Prominent pastor, author, and Christian broadcaster Dr. Charles Stanley passed away on Tuesday morning, April 18, at 90 years old. Dr. Stanley was born in Dry Fork, Virginia, was raised in a single-parent home and felt called to ministry at age 14. In 65 years of ministry, Dr. Stanley helped to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world through his Bible-teaching ministry.
For over five decades, Dr. Stanley faithfully served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Atlanta, and under his leadership, this metro church witnessed miraculous growth. He stepped back from that role in 2020. Over the decades, he gained global influence as a preacher through his broadcasting efforts. According to his ministry, the “In Touch” program is broadcast on more than 4,000 television, radio, and satellite networks and stations worldwide, and his sermons have been translated into 127 heart languages.
However, his resume of dedication and faith doesn’t stop there. In the 1980s, Dr. Stanley served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and by 1988, he was named to the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He also was recognized for selling more than 10 million copies of his more than 70 books, the latest of which was published in 2023.
“Dr. Stanley lived a faithful life of obedience, dedicated to teaching others how to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Now he is receiving the joy of his soul — seeing his Savior face-to-face,” In Touch said in a statement on his passing.