The Testimony HQ initiative at Perkins School of Theology has made a lasting impact on congregations by helping them embrace testimony—sharing personal stories that reflect God’s work—as a central part of their church communities. Through three cohorts, congregations of all sizes, contexts, and denominations within a 350-mile radius of Dallas have learned to use testimony as both a spiritual practice and a way to engage with their wider communities.
A Look Back: Stories of Transformation
Churches that participated in the second cohort experienced remarkable growth and connection:
- South Dallas Ministry Expansion: “Testimony HQ helped us become more visible in our South Dallas community. People who joined our Testimony/Prayer Circle events even started attending Sunday worship. Our church is becoming a beacon of light, especially for the unhoused and unemployed.”
- Stories of Gratitude Event: “One of our most impactful events welcomed friends from the Afghan refugee and Turkish communities, with over 150 people gathering for ‘Stories of Gratitude.’ Held the week before Thanksgiving, the event created space for sharing heartfelt stories of thankfulness.”
- Testimony Night Success: “At our Testimony Night, over 115 people came together. After dinner, we reflected in small groups on where we’ve seen God at work, especially through acts of service. The energy was inspiring, and we’re committed to weaving testimony into all aspects of our church life, from life groups to community events like Fall Fest and Back to School Bash.”
Celebrating the Journey: Testimony HQ Café 2025
In January, leaders from more than twenty congregations gathered at Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco for the Testimony HQ Café. This event marked the culmination of the initiative, bringing together 
participants from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. It was a time of worship, reflection, and sharing stories about how testimony has transformed their churches.
A highlight of the event was the Testimony HQ Story Gallery, where churches showcased their journeys through creative displays—videos, collages, and written testimonies. This gallery captured the spirit of the initiative, showing how testimony can deepen faith and strengthen communities.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
While the application period for the third and final cohort has closed, the impact of Testimony HQ will continue to resonate in congregations across the region. The lessons learned, relationships
built, and stories shared will inspire churches to keep testimony at the heart of their ministries.
“Testimony HQ got started because we saw the incredible value of testimony in building community,” said Rev. Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison, co-principal investigator. “Community and connection flow out from a thriving congregation’s practice of testimony into the world around it.”