Dr. Charles Stanley, the founder of In Touch Ministries and a renowned pastor and author, passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 90. He died peacefully in his home in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by his family and friends. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but he had been suffering from various health issues in his later years
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Early Life and Education
Dr. Stanley was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. His father, also named Charles, died nine months later, leaving his mother, Rebecca, to raise him and his siblings. He became a born-again Christian at the age of 12 and felt called to ministry at the age of 14. He graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956 and then studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Luther Rice Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, and Doctorate of Theology degrees
Ministry and Leadership
Dr. Stanley joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Atlanta in 1969 and became the senior pastor in 1971. He served in that role for 49 years until he retired in 2020 and became the pastor emeritus. He was known for his clear and practical preaching of the Bible and his emphasis on God’s grace and sovereignty. He also founded In Touch Ministries in 1977, a global media ministry that broadcasts his sermons through television, radio, and digital platforms in more than 50 languages. He also wrote more than 70 books, including best-sellers such as The Gift of Forgiveness, How to Listen to God, and The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. He served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986 and was influential in the conservative resurgence of the denomination
Personal Life and Family
Dr. Stanley married Anna Johnson in 1955 and they had two children, Becky and Andy. Andy followed his father’s footsteps and became a pastor and founder of North Point Ministries. Dr. Stanley and Anna divorced in 2000 after years of separation, which caused some controversy in the church and the denomination. Dr. Stanley never remarried and remained devoted to his ministry and his family. He had seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He enjoyed photography, golf, and spending time with his loved ones
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Stanley left behind a legacy of faithfulness, humility, and generosity. He touched millions of lives through his preaching, teaching, and writing. He inspired many people to seek Jesus as their Savior and Lord and to grow in their relationship with Him. He also supported many missions and humanitarian causes around the world through his ministry and his personal giving. He was honored with numerous awards and recognitions, such as the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame Award, the Gideon International Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Salvation Army William Booth Award. He was also named as one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America by Time magazine in 2005
Dr. Stanley’s funeral service was held on April 25, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, where he was eulogized by his son Andy and other prominent Christian leaders. He was buried at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia. His ministry and his family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to In Touch Ministries to continue his vision of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth
Dr. Charles Stanley will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving father and grandfather, and a powerful preacher and teacher. He will be greatly missed by his family, his church, his ministry, and his countless admirers and followers. He finished his race well and received his crown of glory from his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
