Dr. Charles Stanley, the founder of In Touch Ministries and the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 90 years old. His death shocked and saddened millions of people who followed his evangelical teachings through radio, television, and books. But how did he die? What was the official Charles Stanley cause of death? In this article, we will look into the details of his life, ministry, and death.
A Life of Obedience and Faith
Dr. Charles Stanley was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. He grew up in a poor and rural area, where he experienced hardship and hunger. His father died when he was nine months old, and his mother worked as a nurse to support him and his siblings. He became a Christian at the age of 12, and felt a calling to preach at the age of 14. He graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and then earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Luther Rice Seminary, respectively.
He began his pastoral ministry in 1956, serving in several churches in Virginia and Georgia. In 1969, he became the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, a position he held for 51 years until he retired in 2020. Under his leadership, the church grew from 5,000 to 15,000 members, and expanded its outreach through television and radio broadcasts. He also founded In Touch Ministries in 1977, a global media ministry that reaches millions of people in more than 100 languages and countries. He wrote over 50 books, including bestsellers such as The Gift of Forgiveness, How to Listen to God, and How to Handle Adversity.
Dr. Stanley was known for his clear and practical preaching style, based on the biblical principles of obedience and faith. He often shared his personal experiences of God’s guidance and grace in his life, such as how he overcame a painful divorce, a broken relationship with his son, and a near-fatal car accident. He also encouraged his listeners to trust God in every situation, and to seek His will and direction for their lives. He was widely respected and honored for his faithful service and influence, receiving awards such as the Gideon Award, the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame Award, and the ECPA Christian Book Award.
A Peaceful Departure to Heaven
Dr. Stanley passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. His cause of death has not been officially announced, but it is speculated that he died of natural causes, given his age and deteriorating condition. He had been suffering from various health issues, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems, and had been using a wheelchair for mobility. He had also been living alone since his divorce from his wife Anna in 2000, after 44 years of marriage. She died in 2014.
His death was announced by In Touch Ministries, which released 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.” His son, Andy Stanley, who is also a pastor and the founder of North Point Ministries, confirmed his father’s death on social media, writing, “Dad, I love you. I’m so grateful for you. I’m so grateful for the promise of heaven. See you soon.”
Dr. Stanley is survived by his daughter Becky, his son Andy, and six grandchildren. His funeral and memorial service will be held privately, with only close family and friends in attendance. However, the public will be able to pay their respects to him at the First Baptist Church Atlanta on Saturday, April 29, 2023, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. His body will be laid to rest at the church’s cemetery, next to his wife Anna.
Dr. Stanley’s legacy will live on through his ministry, his books, and his followers, who will continue to be inspired by his teachings and example. He will be remembered as a man of God, who devoted his life to spreading the gospel and helping others grow in their faith. He will be greatly missed by many, but also celebrated for his eternal reward in heaven.
