Reformissionary

Ed Stetzer Interviews Tim Keller

The LifeWay podcast has Ed Stetzer interviews Tim Keller. Chris Turner has an article on it, and the LifeWay News:blog talks Keller.

Also check out this discussion with Stetzer on the new SBC research.

New Keller Video

Keller Roundtable with WTS Faculty

Keller at UPenn: The Reason for God 

Keller at UPenn: Q&A

Lots-o-Links 4.6.08

I won the first blog contest!  Thanks for the votes!  You have probably just changed the world with a click of the mouse.

Speaking of votes, Greg Gilbert wants less voting going on.

Goodmanson on the issue of alcohol and the gospel.  (Sound familiar?)  Good stuff.  Also has put up a nice contextualization paper from Soma.

Books & Culture on Keller and The Reason for God.

Lots-o-Links 3.27.08

Saw Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! with the fam today.  Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.  Worth watching and discussing.  Jonathan Dodson weighs in.

Joe Thorn expands on "The Table, the Pulpit, and the Square."  Joe also summarizes Dever on evangelism.

Tom Schreiner, my NT prof from my SBTS days, has been interviewed.  Among other issues, he speaks about his new New Testament Theology.  It will have a prominent place on my shelf.

Monergism interviews Tim Keller.  Keller's next book is listed on Amazon: The Prodigal God.

Scott Hodge shares a bit he is learning from Made to Stick.

After reading an interview with Michael Perry in the April issue of The Writer, I'm intrigued. 

NT Wright says "Heaven is Not Our Home."

Exagorazo is talking about missional communities: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Ann Coulter Likes Tim Keller

I'm getting a bunch of hits from AnnCoulter.com.  She seems to be fond of Tim Keller's The Reason for God and my Tim Keller Resources page. 

For all you Ann Coulter haters out there, this should finally prove how amazingly brilliant she is.  Anyone who likes Keller is right all of the time.  And let's be honest, anyone who likes Tim Keller AND links to my site is a borderline superhero.

If you have come here from AnnCoulter.com, welcome.  And thanks to Ann (yes, we are on a first name basis now) for putting my link on the same page as the word "whoreable."  My Southern Baptist brethren love that kind of thing.

I have produced a screen capture so as to never forget... 

Video of Tim Keller at Google

(via the Buzzard)

Keller Veritas Forum at Berkeley

Thanks to a couple of emailers I have found this 1 1/2 hour video of Keller at Berkeley. (Audio here.)

Lots-o-Links 3.12.08

Joe Thorn wants to help you set up your Moleskine.  It's essentially the same thing I do.

J.I. Packer has been sent to the principal's office.

Really enjoyed (and needed) Darrin Patrick's "Courage in Leadership" sermon.

Ben Arment flaunts a little "whiteboard motion."  Pretty cool.

Jonathan Dodson has collected a few metaphors for missional communty.

Keller @ Veritas and Google

As Tim Keller continues his book tour and college campus talks (in Chicago last night and tonight), Veritas has put up his Columbia University talk, "Exclusive Religion in a Pluralistic Society: What are the Tensions and How Do We Move Forward?" 

I'm sure many of you have seen that Keller spoke at Google.  How awesome is that?  Justin Buzzard was there and gave us plenty to chew on.  Thanks Justin.

I did not make it to Keller's talk last night because I was at the Doctor trying to figure out what is wrong with me.  He thinks I may have a touch of pneumonia.  Exciting.  I'm not going tonight either, unfortunately.  If anyone makes it to a Chicago event, I'd love to hear/read how things go.

Reason4GodSpotting

I've been taking camera phone photos of The Reason for God as I find it out and about.  I'm encouraging you to find Keller in your context so when you recommend the book you know who has it on the shelf.

First Things Interviews Tim Keller

Anthony Sacramone at First Things has interviewed Tim Keller on The Reason for God (#18 NYT Bestseller List).  In the interview he does clarify the Genesis/evolution issue that has come up before.  But this is the most intriguing part of the interview...

AS: Whenever people write about Redeemer, they usually refer to it as a megachurch.

TK: Stop that!

AS: Now, I’ve heard you—

TK: Have you seen Bob Newhart? Stop it!

AS: Oh sure.

TK: Stop it. Go ahead.

AS:I actually have his “Button-Down Humor” stand-up album from like 1968 or something.

For those needing clarification and context, here you go...

The Reason for God: Introduction Quotes

From the introduction of The Reason for God by Timothy Keller...

