Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life.
CHILDHOOD, EDUCATION, AND FAMILY
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia.
The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Through the excellent counsel and example of his godly mother, Rebecca, he grew up to trust God and obey His Word wholeheartedly.
Through the excellent counsel and example of his godly mother, Rebecca, he grew up to trust God and obey His Word wholeheartedly.
At the age of fourteen, Charles received a clear call to the ministry and—like his father and grandfather before him—he took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whomever would listen.
Rev. Stanley was ordained to the ministry on August 19, 1956 at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia.
Charles received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond in 1956. That same year, on August 19, Dr. Stanley was ordained to the ministry at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia. From there, he pursued his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in Theology from Luther Rice Seminary.
Charles married Anna "Annie" Margaret Johnson on August 6, 1955. They eventually would have two children together, Andy and Becky. And even though the marriage ended in 2000, Charles has said he wants the world to remember what was best in Annie as the mother of his children and a woman who served God and others with her whole heart. She went home to be with Lord on November 10, 2014.
His son, Charles Andrew “Andy” Stanley, was born on May 16, 1958. Today, Andy is the founder of North Point Ministries and preaches the gospel as the senior pastor of North Point Community Church, a multi-site church based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Andy and his wife, Sandra, live in Milton, Georgia. They have 3 children: Andrew, Garrett, and Allie.
Dr. Stanley’s daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Louise Stanley, was born on June 9, 1961. Today, Becky and her husband, John, live in Dallas, Texas. They have 3 children: Jonathan, Annie, Matthew, and a grandson, William.
Charles Frazier Stanley Jr., was born on September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia.
Charles accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior just before his 12th birthday at the Pentecostal Holiness Church of Danville, Virginia.
Charles loved his mother Rebecca, and she was devoted to her son. Here she is baking one of his favorite desserts, blackberry pie.
Dr. Stanley’s grandfather, George Washington Stanley, was a fiery, Spirit-filled Pentecostal preacher. He planted many churches in Virginia and North Carolina—including the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Danville where Charles accepted Jesus as his Savior.
Dr. Stanley often told of how spending a week with his grandfather, George Washington Stanley, changed the course of his life—teaching him that the most important thing he could do would be to prioritize his relationship with God. Here he is at 16, pictured with his grandfather.
In 1954, Dr. Stanley earned a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia (1954).
Charles Stanley pictured with his two children: Rebecca (Becky) Louise Stanley, and Andy Stanley.
Dr. Stanley would go on to earn a bachelor of divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (1957); and master (1968) and doctorate of theology (1971) degrees from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia.
Dr. Stanley served as pastor of several churches before becoming senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia in 1971; Fruitland Baptist near Hendersonville, North Carolina (1957–1959); First Baptist of Fairborn, Ohio (1959–1962); First Baptist of Miami, Florida (1962–1968); and First Baptist of Bartow, Florida (1968).
Because of circumstances at home, Charles spent a great deal of time out by himself—delivering newspapers, on the grassy shore by Fall Creek, or at the church. It was in those solitary moments that Charles learned to pray and trust God.
PASTORATES AND “THE CHAPEL HOUR”
Dr. Stanley began pastoring in 1957 at Fruitland Baptist Church in North Carolina, where he also taught homiletics, preaching, and evangelism at the Fruitland Bible Institute. He went on to serve as pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairborn, Ohio, in 1959; First Baptist Church of Miami, Florida, in 1962, where he also founded the George Mueller Christian School in 1966; and First Baptist Church of Bartow, Florida, in 1968.
During his first pastorate at Fruitland Baptist near Hendersonville, North Carolina (1957–1959), Rev. Stanley also served as the professor of evangelism and preaching at the Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute.
On October 1, 1971, Dr. Stanley became senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia. In 1972, he launched a half-hour program called “The Chapel Hour” on Atlanta stations WXIA-TV 11 and WANX 46.
Looking for a practical Bible teaching program, the Christian Broadcasting Network contacted Dr. Stanley in 1978 to request that the program be included in its new venture—a satellite distribution network to cable systems. That broadcast grew from 16,000 local Atlanta viewers to a nationwide audience in one week.
