Dr. Charles Stanley stepping down as pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, continues to preach the gospel

In Touch Ministries is seeing one of its founding members step into a new role.

On Sunday September 13, during a First Baptist Atlanta (FBA) service, Dr. Charles Stanley announced that he is stepping down from the role of Senior Pastor. 

“As much as I love being your pastor, I know in my heart this season is coming to an end," Stanley says.

Stanley has been Senior Pastor of FBA since 1971. 

According to FBA’s website within a few years of the pastor's arrival, "the church’s growth was so explosive that, in order to accommodate the growing attendance, the church began purchasing every adjacent piece of property that became available.” 

From this growth, In Touch Ministries was born in 1981, to extend the reach of Dr. Stanley’s pulpit ministry. 

“Through God’s blessing at the church and through In Touch, Dr. Stanley can now be heard in every nation on earth via radio, shortwave or television broadcasts and through the In Touch website.” 

A few years ago, Dr. Stanley proposed a succession plan to the church, which was accepted unanimously, and named Dr. Anthony George, then Associate Pastor, as the next lead pastor. Sunday’s announcement means the installation of George as the Senior Pastor of FBA. 

"To be clear, I'm not retiring. As you know, I don't believe in retirement. I will focus the next season of my life on my opportunities at In Touch. I will continue to preach the Gospel as long as God allows.” As he steps down as pastor, Dr. Stanley says his life’s 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. And now I will do what I have encouraged you to do for decades: I'm going to obey God and leave all the consequences to him. God bless you all.” 

Stanley now has the title of Pastor Emeritus.