David G. R. Keller

Timothy James Keller (1950-2023) was an American Presbyterian pastor, Reformed theologian, and Christian apologist. He co-founded Redeemer City to City, an organization focused on training pastors for global urban centers, and was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. Keller authored several New York Times bestselling books, including 'The Reason for God' and 'The Prodigal God,' which explored common objections to Christianity and the core tenets of the gospel.

His ministry emphasized a 'gospel-centered' approach, contrasting the gospel with what he termed 'traditional religion' and 'irreligion.' Keller's apologetic work aimed to engage educated and skeptical audiences, drawing from his experiences in New York City. He also addressed themes of idolatry, critiqued political entanglements of evangelicalism, and applied Christian theology to secular vocations. Keller held complementarian views on gender and believed homosexual behavior was inconsistent with Scripture. He passed away in May 2023 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Keller's pastoral work was deeply rooted in Reformed theology, with a particular emphasis on articulating the gospel in a way that resonated with contemporary culture. He described the gospel as a message of profound sinfulness yet equally profound acceptance in Christ, contrasting this with what he called 'traditional religion' and 'irreligion.' This approach, often termed 'gospel-centered,' informed his ministry, particularly his founding and leadership of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. The church, established in 1989, grew significantly, attracting a diverse congregation of urban professionals. Keller's apologetic efforts, notably in 'The Reason for God,' were designed to address the intellectual doubts of skeptical New Yorkers, drawing from his extensive pastoral conversations.

A significant aspect of Keller's ministry involved engaging with secular culture and applying Christian theology to various vocations, including business, art, and entrepreneurship. He co-founded the Center for Faith and Work to provide theological education for working professionals. Keller was known for his nuanced approach to cultural issues, including his appreciation for works like the Harry Potter novels, which differed from more conservative evangelical stances. His apologetics were influenced by thinkers such as C. S. Lewis and John Stott, focusing on respectful dialogue with educated and skeptical audiences. He also addressed the theme of idolatry, identifying modern forms of devotion to money, career, or power as substitutes for devotion to God.

Keller was a key figure in advocating for and implementing urban church planting. Recruited to establish Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, he recognized the need for biblically orthodox churches in city centers. This focus extended globally through Redeemer City to City, an organization he co-founded to train and support pastors in major cities worldwide. His work in urban ministry was influenced by his mentor, Harvie Conn, and Keller himself became a mentor to many younger church leaders. He authored extensively on the importance of cities and provided a theological framework for ministry within them, as seen in his book 'Center Church.'