Finishing Strong: Finding the Power to Go the Distance

by Steve Farrar

Bestselling author Steve Farrar has good news for the average man: it doesn't matter if you've had a great start in the Christian life, or a rough one. It doesn't matter if you've stumbled time and again, or even fallen flat on your face. What matters most in this all-important race of life is how you finish. According to Farrar, the man who hangs in there for the long haul with his wife, his kids, and his Lord is an exception these days. Finishing Strong, now in trade paperback, offers lively use of Scripture, contemporary illustrations, and study questions to equip every reader to be that exception. For the man who wants to climb the character ladder more than the corporate one, this is an essential tool.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Family, Parenting, Leadership, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 1995

About the author

Steve Farrar is the founder of Men’s Leadership Ministries. He holds a Master’s degree from Western Seminary, and an earned doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary. Steve is the author of the best-selling book, Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family, God Built, Battle Ready, and True Courage. Steve Farrar resides in Texas with his family.

Reviews

[Elo Abugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this for every, I mean every Christian to read!!!

If you don't want to read any book, this should be the only one you read.

[Tyler Moreland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We're pouring our energies and our focus and our thoughts into getting ahead. And somehow we forget that true success has a lot more to do with who we are than what we accomplish."

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up Finishing Strong from a free giveaway shelf last week. I love the adventure of trying a book that I didn't deliberately choose nor pay anything for. My expectations of this book were not high. I assumed I was in for a quick review of basic advice for righteous living. I hoped that it wouldn't be full of references to sports and assumptions that Christian men are mindless. I was a little worried when the first sentence of the Acknowledgments opens like this: "Basketball, football, and baseball are team sports" (ix). I was a bit more worried when I moved on to the first sentence of Chapter One: "The year 1994 was a great year for the NBA draft" (3). Uh-oh.

It turns out the bulk of the book moves past sports analogies and stories. Steve Farrar is solidly in the genre I think of as Regular Guy Prose. This voice is employed frequently by Christian authors writing to a male audience. It's a stance that says "I've got some things I want to tell you, guys, but hey, I'm not like way far above you in knowledge or anything; I'm just a regular guy like you." The style of Finishing Strong puts Farrar in the same general category as Max Lucado, Stu Weber, and other popular Christian authors. Like those authors, Farrar tends to open each chapter with a story, often from the Bible, and then draws big-picture principles out of that story. It wasn't the worst book of its kind that I've read, but it is not very memorable, either. I'm not a really big fan of Regular Guy Prose, and a little bit goes a long way for me.

My favorite line from the book: "I have one small criticism, however, about evangelical Christianity, and it is this. We tend sometimes to confuse spirituality with weirdness. And the weirder the behavior, the more 'spiritual' it must be" (36). Farrar really won me over with that line.

[Gregory Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a group of men through church, which is precisely the target audience. It's the kind of book that has a real "dude, bro, man" kind of vibe to it. The premise of the book is that men must work hard to finish the race that is life.

The book's tone is a bit odd, often addressing men as if we're all in one giant locker room participating in a sporting event. Every example is from masculine culture from sports to movies. It's a way to put biblical content into "accessible" form.

What I liked about the book is that it was an encouragement to keep hold of important commitments as a man. It helped to facilitate discussion among the guys in the group. However, some of the content felt a bit simple. The basic functions of being a good father, but especially a loyal husband, dominate the narrative. It seemed a bit over the top regarding taking extreme caution to protect marriages and commitments in that specific arena. Less focus was put on, for example, physical health or even commitment to intellectual development. I don't mean to fault the author for the book he didn't write, but it just felt a bit basic in its purview for the role of men in society.

I think that it has a place as a modern conversation starter for men of faith.

[Jeremiah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Farrar combines examples of biblical characters and those from history to show how men can finish strong. I emphasize can because there are many obstacles in life, in the world, and through Satan tempting us that can wreak havoc before we can finish strong. Farrar drives these points home with solid examples of people who finish strong and people who looked as if they would finish strong, but didn't. I would recommend this book to any man- single, married, or anything in between- that wants to engaged through this constant battle to finish strong. "One man in ten will finish strong. You can be that man."- Steve Farrar.

[Travis Agnew · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I first read this book 20 years ago on the commendation of a mentor. Every so often, I reread it. I don't take it back off the shelf, because I have given so many copies away and have to get a new one. It is in my top-3 of life-changing books I've ever read, and I wish every man who loves Jesus would read it. “In the Christian life, it’s not how you start that matters. It’s how you finish.” https://amzn.to/3m4XYCv

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a great deal of credit for the strength of my marriage today. No marriage is bullet proof. This book is more than a flak jacket, it is a guide to how to stay away from anywhere that there are even any guns. A great read that I highly recommend.

