This week in Christian history: Orange Order formed, Charles Stanley born, Pope Clement VII dies

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, September 20, 2020

Charles Stanley born — September 23, 1932

This week marks the anniversary of when Charles Stanley, notable televangelist, author, and father of megachurch pastor Andy Stanley, was born in Dry Fork, Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

Stanley founded In Touch Ministries and became known for his preaching as senior pastor at First Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia, a position he held for nearly 50 years.

Stanley was also a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, where he helped lead the “Conservative Resurgence,” which repudiated progressive theology.

For his extensive broadcast work, the National Religious Broadcasters inducted Stanley into their Hall of Fame in 2018 and gave him the NRB Chairman’s Award in March 2020.

“Stanley reaches millions of people in every nation on earth via radio and television broadcasts, podcasts, the handheld In Touch Ministries Messenger, In Touch Apps, and on the web,” noted the NRB.

“Globally, In Touch programs are seen and heard on more than 2,600 radio and television outlets in more than 50 languages.”