Charles Frazier Stanley was an American Southern Baptist pastor and writer best known for being the founder and long-time senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, one of the largest and most influential congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention. Stanley earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He began his ministry as a pastor in rural Virginia before moving to Atlanta in 1969 to as... moreCharles Frazier Stanley was an American Southern Baptist pastor and writer best known for being the founder and long-time senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, one of the largest and most influential congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention. Stanley earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond before attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He began his ministry as a pastor in rural Virginia before moving to Atlanta in 1969 to assume the pastorate of First Baptist Church. Under Stanley's leadership, First Baptist Church grew to become one of the largest congregations in the United States, with a membership of over 15,000 people. Stanley was known for his powerful and inspiring preaching that was often broadcast on television and radio, as well as his numerous books and devotionals, which were widely read and appreciated by Christians around the world. In addition to his pastoral and writing work, Stanley was also a prominent figure in the Southern Baptist Convention, serving as its president from 1984 to 1986. Throughout his career, he was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Luther Rice Seminary and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Liberty University. Charles Frazier Stanley will be remembered as a beloved and influential figure in the Southern Baptist tradition, whose ministry touched countless lives and inspired generations of Christians to deepen their faith and commitment to Christ.