[Zac Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Assigned reading before Telluride 2025

[LENGDUNG TUNGCHAMMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is Father’s Day. The year is 2025 — June 15th, 2025.

I am a father now.

Almost a decade ago, I read Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar. It was given to me as a prize for being the best student in my class. I was the top of my class — a topper. But that book shook my world in the best possible way. Steve Farrar made me realize that life is about more than applause — more than just career success or academic accolades. Life is about finishing strong. Finishing strong for your family. Finishing strong in your faith.

Today, my daughter wanted to play, but I had emails waiting. I chose to ditch the emails. We built a house out of bricks. When she finished, she couldn’t contain her joy — she ran around the house showing everyone her masterpiece. And in that moment, I knew: nothing could replace that feeling.

Reading Finishing Strong helped me recognize that moments like these are the real victories. These are the choices that matter.

A few years ago, I learned that Steve Farrar had passed away. I believe he’s up there, waiting for the rest of us. And when I get there, I hope I can say to him, “Thank you for helping me see what truly matters. Thank you for making me want to finish strong.”

This is a book every Christian should read — and especially, every father.

[Jesse Voyamba]

I came across the book "Finishing Strong" by Steve Farrar for the first time in 2016. I managed to read the first three chapters. However, last November, my friend Thankgod Solomon kept urging me to read it. I decided to start the year 2023 with it. The book is 315 pages long and consists of ten chapters. It was first published 28 years ago, and its author is a renowned Christian writer who has written other books aimed at equipping Christian men with the right mindset to lead a godly life and build a strong family.

The author stresses the uniqueness of each person's journey in the Christian life and underscores the importance of finishing well rather than starting well. Regardless of whether one's initial experience was smooth or rough, or if they have faced struggles and failures in the past, what ultimately matters is their ability to persevere to the end. The author highlights the rarity of individuals who remain steadfastly committed to their faith, family, and values in the modern world. This suggests that maintaining one's convictions in the face of life's challenges requires great resilience and determination and that those who do so are worthy of admiration.

He used Bible stories and contemporary examples to illustrate how some individuals who started well did not finish strong, while others who stumbled along the way were able to finish strong. The story of David is one such example, as he faced many challenges but ultimately persevered. The author also narrated the story of Billy Graham and his peers who began their gospel work in the 1940s. Surprisingly, individuals like Chuck Templeton and Bron Clifford achieved greater success than Billy Graham initially. However, due to his ability to overcome challenges that they could not, Billy Graham became more well-known, while these individuals faded into obscurity.

The author also explored the various reasons why a lot of Christian men don’t finish strong. According to him, a man cannot finish strong if he doesn’t survive and overcome these challenges; he referred to these challenges as ambushes. One thing about these ambushes is that they are inevitable. Hence, one needs to get through them. These ambushes are:
• Another woman
• Money
• Neglected Family.

Solomon for instance couldn’t finish strong because he got attached to numerous women who in turn introduced him to idolatry. He was also ambushed by money and a neglected family. Perhaps it is the reason why his son Rehoboam had total disregard for God. Had Solomon not neglected his family, Rehoboam wouldn’t have turned out the way he did. Such scenarios are prevalent in our societies today. I believe some of us might have witnessed instances where children given birth to in Christian homes end up deviating from the path of righteousness because their fathers neglected them while chasing after money and other women.

While addressing these 3 major obstacles, he recommended some remedies. For instance, he advised that the best way to overcome the ambush of Another Woman includes: spending personal time with God in prayers and reading the scripture, having a friend that can hold you accountable, and cutting off from any woman you find attractive.

Another aspect of the book I like was the part he highlighted some leadership qualities that a man needs to have in order to pilot the affairs of his home and finish strong. Some of the qualities are: being a servant, being teachable, being just, and being hospitable. One may be wondering what it means to be just. Being just helps one to keep in check his actions and words. Any man who wishes to finish strong must live an exemplary lifestyle such that he appears upright in the sight of his wife and children. He must be careful with the kind of words that come out of his mouth. He should avoid unjust words that can breed disunity and contempt. One thing I like about this part of the book is that these qualities and the accompanying text will go help ladies identify some attributes to look out for in a potential husband.

Overall, Finishing Strong was a valuable read. The incorporated Bible verses, illustrations, and study questions enhanced my understanding of the book. I particularly appreciate the author's writing style, which is clear, concise, and straightforward. His candid approach made the reading experience more engaging and thought-provoking.

The closing chapter of the book was the highlight of my reading experience. The author posed important questions that left me in a state of introspection and self-evaluation. These questions challenged me to question my choices and decisions and provided a roadmap for personal growth and development. Some of the questions that stood out to me are:
• What do you want your life to look like in ten/twenty years?
• What do you want your children's lives to look like in ten years?
• What is your vision for your life?

