“Not everyone is your brother or sister in faith, but everyone is your neighbour, and you must love your neighbour” – Timothy Keller

Culture Wars

While training for the ministry my pastoral mentor, the late Rev. Whitcomb, asked me an interesting question. He said, “Scotty, what type of pastor are you trying to be?”, to which I replied, “I am trying my best to be a good neighbor.”

At that time the American Culture War was reaching its zenith, and more Christians began to plant their flags in liberal and conservative camps. There were also calls to be more Democrat or Republican, and discussions of which candidates were more line with God.

As time went on, pastors found themselves being called to get involved in the Culture War. To pick a side and join a camp while preaching who to vote for. But in my case, I had no desire to be a Culture Warrior. I simply desired to confess my faith while serving all those that I encountered with love.

Yes, pastors must address and engage the issues of their context. Nevertheless, the goal is not conquering culture, it is enriching it with Good News.

Enter Tim Keller

After hearing my answer, Rev. Whitcomb encouraged me to look for good neighbor colleagues. Ministers who were what I wished to be and whose example I could follow. Along with him I found a number of wonderful clergyfolk, and among them was a Presbyterian in Manhattan named Timothy Keller.

At first, I avoided Keller because a lot of Christians recommended his work. I was, and still am, not too keen on popular voices that are often passing fads. Yet, Keller was grounded and expressed Protestant thought in a friendly refreshing way. And he avoided the camps of the Culture War and planted his flag elsewhere.

Instead of liberal or conservative, Keller called himself “orthodox”. A bold move in a time where orthodoxy was mistaken for fundamentalism. Best of all he was an apologist who did not waste time with debates. He simply spoke and wrote what he believed to be true, and sought respect and peace in disagreement.

Gratitude

In Keller I saw the type of pastor that I wanted to be. A minister who, in the words of Gregory Neal, has no enemies among people. The true foe are the things that make us forget God’s love for and image in others. Things that compel us to fight Culture Wars instead of building communities.

Since encountering this Presbyterian, whose tradition is now my spiritual home, I have found the freedom to prioritize the well-being of other above all else. This is the heart of the Gospel that he cherished and proclaimed. That God cared so much for the well-being of humanity and the world that He gave His all to save us.

During a conference in 2014 at the American Church in Paris, I had the privilege to meet Keller in person and thank him for how he impacted my life and faith. I also got to thank him for the ways he impacted me in that moment by listening to my struggles as a Black pastor in Europe and responding with encouragement.

Because of him I have become and am becoming the pastor that I desire to be. A confessional minister who strives to be a good neighbor to all. It does not matter who they are or where they stand. I am here to serve them as he did with respect, peace, and love.

Thank you Rev. Dr. Keller for your wonderful example and faithful witness.

Rest in peace, and rise in glory.