Dr. Charles Stanley, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta and the founder of In Touch Ministries, died on April 18, 2023, at his home in Atlanta. He was 90 years old. His death was announced by In Touch Ministries on their Facebook page, where they paid tribute to his life and legacy.
Dr. Stanley was one of the most influential and respected Christian leaders of his generation, reaching millions of people around the world through his radio and television broadcasts, books, and online platforms. He was known for his biblical teaching, practical wisdom, and personal integrity.
In this article, we will look at the details of Dr. Charles Stanley’s cause of death, his life and ministry, and the reactions from his family, friends, and followers.
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What was Dr. Charles Stanley’s cause of death?
The exact cause of Dr. Charles Stanley’s death has not been disclosed to the public. However, according to TheNetline, rumors state that he died of natural causes. His family said that he died peacefully at home.
There are no reports of Dr. Stanley suffering from any illness before his death. Therefore, it is unlikely that he died from a disease or an accident. Given that he was 90 years old, it is possible that he died from old age or complications related to aging.
How did Dr. Charles Stanley live and serve?
Dr. Charles Stanley was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. He grew up in a rural area and experienced poverty and hardship during his childhood. He became a Christian at the age of 12 and felt called to preach at the age of 14.
He attended the University of Richmond and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He then went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a master’s degree in theology. He later received a doctorate in theology from Luther Rice Seminary.
He married Anna Johnson in 1958 and they had two children: Andy and Becky. Andy followed his father’s footsteps and became a pastor of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. Becky is a homemaker and a mother of two sons.
Dr. Stanley joined First Baptist Church Atlanta in 1969 as an associate pastor. He became the senior pastor in 1971 and served there for over 50 years until he retired in 2020. Under his leadership, the church grew from 5,000 members to around 15,000 members. He also founded In Touch Ministries in 1977, which became a global media ministry that broadcasts his sermons on radio, television, and online platforms.
Dr. Stanley wrote more than 60 books on various topics such as prayer, faith, grace, forgiveness, leadership, and spiritual growth. Some of his best-selling books include How to Listen to God, The Gift of Forgiveness, Handle with Prayer, and Courageous Faith.
Dr. Stanley received many awards and honors for his ministry and service. He was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1988 and received the NRB Board of Directors Award in 1999. He also received the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 2007.
How did people react to Dr. Charles Stanley’s death?
Dr. Charles Stanley’s death was met with shock and sadness by many people who admired and loved him. His family, friends, colleagues, and followers expressed their condolences and gratitude for his life and ministry on social media and other platforms.
His son Andy posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying: “My dad went home to be with Jesus this morning…He was an amazing dad…He was an amazing preacher…He was an amazing leader…He was an amazing friend…He will be missed by so many…But not by me…I will see him again…And so will you if you have trusted Jesus as your Savior…Thank you for your prayers for our family.”
His daughter Becky also shared her grief on Facebook, saying: “My heart is broken today as I say goodbye to my daddy…He was my hero, my mentor, my teacher, my friend…He taught me how to love God, love people, and love life…He showed me how to live by faith, walk in grace, and trust in God’s promises…He leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness that will inspire generations to come…I love you daddy…See you soon.”
His successor at First Baptist Church Atlanta, Dr. Anthony George, released a statement on behalf of the church, saying: “Our church and the kingdom of God have been impacted by this one man’s life and ministry in ways that no one can fully comprehend…Dr. Stanley led First Baptist Atlanta for over 51 years, and his legacy will forever shape the heart and mission of our church…We are grateful for his faithful service, his godly example, and his eternal influence…We pray for God’s comfort and peace for his family and friends during this time of loss and sorrow.”
His ministry partner at In Touch Ministries, Dr. Mark Rutland, also issued a statement on behalf of the organization, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved founder and president, Dr. Charles Stanley…He was a visionary leader, a gifted teacher, a faithful friend, and a humble servant of God…He touched countless lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word…We are thankful for his legacy of faith and love that will continue to inspire and encourage us all…We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family and loved ones.”
Many other Christian leaders, celebrities, and fans also paid tribute to Dr. Charles Stanley on social media and other platforms. Some of them include:
- Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and son of Billy Graham: “Dr. Charles Stanley was a great man of God who preached the Gospel with power and conviction for over 60 years…He was a friend and a mentor to me and many others…He will be greatly missed but we rejoice that he is now in the presence of his Savior…My prayers are with his family and his church.”
- Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church: “Dr. Charles Stanley was a giant in the faith who impacted millions of lives with his ministry…He was a man of integrity, wisdom, and grace who taught us how to live in victory and trust in God’s promises…He was a blessing to me and my family and I’m honored to have known him…He finished his race strong and is now receiving his reward in heaven…My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his church.”
- Joyce Meyer, author and speaker: “Dr. Charles Stanley was a true servant of God who dedicated his life to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ…He was a wonderful teacher who helped me grow in my faith and understanding of God’s Word…He was also a kind and generous person who supported our ministry and many others…He leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him…I’m praying for his family and his church.”
- Tim Tebow, former NFL player and current MLB player: “Dr. Charles Stanley was one of my heroes who inspired me to pursue God’s purpose for my life…He was an amazing preacher who spoke with passion and authority from God’s Word…He was also an amazing leader who led with humility and courage from God’s Spirit…He made a difference in this world for God’s glory…I’m grateful for his life and ministry…I’m praying for his family and his church.”