Only if you [believers] struggle long and hard with objections to your faith will you be able to provide grounds for your beliefs to skeptics, including yourself, that are plausible rather than ridiculous or offensive....But even as believers should learn to look for reasons behind their faith, skeptics must learn to look for a type of faith hidden within their reasoning.  All doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs....Every doubt...is based on a leap of faith.
- p. xvii

The only way to doubt Christianity rightly and fairly is to discern the alternate belief under each of your doubts and then to ask yourself what reasons you have for believing it.  How do you know your belief is true?  It would be inconsistent to require more justification for Christian belief than you do for your own, but that is frequently what happens.  In fairness you must doubt your doubts.  My thesis is that if you come to recognize the beliefs on which your doubts about Christianity are based, and if you seek as much proof for those beliefs as you seek from Christians for theirs--you will discover that your doubts are not as solid as they first appeared.
- p. xviii

Keller & Woodstock

I was just in our little hometown, independent bookstore and they not only have Keller's The Reason for God, but they've sold copies and already ordered more at my request.  When I mentioned the title they knew it immediately and were a buzz with interest.  I know the local outspoken Unitarian guy picked up a copy today.  Great to see local interest.

The Reason for Keller

The Reason for God Website

The Reason for God website is now up.  There's a video of Keller there and some sermon links.  I'm most excited about the four page "Reader's Guide" PDF.  And how awesome is this, Keller on tour, including 2 Chicago locations...

NORTHWESTERN VERITAS
March 6 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Ryan Auditorium

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO VERITAS
March 7 | 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Kent Chemical Laboratory
1020 East 58th St.

Lots-o-Links 2.13.08

I have two orders pending (Amazon and Westminster) for Tim Keller's The Reason for God.  I have a book and audio copy coming for me, and several copies to give away. Amazon's is on the way!

The WGA writer's strike is over.  I've been following the strike online and through some podcasts, and was hoping the writer's would get a fair shake.  It appears they are content, and now we can get back to watching some well-written new TV and movies.

Al Hsu has enjoyed Juno and reflects on the movie's suburban flair.

I recently rented The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, a documentary of one man's effort to beat the high score of Donkey Kong from a guy who you want to see lose it.  It's a very entertaining movie that I highly recommend.  Rent it and then tell me what you think.  Here's the trailer...

I met Jonathan Dodson, an Acts 29 church planter, at the Chicago boot camp.  Good guy.  Check out two recent articles he has online on Community and Missional Discipleship.

Pitchers and catchers reporting today for the Cubs.  Very good news.  I've briefly visited HoHoKam Stadium, where the Cubs have spring training, in Phoenix a few winters ago when on a golf trip with my dad and uncles.  My rabid-sports-nut-7-year-old, Elijah, reported as a pitcher last Sunday here in Woodstock.  They have a handful of pitcher's and catcher's training sessions at our local rec center.  He's shorter than most kids his age, but has an arm on him.  AND he is accurate.  I often have to encourage him to throw harder because he's afraid the kid across from him will not catch it and get hurt, or something.  And since I'm helping to coach his team this year, I'm considering trading him to another team for a case of Schlitz!

Some of you know I have an autistic son.  My wife enjoyed this video recently, so I thought it was worth sharing...

Tim Keller: Call to Plant in NYC

From page 10 of Tim Keller's Redeemer Church Planters Manual, on Keller's call to plant in NYC...

A great darkness descended on me, because I knew I had no good reason not to [plant in NYC], but I felt totally inadequate for the job.  I know that everyone feels inadequate for any ministry, but this was different.  I knew that I was as humanly well-equipped as anyone to try this ministry, but I also knew this was well beyond the human abilities of anyone at all.  That meant only one thing: it would not be my talent, but my love for, and dependence on, God that would be the critical factor in the project.  I felt that my spirituality would be laid bare for all (worst of all, for me) to see.  But the opportunity was too ripe and I also knew it was a door that might not be open for even a few more weeks...

I prayed and was reading Gurnall's A Christian in Complete Armour one day and came upon a passage: "It requires more prowess and greatness of spirit to obey God faithfully than to command an army of men; more greatness to be a Christian than a captain."  I realized that if was an illusion to imagine that I would have to start being brave if I took this job; I should have been living bravely all along.  Even if I turned the NYC church down, I could not go back to being a coward.  So I might as well go to New York!  On July 1, [1988], I gave Westminster Seminary a year's notice.  Immediately, my prayer life broke open like never before.  I did not wonder why.

