As you know, our beloved pastor and friend, Charles F. Stanley, went to be with the Lord on April 18, 2023. We grieve at his absence, but we also rejoice. Dr. Stanley was one of the greatest examples I’ve ever known of a man who loved God with all his heart. And today, he is with God and adoring his Savior in person. What a reason for joy!
Dr. Stanley was devoted, not only to sharing the good news of salvation to every corner of the globe, as Christ commanded, but also to helping believers walk more closely with the Lord every day. As a recipient of his From the Pastor’s Heart letter, you read his teaching from the Word of God each month. His letters contained biblical truths he’d seen proven on his own journey with the Lord, and spiritual guidance to help you grow in faith.
It was Dr. Stanley’s hope that we’d all stay the course of lifelong discipleship.
He entrusted to us a vast collection of sermons, notes, books, and recordings from his more than 60 years of ministry. This extraordinary wealth of Spirit-led teaching and encouragement is part of an incredible legacy.
Throughout his time at the helm of In Touch Ministries, Dr. Stanley gave us a mandate to steward this material for future generations.
He had a calling from God to hear the Spirit and minister to the body of Christ. And he often reminded us at In Touch that we also have a calling—to keep on sharing the gospel and Bible-based discipleship around the world.
All of us here at the ministry, myself included, accepted this calling through the years with a sense of deep gratitude. Now we’re ready to move forward with our mission.
With that in mind, I’d like to invite you to continue receiving From the Pastor’s Heart—in a new format.
Each month, our staff will select something to share with you from Dr. Stanley’s work. We’ll do this prayerfully, as he did, seeking words relevant to each moment. We’ll share his teaching on topics like the importance of obedience, the power of the Holy Spirit, living in Christlikeness, and the love of the Father, all with his faithful adherence to Scripture as a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). Perhaps you, like us, loved and appreciated Dr. Stanley’s passionate wisdom and pastor’s heart.
Well, God has only just begun working through His servant’s legacy. We believe it will keep blessing you for many years to come.
For now, I’d like to share some words from Dr. Stanley about living for the Lord. I think it describes his own example very well, and I hope it inspires you to think with hope and confidence about your own life in Christ:
“Our intimacy with God—His highest priority for our lives—determines the impact of our lives. You aren’t supposed to live the Christian life; it’s impossible. Rather, you must let Christ live it through you—that’s when you discover true power in your faith and witness for Him. You’ll only see such fruit by living deeply in intimacy with God. Prayer, obedience, trust, fellowshipping with Jesus—that’s how you abide in Him. Live this way and your life will become a powerhouse for God.”
What an incredible impact Dr. Stanley’s life has already had. Millions of people around the world have heard about Jesus and grown in Him through this one pastor’s devotion. And his obedience and commitment to God will pay eternal dividends for generations to come. When I think of Dr. Stanley, I’m reminded of these words from Scripture:
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
—Daniel 12:3 (NIV)
I’m profoundly grateful for Dr. Stanley’s life of faithful service. He helped us all draw closer to God and love each other as the church. It was a priceless honor to have been his friend and co-laborer in Christ. Along with everyone at In Touch Ministries, I’m humbled and blessed to carry his legacy into the future.
Thank you for allowing us to continue Dr. Stanley’s ministry to you.
Until next time, may you live in intimacy with God, be filled by His Spirit, and adore Jesus at every moment.
Prayerfully yours,
C. Phillip Bowen
Chief Executive Officer