Charles Stanley Divorce: How It Changed Everything For Him?

Hey there! Let’s talk about Charles Stanley divorce, which was finalized in 2000. Media is discussing it again and the reason is that Charles passed away on April 18, 2023. After you read his situation, you will realize how messy and challenging the divorce was.

Keep reading, and you will learn all the details about the split, who was his ex-wife, and why she wanted to end the marriage.

Charles Stanley Divorce: Key Details to Know

Charles Stanley’s divorce was finalized in 2000 after a long process. They separated in the spring of 1992, and Anna filed for divorce on June 22, 1993. At first, they tried to reconcile and changed the divorce filing to a legal separation.

On March 20, 1995, Anna J. Stanley surprisingly filed for divorce again. During this time, Moody Radio Network in Atlanta stopped airing Charles’s daily broadcast because there was no sign of them getting back together.

Then, Anna filed her final divorce papers on February 16, 2000. Shortly, a judge legally ended Charles and Anna Stanley’s marriage on May 11, 2000. Anna J. Stanley was married to Charles Stanley Jr. for over 40 years.

You know, usually, if a pastor gets divorced, they have to step down from their position. So, the separation was tough and was a main discussion point of religious people.

It also caused a lot of changes for both Charles and Anna. In fact, their church life wasn’t the same after it.

What Happened Right After Charles Stanley’s Announced Divorce?

Charles’ divorce caused quite a stir in the Southern Baptist Convention. It became even more complicated because he had previously said he would resign as pastor if he ever got divorced.

But guess what? Charles stayed on as the senior pastor. Many people in his church supported him, even though he became controversial.

It’s like, on one hand, people were upset, but on the other hand, many still believed in him. One thing is certain – this divorce really shook things up within the church community.

According to the bylaws of First Baptist Atlanta, Charles could remain as pastor as long as he didn’t remarry. That’s what he did!

Then, when Charles Stanley passed away on April 18, 2023, the details of his divorce came back into the spotlight. People started talking about it again, including how it was announced.

How Did Charles Stanly Announce Divorce?

Charles Stanley announced his divorce in a very public and emotional way. When Anna Stanley first filed for divorce in 1993, it was a big shock to everyone. The media and newspapers shared this, which eventually spread to the whole country.

When the news went viral, Charles spoke to his church members directly. He reassured them that he didn’t want the divorce. He further said that he was praying for reconciliation.

It’s true that he tried to keep things hopeful. He even told everyone that he believed God would bring them back together. Despite his efforts, his marriage didn’t improve. In 1995, Anna filed for divorce again.

During a crucial church meeting in August 1995, thousands of people showed up. The sanctuary was packed with supporters, so the overflow rooms were set up. To people’s surprise, Anna’s letter to the church wasn’t read aloud. According to the media, she explained the reasons behind her decision in that letter.

Charles Stanley addressed everyone from the podium. He made it clear that he wasn’t divorced yet and still hoped for reconciliation. Many church members supported him and gave him a standing ovation.

Then, in 2000, Charles Stanley told everyone that his divorce was finalized. His son, Andy Stanley, even voiced his opinion on this situation. He said Charles should step down, which created a rift.

But why Anna J. Stanley wanted a divorce? Let’s look at the reasons.

Why Did Charles Stanley Divorce? (Reasons We Know)

Charles Stanley got divorced because his wife, Anna, felt neglected and unsupported due to his busy work life. She wrote a letter to the church in 1995 to share her thoughts on her situation. She mentioned that she filed for divorce after years of unresolved issues and feeling alone in their marriage.

She said all the attempts to fix marriages were not good enough.

Anna Felt Left Out

The main reason Anna Stanley decided to file for divorce from Charles Stanley is that she felt left out in her marriage. Charles was always busy with his work at the church. With time, she felt like she wasn’t important to him.

Here, it’s also important to understand Charles’ situation.

Being the senior pastor of a big church like First Baptist Church in Atlanta took up a lot of Charles’s time. He had many responsibilities and often had to choose work over family. This made it hard for him to be there for Anna and support her, which caused more problems in their marriage.

