Prominent Evangelical Pastor Dr. Charles Stanley Passes Away at 90
by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D.
Dr. Charles Stanley, a major figure in American Evangelical Christianity for over six decades, died this week at the age of 90.
Rev. Stanley had global influence as both an author and a Christian televangelist, selling more than 10 million copies of his more than 70 books. He led the First Baptist Church in Atlanta for 50 years, only stepping back from that role in 2020.
Stanley founded In Touch Ministries in 1977 to spread Bible teaching around the world and his In Touch program airs on more than 4,000 television, radio, and satellite networks and stations worldwide. His preaching has reportedly been translated into some 127 languages.
“This morning, God called our beloved pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley, home to heaven,” the ministry announced Tuesday in a social media post. “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.”
Encomium has poured in from all around the nation and beyond, as Christians worldwide mourn the passing of such a significant figure in American Evangelicalism.
Prominent Evangelist Franklin Graham, son of “America’s Pastor” Billy Graham, posted a picture on Facebook of his father and Stanley together, while lauding him for his faithful witness.