Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation

I’ve loved listening to and reading Tim Keller for the last 5 years. He has been used by God to mature me in my faith and witness. I am so grateful for this man. Truly we are living at the time of a giant of the faith, and thus to get to know his formation is invaluable for those who want to model his life and teaching. Collin has incapsulated Keller’s story so well. My suspicion is that any negative reviews are more reflections on the Fundamentalist or Liberal theologian who gave it the low review than any deficiency in Hansen or Keller. Keller is hated by all the right people, and adored by individuals characterized by Christlike boldness and love. Praise God for this man and this book!

What could be better than a biography about Tim Keller and his influences - books, teachers, friends? The book is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Reading this account of Tim Keller’s life has challenged, encouraged, exhorted, fed, and built up my Christian faith. We listen to Keller’s sermons online every Sunday morning. We consider him our pastor. I highly recommend this well-written book.

I have read eight books by Tim Keller. None have been duds, but I certainly have my favorites.And now we have a terrific book on the formative influences that made Tim Keller who he is. Here then are a few observations from Collin’s Hanson’s wonderfully conceived book:*Many times, God uses the most unlikely people. Keller’s awkwardness socially would not have made one think he was destined to the ministry we now know him for. By the way, Keller got a C in his seminary preaching class, not an encouraging sign that he would amount to much as a preacher.*Mentors are hugely influential. Keller had several, but Edmund Clowney was one of the most formative. Clowney’s kindness, learning, and commitment to Keller reminds me of the role Ambrose played for Augustine.*Keller’s ability to synthesize material, commitment to listen well to others, free people up to use their own gifts, but most of all, his humility, are things God has honored.*There is no Tim Keller as we know him today without Kathy Keller. If you have a spouse who is a partner in ministry (I am graced by God to say that I do), then thank God for that blessing. If you are single and looking for a spouse, be diligent to find someone who shares the vision God has laid on your heart.*If I were asked to list a couple of specifics that make a minister used of God, I would list true piety, humility, ability to keep loyal friends over the long haul, and courage. For the latter, Keller had a powerful model in a pastor who preceded him. He is a long-forgotten name, but you will be inspired by getting to know William E. Hill Jr. I’m glad Collin regularly brought in obscure figures who had a big impact on Keller.*I mentioned above that I have read eight books by Keller. Making Sense of God is probably my favorite. I am glad that Collin gave some attention on the need to write such a book.

We see today the mature Keller, but here’s an in-depth exploration on how he was spiritually and intellectually formed.

Hansen masterfully covers the key influencers in Tim Keller's life. From his childhood, to his conversion in college, to his campus ministry leadership role, through seminary, and into his years of ministry, first as a rural pastor, then at Westminster Seminary, and finally in New York City. To read this book is to drink from the same fountains as Keller himself. Drink deeply!

Timothy Keller has significantly impacted the way I think about the Christian life and ministry over the last 14 years of training for and serving in ministry. Prodigal God opened my eyes to grace in significant ways as a sophomore in college. Walking with God in Pain and Suffering helped prepare me for the unexpected loss of my father 7 months after reading the book. Preaching provided a vision of what it means not only to preach to the mind but also to the heart. I could go on and on about how God has used Keller’s writing and preaching to shape me. As I read Hansen’s work, it was invigorating to see the way God shaped and formed Keller for a lifetime of ministry.This book is unique in the mosaic-like image it provides of Keller by showing the different influences and experiences that have shaped him and his ministry. After reading this book, I am drawn to pursue revival in my life, family, church, and world. I have an increasing desire to pursue God and the things of God as I see God’s faithfulness in the story of the shaping of Keller.

Collin Hansen paints a realistic and insightful picture of the formation and influences of one of the most influential yet humble ministers in our time. Dr. Keller’s ministry has touched and blessed many, and this book will be one of many that will carry his life projects forward into the next generation and beyond.

Insightful and as the author said, he isn’t a clone.With Kathy, his wife, being so much a part of his life and ministry, I would appreciate a second book with life applications to their struggles with health and raising a family amongst challenges, and life following “Redeemer.”

As one who has learned a lot from Keller, it was fascinating to read this book. Hansen takes a wonderful approach to telling the story of Keller's life and ministry as he tells the story of those who impacted Keller's thinking and approach to ministry. The book is broken up into four parts, chronicling Keller's early life, his seminary years, his nine year pastorate in Hopewell, Virginia, and finally his New York years. Along the way the reader meets a Keller who is constantly learning, adapting and adding insights from others.Well researched and well written, Hansen provides a seminal work on one of todays most influential pastors.