The Finishers

by Roger Hershey, Jason Weimer

Completing the mission of Christ in your generation.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christianity

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Adam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly think that this book is a must read for any young adult who follows Jesus. The concept of being a Finisher that the authors discuss here include some transformational truths and mindsets that were very eye opening for me. Shifting our perspective to be eternal I think is critical to living out God’s call on our lives. This book not only talks about the importance of evangelism and sharing the gospel to those who have never heard it, but also how to live our lives in a way that allows us to participate in His mission. We’ve been passed the baton, the question is: will we run our part of the race?

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus - drawing near to Him, experiencing His presence and power, and coming face to face with His amazing grace and abundant goodness - will inevitably propel us outward. Knowing Him drives us to make Him known, and drives us to long for, even die for, the consummation of His Kingdom”

[Clare Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally finished the finishers :) overall really good. i’ve heard Roger speak about most of what he shares in the book, but reading this was such a good reminder of what following jesus with ALL we have should & could look like & how the world would change if all of us did. let’s finish this thing

[mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

angstier/more readable version of let the nations be glad. less heady and more effective at convicting me. would recommend it before pipers.

[Michelle Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes. Highly recommend. The primary audience of this book is students but I think the global Church would be radically impacted if believers of all ages read this book.

Down side? The physical production of this book is pretty terrible, it’s pretty long, & I have no clue where to buy it except crustore.org

But still… worth it.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically a greatest hits from Roger Hershey in book form. It is excellent and motivating!

[Kaitlin Sarago · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was essentially the greatest hits of Roger Hershey! Although everything I had read I had heard before, it was incredibly inspiring and motivating. Overall a good read!

[Mackenzie Reagor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book convicted me of my motivations for gospel conversations. After hearing Hershey speak, some of the chapters seemed a bit boring (because I had already heard the content).

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i heard roger hershey speak for the first time earlier this month and found his messages convicting and inspiring. this book builds off of his message of taking the Great Commission seriously, and challenges us individually to pursue the finishing of our calling.

takeaways:
-i don't want my life to be determined by pea-sized Christianity, but instead embody and cultivate a world-Christianity mindset where I look and act deeper, seeking to produce love and fellowship outside of my bubble.
-i know i am not my own, HE has the rights to my life. i vow to continue to yield my rights because i identify with Jesus in his death and in his life (which means i also adopt his attitude of surrendering rights)
-i am reminded of what a biblical disciple of Christ looks like: one who walks by faith, communicates his faith, and multiplies his faith.

i hope like paul, to be able to say this at the end of my life,
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." -2 Tim 4:7-8

[Lindsay Tucker Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Roger speak at a Cru conference for soon-to-be college graduates in 2019, and this book reflected many of those same themes from Roger’s series of talks.

The first part of the book gives a broad overview of the Biblical basis for and modern state of global missions, and the second half centers on how young people in particular should live in light of that. His strongest points include: what it looks like to yield our “rights,” how to make decisions with discernment, living for Christ through stewardship, spiritual calling versus vocation, and more. In a lot of ways, this book is similar to Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life, and Roger himself quotes Piper often. Nonetheless, I found this is to be an excellent read on God’s plan for gathering to Himself people from every tribe, tongue, and nation and how as a young adult I can be a part of that plan, whether that is by going myself into missions or by helping to send others. 5 stars!

[Jesse Kessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written to the new Christian, or young adult, this book does a great job of framing theology with the great commission front and center.

Inspiring and richly biblical, I would recommend this to anyone thinking critically and practically about the purpose of their faith, or of the church. Especially if you are a young adult or new Christian.

The book is a little long, and each topic is given plenty of words. Chapters 2 and 3 give a fun to read historical perspective talking about missions through the old testament and the church age up to now, and chapter 12 gives a practical chat about what missions and evangelism looks like today. Those three chapters would be the best to read first and decide if the rest of the book is for you.

The rest of the book has lots of great content to offer on topics such as decipleship, discernment, financial stewardship, prayer, and grace.

[Daniel Scaife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is challenging and visionary. Hersh had a huge impact on me and my walk with Christ, and being able to digest his teachings at a slower pace was extremely valuable. We must be world Christians. Finishing this Great Commission must be central to our lives, because so much is at stake. The eternal destination of billions of men and women around the world are at stake. This book has a very worthy mission.

[Judith Brans - Donker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life-changing. I don't have the right words to explain how much this book means to me. The self-reflecting moments while reading this book were confronting but necessary. This book shows us who we should be in Christ while living in a world full of distractions. How to give, pray and go.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give 4.5 stars. This is really close to being one of my "every Christian should read this book" books. The only thing holding it back is the fact that it's 100% geared toward younger audiences (25 and younger I would say). It's also a little dated in a few places, but still holds up really well and the core message is one everyone should hear.

[Tanusha Attanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, really encouraging and aligning to my faith and vocational ministry.

[Ross Manion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want to experience the pea! Go means Go

[Caleb Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I leave college this book has really set my heart on how to finish the race strong in my faith. Really loved every bit of it with my bible study, 5/5

[Kennedy Froebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good re-read. Encouraging to reflect on what God has taught me since I first read this and the many things He is still teaching me.

[Braydon Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really grew my vision for making disciples and reaching the world.

[Devan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting

I really don't know how to review a Christian book, so I'm just going to do my best.

I heard Roger Hershey speak at my Cru Fall Retreat earlier this year. I quite enjoyed his messages and was very excited to read his book.

The book, in essence, is kind of the expanded version of his sermons. There are two key takeaways to be had from this book, in my opinion:

1. You don't have to look for a calling. You just have to look for where the Lord is wanting to work, and then act. You don't need a special calling from the Lord. He gave you permission to do his work when he said "go and make disciples of all nations."

2 .There is a difference between my position and my condition with God. Positionally, I am with God forever in heaven. However, I still sin. My sin changes my condition with God, as do my victories. Those sins and victories create an upward trajectory that is my sanctification. This was a huge help to me, knowing my position with God is secure regardless of condition.

Honestly, I would have to read this book several more times to totally expunge everything that it has to offer, and I probably will. 5/5 stars. I recommend it.

[Robert Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best missions book I've ever read, partly because it is not your typical "missions book". This book is very well rounded in its discussion of what it's going to take on an individual and church-wide level to finish the Great Commission. I can't recommend this book highly enough for people in any stage of life, but for college students and young professionals it's an absolute must-read.

[Zachary Hanje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and engaging read. Hersh does a great job at compelling you to really consider how your life might be one of a "world-Christian." I do wish there was a larger stress and treatment on the pivotal role of the church in the task. But, worthy read.