Charles Frazier Stanley Jr. was a prominent American Southern Baptist pastor and writer. He served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta for 49 years, stepping down to emeritus status in 2020. He is also known for founding and leading In Touch Ministries, an organization that broadcasts his sermons globally via television and radio. Furthermore, he held the influential position of president of the Southern Baptist Convention for two terms, from 1984 to 1986.
September 25, 1932: Birth in Dry Fork, Virginia
Charles Stanley Jr. was born in Dry Fork, Virginia on September 25, 1932.
September 25, 1932: Birth of Charles Stanley Jr.
Charles Frazier Stanley Jr. was born on September 25, 1932.
1944: Spiritual Awakening and Start of Ministry
At the age of 12, around 1944, Charles Stanley Jr. experienced a spiritual awakening and became a born-again Christian. By 14, he began dedicating his life to Christian ministry.
1956: Graduation from University of Richmond
Charles Stanley Jr. graduated from the University of Richmond in 1956 at the age of 23 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
1969: Joining First Baptist Church of Atlanta
Charles Stanley Jr. joined the staff at First Baptist Church of Atlanta in 1969.
1971: Becoming Senior Pastor
In 1971, Charles Stanley Jr. became senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Atlanta.
1972: Launch of "The Chapel Hour"
Charles Stanley Jr. launched his religious television program, "The Chapel Hour," in 1972.
1977: Founding of In Touch Ministries
Charles Stanley Jr. founded In Touch Ministries in 1977 with the goal of leading people towards a relationship with Jesus Christ and supporting the local church.
1978: In Touch Ministries picked up by CBN
The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) began televising "In Touch" in 1978.
1984: Start of First Term as President of the Southern Baptist Convention
Charles Stanley Jr. began his first term as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1984.
1985: Election as President of the Southern Baptist Convention
Charles Stanley Jr. was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1985.
1986: End of Second Term as President of the Southern Baptist Convention
Charles Stanley Jr. completed his second term as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1986.
1992: Separation of Charles and Anna Stanley
Charles Stanley Jr. and his wife, Anna J. Stanley, separated in the spring of 1992.
June 22, 1993: Initial Filing for Divorce
Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce from Charles Stanley Jr. on June 22, 1993, after they separated in the spring of 1992.
March 20, 1995: Second Filing for Divorce
After initially amending her lawsuit to seek a legal separation, Anna J. Stanley filed for divorce from Charles Stanley Jr. for a second time on March 20, 1995.
February 16, 2000: Final Divorce Filing
Divorce papers were officially filed for the last time on February 16, 2000, by Anna J. Stanley.
May 11, 2000: Finalization of Divorce
A judge signed the final divorce decree between Charles Stanley Jr. and Anna J. Stanley on May 11, 2000.
2009: Charles Stanley Jr.'s Influences and Philosophy
In 2009, Charles Stanley Jr. shared that he found inspiration and guidance in Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," applying its principles to his work as a pastor.
November 10, 2014: Death of Anna J. Stanley
Anna J. Stanley, Charles Stanley Jr.'s former wife, passed away on November 10, 2014.
2017: Naming Successor at First Baptist Church
In 2017, Charles Stanley Jr. named Anthony George as his successor to the position of senior pastor at First Baptist Church.
September 13, 2020: Announcement of Retirement as Senior Pastor
On September 13, 2020, Charles Stanley Jr. announced his retirement as senior pastor of First Baptist Church and his transition to pastor emeritus. He stated his intention to continue working with In Touch Ministries.
2020: Retirement and Emeritus Status
In 2020, Charles Stanley Jr. took on emeritus status at First Baptist Church in Atlanta after serving as senior pastor for 49 years.
April 18, 2023: Death of Charles Stanley Jr.
Charles Stanley Jr. passed away on April 18, 2023.