Shaped by the Gospel: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City

by Timothy J. Keller, Michael Horton (Contributor), Dane Calvin Ortlund (Contributor)

It is easy to assume that if we understand the gospel and preach it faithfully, our ministry will necessarily be shaped by it—but this is not true. Many churches claim to be gospel-centered but do not have a ministry that is shaped by, centered on, and empowered through the gospel. The implications of the gospel have not yet worked their way into the fabric of how that church does ministry.

Gospel-centered ministry is more theologically driven than program driven. To pursue it, we must spend time reflecting on the essence, the truths, and the very patterns of the gospel itself. The gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, but something else entirely—a third way of relating to God through grace. In Shaped by the Gospel, bestselling author and pastor Timothy Keller addresses several current discussion and conflicts about the nature of the gospel and shows how faithful preaching of the gospel leads to individual and corporate renewal.

This new edition contains the first section of Center Church in an easy-to-read format with new reflections and additional essays from Timothy Keller and several other contributors.

Genres: Christian, Church, Leadership, Theology, Ecclesiology, Faith, Nonfiction

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.

He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.

Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”

Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The gospel is not just the ABCs but also the A to Z of the Christian life...we are saved by believing the gospel, and then we are transformed in every part of our minds, hearts, and lives by believing the gospel more and more deeply as life goes on.” @timkellernyc in #shapedbythegospel. So far, I’m really liking the break down of the gospel into “chapters” of creation, fall, redemption and restoration. I also like the description of what he church needing to be one that has a comprehensive view of the gospel, and grasps all the various aspects of it to champion and cultivate them all in the church.

“The power of the gospel comes in two movements. It first says, “I am more sinful and flawed than I ever dared to believe”, but then follows with, “I am more accepted and loved than I ever dared to hope.””

Shaped by the gospel, or shaped by the Word? I shouldn’t be shocked, but I was a little surprised that it only took until week two for me to turn to man before turning to God. It’s been a busy week and in my spare moments, I’ve reached for @timkellernyc before reaching for Jesus. Too concerned with ticking this weeks book off (when this is my 4th so I really shouldn’t be worried!). How quick are we to fill our time with God with other (good) things; other reading, relaxation, ministry, hobbies. Spending time with our Father is far more important than learning about him elsewhere. Rest and take time to be with him before everything else.

This book hurt my brain. I think if I wasn’t so knackered from having #toddlers and #babies and the exhaustion of this stage of life, I probably could have concentrated better, but honestly, this was effort. I really wanted to throw the towel in, but I decided to finish it - even if they meant not really understanding the reasoning of the point and just reading so I could finish. I don’t think I’m the target market for this book, I suspect it’s more for pastors/church leaders. It has still been helpful in my thinking of the gospel and how it plays out in church and life, but I reckon if you’re a mumma with limited brain power wanting more gospel based book (🙋‍♀️), listen to #gospelfluency by @jeffvanderstelt 1. Listening is easier sometimes 2. It’s written much more colloquial than #shapedbythegospel 3. A little more practical for the person not in a teaching/preaching role in church. It’s on @audible and I assume @christianaudio :)

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on how the church's worship and life should be shaped by the message of the Gospel. "Shaped by the Gospel" is a smaller section from Keller's book Center Church, now turned into a book of its own. What's interesting about this small-section-turned-into-a-book is that it includes critical interaction from other Reformed theologians, specifically Michael Horton and Dane Ortlund.

Part 1 of the book describes what the Gospel is (this is the section that Horton responds to). Part 2 is about how the Gospel should be applied to church life (this is the section that Ortlund responds to).

The book is very good, I honestly cannot think of any substantial criticisms--in fact neither could Keller's respondents. Both Horton and Ortlund gave very commendatory reviews of Keller's work, and they offered what by their own admission were more superficial criticisms (yet not niggling criticisms, they did raise helpful and good points).

I could easily see this book becoming something I come back to regularly, as it makes such a clear and compelling case for Christ-centered ministry and the difference that it makes.

Recommended to church leaders but, really, recommended also to anyone that wants to know how the Gospel should make a difference for what a church does.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear-cut explanation of what the gospel is, how the themes in the Bible reflect the gospel, and how a true understanding of the gospel is the only viable way to the revival of the church. My favorite part of the book is a chart in which the author compares Christians who subscribe to "religion" with Christians who subscribe to the "gospel." (A version of the chart can be found online here: https://www.christianpost.com/news/th... ) The author believes (and I agree) that when Christians turn away from "religion" and uplift the "gospel," church will experience revival through both the believers' spiritual renewal and their powerful testimony to nonbelievers. He also believes it is easy for Christians who already believe the gospel in principle to veer towards "religion," because it is in human's fallen nature to put our faith in what we do rather than in the grace of God. Thus he thinks Christians need to be constantly reminded of the message of the gospel, so that they can understand and experience Jesus's saving grace in a profound way. I've read many of Keller's books, and you can see this focus on the gospel in his approach toward every issue he wrote about. But I think this book is the one in which he really spells out what he is doing and why.

[Arturo Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first section of another book by Keller: Center Church. I love this book because it explains the centrality of the gospel in the church. This book also includes an essay from Michael Horton and Dane Ortlund to comment on specific sections of this content. Horton agrees with Keller while offering some precision on the role of the Law and the Gospel. While Horton recognizes that Keller shows orthodoxy in his preaching, maybe Keller did not show that clarity on explaining theologically some of the nuances of law-gospel theology. Keller received the feedback with great humbleness and offered his own thoughts about that. Ortlund did the same and here I was able to see his mind around Christ's heart and it's no surprise he eventually wrote Gentle and Lowly. Since Center Church is a very large and complex book to read, I think it's a great idea to have Shaped by the Gospel at hand to read it and re-read it so we can be reminded of the most important element in our Christian life: the gospel.