By 1982, In Touch Ministries was incorporated and began radio syndication.
Rev. Stanley accepted the position of Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, on October 12, 1969. A tumultuous two years later, on October 1, 1971, Dr. Stanley became the historic church’s sixteenth pastor.
In 1972, Dr. Stanley launched a new half-hour program called “The Chapel Hour,” which began airing on WXIA-TV 11 and WANX 46 in color and on WGST 920 on radio.
First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1848 in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Dr. Stanley preaching at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1848 in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
The first FM radio station—a 100,000-watt border station in McAllen, Texas, KVMV-FM 96.9—began airing “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” in 1980.
IN TOUCH MINISTRIES
Today, the “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” program reaches almost every major market in the United States, broadcasting to more than 115 million households domestically with the message of Christ’s sufficiency for life’s demands.
Dr. Stanley was inducted into the National Religious Broadcaster’s (NRB) Hall of Fame in 1988 and also served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention (1984–1986).
However, a turning point for Dr. Stanley’s ministry came in August 1989, when he spoke in Kansas City, Missouri, for an ITM rally. He returned to his hotel room to seek God’s guidance on a matter, and, as he prayed, his mind kept returning to Psalm 67:2 (TLB), “Send us around the world with the news of Your saving power and Your eternal plan for all mankind.”
Dr. Stanley said, “When I was done praying, I got up and looked out the large window at the Coliseum where the rally was being held. Right next to it was a rooftop covered with satellite dishes and broadcast antennas.
“When I was done praying, I got up and looked out the large window at the Coliseum where the rally was being held. Right next to it was a rooftop covered with satellite dishes and broadcast antennas…”
In that moment, God said to me, ‘That’s the way I’m going to do it. That is how I will use you to send the gospel around the world.’”
From that point on, Dr. Stanley tirelessly sought out and employed innovative technologies to send the message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
The “In Touch” program is broadcast on more than 4,000 television, radio, and satellite networks and stations worldwide, and his sermons have been translated into 127 heart languages.
In 2006, Dr. Stanley’s messages were translated into the 100th language, marking the achievement of a long-time goal for his ministry. As of today, Dr. Stanley’s sermons have been translated into 127 heart languages.
God called Dr. Stanley to serve at First Baptist Church Atlanta in 1969, but He also gave him a vision for getting the gospel outside the four walls of the church building.
In 1977, Dr. Stanley was approached by the Christian Broadcasting Network for sermons. Suddenly, the program went from reaching viewers in Atlanta to touching a nationwide audience.
Dr. Stanley decided to rename “The Chapel Hour” to give the program a more meaningful title. He chose “In Touch,” inspired by a Living Bible devotional he owned with the same name.
This photo from 1954 is of the building that would become In Touch Ministries’ first home. The Capital Oldsmobile and Cadillac car dealership was located across the street from the Biltmore Hotel at the corner of West Peachtree Street and Fifth Street.
The “In Touch” program is broadcast on more than 4,000 television channels.
A partner is watching the In Touch program on television.
Dr. Stanley is participating in a radio interview.
Lisa Ryan interviews Dr. Stanley in an after-sermon segment.
Behind the scenes, in the In Touch Ministries’ broadcast control room.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Stanley became interested in photography in 1962 during a mission trip to Haiti. At the time, he didn’t even own a camera and had to borrow one. But from those first black and white prints, he was riveted by the experience—photography became his favorite hobby.
Over the years, Dr. Stanley has had the privilege of traveling the world to unique locales to photograph beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks. These trips have often been a special time of communing with the Lord, and he has heard God speak to him in mighty ways on many of these occasions.
These trips have often been a special time of communing with the Lord, and he has heard God speak to him in mighty ways on many of these occasions.
Dr. Stanley has published a couple of photography books and his work can be seen featured throughout many of In Touch Ministries’ products, gifts, and website.
Dr. Stanley is an avid photographer. He became interested in photography as a hobby in January of 1962, during a mission trip with 17 other pastors to Haiti.
