Tiny Testimony Template

Check out this post to learn more about why it's important for followers of Jesus to regularly articulate their faith experiences.

Use the three templates below to develop this skill and practice. Feel free to adjust the specific wording as needed. You'll see examples of that in the template samples.

Each template has two parts:

• Pt 1: the difficulty-lie-struggle that someone is facing
• Pt 2: how God is working in or through the difficulty-lie-struggle to reveal truth, teach, or transform

Template 1: Difficult circumstance or situation in my life

List several difficult circumstances or experiences you've had in your life. Choose one and complete this short testimony:

• When I was [state age or grade at the time], [describe the difficult or painful circumstance or situation]. I [state how you felt or responded and why].
• Through that, God [describe what he's teaching you or how he's changing your perspective].

Template 1 sample a:

• When I was 10, my dad left my family and we didn’t hear from him for almost a year. It hurt so deeply that I started to hate him.
• But as I learn more about God’s love and kindness towards me, I'm starting to care about my dad again a little more each time I’m with him. God's love for me is helping me show love towards others.

Template 1 sample b:

• When I was 13, I was diagnosed with a mental health disorder that requires regular counseling and treatment. It made me feel like a failure, like I was somehow not succeeding at life.
• I started following Jesus a few years later. My mental health diagnosis didn't change, but everything is different now because I know I'm not alone — Jesus is with me in everything.

Template 2: Untrue things I've believed about myself

List several lies you've believed about your true identity and value. Choose one and complete this short testimony:

• I used to believe [state the negative or false identity] because [explain why you believed that].
• God is teaching me [truth about yourself and/or others] by [describe how God is doing that].

Template 2 sample a:

• Because of the way I learn, I'm in classes with students who are younger than me which makes me feel inferior and like I don't belong.
• Through that, God is showing me that I must love and accept everyone as they are and also appreciate their beautiful and unique differences.

Template 2 sample b:

• I used to believe that my grades in school defined me because everyone in my family is super smart and gets really good grades.
• God is teaching me that my grades don't define me as long as I do the best I can. His love and joy are who I really am.

Template 3: UnChristlike habits I struggle with (past or present)

List some unChristlike attitudes, actions, or thoughts you struggle with. Choose one and complete this short testimony:

• I struggle with [state a controlling attitude or habit] because [explain why this happens].
• Jesus is helping me [describe what Jesus is teaching or helping you with] by [describe how he is doing that].

Template 3 sample a:

• I struggle with jealousy towards people who seem to have more than I do, whether that's friends or possessions or popularity or skills.
• Jesus is helping me be more kind and gracious to others by reminding me to be grateful for all the things I do have, especially his love and forgiveness. ​

Template 3 sample b:

• When I was in middle school I struggled with an eating disorder partly because I wanted to feel in control of something in my life.
• Now, Jesus encourages and helps me to give him control of my life each day, and to also care for, honor, and respect the body that he created for me.