[Kyle "Bapo" Roque · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the relationship Keller has with the Gospel work within the context of any city. I appreciate his openness to hear responses from other theologians/pastors with good insight into his thoughts and experience. This is the first of three book series of Keller's singular work of Center Church. The best part of this writing was the elements of gospel renewal within a city. As some would call it "revivalism," I think the hope that Keller has for any city is a gospel renewal of disciples for Christ. His approach to religion, irreligious, and gospel methods helps one think well about preaching and disciple-making. His focus on frontline prayer prompts stirs me to a different prayer life focusing on gospel renewal. This book is not just for the city but for every outpost of resistance called the church in the world. May those who obey the great commission spend time sifting through this book to learn from decades of ministry to implement in their local context.

[Josh Loomis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tim Keller, and I love the premise of this book, with the centrality of the gospel permeating all teaching in one's church. His illustrations about the three ways of obedience, to achieve salvation, to scorn grace, and to respond appropriately to grace, is what I know Keller most for.
My only critique with the book is I wasn't a fan of the interplay between the other authors critiquing him and then Keller responding to those critiques. I think it took away from the book instead of adding to it, but that could just be my style. I also think for a book that promises doing balanced, gospel centered ministry in your city, there was very little practical advice on how to ministry in your city.

[Carson irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read on communicating and articulating the gospel to yourself, and others; Christian’s and non Christian’s alike. I picked this book up after getting the actual text book of center church. But seeing the essays from Michael and Dane intrigued me enough to get this copy. And I think it’s very worth it. They both bring up valid critiques that Tim accepts very well and explains them in more detail, or points you to other works of his own and others.

If you’re a ministry leader and/or pastor, I would highly suggest adding this to your “must read” stack. Tim’s heart for seeing gospel centred transformation is clear here. And we need the body of Christ to continually refocus on that beautiful truth

[Tom Greentree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keller is consistently insightful. I am especially thankful for his three ways of responding to Jesus as irreligious, religious, and gospel (The Prodigal God does this masterfully.) and how we must preach Christ from every Scriptural text (his Preaching book also masterful and helpful). I’m not steeped in The Gospel Coalition, and pull back from some of the Neo-Reformed types, but Keller seems to articulate it in ways that resonate with me and help me immensely.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

informative reflective medium-paced
4.5

Even though I am not in a ministry position, I found a lot of value in listening to how many different ways the Gospel is explained and how that might be adjusted in certain situations or with certain populations while not losing any of its total value. Although it felt a little over my head at times, there is a richness to Timothy Keller's words that I resonated with.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've owned Center Church for many years, but have thus far only read a few chapters here and there. I was intrigued by the added essays, and the fact that one part of Center Church is contained in this more manageable volume, and I'm glad I worked through it. The material is very good, though I was sometimes hoping for more discussion. The added essays by Horton and Ortlund were very good as well, and added something to what Keller originally wrote.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published as 3 separate books now, this is section one of Center Church by Keller. Written to pastors and full-time ministry workers concerning preaching, connecting with community and loving the city. This book, concerned mainly with preaching and practicing the gospel, has a practical application for every believer.

[Tippy Chee · Rating 5 out of 5]

อ่านเวอร์ชันภาษาไทย หนังสือดีมีประโยชน์ ช่วยให้เห็นภาพชัดเจนมากขึ้นว่า ข่าวประเสริฐคืออะไร และเราอยู่ตรงไหนในข่าวประเสริฐนี้ มีคำแนะนำที่น่าสนใจเกี่ยวกับการเทศนาที่มีข่าวประเสริฐเป็นศูนย์กลาง และการจัดกลุ่มเป้าหม��ยที่ควรได้รับฟังแก่นสารของข่าวประเสริฐเพื่อการเปลี่ยนแปลงชีวิตที่แท้จริง

เป็นอีกเล่มที่เหมาะสมสำหรับทุกคน ทั้งฆราวาสและผู้รับใช้

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first three chapters of this book are the best summary of the gospel I’ve ever read (as with the hardback version ‘Center Church’). Plus a very helpful discussion on union with Christ in his interaction with Ortlund at the end.

[Victoria Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

i did not read the added contributions/excerpts BUT..

this book is incredible! this definitely has been integral in this season of my life for experiencing personal gospel renewal, and this is a fantastic resource for how to create gospel-centered and Christ-centered content as a church

[Daniel Markin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of Tim Keller’s thought is in this book. Read to see what he is all about.

[William Shain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff

[Heather Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally went back and finished - SO GOOD. Beautiful & practical.

[Drew Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keller's articulation of the gospel in a condensed format. I especially enjoyed the connection between what he calls "gospel renewal" and revival. Very helpful discussion of Richard Lovelace and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and their thoughts on revival as well.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly appreciated Keller's discussion of Gospel-centered ministry. I also liked the back-and-forth style of having him write a section, having another author critique that section, and then Keller respond to the critique. This interplay deepened the conversation in a way I didn't expect.

[Lisa Shuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irreligion, religion and the gospel. A helpful and thoughtful processing of what the gospel is and how it does change your life.

[Danny Fröse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for every pastor. I profited in many ways from the thoughts of Keller.

[Paul Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first bought this book simply because Timothy Keller was the author and I like his writing. Had I looked a little closer, I should have noticed that this is a reproduction of part of his book Center Church. Even though I already had most of this material in his previous book, I was pleased to have purchased this updated edition and fully intend to buy the other two updated volumes. The updates divide the previous book into three volumes and add some interaction with other pastors/theologians that I found very interesting. I look forward to reading the other two volumes.