The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast CNLP 339 | Tim Keller on How to Bring the Gospel to Post-Christian America, How He'd Preach Today if He was Starting Over Again, Why Founders Get Addicted to Their Churches and Why He Left Redeemer
May 12, 2020
Tim Keller, renowned pastor and author, shares his insights on navigating the challenges of evangelism in a post-Christian America. He discusses the transformation of New York's spiritual landscape, the growth of multi-ethnic churches, and the pitfalls of founder addiction. Keller emphasizes the need for authentic gospel messaging to resonate with a generation seeking identity and fulfillment. He also reflects on the importance of churches adapting to cultural shifts while remaining grounded in biblical principles, preparing for potential hostility, and fostering resilience within their communities.
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Manhattan Was Deeply Secular In 1989
- Tim Keller describes Manhattan in 1989 as very secular with small or dying churches outside immigrant-planted churches thriving in the boroughs.
- Redeemer later helped grow evangelical presence from about 9,000 to 54,000 in center-city residents by 2014, a fivefold increase.
Founder Loyalty Can Become Mutual Addiction
- Founders naturally attract and form a loyal fan-club that can enable mutual addiction between leader and congregation.
- Keller says leaders must avoid staying too long because they eventually lose cultural connection with younger congregants.
Wean A Congregation Before You Leave
- Phase leadership transitions deliberately by developing lead pastors and alternating preaching schedules for years before stepping down.
- Keller prepared Redeemer for seven to eight years so others could lead regularly and congregations could adjust.
