Liberty University mourns loss of iconic preacher Dr. Charles Stanley

Liberty University mourns the loss of Pastor Dr. Charles Frazier Stanley, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 90, as announced by In Touch Ministries.

Stanley held a strong connection with the university, having visited campus in 1980 to deliver the keynote address at Commencement. He was also a founding member of the Moral Majority in 1979 with Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell.

Liberty leaders issued statements honoring Stanley’s commitment to the Gospel.

“Dr. Charles Stanley led a remarkable life and ministry dedicated to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the sure foundation of the Word of God,” said Interim President Jerry Prevo. “His pulpit ministry spanned decades and will never be forgotten. While we mourn the loss of Dr. Stanley and pray for the Stanley family, we rejoice that he has entered into heaven and the joy of our Savior.”

“Dr. Stanley’s preaching and pulpit ministry was nothing short of iconic,” Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell added. “A preacher among preachers, he left an indelible mark upon several generations of men in Gospel ministry. He was a friend of my father’s and a well-known friend of Liberty University. The entire Liberty family joins countless others in honoring the memory of Dr. Stanley and praying for his family.”

Stanley is known to audiences around the world through his wide-reaching TV and radio broadcasts, where he focused his preaching on practical, Christ-centered, biblically based principles for everyday life. Many of his messages incorporated the 30 Life Principles that guided his life and helped him grow in his knowledge, service, and love of God. Other messages tackled such topics as parenting, finances, personal crises, emotions and relationships, prayer, and the character of God.

In 2020, Stanley transitioned to the role of pastor emeritus of First Baptist Atlanta after serving 50 years as senior pastor.

Stanley served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1985 and 1986. In 1988, he was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame for the consistent excellence of his broadcast, and leadership in the realm of Christian TV and radio. Religious Heritage of America named him Clergyman of the Year in 1989. Stanley has authored more than 70 books, which have sold more than 10 million copies.

According to his obituary, Dr. Stanley modeled his 65 years of ministry after the apostle Paul’s message in Acts 20:24: “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.”