Dr. Charles Stanley, Longtime Atlanta Pastor, Dies At 90

ATLANTA, GA — First Baptist of Atlanta Senior Pastor Dr. Charles Stanley, whose messages have been translated into 127 languages worldwide, died Tuesday morning. He was 90.

Stanley died of an unknown cause peacefully at his home, First Baptist said on social media.

"We are forever grateful for his enduring legacy of faithful leadership and spiritual guidance as senior pastor of First Baptist of Atlanta for over 50 years," the church post read.

According to his obituary, Stanley was born on Sept. 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. He invested 65 years in ministry, receiving the call to ministry at 14-years-old. He had a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of divinity and a master's degree and doctorate of theology.

He served as pastor at churches in North Carolina, Ohio, Florida and Georgia.

Stanley became senior pastor of First Baptist on Oct. 1, 1971. He launched his broadcast ministry a year later with "The Chapel Hour," a 30-minute program broadcasted on Atlanta-based TV stations WXIA and then-WANX.

"The Chapel Hour" was renamed "In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley" before going national in 1978 on the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Four years later, Stanley created the nonprofit, In Touch Ministries. The In Touch radio broadcast became syndicated, according to his obituary.

"Dr. Stanley invested his life in teaching people to know Jesus as their Savior and walk with Him as their Lord. In Touch is committed to continuing Dr. Stanley’s mission—obeying God, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth and instructing believers how to walk in an intimate relationship with the Savior," read a memorial tribute.

He is survived by son Andy Stanley, daughter Becky Stanley Broderson, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a half-sister.

A private memorial service is planned for Stanley; however, he will lie in repose from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist of Atlanta, 4400 N. Peachtree Road. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to In Touch Ministries and its mission.

View his full obituary here.