Dr. Charles Stanley died this past April at the age of 90. He faithfully pastored First Baptist Church Atlanta for almost 50 years and had a television preaching ministry called In Touch Ministries which broadcasted his faithful Gospel messages around the world. In Touch is still going strong.

I had the privilege of serving as his single adult pastor from 1995 to 2000. These were tough years for Dr. Stanley personally and the whole church. However, in the midst of all the turmoil, I had the great privilege to spend some personal time with him. I will never forget receiving the phone call from him at 5pm on Saturday night that he needed me to preach for him at the North Campus. Now, this would be shocking for many, to not have much time to prepare, but I was fresh out of seminary and had not preached at all! So, needless to say, I was a mess. But here is the amazing thing. Even in the midst of his demanding schedule and all the turmoil going on, he took time to watch my sermon with me the next week and give me some pointers.

He called me into his office and he punched the video of my sermon the Sunday before into the VCR. We both sat there watching my sermon as he scratched out notes on his yellow pad. After my sermon was through he gently but sternly spoke practical and spiritual lessons into my preaching and life, which I still hold onto.

The next thing that happened still rocks me as I think about it. He got up and said, “Lets spend some time praying together.” He had a little prayer closet connected to his study. I followed him as we got on our knees and we prayed together for over an hour. I got a first hand personal invitation into this man’s relationship with God. He did most of the praying that was kingdom focused. I got caught up in the moment and was enjoying God’s presence, but was also learning from this godly man how to enter the presence of God.

So, thank you Dr. Stanley, for being a faithful shepherd far away from the lights and crowds. I was formed and am being formed by these precious moments.

Oh, may more of God’s servants today model faithful behind the scenes ministry and time on our knees in His presence away from the frenzy of Church busyness.