By answering these questions, one can gain a clearer understanding of their priorities and values, and begin to take steps towards achieving their goals.

I recommend this book to both young and elderly men alike. Young men can benefit from the author's insights by learning from the mistakes and successes of others and making necessary adjustments in their lives. The book provides valuable guidance for young men who are navigating life's challenges and seeking to build a strong foundation for their future. Similarly, elderly men can also benefit from the book's message. It is never too late to realign one's life and pursue a path of purpose and fulfillment. As the example of Moses shows, God can call a person at any age, irrespective of their past, and use them to accomplish great things. The book provides encouragement and practical advice for men of all ages who are seeking to finish strong and make the most of their lives.

[Aude Cabaldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who'd have thought that some of the godly men mentioned in the "hall of faith" in Hebrews were NOT strong finishers? Steve makes a compelling case of what it means to finish strong, drawing from scripture and illustrated with personal experience and infused with intriguing historical and biblical references. Well worth the read and a great challenge to every man who values their role as husband, father, family and community leader.

[Goke Obasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young man, this is one of the best books I have ever read.
If you are not just concerned about the now, but also concerned about how you will finish, this book is for you. If you are not concerned about how you will finish, this book is especially for you.
The lessons that lie in this book are so profound and they are delivered in storylike and easy to read manner.
I consider this book a reference manual for every man. God bless you Steve.

[Viashima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the most thought provoking book I've read about vision.
Vision for your life.
Vision for your kids.
Vision for you wife.
Vision for staying the course and finishing strong in the Christian race.
I strongly recommend this book to all men who not only want to finish strong but also want to do right by their families.

[Odediran Oluwatobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book once and has decided to keep reading it every year. It has really opened my eyes to quite a number of life issues. God bless Steve Farrar

[Adetoye Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and it's a book for every man who wants to finish strong not only himself but with his house hold....really love this book.

[Tom Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent reminder of what a man's priorities must be if he is to live as a follower of Christ and provide leadership to his family throughout the years.

[Recy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering yet humbling. A must for beggars and kings.

[Samuel Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Farrar beleuchtet in drei Abschnitten das Thema des Durchhaltens im Glaubens. Dabei vergleicht er wie schon Paulus (Phil 3, 13-14; 1. Kor. 9,24-27) das Glaubensleben mit einem Lauf, den man bis zur Ziellinie und Siegeskranz laufen muss.
Im ersten Teil macht Farrar die Priorität eines starken Endes wichtig. Dabei schildert er eine Beobachtung, die mich tief getroffen hat: "Nur einer von zehn, die mit 21 Jahren im vollzeitlichen Dienst für den Herrn anfangen, ist im Alter von 65 Jahren noch auf Kurs."
Farrar zeigt anschaulich, wie viele Männer durch Entmutigungen, liberale Theologie, dem Drang Geld zu verdienen und vielen anderen Gründen aufgeben.
Er macht klar, das im Leben eines Christ nicht zählt, wie man startet, sondern das es darauf ankommt, wie man abschließt.
Im zweiten Teil geht er dann näher auf die Gefahren auf dem Weg zu einem starken Ende ein. All diese Gefahren begründet er biblisch und leicht nachvollziehbar.
Zum Schluss zeigt er die Prototypen eines leichten Endes und macht Mut, gerade wenn man schlecht gestartet ist, dass man trotzdem ein starkes Ende haben kann.
Farrar definiert ein "starkes Ende" in einer starken und engen Beziehung zu Christus, mit der man bis an das Ende des Lebens kommen wird. Dabei kommt es darauf an, dass man visionär lebt und sich Gedanken über das starke Abschließen macht. Es erfordert beispielsweise auch die Vision, zu sehen, dass die Mehrheit der Männer, einen guten Start hinlegen, aber nicht stark abschließen.
Ich schreibt: "Es erfordert Vision, nicht schlecht abzuschließen.
Es erfordert Vision, nicht so lala abzuschließen.
Es erfordert Vision, stark abzuschließen.
Deine Frau wird dich dafür lieben.
Deine Kinder werden Gott irgendwann in zwanzig, dreißig Jahren, wenn sie eigene Kinder großziehen, für einen Papa danken, der sie nicht sitzengelassen hat, als es schwierig wurde. Und sie werden ihre Familie auch nicht sitzenlassen. Weil sie gesehen haben, wie der wichtigste Mann in ihrem Leben stark abgeschlossen hat."

Dieses Buch hat mich tief beeindruckt, gewarnt und ermahnt. Ich habe gelernt das man nicht von allein stark abschließt, sondern das es im Hier- und Jetzt, aber auch während des ganzen Lebens eine starke Vision und Entscheidung braucht. Sicherlich eins der Besten Bücher, die ich in den letzten Jahren gelesen habe.

