Charles Stanley, one of the most influential and respected Baptist preachers in America, passed away on April 18, 2023, at his home in Atlanta. He was 90 years old. His cause of death has not been officially announced, but it is speculated that he died of natural causes. Stanley was the founder and president of In Touch Ministries, a global Christian media ministry that reaches millions of people through radio, television, and online platforms. He was also the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta for 50 years, until he stepped down in 2020.
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A Life Dedicated to God and His Word
Charles Stanley was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. He grew up in a rural area with his parents and his younger brother. His father died when he was nine years old, leaving his mother to raise the two boys alone. Stanley later said that his mother’s faith and prayers were instrumental in shaping his spiritual life.
Stanley felt called to preach at the age of 14, and he began to preach at local churches and revival meetings. He graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1955. He then earned his master’s degree in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1959, and his doctorate in theology from Luther Rice Seminary in 1972.
Stanley moved to Atlanta in 1969 to become the associate pastor of First Baptist Church. Two years later, he was elected as the senior pastor of the church, which had about 5,000 members at the time. Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly and moved to a larger campus in 1997. The church now has about 15,000 members and is one of the largest Southern Baptist churches in America.
Stanley also expanded his ministry beyond the church walls by embracing multimedia platforms. He started a radio program called The Chapel Hour in 1972, which later became In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. In 1978, he began to broadcast his sermons on television through the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). In 1982, he founded In Touch Ministries as a separate nonprofit organization to support his media outreach. In Touch Ministries now produces and distributes various Christian resources, such as magazines, books, podcasts, and solar-powered audio players that contain the Bible and Stanley’s teachings in more than 100 languages.
A Leader with a Vision and a Mission
Stanley was not only a preacher but also a leader with a vision and a mission for God’s kingdom. He served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) for two terms in 1985 and 1986. He was involved in the conservative resurgence movement that sought to uphold the authority and inerrancy of the Bible within the denomination. He also advocated for evangelism, missions, and social issues from a biblical perspective.
Stanley was known for his clear and practical exposition of God’s word. He often said that his goal was “to get the truth of the gospel to as many people as possible as quickly as possible in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God.” He emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s will and guidance, as well as having an intimate relationship with God through prayer and worship.
Stanley was also known for his humility and grace. He faced many challenges and trials in his personal life, such as his divorce from his wife Anna in 2000 after more than 40 years of marriage. He also faced criticism and opposition from some church members and denominational leaders over various issues. However, he always maintained his integrity and faithfulness to God’s calling.
Stanley received many honors and awards for his ministry and service, such as the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame Award in 1988, the ECPA Christian Book Award for Devotional Book of the Year in 2009, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from NRB in 2017.
A Legacy That Lives On
Stanley’s death has left a void in the hearts of many who loved and admired him. His family, friends, church members, ministry partners, and followers have expressed their sorrow and gratitude for his life and ministry.
His son Andy Stanley, who is also a prominent pastor and author, said that his father was “the most influential person” in his life. He said that he learned from him how to love God, love people, and preach God’s word with passion and conviction.
His daughter Becky Stanley Brodersen said that her father was “a man who loved God with all his heart.” She said that he taught her how to trust God in every situation and how to live by faith.
His church said that they are “forever grateful for his enduring legacy of faithful leadership and spiritual guidance.” They said that Stanley’s ministry “has been impacted by this one man’s life and ministry in ways that no one can fully comprehend.”
His ministry said that they are “deeply saddened” by his passing, but they are “also rejoicing that he is now in the presence of his Savior.” They said that they will continue to carry on his vision and mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Charles Stanley’s cause of death may not be known, but his legacy of faith and love will live on. He was a man who devoted his life to God and His word, and who touched countless lives with his message of hope and grace. He was a man who finished his race well, and who heard the words from his Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
