WHO WE ARE
About Us
History & Vision
The Church in New York City
Learn the humble beginnings and growth of the modern gospel movement within the city as well as where we see it headed.
The History
The modern gospel movement here dates back to the 1970’s, when the outer boroughs began to fill with Christian believers from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. These faithful settlers planted 2,000+ churches over two decades. Manhattan, meanwhile, remained largely secular, with less than 1% of the population part of a gospel teaching church. Over the next few decades the body of Christ grew in center city from less than 1% to 5%. This growth was influenced by many new congregations, focused prayer, and a commitment to serve local neighborhoods.
City to City was co-founded and is chaired by Tim Keller. After transitioning out of his position as senior pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Tim moved into a full-time role with CTC, focusing on ministry in global cities like New York City. He and CTC’s global leaders work together to invest in and pass along what they have learned to a new generation of ministry leaders. The New York City Team is a joint strategy of Redeemer City to City and Redeemer Churches & Ministries. Through these endeavors, CTC helps build for and propel movements of the gospel in affiliate networks around the globe.
We want to help start self-replicating, biblically-faithful churches representing multiple denominations and expressions that mirror the diversity of the city.
Our Story
Redeemer City to City (CTC) was co-founded and is chaired by Tim Keller. After transitioning out of his position as senior pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Tim moved into a full-time role with CTC, focusing on ministry in global cities like New York City. He and CTC’s global leaders work together to invest in and pass along what they have learned to a new generation of ministry leaders. Through these endeavors, CTC helps build for and propel movements of the gospel in affiliate networks around the globe. We want to help start self-replicating, biblically-faithful churches representing multiple denominations and expressions that mirror the diversity of the city.
Our Vision
CTC NYC’s vision is to add to this momentum by continuing to train leaders across all denominations in church planting and replanting. This work is fueled by the dream of seeing New York City for all that God intends it to be, a city full of new and healthy churches engaged in their communities. To help with this endeavor we’ve teamed up with Redeemer Churches & Ministries for The New York Project, a ten-year strategy focussed on advancing the gospel movement in New York.
Our Impact
We’ve been helping leaders plant churches for nearly two decades. Some of the impact that this work has made on our great city since 2016:
Churches Planted
With help or training from CTC
(170+ Churches still open)
Denominations & Planting Networks
represented in CTC programs
Upcoming Church Plants
in the CTC Church Planting program
Leaders Trained
Foundation
Our facilitation philosophy and approach are informed by the following:
Gospel Fluency An understanding of how the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom utterly transforms us individually, communally, and systemically.
Contextualization An understanding of how living incarnationally in a local context and learning to engage both its brokenness and beauty shapes gospel ministry.
Church Planting An understanding of the unique competencies and skills required for urban church planting in the 21st century.
Empowerment Ethics An understanding of how the cultural and theological resources from previously marginalized communities contribute to the global church.
Prayer An understanding of our unflinching dependence on God.
