History of Charles Stanley in Timeline

Charles Stanley was a prominent American Southern Baptist pastor and author. He served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta for nearly five decades, stepping down in 2020. He founded In Touch Ministries, a global ministry that disseminates his sermons via television and radio broadcasts. Stanley also held the position of president of the Southern Baptist Convention for two years, from 1984 to 1986.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 27, 1904: Charles Frazier Stanley, Sr. was born

On April 27, 1904, Charles Frazier "Charlie" Stanley, Sr., Charles Stanley Jr.'s father, was born.

October 10, 1908: Rebecca Susan Hall (nee Hardy, formerly Stanley) was born

On October 10, 1908, Rebecca Susan Hall (nee Hardy, formerly Stanley), Charles Stanley Jr.'s mother, was born.

September 25, 1932: Charles Stanley Jr. was born

On September 25, 1932, Charles Frazier Stanley Jr. was born. He later became a prominent Southern Baptist pastor and writer.

June 18, 1933: Charles Stanley Sr.'s death

On June 18, 1933, Charles Stanley Sr. passed away, leaving Charles Stanley Jr. fatherless at only nine months old.

1944: Became a born-again Christian

Around 1944, at the age of 12, Charles Stanley Jr. became a born-again Christian.

1956: Graduated from the University of Richmond

In 1956, at the age of 23, Charles Stanley graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

May 17, 1965: Reverend George Washington Stanley passed away

On May 17, 1965, Reverend George Washington Stanley, Charles Stanley Jr.'s paternal grandfather, passed away.

1969: Joined First Baptist Church of Atlanta

In 1969, Charles Stanley joined the staff of First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

1971: Became senior pastor

In 1971, Charles Stanley became the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

1972: Launched The Chapel Hour

In 1972, Charles Stanley launched "The Chapel Hour", a half-hour religious television program.

1977: Founded In Touch Ministries

In 1977, Charles Stanley founded In Touch Ministries, aiming to spread the Gospel and strengthen local churches.

1978: In Touch began being televised on CBN

In 1978, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) began televising In Touch Ministries.

1984: President of the Southern Baptist Convention

In 1984, Charles Stanley began his service as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

1985: Elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention

In 1985, Charles Stanley was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

1986: President of the Southern Baptist Convention

In 1986, Charles Stanley ended his service as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

November 29, 1992: Rebecca Stanley Hall passed away

On November 29, 1992, Rebecca Stanley Hall, Charles Stanley Jr.'s mother, died.

1992: Separation from Anna J. Stanley

In the spring of 1992, Charles Stanley and his wife, Anna J. Stanley, separated.

June 22, 1993: Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce

On June 22, 1993, Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce from Charles Stanley Jr. after they had separated in the spring of 1992.

March 20, 1995: Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce again

On March 20, 1995, Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce from Charles Stanley for a second time.

February 16, 2000: Divorce papers filed for the last time

On February 16, 2000, divorce papers were filed for the final time in the case of Charles and Anna Stanley's marriage.

May 11, 2000: Divorce finalized

On May 11, 2000, the divorce between Charles and Anna Stanley was finalized.

2009: Influenced by Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"

In 2009, Charles Stanley wrote about how applying the principles of Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" influenced his work as a pastor.

November 10, 2014: Anna Stanley passed away

On November 10, 2014, Anna Stanley, Charles Stanley's former wife, passed away.

2017: Named Anthony George as successor

In 2017, Charles Stanley named Anthony George as his future successor as senior pastor of First Baptist Church.

September 13, 2020: Announced retirement as senior pastor

On September 13, 2020, Charles Stanley announced his retirement as senior pastor of First Baptist Church and transitioned to pastor emeritus, while continuing to work at In Touch Ministries.