The Passing of America’s Pastor

Tim Keller possessed a unique blend of pastoral gentleness and theological rigor.

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Timothy Keller (Screenshot via Gospel in Life)

Even just hours before dying Friday of pancreatic cancer at age 72, Tim Keller’s final public words indicate he left the world the same way he lived in it—telling others about his faith. “I’m ready to see Jesus,” he said Thursday night, according to his son Michael. “I can’t wait to see Jesus. Take me home.” 

It’s hard to quantify the impact of Keller, an author, New York City pastor, scholar, and intellectual leader. In many ways, he became America’s pastor. 

Raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Keller became a Christian while a student at Bucknell University before attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and receiving a Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Seminary. 

He began ministry humbly, as the pastor of West* Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia. In the late 1980s his denomination—the Presbyterian Church in America—assigned him the task of finding someone to establish a new church in New York City. When no one else raised his hand, he did. As biographer Collin Hansen shares in his book, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation, Keller thrust himself into the task of connecting the truths of the gospel with a city with a minuscule Evangelical presence, and thousands of New Yorkers converted to Christianity through the ministry of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. 

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  1. Avatar photo
    Reepicheep (Judd)

    A good man.

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  2. Mike in Mad City

    I remain a convinced non-Calvinist, but here we can know only in part, and our hope is that some day we will know, even as we are known.

    It was through "Jesus the King" (a.k.a. "King's Cross") that Keller talked me off a spiritual cliff about a decade or so ago. I knew almost nothing about him then, but this book met me at a point where I was ready to give up on Christianity. I was then set on a journey of theological wrestling and rediscovery that later led to the small ACNA Anglican church for which I am so grateful. And God is not done with me yet.

    Tim Keller is rightly missed by many today, but what a legacy of faithfulness and hope he has left for those of us who still sojourn in this world. To paraphrase N.T. Wright, who was reflecting on his father's passing some time ago: Death is a monster, but it does not get the final say.

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  3. Dustin M

    Tim Keller will definitely be missed. He was one of very few leaders who could handle hard truths well, and could also exposit nuanced positions with great clarity. Lack of nuance is one of the biggest problems in the church and in American society as a whole these days - you can see it just by researching reactions from both sides of the aisle to various things Keller said. As a general rule, Christians on the "right" err by failing to see how much of their theology has in fact been shaped by cultural factors and whims (as opposed to 100% from the biblical text), while Christians on the "left" err by believing it's perfectly ok to force their cultural whims onto scriptures and reinterpret them accordingly. In contrast, Keller always carefully separated what is clearly communicated by the bible from cultural noise, and refused to compromise on the former while maintaining a posture of openness on cultural and political issues. He consistently made "both sides" upset - which is generally what happens when one is an honest seeker of truth. I hope many learn from his example.

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  4. Clisbyw

    This is not meant in any way as a criticism of Tim Keller, of whom I know nothing - had never even heard of him until I saw articles about his death.

    It's another reminder that the US a hugely diverse place - it's one of the reasons I read The Dispatch.

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  5. Prelliott1

    Tim Keller was a modern C.S. Lewis for our time. His Gospel in Life podcasts are foundational to reaffirming and building my faith, and his books are best sellers for a reason. He has been and will continue to be a spiritual mentor to me even though I've never met him.

    And he's right, the Gospel does change everything. God truly blessed us by giving us a loving, intelligent. faithful, and unflappable servant. I grieve his death but thank God for his service and look forward to meeting him so I can thank him personally.

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  6. Karyl.Savageau

    Is belied the correct word re Keller’s magnanimous gesture and generous spirit?
    Thanks.

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    1. T.S.

      I came here to write the same thing. They seem to have fixed this since, but they quoted the incorrect use of the word in the Morning Dispatch today.

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    2. Jeanmvestal

      My only quibble with the article. Please learn to use the word "belie" correctly. Otherwise, a lovely reflection on a great and good man.

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    Ohio Gas Hog

    I sometimes wonder and worry about, who in this generation is going to stand up and be the biblical teachers and leaders we need in this culture, once the Kellers and Pipers of this world are gone? Then I see how Mr. Keller faced his final days and how he taught and preached the truth and certainty of the resurrection of Jesus and I know we can face the future, with all of its uncertainty, with joy, peace and love.

    Great reflection and article Mr. Darling.

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  8. Eric Harrison

    It was Princeton Seminary -not the University – which revoked the award. Wonderful article.

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  9. Jdfin84

    Great article. Very helpful to my spiritual formation

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  10. Avatar photo
    Alan

    Thanks for the beautiful tribute. I am not Reformed, but I have been deeply influenced by Keller's writings. And I'm sure that will continue for many years to come.

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