Missionary to New York

We are much worse in our sin than we want to admit. Christ loves us much more than we can see or feel. Don’t choose one over the other.

In his biography of New York Pastor Tim Keller, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation (Zondervan 2023), Collin Hansen writes that these were key truths that Keller held on to as he launched Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) and became a ­prolific author and podcaster through the Gospel Coalition.

Focusing on Keller’s spiritual formation, Hansen doesn’t get into recent political debates involving the pastor. Instead, Hansen outlines Keller’s personal story of bringing the gospel to the highly educated, transient, and wealthy residents of New York City.

One of Hansen’s best chapters takes the reader to Hopewell, Va., where Keller had his first pastorate. There Keller practiced principles from Richard Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor in a rural blue-collar church setting. Hansen gives enough specific detail to offer an excellent handout for seminary students.

Another strong chapter tells how his wife Kathy followed her convictions rather than the culture as his wife in a complementarian marriage. “I put wind in his sails,” she said.

Hansen researches in depth, sets historical context well, and offers substantial background for the ­influences on Keller.

The influencers read like a Who’s Who of Reformed and evangelical teachers of an earlier generation. Keller learned from Francis Schaeffer how to understand the times; from R.C. Sproul the priority of systematic theology and sharp thinking; from Welsh preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones lessons on urban ministry, maintaining sound doctrine, and using the Puritans in a prudent way.

Keller juggled these influences in the context of revival in New York since the 1990s—especially in new local churches blossoming with help from Redeemer—and compassion for the needy.

The author is Keller’s friend but also an impartial historian, so readers see Keller’s flaws, such as in management. He admires Keller yet keeps him off any pedestal that belongs only to Jesus Christ.

Hansen also opens a door for future biographies. This book won’t be the last word on Keller, but it will be one of the best.