Charles’s Own Admission

Charles himself admitted that he got too caught up in his work. In his book, he talked about how he became so busy with church duties that he didn’t spend enough time with his family. He realized later that this hurt Anna a lot. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late to fix things.

Failed Attempts to Fix Things

Charles and Anna Stanley tried to fix their marriage many times. They went to counseling and tried to work things out. But despite their efforts, nothing seemed to help.

Anna felt that Charles wasn’t really committed to making their marriage better. Therefore, she felt that getting a divorce was the only solution left.

Charles Stanley’s divorce might remind you of other church leaders. Ever wondered if the pastor from Alfred Street Baptist Church got divorced? Find out in Alfred Street Baptist Church Pastor: Divorce Rumors True or Not?

Charles Stanley Life After Divorce: What Did He Do?

Charles Stanley continued preaching after the divorce and didn’t remarry. He said many times that he would remain focused on his ministry. He kept leading his church and sharing his biblical insights through his “In Touch” broadcasts.

Continued Ministry Work

After the divorce, Charles Stanley didn’t step down from his role as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta. He stayed committed to his congregation and kept preaching every week.

Moreover, his church members stood by him. They showed their support, which is why Charles continued his work with the same dedication.

Focus on In Touch Ministries

Charles also devoted a lot of time to In Touch Ministries (which he founded). This ministry broadcasts his sermons on TV and radio. In fact, I think that’s one of the reasons why he is still famous today.

His dedication to this ministry helped many people find comfort and guidance.

Relationship with His Son

The divorce created some tension between Charles and his son, Andy Stanley. Andy felt that his father should step down from his pastoral role. Despite this rift, they eventually worked through their differences.

According to media outlets, they attended counseling together and slowly rebuilt their relationship.

Books Charles Published After His Divorce

Here is a table of the books Charles Stanley wrote after his divorce was finalized:

Year	Book Title
2001	The Gift of Love
2001	Our Unmet Needs
2002	Walking Wisely
2002	Winning the War Within
2003	Finding Peace
2003	God Is in Control
2004	When the Enemy Strikes
2005	Charles Stanley’s Life Principles Bible
2005	Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
2006	Discover Your Destiny
2006	Pathways to His Presence
2007	Landmines in the Path of the Believer
2008	In Step with God
2008	Stuck in Reverse
2008	When Your Children Hurt
2011	Turning the Tide
2012	Prayer
2013	Emotions
2015	Christmas
2016	Courageous Faith
2017	Finding God’s Blessings in Brokenness
2022	The Gift of Jesus

In 2017, Thomas Nelson Publishing honored Charles Stanley for reaching a remarkable milestone: selling over 3.5 million copies of his books.

Did the Divorce Affect Charles Stanley’s Public Image?

Yes, Charles Stanley’s divorce did affect his public image. The divorce stirred controversy within his church and among his followers. Some people raised questions about his role as a pastor. However, many stood by his side.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

When the news about Charles Stanley’s divorce came out, people had mixed reactions. Some felt disappointed because they looked up to him as a religious leader. They wondered how a pastor could go through a divorce.

But many others still supported him. They believed in his teachings and felt that everyone makes mistakes, even pastors.

Impact on His Role as a Leader

The divorce made Charles Stanley’s job as a leader more challenging. He had to address the concerns of those who were unhappy about his divorce. But he kept preaching. Moreover, he did his work with In Touch Ministries.

Support from the Church

Despite the controversy, a lot of people in his church stood by Charles. I remember reading about how his congregation gave him a standing ovation when he announced he would stay on as pastor. This support helped him stay strong during such a tough time.

Legacy and Reflection

Charles Stanley faced personal struggles during this time. But he used these challenges to grow and learn. He shared his experiences in his sermons and books.

When he passed away in 2023, people reflected on his life and work. Many remembered him not just for his teachings but also for his strength during tough times.

Like Charles Stanley, Willie Moore Jr. has been through a difficult divorce. Curious about how he handled it and what his fans thought? Check out Willie Moore Jr.’s Divorce: The Story and Fan Reactions.

What Did Dr. Charles Stanley Die From? Let’s Find Out

Dr. Charles Stanley passed away peacefully at his home on April 18, 2023, at the age of 90. The specific cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he died of natural causes.

