Tim Keller has finally succumbed to his ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer, passing away in his home at the age of 72.
Keller first announced he had pancreatic cancer back in June 2020, and he has been in and out of hospital since in a battle to ward off the disease. He was also the Chairman and co-Founder of Redeemer City to City, which trains pastors for ministry in global cities, recently found out that he has pancreatic cancer.
Earlier this week, his wife, Kathy, has asked Christians for continued prayer after he was once again released from hospital for ongoing cancer treatment.
New tumors were found in his body in March, and he asked for prayer at that time. Now, after yet another stint in hospital to treat the tumors, the aggressive cancer finally took its toll on his body, taking his life.
Timothy J. Keller, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, pastor, and scholar died this morning at home. Dad waited until he was alone with Mom. She kissed him on the forehead and he breathed his last breath. We take comfort in some of his last words…
— Timothy Keller (1950-2023) (@timkellernyc) May 19, 2023
He is also the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.
Franklin Graham tweeted: “My condolences to the family & loved ones of Dr. Tim Keller, author & pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, who passed away today at the age of 72. The announcement from the church said he was, “trusting in the sure & certain hope of the resurrection.”
My condolences to the family & loved ones of Dr. Tim Keller, author & pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, who passed away today at the age of 72. The announcement from the church said he was, “trusting in the sure & certain hope of the resurrection.” https://t.co/yRmWcGMT5w
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 19, 2023
Keller has spoken in the past of his peace with death, given his cancer battle has been ongoing.
The prominent Christian pastor, theologian and author was born on September 23, 1950, in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Keller is widely recognized for his influential work in Christian apologetics and his efforts in connecting the Christian faith with contemporary culture.
Keller co-founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City in 1989, which grew into a thriving congregation with multiple locations. Under his leadership, the church became known for its emphasis on reaching urban professionals and skeptics with the Gospel message.
Keller retired from his role as senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in 2017, but he continues to be involved in ministry and writing.
Throughout his career, he has authored numerous books that explore various aspects of the Christian faith, addressing topics such as theology, apologetics, Christian living, and the intersection of faith and culture.
Some of his notable works include “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism,” “Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical,” and “The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith.”
Keller’s approach to ministry emphasized the importance of intellectual engagement with faith, thoughtful cultural engagement, and the transformational power of the Gospel.
His teaching and writing have had a significant impact on many Christians and non-Christians alike, as he sought to address the questions and doubts of a skeptical generation while remaining grounded in orthodox Christian doctrine.
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