Tim Keller’s Son: “We All Wanted More Time, But We Know He Has Very Little at This Point”

Editor’s note and update: Dr. Tim Keller passed away on May 19, 2023.

By Tom Campisi

Recent health updates shared by the family of Pastor Tim Keller have expressed that the theologian, writer, and evangelical leader from New York City is in his final days.

Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, has been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer over the last three years.

On May 18, his son Michael Keller shared this update on his father’s Twitter page: “Today, Dad is being discharged from the hospital to receive hospice care at home. Over the past few days, he has asked us to pray with him often. He expressed many times through prayer his desire to go home to be with Jesus. His family is very sad because we all wanted more time, but we know he has very little at this point.”

In 1989, Keller, a native of Pennsylvania, launched Redeemer Presbyterian Church with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For 28 years, he led a diverse congregation of young professionals that grew to a weekly attendance of over 5,000. He also served as Chairman & Co-Founder of Redeemer City to City (CTC), which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for ministry in an urban environment. Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over three million copies and been translated into 25 languages.

On Twitter, Michael Keller said his father was thankful for his family and all the people who’ve prayed for him over the years.

“I’m thankful for my family, that loves me,” Dr. Tim Keller said. “I’m thankful for the time God has given me, but I’m ready to see Jesus. I can’t wait to see Jesus. Send me home.”