My Journal

I would group this church under "Party Church" now.

When Tim Keller was around, his sermons were the only things dreading those who love God. Then one would start wondering if that is all a mega church could offer. No fellowship, no Bible study that matter. Nothing else led by Keller that is crucial to any congregant. You can buy his books, he loves writing books, that's about it.

When Keller announced his departure from the pulpit ministry, I thought, he would still come back, especially if the number dwindles. I was at the same time stories worried that this church would jump on the prosperity gospel rail, which would be the only way to survive without Timothy Keller. But then, he actually dared to stepped down, that's when I prayed for a way and God provided...a gem church I found that has been hidden from my sight for 15 years.

I noticed one thing, even in Redeemer, that the blacks, generally are more evangelical in the English speaking community. Even if they are influenced by post modernism. I was given a Redeemer Downtown "self made brochure" by a black young lady on a Saturday leaving NYGC. I'm sure that there are also those, at least the Koreans, who still think that Redeemer is Tim Keller's church, which they attend hoping to hear him preach. Even to this day. They are either like fish longing for water on dry land or groupies who were stuck outside the backstage. They think Keller's vision is to preach the gospel, they got it wrong. Keller's vision is to help build as many churches in crowded neighborhoods as fast as possible, without much filters. It could be the fastest method in the world, that is the goal. So anything goes, any denomination, any qualification, any volunteer. Keller will strategize this vision behind the scene.

Because of Keller's background, many staffs have aligned themselves with Westminster Theological Seminary doctrine, which is good. But I fear that this won't last. I pray God will raise more serious churches around the city where Christians who do not follow after numbers/popularity congregate. I was in Redeemer only because I found no better church, but now I found one.

Now, Redeemer can be a good resource center, but it will not be wise to be affiliated with it. Because of this, it reflects the level of maturity Christians are in the city. If there are no good churches coming out of this, the blame does not end with Redeemer nor Keller, but also stretched out to all fellow Christians who are around, where great resources are here for the potential of building a great church. This opportunity will not last long, because I see that Redeemer will either stray from the reformed or it will soon disappear.