The book tells the story of a fictional town called Raymond and its inhabitants who are challenged to live their lives according to the question, "What would Jesus do?" The main character, Reverend Henry Maxwell, inspires his congregation to take a pledge to ask themselves this question before making any major decisions, and to act accordingly. The book follows the lives of several characters as they struggle to live up to this challenge and find meaning and purpose in their lives. "In His Steps" was a best-seller in its time and has remained popular among Christians and others interested in spiritual self-improvement.