9dtw-69b3c-39w4a.
