By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor
ATLANTA (LBM) – Charles Stanley, pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, “passed away peacefully … at his home,” April 18, according to a statement on fba.org. He was 90 years old.
Stanley’s ministry spanned 65 years, 50 years as pastor of FBC Atlanta:
— He served as SBC president in 1985 and 1986, during the grassroots movement known as the Conservative Resurgence, which helped change the theological direction of the national body.
— He founded In Touch Ministries, a global evangelical broadcasting effort that reached millions around the world in more than 127 languages.
— He published 70 books totaling 10 million copies. The family asks that any tributes be made as donations to support the ongoing mission of In Touch Ministries. A memorial site is accessible via charlesstanley.com.