Charles Stanley’s Obituary

Charles Stanley was a beloved pastor, author, and founder of In Touch Ministries. He served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta for nearly 50 years before becoming pastor emeritus in 2020. His teachings reached millions through TV and radio broadcasts.

He passed away at home on April 18, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones​. You can read his full obituary on the In Touch Ministries memorial page.

Charles Stanley’s Last Words

Charles Stanley’s last words to his son, Andy Stanley, were personal. Andy shared that his father’s final words to him were, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

At the time of his death, Charles Stanley stood at around 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed approximately 174 pounds. 

Anna J. Stanley: The Ex-Wife of Charles Stanley

Anna J. Stanley was the ex-wife of Charles Stanley. They were married for over 40 years before their divorce was finalized in 2000. Anna was known for her supportive role in Charles’s ministry. Furthermore, people still praise her contributions to the community.

Anna J. Stanley: Early Life and Marriage

Anna Johnson Stanley was born and raised with strong Christian values. She pursued her education in art, which was one of her passions. Anna and Charles Stanley met in college and married in 1955.

Role in Charles Stanley’s Ministry

Anna played a key role in Charles’s early ministry. She was often seen as a supportive pastor’s wife. She helped with church activities and quickly became an important part of the church community.

In fact, journalists today say that her presence improved Charles’s public life.

Challenges in Marriage and Divorce

Despite their shared commitment, Anna faced many challenges. As Charles’s ministry grew, he became increasingly busy, which led to feelings of neglect. Anna expressed that Charles’s focus on his work left little room for their relationship.

Anna filed for divorce in 1993, which was finalized in 2000. This period was very challenging for her, especially with the public scrutiny that came with being the wife of a prominent pastor.

After the divorce, Anna J. Stanley lived a quieter life away from the public eye.

Legacy and Passing

Anna Stanley passed away on November 10, 2014. She left behind a legacy of kindness and resilience. If you’re wondering about Anna Stanley’s cause of death, then note that she died of natural causes. She suffered from pneumonia and other health issues.

Charles and Anna Stanley Marriage Details

Detail	Information
When they got married	1955
When they divorced	Divorce filed in 1993, finalized in 2000
How long they were married	About 45 years
Children	Two children: Andy (son) and Becky (daughter)
The issue with the church	Charles kept his job as a pastor despite the divorce, which was controversial
What happened after the divorce	Charles kept working in his ministry. Anna stayed active in church but did not remarry.
When Charles died	2023

Now, the details.

• Marriage to Divorce: Charles and Anna Stanley got married in 1955. They stayed married for about 45 years.
• Children: They had two children. Their son, Andy, and daughter, Becky, both work in Christian ministries.
• Church Reaction: Even after his divorce, Charles continued to be the pastor of his church.
• Life After Divorce: Anna didn’t remarry after the divorce and stayed involved with church activities until she died in 2014. Charles continued leading his ministry until he passed away in 2023.

Charles and Anna Stanley’s wedding pictures are beautiful. I looked at them a couple of years ago and both were looking great.

Divorce rumors can make headlines, especially when they’re about celebrities like Melania Trump. What’s really going on with her? Read more in Melania Trump’s Divorce Controversy: The Real Story.

What Does Charles Stanley’s Daughter Do? (Details)

Charles Stanley’s daughter is Becky Stanley Brodersen. She is also involved in Christian ministry activities. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her family. She is married to John Brodersen. Together, they have three children.

Becky is continuing the family’s legacy.

What Does Charles Stanley’s Son Do? (Know Now)

Charles’s divorce really changed Andy’s life and his work. He went on to start his own church called North Point Community Church. This church grew to be one of the biggest megachurches in the country.

Conclusion

Charles Stanley’s life was filled with challenges and triumphs. Here’s a recap:

• Anna Stanley filed for divorce in 1993, which was finalized in 2000. 
• Charles continued his ministry despite the divorce.
• His congregation showed immense support during tough times.
• The impact of his teachings continues to inspire many.
• Charles died in 2023 and Anna Stanley in 2014.

That’s all.