Charles Stanley, a prominent pastor, author, and broadcaster, passed away on April 18, 2023, at his home in Atlanta. He was 90 years old and had served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta for more than 50 years. He was also the founder and president of In Touch Ministries, a global media ministry that reached millions of people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this article, we will explore his life, ministry, and impact, as well as the mystery surrounding his cause of death.
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A Passion for God’s Word
Charles Stanley was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia, the only child of Charles and Rebecca Stanley. His father died when he was nine months old, and his mother raised him alone. He became a Christian at the age of 12, after hearing a sermon on John 3:16. He felt a call to preach at the age of 14, and began to study the Bible diligently. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 1955, and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1959. He later received his Doctor of Theology degree from Luther Rice Seminary in 1967.
Stanley began his pastoral ministry in 1956, at the age of 24, at First Baptist Church in Miami, Florida. He moved to Atlanta in 1969, to become the associate pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta. He became the senior pastor in 1971, and led the church to grow from 2,000 to 15,000 members. He also oversaw the construction of a new sanctuary and a Christian school. He preached with clarity, conviction, and compassion, emphasizing the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word for every aspect of life.
A Vision for God’s Work
Stanley was not only a pastor, but also a visionary leader who had a burden for reaching the world with the gospel. He founded In Touch Ministries in 1972, as a radio ministry that broadcasted his sermons to a local audience. He later expanded the ministry to include television, magazines, books, podcasts, and online platforms. He also developed the In Touch Messenger, a solar-powered audio device that contained the Bible and his messages in various languages. He distributed millions of these devices to people in remote and restricted areas, such as prisons, hospitals, and war zones.
Stanley was also involved in other ministries and organizations, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, the National Religious Broadcasters, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and the Christian Coalition. He wrote more than 60 books, including bestsellers such as How to Listen to God, The Gift of Forgiveness, and How to Handle Adversity. He received numerous awards and honors, such as the ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award, the NRB Hall of Fame Award, and the Gideon International Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Legacy for God’s Glory
Stanley was a man who loved God and people. He was married to Anna Johnson Stanley from 1958 to 2000, and they had two children, Andy and Becky. Andy followed his father’s footsteps and became a pastor and author, who leads North Point Ministries, one of the largest churches in America. Becky is a homemaker and mother of six children. Stanley also had nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he adored. He was known for his humility, generosity, and kindness, and he mentored many pastors and leaders.
Stanley influenced countless lives with his faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word. He was called “one of the most influential pastors in America” by Christianity Today, and “a spiritual giant” by Franklin Graham. He was admired and respected by many Christians, especially pastors, who learned from his biblical wisdom and practical guidance. He left behind a rich legacy of godly character and fruitful ministry that will continue to inspire and equip generations of believers.
What Was Charles Stanley’s Cause of Death?
The cause of Charles Stanley’s death was not officially disclosed, but it is speculated that he died of natural causes or advanced age. According to his grandson Dan Jacobsen, he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family. He had been suffering from some health issues in the past few months, and had been confined to a wheelchair. He had also announced his retirement as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta in September 2020, after 51 years of service.
In Touch Ministries announced his death in a statement, saying, “In Touch Family, this morning, God called our beloved pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley, home to heaven. Dr. Stanley lived a life of obedience and is now receiving the joy of his soul-seeing his Savior face-to-face. Please join us in praying for the Stanley family.” The ministry also invited the public to pay their respects to the deceased at the church on April 29, 2023, between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. However, the memorial service for Stanley was a private affair, attended by his close family and friends.
Charles Stanley was a man who devoted his life to the glory of God and the good of others. He finished his race well, and received his heavenly reward. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.