Besonders geeignet ist dieses Buch für die Jüngerschafts-, Hauskreis- oder Männerarbeit. Erwähnenswert ist der Studienleitfaden am Ende.

[Richard Angelus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Farrar starts the book with a story of three men: Billy Graham, Chuck Templeton, and Bron Clifford. In their mid-twenties, around 1945, these three young preachers were very active in evangelism. One seminary president, after hearing Templeton preach one evening to an audience of thousands, called him "the most gifted and talented young man in America today for preaching." Graham and Templeton were friends. In those early years, Templeton was the most famous and called by a local newspaper as a man who "best used of God."

Clifford was yet another gifted and powerful preacher "the church had seen in centuries.” It was said of him that young Clifford had "touched more lives, influenced more leaders, and set more attendance records than any other clergyman his age in American history." I bet some (if not, most) of you know and heard about Billy Graham. So – the question is – how come you've never heard of Chuck Templeton or Bron Clifford?

To read my review of Steve Farrar's Finishing Strong: Going the Distance for Your Family (1995), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/07...

[Jonas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Das Buch “Zielstrebich” ist eine an christliche Männer gerichtete Aufforderung, dass man seinen Fokus darauf setzen soll, sein geistliches Leben stark abzuschließen. Diese eine durchaus wichtige Aussage wird sehr ausführlich behandelt. So fühlt sich das Buch etwas inhaltsleer an, wozu auch die einleitenden Passagen der Kapitel ihren Teil beitragen. Aus Erlebnissen von Personen der Geschichte werden Punkte abgeleitet und auf den Leser übertragen. Dieses Vorgehen wirkt manchmal etwas platt, was jedoch auch an der deutschen Übersetzung liegen könnte.

[Kibwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

This book really opened my eyes to how I am with pride and other areas I needed to check on. I want to finish strong I recommend anyone who wants too, should read this book. Take your time soak in what is written don’t try to finish it in a day, soak it in and each chapter stop and reflect on your life what he said in the chapter. Thank you for following God’s vision in writing this book to help others, thank you very much.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The race is on ...

We are born to swim, to perform and to progress. It is a given. It is how we participate and go about it that matters. Qualities of the heart energizes us. We choose to perform on our own at all cost or we do so knowing that Jesus is our exemplary role model in the race to eternity. Let’s run your and my race as Jesus directs and not against each other to outsmart outdo each other but as humanity together to eternity - the humanrace

[William Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Farrar doesn’t pull any punches in this compelling read. If you’re a Christian who likes the comfort that the American church has afforded us, then don’t read this book. You will leave these pages convicted of your proneness to wander and charged up to do something about it. Steve has a way of invoking resolve to finish strong through his many stories and scripture teachings. A must read for every man who is serious about his faith.

[Anyike · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!

I am so grateful I was led by the Holy Spirit to read this and I am looking forward to reading this book again.

All I can say that this is a book that requires you to be humble and willing to let go of your pride and admit we are much more closer to someone flawed but can still finish strong!

The beauty of this book is that we see various people that finished strong and there are different starts to each of them, which means it’s relatable to everyone!

What an amazing book!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an early 90s book during the Promise Keeper fad. But a fun and encouraging book to go through with another man to encourage one another to finish strong. Serval good illustrations for pastors and teachers.

As one GoodReads review says: “A little outdated and kind of cheesy at times, but it still presents some really solid content and challenged me in many ways.”

Chapter 6 on the “Unleader” from John 3 is especially good on Diotrephes!

[Michael Neeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good look in the mirror

This book has lots of practical tips to avoid tanking your life. I would recommend it to any man in their twenties and thirties that are wondering if their life is going to matter in the end. Uses bible stories to draw very applicable parallels to modern situations. Probably could’ve been a little shorter, some of it seemed repetitive. Enjoyed it.

[Evan Bone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good philosophy and subject, decent authorship. The first half of the book was great, the second half felt like filler. I understand the usage of oral vocabulary used in text form, but in a Christian book I found it pointless...maybe a little crass at times. Not a bad read, not a great one either.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful thoughts about fatherhood and generally family. Love the author's method of story telling and using examples from his own life.
Great read especially for my generation. One of the good things to hear in the midst of toxic feminism and toxic masculinity that is the new norm.
Wonderful husbands and wives do exist. Such an amazing thought.

[TJ Bayus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to take notes! With the amount of wisdom and powerful quotes that are in this book you are going to want to write some of it down! Packed with knowledge, it’s a must read for anyone wanting to FINISH STRONG!

[Wambui Mukabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may be meant for men but I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though I am of the opposite gender. Farrar passes on such a powerful message in a humorous manner I had to confirm some of the scriptures he quoted! Recommended for every Christian wanting to finish strong.