The Three-Part Recipe of Every Testimony: You + Your God + His Reign

Introduction

Testimonies may differ in length, tone, and topic—but they all share the same DNA.

Whether whispered in a hallway or shouted from a stage, whether about a healed marriage or a changed mindset, whether delivered through tears or laughter, every true Jesus story has three ingredients:

You.

Your God.

And His rule showing up in your life.

This isn’t just a storytelling formula. It’s a theological recipe—one that reveals who or what a person is really worshiping, where their transformation is coming from, and what kind of kingdom they’re living under.

In this post, we’ll unpack how understanding this three-part recipe helps us discern authentic testimonies, tell better stories, and shepherd our communities toward deeper freedom.

Ingredient 1 – You (the Person and the Place)

Every testimony begins with a person—a moment in real time, with real emotions, real limitations, and real longings.

It could be:

• A woman too tired to believe she matters anymore

• A man who’s addicted but still showing up to Bible study

• A teenager who doesn’t know if God sees them

The “you” in a testimony isn’t just the narrator.

It’s the setting.

The context.

The soil.

It tells us:

• What life was like before the shift

• What pain or need brought hunger

• What question or lie sat unresolved

Good testimony capture starts here.

It honors the person by letting them fully describe where they were, not just where they ended up.

Ingredient 2 – Your God (Which God Showed Up?)

Here’s where things get revelatory.

Because not every story that ends in relief is about the God of Scripture.

Some people find relief in workaholism.

Others find it in performance.

Still others in new age spirituality or therapy language that never requires surrender.

So the second question becomes:

“Who showed up in this story—and how can we tell it was Him?”

The real God:

• Invites repentance, not just relief

• Brings peace with clarity, not confusion

• Points to Jesus, not self

• Leaves people lighter, freer, more honest

This is why a testimony isn’t just a vibe.

It’s a revelation.

It tells us which god they’ve met—and whether that God has the right to reign.

Ingredient 3 – His Reign (What Changed and Who’s in Charge Now?)

The third part of the recipe is where the rubber meets the road.

Because a testimony isn’t just about a moment—it’s about a shift in authority.

When someone says:

• “I surrendered my anxiety to Him”

• “I forgave even though I didn’t want to”

• “I started living like He was actually real”

They’re not just reporting change.

They’re confessing that someone else is now in charge.

That’s what makes it a Kingdom story.

Not just a life hack.

Not just a recovery arc.

Testimonies are declarations that:

“God’s rule has come to this part of my life. And here’s what that looks like.”

Diagnosing False Testimonies or Half-Testimonies

Not every story told in church is a testimony.

Some are therapy wins—good and important, but not God-exalting.

Some are brand boosters—designed to promote a program, not glorify Jesus.

Some are false conversions—where the “god” in the story was really self, success, or safety.

If a story has no mention of surrender, no evidence of divine authority, and no change in spiritual direction, it might be a powerful moment—but it’s not a testimony.

Ask:

• Where is “you” in the story?

• Which “god” appears?

• What kind of reign followed?

This three-part grid is gracious but clarifying.

It helps pastors, producers, and spiritual friends ask the right follow-up questions.

Why This Recipe Matters for Ministries

If your ministry is collecting and sharing stories, this framework keeps your platform from becoming a hall of good vibes and instead a stage for the Kingdom.

Here’s how it helps:

• Content discernment: Which stories glorify God vs. just inspire?

• Discipleship depth: How can we walk with people from “breakthrough” to “Kingdom alignment”?

• Strategic clarity: Are the testimonies we’re sharing aligned with the outcomes we say we’re pursuing?

You don’t need to over-police people’s stories.

But you do need to shepherd them well.

And this recipe gives you the language to do that.

Final Word: Tell the Full Story, and You’ll Reveal the Full Gospel

Testimonies aren’t just personal wins.

They’re Kingdom markers.

When you let someone tell the full arc—who they were, who showed up, and what changed—here’s what you’re doing:

You’re painting a portrait of God’s love, God’s power, and God’s reign.

And you’re helping others say,

“If He can do that for them, maybe He can do it for me.”

That’s evangelism.

That’s discipleship.

That’s the movement.

Call to Action:

Need help building a story collection system that captures the whole testimony—person, presence, and power? Dancing King Marketing can help you gather, shape, and share stories that carry the weight of the Kingdom. Let’s help your people tell the real thing. Reach out today.