The following is designed to help you construct a testimony for your baptism. Two themes should be evident in every testimony with an obvious structure.

The most important theme is the gospel message which you have believed. The gospel centers on who Jesus is and what He has done for you in regard to salvation. You should present a clear statement of your faith in Jesus Christ as God's provision for you as a sinner. The reason is twofold: (1) Jesus Christ is honored as He is given the preeminent place in the role of salvation and in your life; (2) your testimony will encourage the saints and also possibly be used by God in bringing someone to the point of salvation.

The second theme is the personal story that pertains to how you, as an individual, came to believe the Gospel and trust in Jesus Christ. This story might include a little background on the belief system you were raised with, your initial reasons for seeking out Jesus, your perception of your view of God and of yourself, and any circumstances that directly led you to realize that you were not acceptable to God (that you had a sinful heart that needed to be changed and a record of sins that needed to be forgiven).

Here are some examples of confusing or vague words and phrases you should try to avoid:

Example #1
"I was raised in a Christian home. I went to a summer camp at age 13 and the speaker was really good. I was really convicted. That night I accepted Jesus into my heart."

Evaluation #1
What did the speaker say that was really good? What was convicting? Elaborate on the elements of the message that clarify the gospel, and your view of yourself before God. What does it mean to ask or accept Jesus into one's heart? Explain this in terms that express repentance and trust.

Example #2
"I've always believed in God and knew that He was with me. When I was 25 I was in a car accident (or bad relationships, drug and alcohol addiction, etc.) and without God I wouldn't have been able to go through all the difficulties."

Evaluation #2
Believing in God is a term that Scripture usually associates with salvation. To say "I've always believed" doesn't differentiate between a non-saving personal belief in God from your past and the biblical belief in God that you now have. Many people have an individualized faith in Jesus, but if it isn't "the faith" as taught by the Scripture, then that person remains unconverted and still in his sins. Conversion is the point at which "your faith" has become "the faith that saves" (i.e. when you became born again).

Many people are raised in true Christian homes and have heard the message of Jesus Christ from as far back as they can remember. They can even remember always accepting what was told to them and believing the Bible is true. That is great! Just remember to explain this and clarify specifically the gospel elements that you believed and accepted as you grew up.

When you recount God's help or guidance through difficulties, remember that God shows kindness to all His creation. Even non-believers express thanks to God for help through difficulties. Many who lived during the time of Jesus' stay on earth gave testimony of how they were healed, yet God's goodness to them in this regard didn't negate their need for a belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord. His goodness is intended to lead us to repentance and faith without which we can't be saved. If you have trusted in God and relied on Him for help through some kind of difficulty, make sure you clarify that this was because of your faith in Christ and your conversion. Otherwise explain how this led you to trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and believe fully on His death on the cross for your greater problem of sin.

Example #3
"My life hit rock bottom. I was drinking everyday, lost my job, and my wife was about to leave me. That's when a guy where I used to work invited me to this church. I came and started listening to Andrew Hadaway. I saw the joy and love of the people around me and knew this was what I wanted. I started to come to church regularly and my life began to change. My relationship with my wife was restored and I quit drinking. I met someone at this church who offered me a job and things are going so well. I am so thankful to God for what has happened to me."

Evaluation #3
Many people can give testimony to a "changed life." Some give credit to God, some to a 12-step program, and others to their hypno-therapist or a new diet. The above testimony gives credit to Grace Bible Church and Andrew Hadaway. Yet there is no mention of internal change along with the external. External change should be because of internal change. Real "change of heart" is accomplished through personal belief in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Mentioning God's instruments used in the process (certain believers and ministries) is a very good thing, but lifting up Jesus Christ is the best thing.

After writing out your testimony, read it out loud several times, and time yourself. It should be no longer than 5 minutes. If you haven't seen a baptism at Grace Bible Church, it would be helpful for you to attend one soon so that you are familiar with what takes place.