The Smart Shepherd

Tim is winsome, engaging and challenging. Yes, he's orthodox and iconoclastic and that is his appeal. May God bless his endeavors and multiply Redeemer type churches. . .I'm certain that much of what they do at Redeemer, would indeed "be good everywhere". I recall speaking with Tim just before he launched Redeemer some years ago and to see how it has blossomed is awesome.

To christianwife: modern science (and evolution) and the bible can be totally compatible. Read Psalm 19 which points to the physical world that God created as an equally important source of spiritual inspiration as the truth of the written word in the Bible that was spoken by God himself. Also, see Dr. Gordon Hugenberger of Boston's Park Street Church and his recent sermon series on Modern Science (including evolution) and the Bible and how they can be perfectly in sync at www.parkstreet.org/sermon_audio

How can any Christian believe in the (scientific theory of) evolution and the Genesis account of creation at the same time?

I'm a Minnesota pastor. I was in NYC last summer. Headed back from a backpacking trip. I attended a Sun PM gathering they had in a rented church right on Broadway. Dressed in the only things I had--dirty backpacking clothes. Didn't tell anyone I was a pastor. I was made welcome and enjoyed their service. The service wasn't hyped to intended to impress. It fed my soul. (They even fed me some cookies afterward!)Gordon Larson, Austin, MN

He should try to use his charisma on Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, the sucidal war veterans and the like of Heath Ledger to prevent anymore sad stories.

can we get the truthe from the New York pastor who says he thinks too much wants to bring his Christian message to the world.it's doubtful.but i also keep an eye on him.
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Nice article, Lisa Miller, and a very good question too, whether this vision of churchplanting is fit for the rest of the world. Christianity however, regardless of tradition and denomination, has always had tot adapt the message to the ears of its followers - just like Jesus did in a way, reaching out. So, yes, the vision of tim keller will need some adjustments in order to work in other cities than NY. In fact, this we experience already in Amsterdam.
thankyou,
Grietje van Dijk, Amsterdam

Since when has New York been a city for misfits? I have never heard that before. Someone please explain that line of reasoning for me. I have always thought of New York as setting the bar for everyone else. In my thinking, if New York is a misfit, then everyone is a misfit, hence no one is really a misfit.

www.faithexchange.org -- Pastors Dan and Ann Stratton have been in the Manhattan area since the 80's. I encourage you to do a story on them as well.

http://www.faithexchange.org -- Pastors Dan and Ann Stratton have been in the Manhattan area since the 80's. I encourage you to do a story on their ministry as well.

I've personally witnessed Rev. Keller's paradigm work in other cities, and quite successfully. at that. No one can question Keller's ability as a speaker or his charisma, but the church itself is focused on the city and not on the man. The brilliant thing about Keller's preaching is his ability to make himself disappear as the message he delivers comes to the forefront.

From Indonesia,
May our Great Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ bless the good Rev. Timothy, his wife Kathy and their sons Jonathan, Michael and David.
Shalom

To answer the last question posed in the article, "whether Keller or his vision will ever be at home anywhere else," the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Why? At the core of Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Where Keller is wildly successful is in his ability to apply the gospel to the unique situation of New York City. As a native New Yorker, one thing I know is that Keller gets New York in ways most others do not. But as a pastor in Dallas, I can attest that the same timeless message of the gospel is applicable not only in New York, but in Dallas, as well. In fact, it's applicable anywhere in the world. The reason Keller is rightfully getting all the buzz is that he has been so good at being able to apply that timeless gospel in a relevant way. More power to him!

He sounds perfectly suited for New York. We all think a lot. I like what he has to say.

I have never met Tim, so do not speak for him, but I have listened to him regularly for many years. I have just a couple of suggestions/corrections regarding this article: 1. The Reason for God is not Keller's first book. It's at least his second, perhaps third depending on what you call a book. He first published Ministries of Mercy (avail on Amazon, for instance), and second Resources for Deacons (also avail on Amazon). 2. I don't think he'd feel comfortable with "the CS Lewis of the 21st century" quote - even if he did, I don't. I also don't think he'd feel comfortable with the "Rick Warren of global cities" quote. Both are oversimplifications, and misunderstand Keller and level him down into a two-dimensional character. He is bigger than both categories and hence both do violence to his spontaneity, to his idiosyncrasies and quirks and his broader aspirations. I think only an *insider* can accurately summarize , someone who gets him from the inside. Someone who is reporting on a story because its interesting will mis-approximate the man, his mission, and his social space. I look forward to hearing a more careful look into this man and his ministry. Thanks.