‘Above All, He Loved Jesus’—Ministry Leaders Pay Tribute to Dr. Timothy Keller

timothy Keller
Frank Licorice, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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“I don’t know where to begin…talking about my gratitude for Tim Keller,” said Mike Cosper, host of the podcast, “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.” “For nearly two decades his work had a profound influence on my life. In particular, in one of my most difficult seasons, his way of describing life with God kept the lights on in my faith.”

Dr. Sean McDowell, Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, said, “Although we never met, I deeply appreciate his book ‘The Reason for God’ and how he always aimed to graciously engage others.”

Author and Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel tweeted, “So thankful to God for Tim Keller’s life and ministry. Brilliant communicator, superb role model and wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed on earth but is now with the Lord for all eternity.”

“Cathe and I had the privilege of hearing him speak at his home Church in NYC a number of times and met him briefly as well,” said Harvest Christian Fellowship senior pastor Greg Laurie. “Tim Keller was a very gifted communicator of God’s word. He made the teaching of Scripture understandable and was a real gift to the Church. He will be missed. Let’s be praying for his wife Kathy and members of his family as they deal with this tremendous loss.” 

“Praying for the family of Tim Keller and for the congregation he so dearly loved,” said Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “His confident hope in Christ endured to the end.”

Responding to the news of Keller receiving hospice, author and Bible teacher Beth Moore tweeted, “Never had the pleasure of meeting him or reading many of his works but I’ve been greatly encouraged by his long devotion to Jesus. Receive your dear servant joyously, worthy Lord.”

Moore’s daughter, author Melissa Moore, tweeted, “In a time of deep suffering I listened religiously to Tim Keller’s sermons, especially the oldest ones I could find. His preaching sustained me in that season of my life. I’m grateful and sad.”

“I am crying softly,” said Church Answers CEO Thom Rainer. “My tears surprise me.” He continued:

I only met with Tim Keller twice. But these things I know. He loved his wife and three sons. He loved the Bible. He loved others. He sought unity in a world of division. He cared deeply for the hurting and the homeless. He shared the gospel unashamedly. He loved the local church. Above all, he loved Jesus, the Savior who just welcomed him into His arms. Thank you for your life, @timkellernyc. And praise God for your eternal life.

“The heart of an evangelist,” said Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. “The approach of an apologist, the commitment of a pastor, the precision of a theologian. He was a brilliant scholar who never flaunted his intellect. He could [be] prophetic without being condescending. I thank God for Tim Keller.”

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Jessica Mouser
Jessica is a content editor for ChurchLeaders.com and the producer of The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast. She has always had a passion for the written word and has been writing professionally for the past eight years. When Jessica isn't writing, she enjoys West Coast Swing dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

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