Charles Stanley Stepping Down After 50 Years as Pastor

Popular author, speaker and pastor Charles Stanley will be stepping down from his role at First Baptist Church Atlanta after more than 50 years. Associate Pastor Anthony George will become senior pastor of the church, according to the church's 2017 succession plan.
Stanley came to First Baptist in 1969, according to In Touch Ministries. The church now has more than 12,000 members and estimates that millions of people around the world watch its services online, as reported by Christianity Today.
"I'm so grateful [God] saw fit to allow me to serve as your pastor for more than 50 years," he said. "As much as I love being your pastor, I know in my heart this season has come to an end."
Stanley explained he isn't retiring, but will focus his energies on In Touch Ministries, which he founded in 1977.
"As you know, I don't believe in retirement. ... I'll continue to preach the gospel as long as God allows," he added. "My goal remains the same-to get the truth of the gospel to as many people as possible as quickly as possible in the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God."
Speaking of George today, Stanley said, "I am so grateful for him. Thanks to Anthony's leadership and his love for you and his love for God,I have no doubt that there are many great days ahead for the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. My hope is that the greatest days are still ahead."
Stanley will turn 88-years-old this month.
According to a news release, the church currently has more than 12,000 members, and the global viewing audience of Stanley's sermons is estimated at "well into the millions."
Tags : charles stanley first baptist church atlanta Charles Stanley news In Touch Ministries. Anthony George Charles Stanley retirement Charles Stanley Stepping Down After 50 Years as Pastor
Hot Trends
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Allison Eide Recounts Her Personal Journey & Struggles in Her Debut Album "Love Who I Am"
-
Katy Nichole Releases New Music Video for "Learning How To Love Myself"
-
Nicolas Cage Headlines Sinister Biblical Horror "The Carpenter’s Son"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Paul and Hannah McClure “After Your Heart (Live)” Album Review
-
Michael W. Smith Announces Paperback Release Of "The Way Of The Father" With Brand As New Music Ignites Global Tour
-
Walking in Freedom: Jenn Chenoweth’s Journey of Faith, Worship, and God’s Unfailing Love
-
Switchfoot Releases Star-Studded "The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition]"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Critically Acclaimed SKETCH Now Available for Streaming
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Allison Eide Recounts Her Personal Journey & Struggles in Her Debut Album "Love Who I Am"
-
Katy Nichole Releases New Music Video for "Learning How To Love Myself"
-
Nicolas Cage Headlines Sinister Biblical Horror "The Carpenter’s Son"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Paul and Hannah McClure “After Your Heart (Live)” Album Review
-
Michael W. Smith Announces Paperback Release Of "The Way Of The Father" With Brand As New Music Ignites Global Tour
-
Walking in Freedom: Jenn Chenoweth’s Journey of Faith, Worship, and God’s Unfailing Love
-
Switchfoot Releases Star-Studded "The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition]"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Critically Acclaimed SKETCH Now Available for Streaming