The passing of Tim Keller in 2023 moved many across the globe, but what some may not know is the profound influence that Young Life had on both Tim and Kathy Keller’s lives and ministry. While Tim’s legacy is widely recognized through Redeemer Church in New York City, the many books that he has authored and his prolific speaking, there’s a deeper, often-unspoken connection to Young Life that shaped their journey.
Kathy Keller, who became a Christian in ninth grade, had her faith deeply shaped by Young Life. In fact, she was a Young Life alum before she and Tim knew each other. In 2012, Kathy introduced Tim at an All-Staff Conference, after sharing her personal testimony and background with the Young Life staff in attendance, giving insight into how it all played a role in their lives and ministry.
KATHY’S EARLY YEARS WITH YOUNG LIFE
Kathy’s story with Young Life began when it came to Gateway High School in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Led by legendary Area Director Reed Carpenter, and leaders Ken Milliken and Bill White, Young Life made a huge impact, attracting students from across various cliques. Kathy, a self-described “nerdy” school newspaper member, was one of those students. Despite feeling like she didn’t quite fit in, she found the nature of Young Life club incredibly impactful.
Her home became a hub for Young Life in Monroeville, hosting events, welcoming students, and even leading her siblings to faith. It was here that Kathy’s family saw its first glimpse of how powerful Young Life’s ministry could be, as her house became the first to host over 100 students at a Young Life meeting in their town. This formative experience shaped not just Kathy’s faith, but her view of ministry as well.
A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO YOUNG LIFE
Kathy continued to stay deeply involved with Young Life throughout high school, college, and into adulthood. In college, she served as a leader at Young Life’s Saranac Village (a camp in upstate New York), further solidifying her commitment to the ministry. Later, when she and Tim moved to Hopewell, Virginia, they worked together to bring Young Life to the town, connecting with students and leaders in the area. This experience helped shape the couple’s vision for ministry, and it was during a Young Life trip to New York City that they realized this vibrant city would become their mission field.
YOUNG LIFE’S INFLUENCE ON REDEEMER CHURCH
The influence of Young Life didn’t end in Hopewell; rather, it played a significant role in the founding and growth of Redeemer Church in New York City. Kathy and Tim often joked that Redeemer was “Young Life for grown-ups” because the principles of incarnational ministry and the relational approach to ministry were at the heart of their church’s approach. Young Life leaders, who loved their students and shared their lives, became the model for how Kathy and Tim approached their ministry in a lot of ways. In contrast to other youth programs that sometimes felt methodical and distant, Young Life’s emphasis on deep, authentic relationships left a lasting impression on them.
OTHER INFLUENCES ON TIM’S MINISTRY
While Young Life shaped much of Tim’s ministry, there were other significant influences as well. His time as a musician, experiences in Hopewell’s blue-collar church, and the teachings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien all played a role in shaping his vision for ministry. But perhaps one of the most profound influences was his marriage to Kathy and their shared commitment to raising three sons together.
REMEMBERING TIM KELLER’S LEGACY
As we reflect on Tim Keller’s life and legacy, it’s clear that Young Life played a foundational role in shaping his approach to ministry. The principles of love, authenticity, and relational depth that Young Life taught Tim and Kathy were carried through into their work at Redeemer Church and beyond. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of Young Life, not just on individuals, but on entire communities of faith.
We invite you to listen to Kathy’s testimony from the 2012 All-Staff Conference, where she shares more about her story and the role Young Life played in her life and ministry. You can also find links to two messages Tim gave to the mission during that time.
LISTEN TO KATHY’S TESTIMONY AND TIM’S MESSAGES HERE:
The Keller family’s journey is a beautiful reminder of how God works through relationships and ministry partnerships, and how Young Life continues to influence lives for generations to come.
