Several Christian leaders have reacted to the death of Baptist pastor, author, and In Touch ministries founder, Charles Stanley, who passed away at his home on Tuesday at the age of 90.
“Dr. Stanley lived a faithful life of obedience, dedicated to teaching others how to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Now he is receiving the joy of his soul — seeing his Savior face-to-face,” In Touch Ministries confirmed in a statement Tuesday on Instagram.
As reported by The Christian Post, several pastors and Christian leaders shared their thoughts and condolences to Stanley, the former senior pastor at First Baptist Church Atlanta.
"I, like so many others, was blessed by hearing his messages on the radio and TV and he was a trusted voice we have all been encouraged by," California megachurch pastor Greg Laurie said on Facebook.
"It was my privilege to meet Dr. Stanley in person in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the funeral for Billy Graham. He was warm and gracious,” Laurie concluded. “No doubt, he has already heard Jesus say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Charles Stanley will be greatly missed.”
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, took to Twitter to share his condolences to Stanley, including sharing a picture of them both.
"Dr. Charles Stanley was a great friend and encourager to me. He was always solidly biblical and extremely practical in his preaching. He will be greatly missed by all," wrote Jeffress.
Dr. Charles Stanley was a great friend and encourager to me. He was always solidly biblical and extremely practical in his preaching. He will be greatly missed by all. pic.twitter.com/St6TJOmUwH
— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) April 18, 2023
The Rev. Johnnie Moore, the president of PDA Worldwide, called Stanley, “a Christian icon” and “a true media pioneer whose sermons were watched by countless millions. Dr. Stanley believed the Bible, and he taught its precepts faithfully — and without fanfare — for his entire life.”
“He taught that Christians should just ‘obey God’s word and leave all the consequences to him,’” he added.
In addition to ministry, Stanley once served two one-year terms as SBC president during the 1980s, and was also a part of SBC’s Conservative Resurgence Movement that sought to push back on the progressive theological trends that have permeated mainline Protestant churches in the United States.
"Condolences to the family of Charles Stanley, former SBC President, Conservative Resurgence leader, nationally-known preacher, and successful author. As a teenaged preacher, I was reading Charles Stanley resources," tweeted SBC president Bart Barber.
Condolences to the family of Charles Stanley, former SBC President, Conservative Resurgence leader, nationally-known preacher, and successful author. As a teenaged preacher, I was reading Charles Stanley resources.
— Bart Barber (@bartbarber) April 18, 2023
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/allanswart
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
