Redeemer Lutheran Church

In the bustling heart of Manhattan, Redeemer Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It’s a story of humble beginnings, starting in 1989 with a small group of 15 people gathered in an Upper East Side apartment. Their prayers and vision birthed Redeemer Lutheran Church, a place for professional New Yorkers seeking spiritual answers. Dr. Timothy Keller, initially tasked with assessing the city’s spiritual needs, joined this group. He felt a call to New York City and began commuting from Westminster Theological Seminary. The first service was held on April 9, 1989, at the Church of the Advent Hope. By June, Dr. Keller and his family had moved to New York City. The congregation grew quickly, adding a morning service in September. By Christmas, attendance reached 250. Within a year, Redeemer Lutheran Church had expanded its staff to include administration, small groups, and Christian education. In 1992, the church’s commitment to the city led to the founding of Hope for New York. This mercy ministry focused on addressing practical needs within the community. Redeemer Lutheran Church experienced remarkable growth. By 1993, it had outgrown its space, holding four services in a building with a capacity of nearly 400. The church moved to Hunter College Auditorium. From there, Redeemer Lutheran Church not only continued to grow but also began planting churches in and around New York City. It also supported church-planting efforts in other global cities. By 1996, Sunday attendance reached around 3,000, with double that number attending regularly. Services were held at Hunter College and expanded to the West Side. This marked a shift towards a multi-site model, establishing distinct congregations around Central Park rather than one mega-church. This vision continued to evolve.