Charles F. Stanley (1932–2023) was a pastor, Bible teacher, and the founder of In Touch Ministries. For decades he preached the Bible with clarity and care. As senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, his messages reached millions by radio, TV, and the web.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
What Shaped His Ministry
Stanley grew up in rural Virginia. His father died when he was an infant, and his mother raised him in lean times. As a teen he sensed God’s call to preach. He trained for ministry and began serving churches soon after.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Core emphases you’ll hear in his teaching
- Listen to God through Scripture.
- Obey God and leave the results to Him.
- Pray in every season.
- Walk in daily integrity.
Why People Connected with Him
| Theme | What Stanley Taught | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Guidance | God leads through His Word and prayer | Gives clear next steps |
| Trials | God uses hardship to grow us | Builds hope and patience |
| Trust | Obedience comes before outcomes | Lowers fear and worry |
| Service | Every believer has a role | Encourages a serving heart |
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)
First Baptist Atlanta and In Touch
In 1971, Stanley became senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta. The church grew while keeping a simple focus: preach the Word and shepherd people. In 1977, In Touch Ministries began as a media arm so sermons could reach beyond Atlanta.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Hallmarks of His Leadership
- Verse-by-verse preaching
- Pastoral care for a large church
- Clear next steps for new believers
- Use of media to spread the gospel
Books That Shaped Readers
He wrote many books on prayer, guidance, and the Christian life, such as How to Listen to God, The Blessings of Brokenness, and Living the Extraordinary Life. Readers often say his writing is simple, warm, and straight from Scripture.
| Book Focus | One-Sentence Summary |
|---|---|
| Prayer and Guidance | Learn to hear and heed God’s voice. |
| Pain and Growth | God meets us in weakness and forms Christ in us. |
| Daily Obedience | Small steps of faith build a steady life. |
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
Brief Note on His Divorce
Charles and Anna Stanley faced a long season of marital strain. Their divorce was finalized in 2000. Reports at the time did not claim moral failure or infidelity on his part. His church affirmed his role as pastor, and he remained single. He continued to preach with the same focus on Scripture and grace.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
What We Can Learn
Stanley’s motto was simple: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” That line sums up his life and teaching. He urged believers to trust God’s character, even when the path was hard.
| Practice | Simple Step You Can Take This Week |
|---|---|
| Daily Bible Reading | Read one Psalm each morning and pray it back to God. |
| Prayer | Write one burden on a card and pray over it every day. |
| Obedience | Take one small step you know God is asking of you. |
| Service | Encourage one person at church with a note or call. |
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Later Years and Legacy
In 2020 he became pastor emeritus of First Baptist Atlanta after nearly five decades of service. In Touch kept sharing the gospel in many languages. Charles Stanley passed away on April 18, 2023, at age 90. His sermons, books, and the people he pastored carry his work forward.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Chronological Summary
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1932 | Born in Dry Fork, Virginia |
| 1940s | Called to ministry as a teenager |
| 1971 | Becomes senior pastor, First Baptist Church of Atlanta |
| 1977 | Launches In Touch Ministries |
| 2000 | Divorce finalized; church affirms his continued ministry; he remains single |
| 2020 | Named pastor emeritus at First Baptist Atlanta |
| 2023 | Passes away at age 90 |
