Tim Keller (pastor)

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Tim Keller
Timothy Keller.jpg
Keller in 2006
Born Timothy James Keller
(1950-09-23)September 23, 1950
Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist.
New York City, U.S.
Education
Occupation Minister and author
Notable work Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Spouse(s) Kathy Kristy (m. 1975)
Children 3
Theological work
Tradition or movement Christianity
Main interests Neo-Calvinism and Evangelicalism

Timothy James Keller (23 September 1950 – 19 May 2023) was an American Neo-Calvinist pastor, theologian, and Christian apologist. He was the chairman and co-founder of Redeemer City to City, which trains pastors for service around the world. He was also the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and the author of The New York Times bestselling books The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith (2008),[1] Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God (2014),[2] and The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (2008).[3][4] The prequel for the latter is Making Sense of GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical (2016).[5][excessive citation]

Early life and education

Timothy James Keller was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1950, to Louise A. Keller (Clemente)[6] and William B. Keller, a television advertising manager.[7][8][9][10] Keller was a graduate of Bucknell University (BA, 1972), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1975) and Westminster Theological Seminary, where he received his D.Min. in 1981[11] under the supervision of Harvie M. Conn.[12] Although he attended the Lutheran Church in America during his upbringing,[13] he became a Christian while at Bucknell University due to the ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Keller later served as a staff member with InterVarsity.[14]

Keller was ordained by the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Keller served as a pastor at West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, for nine years[15] while also serving as director of church planting for the PCA.[16] He also served on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, where he and his wife Kathy Keller were involved in urban ministry.[17]

Career

Despite a lack of previous experience, Keller was recruited by his denomination to start Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan in 1989 after two others had turned down the position.[16]

In 2008, Keller published his first book since his 1989 report to his denomination on diaconal ministries, Ministries of Mercy. The book, The Reason for God, was based on common objections to the Christian faith heard during his ministry in New York City. The book reached seventh on the New York Times Nonfiction bestseller list.[4]

Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Redeemer Presbyterian Church grew from 50 people to a total attendance of over 5,000 people each Sunday as of 2008, leading some to call Keller "the most successful Christian evangelist in the city".[16][18] In 2004, Christianity Today praised Redeemer as "one of Manhattan's most vital congregations".[19]

The church's emphasis on young urban professionals, whom Keller believed exhibit disproportionate influence over the culture and its ideas,[20] has given the church an unusual makeup for a US megachurch. The majority of the congregation is made up of single adults; it is also over forty percent Asian-American, and has many congregants working in the arts and financial services. In his preaching, "he hardly shrinks from difficult Christian truths, [but] he sounds different from many of the shrill evangelical voices in the public sphere."[16] Keller often critiqued both political parties and avoided taking public stances on political issues, resulting in a politically centrist church.[21]

Redeemer Presbyterian Church has also founded Hope for New York, a non-profit organization that sends volunteers and grants to over 40 faith-based ministries serving social needs in New York City; the Center for Faith and Work, to train professionals in Christian theology; and Redeemer City to City, to train and fund pastors in New York and other cities.[22]

Keller was a co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, a group of Reformed leaders from around the United States. His mentoring of younger church leaders, such as Scott Sauls[23] in Nashville and Steve Chong[24] in Sydney, increased his influence globally.

On July 1, 2017, Keller stepped down from his role as senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. The move was part of a larger vision to shift his efforts from preaching to training the next generation of church leaders and starting new churches in global cities through Redeemer City to City.[25]

Theological views

Keller shunned the label "evangelical" because of its political and fundamentalist connotation, preferring to call himself orthodox because "he believes in the importance of personal conversion or being 'born again,' and the full authority of the Bible."[16] He identified with Calvinist theology, although he had been critiqued by some in that tradition for his interpretation of its doctrines.[26] He was described as a "doctrine-friendly emerging pastor"[27] and a "neo-Calvinist."[28]

Gospel versus religion

The centerpiece and underpinning of Keller's ministry was his teaching of the doctrine of the gospel, emphasizing the doctrines of total depravity, unmerited grace and substitutionary atonement. This teaching is summarized in his oft-used explanation, "The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope."[29] This understanding of the gospel is contrasted to what Keller called "traditional religion" (which he defines as a set of rules, rituals or actions that enable an individual to earn salvation or favor with God) as well as "irreligion" (which he defines as the belief that there is no God or no need for his favor). This has been referred to as a "gospel third way," or "gospel-centered" approach. Typical of this teaching is his interpretation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see The Prodigal God), based on a teaching of one of Keller's mentors, Edmund Clowney.[30]

Apologetics

Keller's preaching and writing in his apologetics is characterized by a respectful orientation towards an educated and skeptical audience outside the faith. His most explicit work on the subject was The Reason for God[4] which he attributed to thousands of conversations with skeptical New Yorkers over the course of his ministry (Reason, xix).

