We are sad to announce the passing of Keith Warren at the age of 87. Keith was principal of the RTC for six years during the early 1990’s and served as a lecturer for ten years before that.
Keith was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in 1956 along with his wife Elizabeth. He started his studies at the RTC in 1958, after which he served as a pastor in Launceston, Perth and Brisbane. During his time in Brisbane he was appointed as dean and later principal of the Brisbane Bible Institute.
Following further theological studies at Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Michigan) and Potchefstroom University (South Africa), Keith accepted a call to serve as the pastor of the Geelong Reformed Church. He served in this capacity from 1977 to 1981, when he accepted a call to serve as lecturer in practical theology at the RTC.
Dr Warren became principal of the RTC at the beginning of 1990 and oversaw a period of rapid change at the RTC. Perhaps the most significant part of his legacy was the fact that he led the process through which the RTC became a member college of the Australian College of Theology. He also guided the college into the computer age and promoted a substantial upgrade of the RTC library.
After his retirement at the end of 1996, Keith continued to serve actively in the local and wider church scene. After the death of his beloved Elizabeth, Keith later married Emmy and moved to Brisbane where together they played a vital role in the ministry of Redlands Christian Reformed Church for many years.
Keith will be remembered as a gentle, sensitive and caring man who highly valued people and relationships. Keith had a large pastoral heart and cultivated a commitment to love and prayer. He was deeply committed to the life and health of the local church and helped train many pastors and preachers.
Please pray for Emmy, and for Keith’s four children, their spouses and the wider family. Many family members will not be able to travel to Queensland to attend the funeral due to Covid restrictions. Pray that they will take great comfort in the fact that Keith’s eternal future is secure in Christ and that they will have great joy in the remembrance of his godly legacy.