Evangelism 2008: Calm Before the Storm

I haven't posted much on evangelism lately, but that should change soon.  The main reason is that I'm doing a ton of work on some strategic planning for the next two years (and beyond) at our church.  I've had some extra meetings and lots of sketchy ideas and plans that are starting to gel.  Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll have some things nailed down and can share more about my evangelism plans for the rest of 2008.  Some of them are directly tied to our church's plans.

Here are a few books I'm currently reading, rereading, perusing, etc

Promoting the Gospel by John Dickson (info here): To be fair, I haven't gotten past the table of contents.  But that's because I just got it in the mail today from Lisa at Narwee Baptist Church in Australia.  Thanks Lisa!

unChristian by Kinnaman and Lyons: Used some stats in last Sunday's sermon.  Good resource.

Love Walked Among Us by Paul Miller: A book I reread or reskim at least yearly on the compassion of Jesus.  You can get it used for about $4 at Amazon.  Well worth it.

Redeemer Church Planting Manual by The Godfather (Tim Keller): How can you NOT own this?  It's simply outstanding.  Been using it a lot for church strategy and planning, but also pulling much on evangelism, ethnographic interviews, etc.  I'll be blogging on a few things from the book soon.

Also worthy to note is the short New Church Initiatives (NCI) paper on "The Work of an Evangelist."  Check out NCI and their other resources.

I'm curious about the Mulit-Site Exposed Conferences.  I'm not a video venue kind of guy, but I'm very open to thinking multi-site if we are growing and it makes sense for our area.  Keller's approach is my favorite, with live preaching at all locations.

Tim Keller in Newsweek

Update: Anyone concerned about Keller the evolutionist (see last paragraph of the article below), please check out Ed Stetzer's blog where he makes public Tim Keller's response to the article with a few minor corrections.  Ahh, everyone can breathe again.

Tim Keller is in Newsweek and the article is online for your enjoyment: "The Smart Shepherd: A New York pastor who says he thinks too much wants to bring his Christian message to the world.  (via Stet)

Stetzer adds some response at his blog...

Last time I was in Manhattan I attended the church and spent some time with Tim on Monday. 

I was most impressed with how, well, non-"hip" the service was. (The giveaway was the note in the program reminding you to not applaud.)

The "band" was four men in suits who played wind instruments accompanied by an organ.

Yet, most of the crowd was young and engaged... a reminder that contemporary is not always contextual.

Keller Sermons on The Reason for God

On the Redeemer site are free sermons related to Tim Keller's book The Reason for God.  Enjoy!  And go look at the rest of my Tim Keller Resources. (via)

The Trouble with Christianity: Why it's so Hard to Believe it

Exclusivity: How an there be just one true religion?
Suffering: If God is good, why is there so much evil in the world?
Absolutism: Don't we all have to find truth for ourselves
Injustice: Hasn't Christianity been an instrument for oppression?
Hell: Isn't the God of Christianity an angry Judge?
Doubt: What should I do with my doubts?
Literalism: Isn't the Bible historically unreliable and regressive?

Lots-o-Links 1.31.08

Doug Wilson on how friendship evangelism is really about your money and material possessions...

Friendship evangelism rests upon generosity, sacrifice, kindness, openness, hospitality, goodness, and open-handedness. That is to be the texture of your life, and non-believers are welcome to come along with you. In short, is your evangelism giving or taking? Are you a benefactor or a salesman?

Alex Chediak is working through a pre-publication copy of Tim Keller's new book, The Reason for God.  (Amazon)

Steve Ogne on mobilizing leaders (from GCA conference).

Whiteboard Sessions website is up.

Mike Cosper is Worship and Arts Pastor at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY.  In 2006 Mike gave Acts 29 talks on "Missional Strategies for the Arts."  Both messages are here.

Mark Batterson - Four Dimensions of Courage.

Timmy Brister interviews Mark Dever on Richard Sibbs.

I've been looking forward to Son of Rambow for over a year now.  It's finally coming out in May.  Here's the trailer...

Dwell: Urban Church Planting Conference

Mark Driscoll - Dwelling in the Text & Dwelling through the Text
Tim Keller - TBD (2 sessions)
Ed Stetzer - Dwelling in the Kingdom & Dwelling in the Mission
CJ Mahaney - Dwelling in the Cross
Darrin Patrick - Dwelling with non-Christians

Conference will also include panel discussion, worship and breakout sessions.  Register at www.dwellconference.com.

Lots-o-Links 12.20.07

New Keller audio from City Life Boston: "A Broken Spirit" & "Encounter With God".

Blue Like Jazz the movie.

Time Magazine: Rob Bell is "The Hipper-Than-Thou Pastor."