Dr. Stanley on a photographic excursion in Antarctica.
Dr. Stanley was blessed throughout his life to capture images from every continent in the world, including Antarctica.
Dr. Stanley prepares to photograph magnificent sand dunes.
Dr. Stanley on a photographic excursion in Africa.
BOOKS
Dr. Stanley is a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than 70 books. Over the years, he has written extensively on the topics of prayer, emotions, spiritual warfare, and the Holy Spirit, among others.
His readers always appreciate how he breaks down complex theological ideas into practical principles for everyday living. His biblical teachings have been published as gift books, devotionals, study guides, and within the pages of the Life Principles Bibles.
Anyone looking to understand more about God’s Word can always find insights in his published works. Visit store.intouch.org to view or purchase his current publications.
Dr. Stanley is at Barnes & Noble signing his book, Turning the Tide.
A LEGACY OF FAITH
Dr. Stanley knew that it isn’t by one’s strength or talent that people find hope and salvation, but in Christ working through willing, obedient vessels.
He said, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.” Certainly, the Lord worked powerfully through the obedient, submitted life of Dr. Charles Stanley.
“Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.”
Acts 20:24 (TLB)
Dr. Stanley leads First Baptist Church Atlanta in prayer.
In Touch Ministries began sending In Touch Messengers—solar-powered audio devices with the Bible and Dr. Stanley’s sermons—to U.S. military troops in May 2007.
In Touch would go on to distribute Messengers around the world in more than 100 languages, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Indonesian, Telugu, and Bengali.
Louie Giglio, Dr. Stanley, and Andy Stanley talk about ministry.
In 2017, Dr. Stanley prayed with Louie Giglio for the thousands of college students attending the passion conference.
In 2015, the Messenger Lab was born, expanding the Messenger ministry into more devices.
In 2015, the Messenger Lab was born, expanding the Messenger ministry into more devices.
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FAQs
How can I contact Charles Stanley? ›
- Chat or secure message. Sign in to your client portal and send a secure message or use the chat functionality to contact the helpdesk. ...
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- Email. Charles Stanley Direct - info@cs-d.co.uk. ...
- Address. Freepost RTZT-HZLU-KZRA.
Charles Stanley. Religious Show from In Touch Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
What denomination is In Touch Ministries? ›In Touch Ministries is the worldwide international broadcast ministry of Dr. Charles F. Stanley, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.
What is the phone number for the In Touch prayer line? ›You can call us at 800-789-1473.
What movie was filmed in the Stanley? ›Film location and venue
The Stanley Hotel served as the fictional hotel and filming location for Danbury of Aspen, Colorado, in the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.
Although Stanley retired from the First Baptist pastorate, he's very much still at work at In Touch, according to the organization. The 2019 Form 990 said Stanley works an average of 30 hours per week and earns $530,225 in compensation.
What denomination does Charles Stanley belong to? ›...
Charles Stanley.
| The Reverend Charles Stanley | |
|---|---|
| Church | Southern Baptist Convention |
| Ordained | 1956 |
Written in the New American Standard Bible, Dr. Stanley's preferred translation, The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible combines portions of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and proverbs for every day of the year.
Is Mike Huckabee a Baptist preacher? ›Michael Dale Huckabee (/ˈhʌkəbi/, born August 24, 1955) is an American Baptist minister, political commentator, and former politician who served as the 44th governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007.
Is In Touch Ministries biblical? ›All of In Touch Ministries' resources are based on Dr. Stanley's teachings and are consistent with biblical, historic evangelical Christianity. We've provided this section about our beliefs so you can be confident you've found a ministry worth trusting.
What are the 3 powerful prayers? ›
The prayer of protection. The prayer of transformation. The prayer of restoration.
Is there still dial a prayer? ›“I pray for people to get peace,” he said. “I pray they will see God working, and they will be able to praise him in that situation.” “Dial-A-Prayer” is available 24 hours a day at 704-482-0022.
What is a good night prayer? ›Thank you for our home and a place to sleep and good food to eat. Help us rest well, give us peaceful dreams, and send your angels around our home to protect us throughout the night. Teach us to trust you and to love you more and more. You are good; you are great; and you are faithful, God.
