The prominent Atlanta-area preacher Dr. Charles Stanley, who founded In Touch Ministries, has died. He was 90.
The southern Baptist pastor was known throughout the world for his television and radio broadcasts preaching Scripture.
Stanley's family said the widely respected evangelist died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning.
Stanley was the Senior Leader of First Baptist Church Atlanta from 1971 to 2020, when he assumed the role of pastor emeritus. He also served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1985 and 1986.
"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," First Baptist Church Atlanta said.
Born in Dry Fork, Virginia, Stanley was raised by a single mother after his father died when he was a baby.
He studied theology at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta before embarking on an impactful career as an evangelist.
Stanley began with The Chapel Hour, later renamed In Touch With Dr. Stanley in 1978. Over the decades, In Touch became a globally successful radio and TV broadcast.
An obituary from In Touch Ministries called Stanley a faithful servant of God who taught "practical, Christ-centered, biblically based principles for everyday life."
"Not having sought out the public spotlight, Stanley was a pastor who happened to be on TV, focused on teaching others how to seek and obey God through adversity and personal hardships," the obituary said.
Political leaders in Georgia are also paying tribute, including Governor Brian Kemp (R), who called Stanley a "giant of our faith."
Our family is deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Charles Stanley’s passing.
A giant of our faith, Dr. Stanley’s ministry reached countless souls around the world, and we were honored to attend his final sermon and thank him for his decades of servant leadership and dedication to…
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) April 18, 2023
Stanley was preceded in death by his wife Anna Johnson Stanley, and is survived by his son Andy Stanley, founding and senior pastor of North Point Ministries, daughter Becky Stanley Broderson, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and half-sister Susie Cox.
