Baptism at GBC

After you have a chance to listen to the baptism instruction podcast (click on the button above), the next thing to do is to write out a testimony that you will give just prior to being baptized. Your testimonies must be in to Pastor Jeff by Wednesday, August 27, so that he can help you finalize your testimony and answer any questions you might have. Lisa will take your finalized testimonies, print them out and place them on a stiff piece of construction paper so that it will be easy to read and hold.

You can drop your testimonies by the office or email them to Pastor Jeff at jwebb@gbcwa.org.

Your Baptism Testimony

Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. The act of being immersed in water symbolizes death to the old life of sin and rising again to new life in Christ. But baptism is not only an outward sign—it’s also a powerful opportunity to proclaim what God has done in your life. Sharing a testimony makes the moment personal and real. It allows the congregation to see how God’s grace has reached into your story, transforming you through salvation. When you give your testimony, you aren’t simply reciting events; you’re bearing witness to the Gospel itself, encouraging fellow believers, and proclaiming to those who may not yet know Christ that His saving work is available to all.

Instructions for Writing a Testimony (250–300 words)

To prepare a baptism testimony of about one page (250–300 words), use the following questions as your guide. Write your answers in full sentences and then smooth them together into a flowing story.

Life Before Christ – Briefly describe what your life was like before you were saved. (Were you searching for meaning? Struggling with sin? Living without direction?)

Coming to Faith – Share what led you to seek salvation. (Was it through a sermon, a friend, family member, a time of crisis, or reading the Bible?)

Meaning of Salvation – Explain what it means to you personally to be saved. (How has your life changed? What new hope or assurance do you have in Christ?)

Life Verse – Conclude with a Bible verse that has special meaning to you—your “life verse.” Share it and explain briefly why it is significant to your walk with Christ.

When you’ve written your responses, read them aloud slowly. Make sure your testimony can be shared clearly in about 2–3 minutes. Keep it simple, keep it honest, and keep the focus on what God has done in your life.

Example Testimonies Are Below

Here are three examples of testimonies to help you craft yours. REMEMBER, just be YOU. Write like you speak. The real you is who we want to hear from.

Zach

Before I came to know Christ, my life looked good on the outside, but inside I was empty. I grew up knowing about God, but I didn’t really know Him. I tried to find purpose in school, friendships, and sports, but no matter what I achieved, I always felt restless and unsure about who I was. I remember lying awake at night wondering if I really mattered and what would happen to me after death.

Everything began to change when a friend invited me to church. I heard the pastor explain that God loved me so much that He sent Jesus to die for my sins. For the first time, I realized that my sin wasn’t just “mistakes”—it was rebellion against God, and it separated me from Him. But the good news was that Jesus took my place on the cross and rose again, offering me forgiveness and eternal life. That day, I prayed and asked Jesus to save me and to be the Lord of my life.

Being saved has given me peace and a new identity. I don’t have to wonder if I matter, because I know I belong to God as His child. My purpose is no longer found in achievements or what others think of me, but in following Christ and living for Him.

The verse that means the most to me is 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse reminds me every day that God has made me new, and baptism is my way of declaring that new life to everyone.

Cindy

I grew up in church and knew all the Bible stories from a young age. I could quote verses, sing the songs, and even explain what it meant that Jesus died for our sins. But even though I knew about God, I didn’t really know Him. For a long time, my faith was more about going through the motions and doing what was expected of me.

As I got older, I began to realize that just being in church didn’t make me a Christian. I remember one youth camp where the speaker said, “God doesn’t have any grandchildren. You can’t be saved by your parents’ faith—you need your own.” That struck me. I saw that I had been relying on my family’s faith instead of personally trusting in Christ. That night I prayed, admitting my sin and asking Jesus to forgive me and be my Savior.

Being saved has changed how I see everything. My faith is no longer a checklist but a relationship with God. I know that my sins are forgiven and that my hope is secure in Christ. I don’t have to wonder if I’ve “done enough” to please God, because I know Jesus has already paid it all.

My life verse is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse reminds me daily that my life belongs to Christ, and baptism is my way of declaring that I now live for Him.

Melanie

Before I asked Jesus into my life, I thought being good and going to church was enough. But I still felt guilty when I did wrong things and wondered if God really forgave me.

One night after dinner, my mom and dad sat with me on the couch and explained the purpose of being saved. I realized that Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for my sins. I prayed and asked Him to forgive me and to be my Savior. Now I know I am saved, not because of what I do, but because of what Jesus has already done for me.

Since then, I am happier knowing that I belong to God. I want to follow Him every day and share His love with others.

My life verse is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”