In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?

What would happen if every decision in life was guided by one simple question: “What would Jesus do?” Charles Sheldon’s beloved classic In His Steps explores the challenges and rewards of putting Christian principles into practice through the lives of ordinary people seeking to follow the example of Christ.

When a struggling stranger interrupts the comfortable routine of a small-town congregation, Reverend Henry Maxwell and his church members are challenged to reconsider what it truly means to live a life of faith. They make a remarkable commitment: for one year, they will ask themselves what Jesus would do before making important decisions. Their promise transforms their personal lives and challenges their community’s ideas about charity, business, social responsibility, and Christian service.

First published in 1896, In His Steps became one of the most influential works of Christian literature ever written and introduced the enduring phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” Charles Monroe Sheldon (1857–1946) was an American Congregational minister, author, and leading figure in the Social Gospel movement. Through his sermons, novels, and public work, Sheldon encouraged Christians to apply their beliefs to everyday life through compassion, service, and concern for others. His groundbreaking story continues to inspire generations of readers seeking a deeper understanding of discipleship, faith in action, and the practical meaning of following Christ.

Charles M. Sheldon (1857-1946) was an American Congregational minister and writer whose work played a central role in the Social Gospel movement. Best known for In His Steps, Sheldon combined narrative fiction with ethical inquiry, encouraging readers to apply the teachings of Jesus directly to everyday life. The book's central question-"What would Jesus do?"-became a defining expression of practical Christianity and has influenced devotional practice, Christian ethics, and spiritual self-examination for more than a century. Sheldon's work continues to be read widely for its emphasis on lived faith, moral responsibility, and the integration of belief with action.