Honoring Tim Keller’s Dedication to Sharing the Gospel

Remembering Timothy Keller: A Model Pastor and Christian Apologist

Introduction

On Thursday morning, Timothy James Keller, the most influential evangelical of the last quarter century, passed away at his home on Roosevelt Island in New York City. He was 72 years old and had been battling stage-four pancreatic cancer for almost three years. Keller was a model pastor, church planter, and Christian apologist for a generation of evangelicals and Christian ministers of many stripes across North America and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Timothy Keller was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the first-born child of William B. and Louise A. Clemente Keller. He was educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary.

Ministry and Accomplishments

Keller served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, and as Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America. He founded and pastored Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Manhattan, which grew from 50 to 5000 congregants during his tenure. Keller also co-founded The Gospel Coalition, a popular Christian resource website, and gave his full attention to Redeemer City to City, a ministry resource for urban pastors after stepping down as pastor in 2017.

Influence and Legacy

Keller’s influence can be seen in the substance and shape of seminary curricula and branding across denominations and the methods taught by evangelical church-planting networks of many and no denominational ties. He sought to find winsome ways to reach populations notoriously and increasingly resistant to Christian faith, particularly the blue communities of the nation’s cities.

Controversies and Criticisms

Keller’s conservative views periodically evoked push-back from progressives, particularly his support for the PCA’s denial of ordination to women and LBGT persons. His reception among evangelicals has been mixed, with some questioning the doctrinal faithfulness of his methods and ministry.

Conclusion

Timothy Keller’s voice will be missed as evangelicals face increasingly hostile terrain in which to bear witness to Jesus Christ and to plant churches committed to the authority of the Bible. He was a defender of the gospel, servant of the church, gentle teacher, and follower of Jesus Christ. Rest in peace.

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