Dr. Charles Frazier Stanley (September 25, 1932 – April 18, 2023) was a prominent American pastor, author, and televangelist, best known for his long tenure as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and as the founder of In Touch Ministries. His teachings reached millions worldwide through television, radio, and print media.
Early Life and Education
Born in Dry Fork, Virginia, Charles Stanley was the only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley. His father passed away when he was just nine months old. Raised by his mother and grandfather, Reverend George Washington Stanley, a Pentecostal preacher, Charles was introduced to Christian faith early in life. At 12, he experienced a personal conversion, and by 14, he felt a calling to ministry.
Stanley graduated from the University of Richmond in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then pursued theological studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, earning a Master of Divinity. He furthered his education at Luther Rice Seminary, obtaining both a Master of Theology and a Doctorate of Theology.
Ministry Career
In 1971, Stanley became the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, a position he held for nearly five decades. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant growth, expanding its congregation and outreach programs. In 2020, he transitioned to Pastor Emeritus, continuing his ministry through other avenues.
In 1977, Stanley founded In Touch Ministries, aiming to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church. The ministry’s flagship program, “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley,” began airing in 1990 and became one of the most-watched Christian programs globally.
Stanley also served two one-year terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986.
Publications and Legacy
A prolific author, Stanley wrote over seventy books, many of which became New York Times bestsellers. His writings focused on practical Christian living, personal growth, and deepening one’s relationship with God. His “30 Life Principles” have been widely disseminated, offering guidance on living a life of obedience and faith.
Stanley’s influence extended beyond his pastoral and writing endeavors. He was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1988 and received numerous accolades for his contributions to Christian ministry and broadcasting.
Personal Life
In 1958, Stanley married Anna Johnson, and the couple had two children: Andy Stanley, who became a prominent pastor and author, and Becky Stanley Brodersen. The couple divorced in 2000. Anna Stanley passed away on November 10, 2014.
Death
Dr. Charles Stanley passed away at his home in Atlanta on April 18, 2023, at the age of 90. His death marked the end of a remarkable era in American evangelicalism, leaving a lasting legacy through his teachings, writings, and the global reach of In Touch Ministries.
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