3 Steps to Writing Your Personal Testimony
Posted On December 10, 2024
Written by Dr. John Tweeddale, vice president of academics and professor of theology
In Christian vernacular, a testimony is a personal narrative of God’s work of grace in your life. Writing one might not be something you’ve ever done, and it can feel daunting––especially when it’s for a college application. However, reflecting on how God has worked in your life can be a formative experience that allows you to consider your growth as a Christian.
At Reformation Bible College, we value written testimonies because they give us a glimpse into how the gospel of Jesus Christ has shaped the lives of prospective students.
Here are some tips to help you tell the story of God’s grace in your life.
Look to the Past
Writing your testimony places you in a long, noble tradition of believers who have reflected on God’s life-giving mercies. One of the best ways to prepare for writing a testimony is to read the testimonies of others.
As you write, think about how God has redeemed His people throughout the ages. Read about how God orchestrated the events of Joseph’s life (Gen. 50:20). Reflect on how God delivered Israel in the song of Moses (Ex. 15). Consider the way God responded to the prayer of Hannah (1 Sam. 1–2). Study the calling of Isaiah to be a prophet (Isa. 6). Recount the conversion of the Samaritan woman (John 4) and the healing of the blind man (John 9).
Remember how God transformed a persecutor of the church to bring the gospel to the nations (Acts 22:1–21; 26:1–23). The example of Paul teaches us that the purpose of a testimony is to showcase the work of God in our lives (see 1 Cor. 9:16; 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9; Gal. 1:11–24; Eph 3:8; 1 Tim. 1:15). As Christians, we are trophies of God’s grace, and our testimonies should declare how God has worked uniquely in our lives.
Beyond these biblical accounts are a host of examples from church history. Augustine’s Confessions, John Bunyan’s Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, Jonathan Edwards’ Personal Narrative, and C.S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy are all long-form accounts of personal testimonies. No two are the same. With these saints, tell your specific story of how Christ changed you.
Practical Tips
Now that you’ve considered examples of personal testimonies from Scripture and church history, here are three practical steps for writing an account of God’s grace in your life:
- Start with prayer. Writing a personal testimony is not an academic exercise. It should be an extension of your relationship with God. Begin by praying for wisdom. Take time to thank God for His saving grace in your life.
- Structure your testimony. One way to organize your testimony is to divide it into three sections: why, how, and now. Start by focusing on why you need Christ. Whether you are recently converted or have grown up in a Christian home, explain why faith in Christ alone is necessary for you to have a saving relationship with God. Next, describe how you became a Christian. Maybe God used a parent, a sibling, a friend, a pastor, a book, an event, or something else to lead you to Christ. Tell this story. Finally, reflect on the ways God continues to grow your faith, hope, and love in Christ. How has your Christian faith informed your life decisions and vocational aspirations? Why do you want to attend RBC (or graduate school, or pursue ministry, or apply for a job, etc.)? Explain what God is doing in your life now.
- Keep it short. Aim for a page or two (max). Have someone else read it before you submit it with your college application. Then, I encourage you to keep your testimony on hand. Update it from time to time. You’ll be surprised by the opportunities that arise to share your testimony with others.
Evangelical Protestants from Martin Luther to Billy Graham have frequently observed that the Christian faith is a matter of personal pronouns (see, for example, Pss. 18, 23, 51, 63, 139). A testimony is not an objective account of Christian doctrine but a personal reflection of Christian faith. You are not explaining why Jesus is the Lord and the Savior but why He is my Lord and my Savior. Writing a personal testimony may seem challenging, but remember, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how the good news of Jesus Christ has changed you.
We look forward to reading about God’s work of grace in your life and how RBC might play a role in that story.