Charles Stanley Dies as Christian Leaders Express Their Condolences

Charles Stanley, a prominent Atlanta-based pastor whose evangelical broadcasts reached audiences around the world, died Tuesday. He was 90 years old.

In 65 years of ministry, Stanley helped to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world through his Bible-teaching ministry.  He had led First Baptist Church Atlanta for 50 years, but he stepped back from that role in 2020. Today, the Atlanta church's membership includes people from 98 countries of origin, making them among the most ethnically diverse congregations in America.

Stanley was also the founder of In Touch Ministries which he founded in 1977 to spread Bible teaching around the world via radio and television broadcasts. The ministry announced in a post, "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." 

Stanley is survived by his son Andy Stanley, founding and senior pastor of North Point Ministries; daughter Becky Stanley Brodersen; six grandchildren; and half-sister Susie Cox. His former wife, Anna Johnson Stanley, preceded him in death in 2014.

Christian leaders have expressed their condolences:

Rev. Johnnie Moore - (view tweet here)

Charles Stanley was a Christian icon, and a true media pioneer whose sermons were watched by countless millions. Dr. Stanley believed the Bible, and he taught its precepts faithfully - and without fanfare - for his entire life. He taught that Christians should just "obey God's word and leave all the consequences to him." Some of my own earliest memories are of being in my grandmother's house, and she would always have Charles Stanley on television. Like millions of others, I think she watched every single one of his sermons, twice. Losing George Verwer and Charles Stanley in the same week means there's one massive party happening in Heaven. It also means we have lost another giant of a Christian. It calls all of us to do our part to carry the baton to new generations. Well done, Dr. Stanley. We will miss you and we thank God for how he used you to change so many of our lives.

Dr. David Jeremiah - 

Charles Stanley was not only a knowledgeable and faithful Bible teacher who loved and obeyed God, he was also a man of great character, and a humble and gracious friend.

Who can count the number of souls his life and ministry made an impact on? His steadfast commitment to preaching the Gospel will be remembered for generations. He has blessed me and the world tremendously, and I will see him again some day in glory.

Pastor Greg Laurie - (view tweet here) 

Charles Stanley went to Heaven today. He made his mark on this world for the Gospel and his incredible teaching of God's Word. I like so many others was blessed by hearing his messages on the radio and TV and he was a trusted voice we have all been encouraged http://by.It was my privilege to meet Dr. Stanley in person in Charlotte, North Carolina at the funeral for Billy Graham. He was warm and gracious. No doubt, he has already heard Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." Charles Stanley will be greatly missed.

Jack Graham - (view tweet here)

Charles Stanley...a spiritual legacy that will last for generations. I am grateful for the preaching ministry of this man and his commitment to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. All the praise goes to Jesus.

Nick Hall - 

Charles Stanley was a hero of the faith. His voice echoed through my North Dakota home growing up, as his teaching discipled my family and gave me a passion for preaching the Word of God. Whenever we met, he always made time for me, encouraging me to do the work of the Evangelist!

Dr. James Dobson - 

Charles Stanley was a lion of the faith. An effective evangelist and teach of the Bible, Stanley had a straightforward take on how to live the Christian life - trust Scripture and obey God. That simple mantra undergirds his legacy and no doubt is reflected in the faith of countless Christians who have been impacted by his ministry. Shirley and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Stanley family.

Memorial services will be a private, family-only gathering. For the public, Stanley will lie in repose from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church Atlanta, 4400 North Peachtree Rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to In Touch Ministries.

The memorial site is at : http://charlesstanley.com.

 

 

 

 

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