About Dr. Tim Orr
Welcome
I’m an award-winning adjunct lecturer in religious studies, author, and Evangelical interfaith leader wrestling with faith in a divided world.
My Story
1968
Tim was born in 1968 to Mike and Barbara Orr in Terre Haute, IN. He entered the world with a cleft lip and cleft palate, facing early medical challenges that would shape his resilience and faith.
1975
A cherished photo of Tim with his parents and younger brother, Shannon. Tragically, Shannon's life was cut short in 2016 when he was killed by a drunk driver, a heartbreaking loss for the family.
1978
By the age of 17, Tim had endured 20 surgeries, starting at just eight weeks old. These experiences forged his perseverance that would eventually deepen his trust in God’s purpose for his life after he was converted.
1991
Tim enrolled at Lee College to study pastoral ministry but faced academic challenges. Determined to grow, he returned to college in 1995 at Indiana University Northwest, where he learned how to excel as a student. His perseverance paid off—he went on to earn six degrees. Not bad for someone who nearly flunked out of high school!
1995
In 1995, Tim followed God’s calling to plant a multicultural church in East Chicago/Gary, Indiana, bringing together African American and Hispanic communities in worship and fellowship.
2007
One of the greatest days of Tim’s life—when he and his wife, Michelle, adopted their daughter, Faith, at birth in 2007.
2015
Tim was honored with the Jacqueline D. Franz Outstanding Part-time Teaching Faculty Award at Indiana University Columbus, recognizing his dedication to education and mentorship.
2016
Islam Rising, published in 2016, lays out a strategy for Christian colleges to equip the next generation to engage meaningfully with their Muslim friends and neighbors.
2017
Letters to My Daughter chronicles Tim’s journey through profound loss after his wife’s passing, revealing how unwavering faith in God carried him and his daughter, Faith, forward in hope.
2020
At just 10 years old, Faith accomplished an extraordinary milestone—reading the entire New Testament. A testament to her determination and the power of God working in her life, especially as a young girl with Down syndrome.
2021
Preaching at Terrace Lake Church, IN, sharing insights on faith and ministry.
2023
Speaker event in London
2000
Speaking event in Oxford
2023
Speaking event in Scotland
2023
Meeting with my friend and Muslim leader
2023
My meeting with the leaders of Interfaith Scotland
2023
I had a wonderful opportunity to participate in a panel discussion at the University of Oxford.
2023
Speaking at the Eighth Annual Conference on Shi'i Studies held on London
2023
I had fun speaking at the Race, Religion and Social Justice Conference at the Tri-Faith Inniative located in Omaha
2023
Muslims and Christians coming together for lunch—such a great time of fellowship and connection
2023
I travel to the UK twice a year to lead training events and consult with a diverse range of leaders who engage with Muslims. This meeting is part of that ongoing work.
2023
I delivered an online lecture at the University of Tehran titled A Critique of Ziba Mir-Hosseini’s Humanistic Ethic of Social Justice. I later published my paper in their peer-reviewed journal, Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies.
2024
Engaging in Bible and Quran study with Christian friends and members of the Islamic Center in Columbus, IN.
2025
Tim published his fourth book, Gospel-Centered Christianity and Other Religions: Unpacking the Depths of the Gospel—Its Foundations, Power, and Uniqueness. This book explores how the gospel stands apart from other religious traditions, highlighting its transformative power and theological depth.
Dr. Tim Orr blends academic scholarship, ministry, and personal transformation with over 30 years in cross-cultural ministry. He serves full-time at Crescent Project as the Assistant Internship Director and Area Coordinator, leading UK training and outreach to equip Christians for effective engagement with Muslims. He also serves part-time as a research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, where he focuses on congregations and polarization, examining how faith communities navigate division and cultural change. He holds six degrees, including an MA in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London, and taught religious studies for 15 years at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus.
A pivotal moment came on October 7, 2023, when he witnessed antisemitic protests in London before Israel had even responded. This experience deepened his understanding of Islamism in the West and reinforced his commitment to equipping Christians for meaningful engagement with Muslims.
Dr. Orr strives to bridge cultural and religious divides through training, equipping, writing, speaking, and research while staying firmly anchored in the gospel. His mission is to equip evangelicals to engage with Muslims thoughtfully, boldly, and with grace.
Dr. Tim Orr´s Blog
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