Berean’s Guide to Writing Your Salvation Testimony
Here is a complete, step-by-step guide to writing your salvation testimony. Tell your story in three parts: 1) your life before you were saved, 2) the time[1] and circumstances when you turned to God and trusted Jesus to save you and become your Lord, and 3) how your life changed afterward. Typically, your testimony will be 300-700 words.
Step 1: The Middle Paragraph (The “Meat” of Your Story)
Even though this is the middle of your story, write this part first because it answers the most important questions about the time you were saved. Some people struggle to say definitively when they were saved; if that is the case, describe that struggle and explain what you currently believe.
In one paragraph, combine the answers to these five questions:
- When were you saved? For example: as a child, a teenager, or a young or older adult. Some may have a date; others may remember only the surrounding circumstances. Simply tell your story.
- Where were you? For example: at church, Vacation Bible School, summer camp, or at home in your bedroom.
- Whom did God use? For example: your mom or dad, a pastor, a Sunday school teacher, an evangelist, or a friend.
- How did you know you needed to be saved? Explain how you realized you needed God’s forgiveness.
- What did you understand about Jesus and salvation, and how did you respond? Describe it in your own words. Remember you are writing about when you were born-again[2] (John 3).
Your Checkpoint: Once you write this paragraph, ask someone to read it and evaluate whether you answered the five questions above. All the elders at Berean will be thrilled to help you work through this paragraph.
Step 2: The First Paragraph (The Beginning)
Now that you have written the middle, go back and write the very first paragraph of your testimony. In this paragraph, answer: What was your life like before you came to Christ?
- How to think about it: Briefly describe your life and spiritual background before you trusted Christ. Everyone’s story is different. If you trusted Christ as a child, do not feel pressured to create a dramatic “before” story. Simply describe your family background and your understanding of God at that time. Your “before” story should point to your need for a Savior.
Step 3: The Conclusion (The Ending)
Finally, write your last paragraph to finish your story. In this paragraph, answer: What has your life been like after believing in Christ for salvation?
- How to think about it: Explain what has changed since you came to believe in Christ. How has your relationship with God changed? What desires, attitudes, or actions have changed? How are you continuing to grow and struggle against sin? Where are you experiencing victory over sin? The language in this paragraph will describe the reality of your current walk with the Lord.
[1] Sometimes those who grow up in church have more than one “salvation experience.” While you can’t be saved more than once, you may also struggle to know when you were saved. That is part of your testimony. Others with similar experiences may also benefit from hearing how you worked through that uncertainty.
[2] If this language is new to you ask to meet with an elder or one of Berean’s sisters in Christ to help you understand John 3.