How much is a night at the Stanley Hotel? ›| Commission | Rooms | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | 140 | $290-$509 (USD) |
Stanley Hotel features a variety of rooms with high paranormal activity including the famous Stephen King Suite 217, the Ghost Hunters' favorite room 401, as well as 407, and 428. These are among our most-requested rooms, availability is limited.
Why was room 217 changed to 237? ›Kubrick agreed to change the infamous room number from 217 to 237 (which does not exist) in the movie because the hotel was worried people would not want to stay in the room in the future. Ironically, room 217 is most often requested at Timberline Lodge, according to the hotel's website.
What was Billy Graham's net worth when he died? ›According to the wealth-tracking site TheRichest.com, Billy Graham's net worth was an estimated $25 million at the time of his death. That would rank Graham as one of America's eight richest pastors, Beliefnet.com reported.
How old was Charles Stanley when he died? ›Charles Stanley, whose Christian broadcasts spanned the world, dies at 90. ATLANTA — Charles Stanley, a prominent televangelist who once led the Southern Baptist Convention, died Tuesday at his home in Atlanta at age 90, In Touch Ministries announced.
What's a pastor emeritus? ›The term “Pastor Emeritus” (male) or Pastor Emerita (female) is used by a local church of the United Church of Christ to honor a person whose lengthy ministry in that local church has been one of distinguished service.
What did Charles Stanley died of? ›What denomination is General Baptist? ›
General Baptists are Baptists who hold the general or unlimited atonement view, the belief that Jesus Christ died for the entire world and not just for the chosen elect.
When did Stanley divorce? › Which version of the Bible did Billy Graham read? ›Both my wife and I grew up with the King James Version, and we still read it often and like its majesty and dignity.
Which church uses good news Bible? ›It has been endorsed by Billy Graham and several Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church in the United States (Today's English Version, Second Edition), the Southern Baptist Convention, and the Presbyterian Church (USA).
What church runs the Bible app? ›Bobby Gruenewald (born July 31, 1976) is Pastor and Innovation Leader at Life. Church, a multisite church based in Oklahoma. He is also the founder of the YouVersion Bible App and a former entrepreneur, making and selling two multi-million dollar online companies.
Is Southern Baptist the same as evangelical? ›Southern Baptists are the largest evangelical Protestant group in the United States. Descended from Baptists who settled in the American colonies in the 17th century, Southern Baptists formed their own denomination in 1845, following a rift with their northern counterparts over slavery.
What religion is Bible Baptist? ›Because Baptists are a type of Christian, they have many beliefs in common with other Christians. They believe in a single god, and that he exists in a trinity made up of the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, as well as that all human beings sin, and that salvation is gained by faith in Jesus.
What religion is faith Baptist? ›Baptists believe that faith is a matter between God and the individual (religious freedom). To them it means the advocacy of absolute liberty of conscience. Insistence on immersion believer's baptism as the only mode of baptism. Baptists do not believe that baptism is necessary for salvation.
What religion is open Bible church? ›Open Bible Churches (OBC), formerly known as Open Bible Standard Churches (OBSC), is an association of Pentecostal churches with headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
Is In Touch Ministries a good charity? ›...
Rating Information.
| Beacon | Weight |
|---|---|
| Leadership & Adaptability | 7.5 |
| Culture & Community | 10 |
What denomination is the message Bible? ›
| The Message | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | NavPress |
| Copyright | THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved. |
| Religious affiliation | Presbyterian |
| Website | messagebible.com |
Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words, and actions. And keep me from being distracted by my wants, my desires, my thoughts on how things should be. Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity, rather than a personal inconvenience.
What is the most difficult prayer to pray? ›Reading the Psalm for today reminded me yet again that the hardest prayer for me to pray is a variation of "Here I am, Lord; I come to do Your Will." (Psalm 40:8-9) When I feel those controlling tendencies creeping in, I try to catch myself and pray, Jesus, give me the desire to know and accept Your will.
