Timothy Keller is a prominent American pastor, theologian, and author who has made significant contributions to Christian thought and practice. Here are 10 things you should know about Timothy Keller:
Background: Timothy Keller was born on September 23, 1950, in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, United States and He Passed away on May 19, 2023, New York, United States. He grew up in a Presbyterian family and attended Bucknell University, where he studied theology, literature, and philosophy. He later earned his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and both a Doctor of Ministry and a Doctor of Divinity from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ministry: Keller is the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. The church started in 1989 with a small group of people and grew into a large congregation known for its emphasis on biblical teaching, urban ministry, and engaging with the broader culture.
Authorship: Keller is a prolific writer and has authored numerous books on various theological and cultural topics. Some of his notable works include "The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism," "The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith," and "Walking with God through Pain and Suffering." Overall, God allowed him to author 31 books that have sold over 6 million copies and have been translated into 29 languages.
Theological Perspective: Keller is known for his commitment to orthodox Christian beliefs while engaging with contemporary intellectual challenges. He combines insights from Reformed theology, apologetics, and cultural analysis to address questions and doubts people have about Christianity.
Intellectual Engagement: Keller values intellectual rigor and encourages Christians to engage thoughtfully with secular culture. He has spoken at numerous universities and engaged in public debates with prominent atheists and skeptics, defending the reasonableness of Christian faith.
City Ministry: Keller's ministry in New York City has had a significant impact on urban ministry models. Redeemer Presbyterian Church actively engages with the cultural, social, and intellectual challenges of the city, seeking to present the Christian faith in a compelling and relevant manner.
Influence: Keller's books, sermons, and teachings have reached a wide audience and have influenced Christians globally. His emphasis on urban ministry, cultural engagement, and intellectual engagement has inspired many pastors, theologians, and Christians to think deeply about the intersection of faith and culture.
Church Planting: Keller has been actively involved in promoting church planting movements. He co-founded the Gospel Coalition, a network of churches and ministries committed to gospel-centered ministry, and the City to City initiative, which seeks to equip leaders for urban church planting around the world.
Reformed Theology: Keller identifies with the Reformed theological tradition, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the grace of God in salvation. However, he seeks to present these doctrines in a winsome and accessible manner that resonates with a broad audience.
Personal Life: Timothy Keller is married to Kathy Keller, and they have three sons. David Andrew (b. 1978), Michael Stephen (b. 1980), and Jonathan Daniel (b. 1983), each born in Hopewell, Virginia.
Nissan Gharti Magar is a Pastor of God's Plan Church. He loves to write faith-based Blogs.