Tim Keller Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career & Achievements
Timothy J. Keller (September 23, 1950 – May 19, 2023) was a renowned American pastor, theologian, and Christian apologist, best known for founding Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and co-founding organizations like Redeemer City to City and The Gospel Coalition. As a prolific author and apostle to urban Christianity, Keller deeply influenced modern evangelicalism through his wise teaching and thoughtful engagement with culture.
Early Life & Education
Keller was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to William and Louise Keller. Raised in a Lutheran home, he came to faith during college at Bucknell University via InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He earned his M.Div. at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and later a D.Min. from Westminster Theological Seminary, where he studied under Harvie Conn.
Career & Ministry Milestones
- Founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan in 1989. Under his leadership, the congregation grew into a model of urban, gospel-centered ministry.
- Co-founded Redeemer City to City (2001), a global church-planting movement active in over 75 cities and responsible for hundreds of new churches.
- Co-founded The Gospel Coalition (2004) alongside D.A. Carson, shaping evangelical discourse and training through books, conferences, and digital resources.
Authorship & Writing Legacy
Keller authored more than 30 books that have sold millions of copies. His landmark titles include The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God—all New York Times bestsellers. His writings brought Christian theology into the real-world context, addressing doubt, culture, relationships, and faith with clarity and grace.
Later Years & Passing
After pastoring Redeemer until 2017, Keller devoted his later years to mentoring, teaching, and training church-planting leaders through City to City and seminary partnerships. In 2020, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; his faith, teaching, and writings continued beautifully until his death on May 19, 2023, at age 72.
Net Worth
Estimations of Keller’s net worth range from $1 million to $5 million, largely accrued from book royalties, speaking engagements, and his role in ministry. Known for his integrity and generosity, his personal wealth was modest relative to his broad influence.
Key Achievements at a Glance
- Planted and shepherded an influential urban church in New York City (Redeemer Presbyterian).
- Advanced global church planting through Redeemer City to City.
- Founded The Gospel Coalition, shaping evangelical media and thought leadership.
- Wrote bestsellers that strengthened Christian apologetics and pastoral care.
- Transitioned to mentorship and leadership development after retirement, leaving a lasting legacy.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy James Keller |
| Born / Died | September 23, 1950 – May 19, 2023 |
| Spouse | Kathy Keller (married 1975) |
| Children | Three sons |
| Key Roles | Founding Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian; Co-founder, Redeemer City to City & The Gospel Coalition |
| Education | Bucknell (BA), Gordon-Conwell (M.Div.), Westminster (D.Min.) |
| Notable Books | The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, Prayer, Center Church |
| Net Worth (est.) | $1M–$5M |
| Ministry Focus | Urban church-planting, apologetics, pastoral mentoring |
FAQs About Tim Keller
1. Who was Tim Keller?
Tim Keller was a prominent pastor, theologian, and Christian apologist—founding Redeemer Church in NYC and two major networks: Redeemer City to City and The Gospel Coalition.
2. How old was he and when did he pass away?
He was born on September 23, 1950, and passed away at age 72 on May 19, 2023, after battling pancreatic cancer.
3. What are his most famous books?
His bestselling titles include The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God.
4. What organizations did he co-found?
He co-founded Redeemer City to City (church planting) and The Gospel Coalition (evangelical media and teaching network).
5. What was his estimated net worth?
It is estimated to have been between $1 million and $5 million, from books, speaking, and pastoral ministry.
READ ALSO: Dietrich Bonhoeffer Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career and Achievements
Conclusion
Tim Keller was a visionary pastor, theologian, writer, and mentor—whose influence reshaped urban ministry, Christian apologetics, and global church leadership. Though he’s passed from this world, his legacy lives on through his books, churches, and the countless leaders he inspired.