What is the shortest most powerful prayer? ›The Prophet Muhammed ﷺ said: “My Dear Uncle, ask Allah for Afiyah for Wallahi, you cannot be given anything better than Afiyah.” It is a simple Dua, Sincerely mean what you say while praying. “O Allah, I ask You to be saved from any Distress, Grief, Hardship, Harm, and don't test me, etc.”
Who can I call to pray with me? ›(866) 899-WORD (9673)
Our live 24-hour toll-free confidential prayer line has received over 156,000 calls from people who connect with us in need of encouragement, prayer, or just to share a praise report.
Adhan is recited from the mosque five times daily, traditionally from the minaret. It is the first call summoning Muslims to enter the mosque for obligatory (fard) prayer (salah). A second call, known as the iqamah, summons those within the mosque to line up for the beginning of the prayers.
What is the call to pray without ceasing? ›To “pray without ceasing” means to have our minds always on the things of God, to be in constant communication with him, so that every moment may be as fruitful as possible.
What is the best prayer for a family? ›Gracious God, help us to love each other fervently. Grow our love so deep that it is able and willing to overcome and forgive a multitude of misgivings. Inspire a spirit of hospitality in each of us and enable us to cheerfully share our home . We acknowledge that you have given each of us spiritual gifts.
What is the powerful morning prayer? ›Prayer for a New Day
Dear Lord, This morning as I contemplate a new day, I ask you to help me. I want to be aware of your spirit—leading me in the decisions I take, the conversations I have, and the work I do. I want to be more like you, Jesus, as I relate to the people I meet today—friends or strangers.
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What is the address to In Touch Ministries? ›
In Touch Ministries, 3836 Dekalb Technology Pkwy, Atlanta, GA, Places Of Worship - MapQuest.
How do I withdraw money from Charles Stanley? ›...
| Withdrawal options | Charles Stanley Direct |
|---|---|
| Bank transfer | Yes |
| Credit/Debit card | No |
| Electronic wallet | No |
Submit your prayer request through this Online Prayer Request form. Once you submit your request, you will receive an automated reply. Hello, this form is for International Prayer Requests ONLY. If you live inside of the United States, please click HERE to submit your prayer request.
Who are Charles Stanley owned by? ›In July 2021, the company was sold to Raymond James Financial for £279 million.
Who bought Charles Stanley? ›Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Who is the new owner of Charles Stanley? ›In 1947 Evelyn Stanley, Charles's grandson, made Seymour Howard a senior partner, and the Howard family have since taken over the family tradition of working for Charles Stanley. Seymour's grandson is our Chairman today.
How can I get our daily bread booklets? ›Our Daily Bread three-month edition is available in quantities. To place your order online click here, please indicate the quantity of booklets you would like to receive each quarter. If you prefer, you may call us at 616-974-2210 and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to help you.
What religion is Dr. Charles Stanley? ›The Rev. Charles Stanley, an influential Baptist pastor who for more than 50 years preached a conservative message from his Atlanta megachurch, through an extensive network of television and radio stations, and in many books, died on Tuesday at his home in Atlanta.
What is the best way to withdraw cash? ›- Use an ATM. If you have an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) card or debit card linked to your bank account you can visit an ATM to withdraw some cash. ...
- Write a Check for Cash. ...
- Fill Out a Withdrawal Slip. ...
- Link Your Account to a Peer-to-Peer Payment Service.
Unless your bank has set a withdrawal limit of its own, you are free to take as much out of your bank account as you would like. It is, after all, your money.
What is the most said prayer? ›
We begin with two of the most popular prayers spoken today - "The Lord's Prayer" (the way that Jesus taught us to pray), and the "Serenity Prayer" (a prayer made famous by the work of Alcoholics Anonymous).
How to get a free prayer line? ›(866) 899-WORD (9673)
Our live 24-hour toll-free confidential prayer line has received over 156,000 calls from people who connect with us in need of encouragement, prayer, or just to share a praise report.
24-7 Prayer is an international, interdenominational prayer movement, with a vision to revive the church and rewire the culture through non-stop night and day prayer. We started in 1999, when a simple student-led prayer vigil went viral and groups all over the world joined in to pray.