On creationism, Keller stated that his view is not strictly literal and that evolution is "neither ruled in nor ruled out" in his church.[31] Keller wrote on the topic for the Biologos Foundation.[32]

Keller's major influences in apologetics included C.S. Lewis, Cornelius Van Til,[33] John Stott, Alvin Plantinga and Miroslav Volf.[34]

Idolatry

Another central theme in Keller's teaching was idolatry, as based on teachings of Martin Luther[35] and John Calvin,[36] and on the Ten Commandments and other parts of the Bible. Keller stated that contemporary idol worship continues today in the form of an addiction or devotion to money, career, sex, power and anything people seek to give significance and satisfaction in life other than God (detailed in his book Counterfeit Gods).[37][38]

Social justice and politics

Keller disavowed the "Social Gospel" that has characterized Mainline Protestant churches, which advocates liberal political causes and de-emphasizes the doctrines of sin and substitutionary sacrifice. However, he also criticized the evangelical alliance with Republicans and argued that Christianity is a much broader global movement that agrees with some liberal and some conservative issues (and critiques them both).[39][40] He argued for giving to charitable causes and caring for the needs of the poor based on biblical texts such as the Torah and the parable of the Good Samaritan.[41][42]

Cultural engagement

Attributed partly to his congregation of upwardly mobile Manhattanites, Keller was a leader in applying Christian theology to secular vocations such as business, art and entrepreneurship. The Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer has sponsored business competitions and theological education for working professionals. His views on Christianity and culture are outlined in his books Every Good Endeavor and Center Church. Keller was an avid fan of the work of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, both well-known Christian authors, and also supported the Harry Potter novels which have been considered pagan by certain conservative Christians.[43]

Sex and gender

Keller held a complementarian view of gender that believes that the Bible teaches defined roles for both genders, but the specific duties accompanying each gender's role is undefined.[44] He held that "Marriage provides the personal growth that comes through cross-gender relationships."[44] He elaborated on the biblical view of sex and marriage in his book The Meaning of Marriage and believed homosexual sexual behavior is inconsistent with scripture.[45] Keller was a signatory of the Manhattan Declaration[46] and was opposed to abortion,[47] but not opposed to contraception.[31][47]

Cities and urban church planting

While at Westminster Theological Seminary, Keller was mentored by Harvie Conn, an early advocate of ministry in urban centers. He was recruited to start Redeemer Presbyterian Church due to a shortage of biblically orthodox churches in center-city Manhattan. He delivered a plenary address on the subject at the Lausanne Conference of 2010.[48]

Through Redeemer City to City, Keller mentored and chaired a network of center-city churches that represents similar ministry values worldwide.[49] He wrote extensively on the importance of cities and gave a biblical theological framework for ministry in cities in his book on ministry, Center Church.[50]

Personal life

Keller married Kathy Kristy in 1975; they had three children.[7]

Keller suffered from thyroid cancer in 2002.[51]

In June 2020, Keller revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.[52][53][54] He died under hospice care at home in Manhattan on May 19, 2023, at age 72.[55][56]

Books

Contributions in edited volumes

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Interviews

  • Amanpour, Christiane (2011). Interview with Pastor Tim Keller, ABC News This Week, April 24.
  • Barkhorn, Eleanor (2011), "How Timothy Keller Spreads the Gospel in New York City, and Beyond" The Atlantic, February 21, 2011.
  • Bechelder, Kate (2014), "God Isn't Dead in Gotham" Wall Street Journal, Dec 20–21, 2014.
  • Kristof, Nicholas (2016). "Pastor, Am I a Christian?" New York Times, December 25, p. SR19.
  • Wehner, Peter (2019). "The Moral Universe of Timothy Keller" The Atlantic, December 5, 2019.
  • Lee, Sophia (2021). "Pastoring the City" World Magazine, December 9, 2021.
  • Bobrow, Emily (2022). "Pastor Timothy Keller Speaks to the Head and the Heart" Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2022.