A Missouri Baptist Acts 29'r talks "View and Brew."  He (Kevin Larson) has also been interviewed by Tom Ascol.

Angela Booth's top writing blogs of 2007.

Scott Hodge talks about "Fuel," leadership training at The Orchard.

Joe Thorn has found the secret to a better prayer life, and it's probably not what you think.

The curse of knowledge is only one great reason to read Made to Stick.

Work and Rest

I preached yesterday on "Work and Rest" and found much help from Tim Keller's stuff.  If you are searching, on this lovely Labor Day, for some helpful stuff on work and rest (they need to be considered together) go to Tim Keller's sermons...

1. Work 2. Made for Stewardship 3. Work and Rest

Also check out the Redeemer Center for Faith and Work.

Keller's Reform & Resurge Article

At the Reform & Resurge conference (2006) at Mars Hill in Seattle Tim Keller gave a talk on "Being the Church in Our Culture."  Now the article, "Being the Church in Our Culture," that Keller gave to conference attendees is online.  Check it out.

Two Keller Sermons

Thanks to an email from James I can offer you two links to new Tim Keller sermons preached at St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.  Enjoy.

The Prodigal Sons
Jesus, the Church, and the City

Gospel Coalition: Tim Keller Interviews

The Gospel Coalition website (which has gone from a little helpful toward really helpful in a short period of time) has a number of short video interviews (linkable) with key players: Don Carson, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and yes, Tim Keller.  As you could have guessed, I'm linking the Keller (and Carson/Keller) ones here for you.  To see them more quickly, just go to the interviews page and scroll to them.  And don't forget to visit my Tim Keller Resources page.

Tim Keller - What do you see yourself doing in The Gospel Coalition? | m4v

Tim Keller - What is the state of the pulpit in America today?| m4v

Tim Keller - How does preaching affect how christians see culture?| m4v

Tim Keller - What do you tell pastors about their family life? | m4v

Tim Keller - What ways can people learn from your teachings | m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - What started The Gospel Coalition? | m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - What makes The Gospel Coalition different? | m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - Assessing The Gospel Coalition | m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - How were the leaders of The Gospel Coalition gathered?| m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - What is the future of The Gospel Coalition? | m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - What threats and challenges face The Gospel Coalition? | m4v

Don Carson & Tim Keller - What causes fragmentation in evangelicalism today? | m4v

Links and Stuff

A handful of things that you need to know, hear, see, or read...

- Tonight I will probably put up a single post that I will update throughout Molly's surgery and hospital stay.  I will try to keep updates at the top of the page with time stamps on the page so you can read what has happened as they happened.  The hospital says it has wifi throughout, so being online and live-blogging the next few days shouldn't be much of a problem.

- Please start immediately downloading Stereogum's tribute to Radiohead's OK Comupter.  It's free and includes some great bands like Dave Bazan's Black Cloud, Cold War Kids, and Twilight Sad.  It's not Radiohead, but it's still fun.  By the way, they aren't going to leave these free mp3's up forever so grab them asap.  Couldn't wait for Music Monday on this one.

- JJ Abrams.  1-18-08.  Nuff said.

- Drew Goodmanson on The Gospel Awakening (file through his posts on triperspectivalism too).

- John Piper on Why We Should Have Courage to Speak About Christ.

- Gary Rohrmayer on Sharpening Your Evangelistic Skills.

- I don't know if I've mentioned it before, bu there is now a version of 2 Ways to Live for kids. 

- Darrin Patrick's The Journey Church has done a service by providing this Keller-oriented Religion and the Gospel.

Keller on Idolatry

(New link to Keller's "Talking About Idolatry in a Postmodern Age.")

I can't find a way to link to it directly, but you can read Tim Keller's "Talking About Idolatry in a Postmodern Age" at the Gospel Coalition site.  I don't think I have it linked elsewhere.

Start on the Gospel Coalition articles page, click on "authors," click on "Tim Keller" under the "Contemporary Authors" section.

Personally, I don't understand why sites are built so you can't link directly to everything.  But at least it's there.  Maybe they will eventually add permalinks to everything.

UPDATE: They have added url's to all the articles. Good work guys. "Talking About Idolatry in a Postmodern Age."

Redeemer: #1 Multiplying Church

I don't get into church lists very much.  Seem to me to be mostly a waste of energy.  But since I'm a Kellerophile I figured I should mention that Redeemer Pres in NYC has been named the #1 on the Top 25 Multiplying Churches in America list by Outreach Magazine.  In other news, my local church didn't make the list.