08/03/2025
Celebrate Recovery Testimony Guidelines
Sharing Your Story After Completing a Step Study
“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story...” — Psalm 107:2
One of the most powerful ways to give back in Celebrate Recovery is by sharing your testimony. Your story of healing and freedom can inspire hope and show others that real change is possible through Christ. If you’ve completed a Step Study, you are invited to prayerfully consider writing and sharing your testimony with the CR community.
✨ Why Share Your Testimony?
• It honors God by showing His transforming power in your life.
• It encourages others who may be struggling in silence.
• It helps you reflect on and celebrate your growth and healing.
• It is a vital part of giving back and continuing your own recovery.
đź“– Length & Format
Your testimony should be 25 to 30 minutes long when read aloud. That’s typically about 10–12 typed pages, depending on your pace and speaking style.
We encourage you to follow this 4-Part Structure:
1. Life Before Recovery (The Mess)
• What were your hurts, habits, or hang-ups?
• What patterns, lies, or pain defined your life?
• What was your “rock bottom” moment?
• How did these struggles affect your relationships, self-worth, and choices?
• Where was God?
2. The Turning Point (Starting Recovery)
• How did you come to Christ or come back to Christ?
• How did Celebrate Recovery, the steps, or fellowship help you find freedom?
• When did you begin to see God working in your life?
• What were your breakthroughs?
• Were there setbacks or struggles? How did you handle them?
• How did your relationship with God and others change?
3. Life Today (The Message of Hope)
• What does your life look like today because of God and recovery?
• How do you maintain sobriety, healing, and spiritual growth?
• What does giving back (service, leadership, or sponsorship) mean to you?
• What message of hope would you offer to the newcomer?
âś… Guidelines for Testimony
• Keep the focus on your journey and God’s grace not others’ wrongs.
• Avoid graphic details (especially regarding abuse, drugs, s*x, violence, etc.).
• Change names if needed to protect others’ privacy.
• Share truth in love, not blame or bitterness.
• Keep it real, relatable, and redemptive.
đź“ť Next Steps
1. Write your full testimony (aim for 10–12 pages typed, double-spaced).
2. Practice reading it aloud to stay within 25–30 minutes.
3. Submit it to Mark or Ashleigh for feedback.
4. Schedule your Large Group sharing date.
These are simple suggestions to allow your testimony to flow, glorify Jesus, and help the newcomer. We’re excited to walk with you as you prepare. Your story is not just your past — it’s your ministry. When you tell your story, you are a living testimony of God's healing power.
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” — Revelation 12:11
