About Charles Stanley
Dr. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and the long-time pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta. Through his preaching, writing, radio, and television ministry, he became known for sharing practical biblical truth for everyday life.
Throughout his ministry, Dr. Stanley showed a deep concern for people’s spiritual needs. Therefore, his teaching often focused on helping people understand God’s Word and apply it to real issues such as prayer, relationships, personal struggles, finances, parenting, and faith during difficult seasons.
His Ministry and Calling
In 1971, Dr. Stanley became Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia. Soon after, in 1972, a half-hour television program called The Chapel Hour began airing on an Atlanta-area station.
Then, in 1978, the Christian Broadcasting Network contacted Dr. Stanley about adding the program to its satellite distribution network. As a result, the broadcast quickly grew from a local Atlanta audience to a much wider national reach.
By 1982, In Touch Ministries was incorporated and began radio syndication. During the 1980s, In Touch programs reached many major markets across the United States. In addition, the ministry continued to expand through television, radio, books, devotionals, and other Christian resources.
In Touch Ministries
Today, In Touch Ministries continues to share Dr. Stanley’s Bible teaching through broadcasts, devotionals, books, digital media, and online resources. Its mission is to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church.
Over the years, In Touch programs have been heard and seen internationally through radio, television, and online platforms. In addition, the ministry has produced CDs, DVDs, pamphlets, books, and the monthly devotional magazine In Touch.
Recognition and Leadership
Dr. Stanley was honored by several Christian broadcasting and publishing organizations. In 1988, he was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame for the excellence and influence of his broadcasts.
In addition, Religious Heritage of America named him Clergyman of the Year in 1989. Later, the National Religious Broadcasters also recognized In Touch with awards for both television and radio programming.
Dr. Stanley also served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986. Furthermore, he served on the board of directors for the National Religious Broadcasters.
Books and Teaching
Dr. Stanley was also a New York Times best-selling author who wrote more than 50 books. His books include Finding Peace, How to Reach Your Full Potential for God, I Lift Up My Soul, In Step with God, Landmines in the Path of the Believer, Handle With Prayer, How to Listen to God, The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life, The Source of My Strength, How to Handle Adversity, Success God’s Way, Surviving in an Angry World, and Turning the Tide.
Early Life and Faith
Dr. Stanley’s earliest childhood memories included God’s support during the difficult years following the death of his father. Through the counsel and example of his mother and grandfather, he learned to trust and obey God’s Word.
At the age of 14, Dr. Stanley sensed a clear call to ministry. Later, he earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Richmond, a bachelor of divinity degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and both a master’s degree and doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary.
Legacy
Above all, Dr. Stanley believed in the power of God’s Word to change lives. His messages consistently pointed people to Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of living by faith.
Ultimately, his heart’s desire was to communicate the gospel to as many people as possible, as clearly as possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit and for the glory of God.
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Meet Dr. Charles Stanley