How Charles Stanley Became One of the Richest Pastors in America

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Charles Stanley is a well-known pastor, author, and televangelist who has a net worth of $2.5 million as of 2023. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries, a Christian organization that produces and distributes media and resources to millions of people around the world. He is also the pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as the senior pastor for over 50 years. How did he achieve such success and wealth in his ministry? Here are some facts about his life and career that you may not know.

Early Life and Education

Charles Stanley was born in Dry Fork, Virginia, on September 25, 1932. His father, Charles Stanley Sr., died when he was only nine months old, leaving him and his mother, Rebecca, in poverty. He became a born-again Christian at the age of 12 and felt called to serve God in ministry at the age of 14. He graduated from Tucker High School in 1950 and moved to Virginia to attend the University of Richmond, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He then pursued his theological education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he received a master of divinity degree. He also obtained two master’s and a doctorate of theology degrees from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia.

Pastoral Ministry and Leadership

Charles Stanley began his pastoral ministry in 1957 at Fruitland Baptist Church in North Carolina. He then served at several churches in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia before becoming the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta in 1971. He led the church to grow from 2,000 members to over 15,000 members during his tenure. He also founded In Touch Ministries in 1977, which started as a radio broadcast called “The Chapel Hour” on the Christian Broadcasting Network. The ministry expanded to include television programs, podcasts, magazines, books, and other resources that reach millions of people in over 100 languages every day. He also served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986.

Writing and Speaking Career

Charles Stanley is also a prolific writer and speaker who has authored more than 60 books and hundreds of articles on various topics related to Christianity and life. Some of his best-selling books include “How to Listen to God”, “The Gift of Forgiveness”, “Handle with Prayer”, “Living the Extraordinary Life”, and “Courageous Faith”. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his work, such as the ECPA Christian Book Award, the GMA Dove Award, the NRB Hall of Fame Award, and the Thomas Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also spoken at many conferences and events around the world, sharing his insights and wisdom with thousands of people.

Personal Life and Legacy

Charles Stanley was married to Anna Johnson Stanley from 1958 to 2000. They had two children together: Andy Stanley, who is also a pastor and founder of North Point Ministries, and Becky Stanley Brodersen, who is a homemaker. Charles Stanley has nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also an avid photographer who enjoys capturing nature’s beauty with his camera. He has published several books of his photographs, such as “Landscapes of His Grace” and “Every Day in His Presence”. He is widely respected and admired by many Christians for his faithful service and devotion to God. He has influenced countless lives with his preaching, teaching, writing, and leadership. He died peacefully at his home on April 18, 2023, at the age of 90.

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