Charles Frazier

Charles Frazier Stanley Jr. was an American Southern Baptist pastor and prolific writer, best known for his long tenure as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and for founding In Touch Ministries. This organization widely disseminated his sermons through television, radio, and print, reaching audiences internationally. Stanley's ministry, established in 1977, aimed to foster a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and support local churches. He also held leadership positions within the Southern Baptist Convention, serving two terms as its president. His theological perspective was characterized as conservative evangelical with a dispensationalist eschatology. Stanley's teachings often focused on practical life principles, including finances, parenting, and navigating personal challenges, all grounded in his firm belief in the Bible's inerrancy. He drew inspiration from various sources, including his grandfather and even secular self-help literature like Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," which he applied to his ministry.

Beyond his pastoral and broadcasting work, Stanley was an accomplished photographer whose work appeared in In Touch publications. His personal life included a lengthy marriage that ended in divorce, a matter that generated some discussion within his denomination. He remained active with In Touch Ministries until his passing in April 2023 at the age of 90. His extensive bibliography includes numerous books addressing spiritual growth, prayer, and Christian living, reflecting his commitment to sharing his faith and life principles.

Charles Stanley served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta for nearly five decades, transitioning to emeritus status in 2020. In 1972, he launched "The Chapel Hour" television program, which evolved into the expansive In Touch Ministries founded in 1977. This ministry's core mission was to guide individuals toward a deeper connection with Jesus Christ and to bolster the local church. Through In Touch Ministries, Stanley's sermons were broadcast globally via television and radio, translated into numerous languages, and distributed through various media platforms including magazines and digital channels. His teachings covered a wide array of topics, such as financial stewardship, parenting advice, crisis management, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships, all underpinned by his conviction in the Bible's infallible nature.

Stanley identified as a conservative evangelical with a dispensationalist approach to eschatology. Over his career, he developed "30 Life Principles" intended to help individuals live more effectively. He attributed the inspiration for one of his most frequently cited principles, "Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him," to his Pentecostal grandfather. Interestingly, Stanley also noted the influence of Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" on his pastoral endeavors, stating he applied its principles to his ministry and found them effective, emphasizing that spiritual truths apply across all professions.

As an author, Charles Stanley produced a substantial body of work, with titles spanning themes of prayer, forgiveness, faith, and practical Christian living. His books, such as "How to Listen to God," "Eternal Security: Can You Be Sure?", and "Courageous Faith: My Story from a Life of Obedience," reflect his theological viewpoints and pastoral guidance. He also received significant recognition for his broadcasting work, including multiple "Producer of the Year" and "Radio Program of the Year" awards from the National Religious Broadcasters. Stanley was also associated with conservative political movements, serving on the board of Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority.

“"Granddad told me, 'Charles, if God tells you to run your head through a brick wall, you head for the wall, and when you get there, God will make a hole for it.'"”

“"began to apply the principles of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich to my endeavors as a pastor, and I discovered they worked!... For years, I read [it] every year to remind myself that the truth of God is not just for one career field. It is for all manner of work and ministry."”

“"Dr. Stanley fervently believes the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God, a belief strongly reflected in his teaching."”