Monday, July 13
Redeemer’s story…
We’re beginning a new book at book club in the morning, “The Prodigal God” by Timothy Keller.I just finished a great article on Keller and their church Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City. Go here for the full article…
Some thoughts I enjoyed the most from the article:
On a basic strategy…
Redeemer “stick to a few rules. They never talk about politics. Tim always preaches with a non-Christian audience in mind, not merely avoiding offense, but exploring the text to find its good news for unbelievers as well as believers. The church emphasizes excellence in music and art… And it calls people to love and bless the city. It isn’t an appeal based on guilt toward a poor, lost community.On reproducing a DNA…
“I feel there is a way of doing ministry with this particular balance that other people can do, and right now I feel other people aren’t doing it. How can we leave behind a generation of people who know how to do this---and will do it?”On his preaching style…
Keller’s unique gift is to preach to both Christians and non-Christians in the same terms, without making a choice between evangelism and discipleship. “The Gospel is what we need to come to faith and also what we need to grow.” A theology of grace uses the same language to challenge both the runaway son and the solid older brother.On the source of redeemer’s success…
“The difference between a solid church and a terrible church is pretty much up to you,” Keller says. “The difference between a solid church and incredible success has almost nothing to do with you at all. It’s like you are out there paddling on your surfboard, and suddenly the wave comes and your ride in, standing up like you’re a Greek god. That has everything to do with the wave.”
Mark Nelson at 4:19 PM 0comments