Submitted by Rev. Dr. Ronald Nathan
World Politics Editor, The Star of Zion
Email: WorldPolitics@starofzion.org
September 25, 1932 – April 18, 2023
On Tuesday April 18, 2023 the world woke up to the news that Dr. Charles Frazier Stanley, eminent, prominent conservative, evangelical preacher, teacher, writer and broadcaster had passed away.
His focus was clear and unambiguous "I have one goal: Get the truth of the Gospel to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, as simply as possible, in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God”. A look at his life and ministry attest to such a missional commitment.
As pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta for 49 years he became a household name in Georgia. As the principal personality with the ‘In Touch Ministries’ and ‘In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley’ he became a global influencer. According to his organization’s website his sermons, podcasts and devotionals were heard by some 115 million household worldwide.
As the author of 60 books and having served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention for two terms during the 1980s he became a colossal figure in evangelical circles.
Dr. Stanley who hailed from the moderate arm of the Southern Baptist Convention and therefore was not as vocal on issues of race, women in ministry and social justice as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church would of liked. However, we do recognise and salute his deep commitment to the ‘Evangel’ that God through Jesus Christ was good news to all of humanity.
Our prayers go out to Dr. Stanley’s family and loved ones, the members of First Baptist Church in Atlanta and all his ministerial colleagues at In Touch Ministries.
