Charles Stanley, the renowned Southern Baptist pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries, passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 90. His death was announced by his son, Andy Stanley, who is also a prominent pastor and leader of North Point Community Church. The news of Charles Stanley’s death shocked and saddened millions of his followers and admirers, who had been inspired by his teachings and ministry for over five decades. But what was the cause of his death? How did he die? Here is what we know so far.
A Peaceful Departure
According to Andy Stanley, his father died peacefully at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. He did not reveal the exact cause of his death, but he hinted that it might have been natural causes. He said that in the final few weeks with his father, the elder Stanley ended each visit by asking his son to pray for him. “Which of course I did,” Andy Stanley wrote on social media. “On my knees beside the big leather chair he was confined to for the past several months.”
On his last visit with his father on Saturday night, Andy Stanley said that his father asked if he could pray for him instead, “as if he knew.” He then said his final words to his son: “I couldn’t be prouder of you Andy.” Andy Stanley said that those were “wonderfully weighty words” and that he would miss his father every day until he sees him again in heaven
A Remarkable Legacy
Charles Stanley was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. He became a Christian at the age of 12 and started his ministry at the age of 14. He studied at the University of Richmond, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Luther Rice Seminary. He joined the staff of First Baptist Church Atlanta in 1969 and became its senior pastor in 1971. He served in that role for 49 years until he stepped down in 2020 and took on emeritus status
He also founded In Touch Ministries in 1977, which broadcasts his sermons and programs through television, radio, and digital media in more than 50 languages. He also wrote more than 70 books on various topics related to Christian faith and life. He was a New York Times best-selling author and received many awards and honors for his work. He also served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986
He was known for his clear and practical exposition of the Bible and his emphasis on God’s grace and sovereignty. He touched the lives of countless people around the world with his message of hope and love in Jesus Christ. He was a faithful servant of God who finished his race well.
A Celebration of Life
The First Baptist Church Atlanta released a statement expressing its gratitude and appreciation for Charles Stanley’s life and ministry. It said that he had impacted the church and the kingdom of God in ways that no one can fully comprehend. It also announced that it would hold a celebration of life service for him on April 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the church sanctuary. The service would be open to the public and also streamed online through the church website and In Touch Ministries website
The church also invited people to share their memories and tributes to Charles Stanley on its website or social media platforms using the hashtag #ThankYouDrStanley. Many people have already posted their messages of condolence and appreciation for Charles Stanley, expressing how he had influenced their lives and faith.
Charles Stanley’s cause of death may not be known yet, but what is certain is that he left behind a legacy of faithfulness, wisdom, and grace that will continue to inspire generations to come. He was a man who loved God and loved people, and who devoted his life to sharing the gospel with them. He will be greatly missed by many, but we can rejoice that he is now with his Lord and Savior in glory.
