Dr. Charles Stanley, beloved pastor, prolific author, and pioneering evangelical broadcaster, dies at age 90

Dr. Charles Stanley, a longtime megachurch pastor, prolific author, and pioneering evangelical broadcaster, died in his home in Atlanta Tuesday morning, First Baptist Church of Atlanta announced.

Dr. Stanley was 90 years old.

"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," the ministry Dr. Stanley first launched nationwide as "The Chapel Hour" in 1978 tweeted Tuesday.

Dr. Stanley ministered as a pastor, teacher, author, and broadcaster for 65 years. He retired as First Baptist Church of Atlanta's senior pastor in 2020, after 50 years of service.

Responses from the faith community and others celebrating Stanley's life quickly flooded social media.

"Our prayers are with the family of Dr. Charles Stanley, who went home to Heaven today at the age of 90. Dr. Stanley was the founder of @InTouchMin and pastored @FirstBaptistATL for 50 years. I appreciate his faithfulness in unashamedly teaching the Word of God. For many who travel, and also during Covid-19 when people couldn’t attend their own churches, Dr. Stanley’s messages on television not only inspired us but fed us spiritually," Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and president of Samaritan's Purse, tweeted.

"His teaching was solid—He did not compromise on God’s Word like so many others do today. God used him to impact so many lives around the world, and he will be greatly missed. Dr. Stanley and my father @BillyGraham were together on several occasions. They’re pictured here in 1994 in Atlanta, Georgia."

"Dr. Charles Stanley was a great friend and encourager to me. He was always solidly biblical and extremely practical in his preaching. He will be greatly missed by all," said Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas.

"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 by," wrote Harvest megachurch Pastor Greg Laurie.

"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."

"My prayers are with the family of Dr. Charles Stanley as the Lord called this powerful communicator of truth to his eternal reward. It was an honor to have known him. His faithfulness to the Lord has touched the lives of countless people," wrote Family Research Council president Tony Perkins.

Dr. Stanley is survived by son Andy Stanley, senior pastor at North Point Ministries, daughter Becky Stanley Broderson, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a half-sister Susie Cox, according to an official obituary on his namesake website.

Dr. Stanley often used the phrase "now, listen," or some variation of it, when delivering a portion of a sermon he was determined to drive home. He also regularly used mnemonic devices to help churchgoers remember crucial points.

"Now listen ... ," Dr. Stanley might begin, if he were addressing people mourning his loss today. He might then follow that with a trio of biblically-backed points encouraging them to take heart, as he was now happily face-to-face with the Savior whose message of hope he shared every chance he got for 65 years.

Watch WXIA's coverage of Dr. Stanley's passing below.

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