Timothy J. Keller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tim Keller
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Keller in 2006
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| Born |
Timothy James Keller
September 23, 1950 Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | May 19, 2023 (aged 72) New York City, U.S.
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| Education | |
| Occupation | Minister and author |
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Notable work
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Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church |
| Spouse(s) |
Kathy Kristy
(m. 1975) |
| Children | 3 |
| Ordination | Presbyterian Church in America |
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| Tradition or movement |
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Timothy James Keller (born September 23, 1950 – died May 19, 2023) was an American pastor, writer, and Christian thinker. He helped start and lead an organization called Redeemer City to City. This group trains pastors to serve in cities around the world.
Keller was also the first pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. He wrote several popular books. Some of his most famous books include The Prodigal God (2008) and The Reason for God (2008). These books became bestsellers.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Timothy James Keller was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1950. His parents were Louise A. Keller and William B. Keller.
He went to Bucknell University and earned a degree in 1972. Later, he studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. He received his highest degree, a Doctor of Ministry, in 1981.
During his time at Bucknell University, Keller became a Christian. This happened because of a group called InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He later worked for InterVarsity himself.
Keller became a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He served as a pastor at a church in Hopewell, Virginia, for nine years. He also helped the PCA start new churches. He taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. There, he and his wife, Kathy Keller, worked with city ministries.
Career and Ministry
In 1989, Keller was asked to start a new church in Manhattan, New York City. This church became Redeemer Presbyterian Church. He had not started a church before, but he took on the challenge.
In 2008, Keller published his book, The Reason for God. This book talked about common questions and doubts people have about the Christian faith. It became a very popular book. It even reached number seven on The New York Times bestseller list for nonfiction books.
Redeemer Presbyterian Church's Growth
Redeemer Presbyterian Church started with about 50 people. By 2008, more than 5,000 people attended its services each Sunday. Many people called Keller a very successful Christian leader in New York City.
The church focused on young working adults in the city. Keller believed these young people had a big impact on culture and ideas. This made the church unique for a large church in the U.S. Many members were single adults. Also, over 40 percent of the congregation was Asian-American. Many people worked in arts and finance.
Keller's preaching was known for being thoughtful. He did not avoid difficult Christian ideas. He also avoided taking strong political sides. This helped the church stay politically balanced.
Redeemer Presbyterian Church also created other important groups.
- Hope for New York: This group helps over 40 ministries that serve social needs in New York City.
- The Center for Faith and Work: This center helps professionals connect their faith with their jobs.
- Redeemer City to City: This group trains and supports pastors. It helps them start new churches in New York and other cities around the world.
Keller also helped start The Gospel Coalition. This group brings together Christian leaders from across the United States. He also mentored younger church leaders. This helped his influence grow globally.
On July 1, 2017, Keller stepped down as the main pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. He wanted to focus more on training new church leaders. He also wanted to help start more churches in cities globally through Redeemer City to City.
Personal Life
Timothy Keller married Kathy Kristy in 1975. They had three children together.
Keller had health challenges during his life. He had thyroid cancer in 2002. In June 2020, he shared that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away at his home in Manhattan on May 19, 2023, at the age of 72.