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Discussed by Keller at:
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Keller, Timothy (2016). Making Sense of GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical, Contents, including "Preface: The Faith of the Secular", ch. 1, "Isn't Religion Going Away?", and "Epilogue: Only in God". ISBN 9780525954156 ebk. ISBN 9780698194366.
  6. ↑ "Miss Louise Anne Clemente-Mr. William B. Keller," The Morning News (Wilmington, Delaware) June 9, 1947, Mon Page 8 (accessible on newspapers.com)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ The Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), January 31, 1975, Fri, pg. 10 (accessible on newspapers.com)
  9. ↑ 2013 obituary, https://lankfordfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/545/William-Keller/obituary.html[permanent dead link]
  10. ↑ "William B. Keller ... there's plenty to alk about!" The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania)August 14, 1965, SatPage 12 (accessible on newspapers.com)
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ "Tim Keller," Bigthink.com.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Iain D. Campbell and William M. Schweitzer (eds.), Engaging with Keller (Evangelical Press, 2013).
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ A Treatise on Good Works
  36. ↑ Institutes of the Christian Religion, Battles Edition, Book 1, Chapter XI, Section 8
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Michael Paulson, "Some Christians love Frodo but put a hex on Harry Potter", The Boston Globe, January 2, 2002.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  49. ↑ Miller, Lisa (February 9, 2008). "The Smart Shepherd". Newsweek.
  50. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  51. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  52. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  53. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  54. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  55. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  56. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  57. ↑ Keller, Timothy (2016). Making Sense of GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical, Contents, including "Preface: The Faith of the Secular," ch. 1, "Isn't Religion Going Away?", and "Epilogue: Only in God." ISBN 9780525954156 ebk. ISBN 9780698194366.
    • McCormick, David. (2016). Description, Archived September 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine Publishers Weekly, Sept.
    • JW [Wetherbee, James] (2016). "Keller, Timothy. Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical" Archived September 5, 2017, at the Wayback Machine (reviews), Library Journal, October 1.
    • Keller, Timothy (2016). "Tim Keller: Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical" (followed by Q&A), Talks at Google, Oct. 19.
    • Reynolds, Matt (2016). "Christianity Today's 2017 Book Awards" (with comments on the book by Gregory Koukl), Christianity Today. December 14.
    • Smethurst, Matt (2016). "Why Tim Keller Wrote a Prequel to 'The Reason for God'" (with a comment by Keller at the end), The Gospel Coalition, September 20.
    • Smethurst, Matt (2016). "20 Quotes from Tim Keller's New Prequel to 'The Reason for God'," The Gospel Coalition, September 19.
    • Spencer, Andrew (2016). "Making Sense of God: A Review," Ethics and Culture blog, Oct. 4.
    • Larkin, Andrew. "Making Sense of God: A Review," bethinking.org, UCCF:The Christian Unions (2016).
    • Spencer, Andrew J. (2016) "Making Sense of God: A Review," Ethics and Culture blog, Oct.
    • Larkin, Andrew (2016). "Making Sense of God: A Review," bethinking.org, UCCF:The Christian Unions.
    • Showalter, Brandon (2016). "Tim Keller Makes Sense of God for Skeptics, Argues Secularism Is Declining" (interview), The Christian Post (Sept. 20. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
    • Hewitt, Hugh (2017). "Pastor Tim Keller and Making Sense of God, The Hugh Hewitt Show. September 20. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
    • Anderson, Matthew Lee (2016). Mere Fidelity: with Tim Keller, on 'Making Sense of God' podcast interview of Timothy Keller, December 13. Retrieved 2016-12-19.
    • Knopp, Richard A. (2017). "Helping the Skeptical See God," Christian Standard, February 16.
    • West, Steve (2017). "Making Sense of GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical, by Timothy Keller" (summary), Books at a Glance, February 16.

External links

  • Tim Keller on FacebookLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
  • Tim Keller on TwitterLua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 29: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).Lua error in Module:WikidataCheck at line 28: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
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