Charles M. Sheldon 
In His Steps 

The novel begins on a Friday morning when a man out of work attempts to speak with his local church priest Henry Maxwell, and later to the apathetic congregation in that same church. Upon finishing his address to the congregation, he collapses, and dies a few days later. The next Sunday, Henry Maxwell, deeply moved by the events of the past week, presents a challenge to his congregation — What would Jesus do?