Concerning Dr. Charles Stanley's Divorce
A Witness in the Third Step of Matthew 18...Tell it to the Church

from PeaceMakers International, Inc.

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:6-11

Dr. Charles Stanley is now divorced. We pray for his repentance. It is with great sadness and shame on Christ's name that I heard Dr. Charles Stanley is now divorced after seven years of separation from his wife.

The following thoughts emerged after telephone calls I made.

The Elders of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, and the Directors of the In Touch Ministry failed to honor God's Word for over seven years. An Elder/Pastor/Teacher if married--and his wife is not above reproach--should be removed from the leadership positions of ministry until such time they are restored (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1). This failure brings critical concern over any Elder's actions, choices and testimonies concerning the facts and disposition of this case.

The Elders and congregation failed Christ's church discipline process (Matthew 18) to help restore Dr. Stanley and/or his wife Anna to Biblical fidelity and/or declared one or both to be treated as a non-believer, and report such to the Christian community. In Touch (800-789-1473) and First Baptist Church of Atlanta (770-234-8300) only state they stand behind Dr. Stanley and that Dr. Stanley tried all he could to save his marriage (which is not true since Dr. Stanley did not follow God's Word and step down and give full attention to this matter) and they state that it was Dr. Stanley's wife who filed for divorce.

God's Word in 1 Corinthians 6 gives freedom (though not command) for a believer to go to court against someone who is "non-believer" or to be treated as a "non-believer", so to state the wife filed for the divorce is not a clear enough statement and seems used to discredit the wife. I often have cases of spouses who profess to be Christians who think to force their husband/wife to file for divorce is a way to shame them, while foolishly cleaning their own hands. That is why it's the community of believers' responsibility to establish the facts and accurately communicate the truth of God's Word's and application.

They all need our prayers and encouragement to return to God's ways. And in the mean time, I must encourage all to having nothing to do with either of these ministries until there is repentance, confession and fidelity to all of God's Word.

In our reproof of Dr. Stanley and his church, several wrote asking where I get the authority to do such a thing. Ok they weren't that nice or Biblical but I think the sermon Reproof: A Christian Duty by Charles G. Finney will give us a more Biblical perspective. And let us all remember God's Word..."But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelations 21:8 (NIV)

Clarifications...since first "telling it to the Church".

1. Though I did call and speak both to First Baptist Church of Atlanta and In Touch ministries (as stated in Matthew 18:15) this was not necessary as per 1 Corinthians 5 where the witness was already in the public eye. Here, Paul went immediately to the correction. This also would have been acceptable, but I chose to seek a more immediate account directly from each. Neither witnesses gave a Biblical witness.

2. Concerning the use of Charles Finney: Some are convinced Finney was a heretic because of doctrinal error in justification and wants us warned to not trust Finney. I say don't trust me, Finney, Calvin, Luther etc. Study God's Word. The materials I have on our sites reflect what we've come to believe God's Word says.

3. The basis of being above reproach is for God's glory! In fact, our whole life is to be to God's Glory. Therefore, though we may love Stanley, though he may be a great preacher/teacher, currently he is NOT above reproach and to obey scripture in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 3, he should step down. We've become so arrogant that we think God needs us to carry out HIS will/plan. He needs us as much as he needs rocks to cry out (Luke 19:40) and donkey's to speak (Numbers 22:28). Who are we to think we know better than God. Just follow God's Word. I'm fairly sure God knew this would happen. Faithfulness -- much more than "ministry".

4. In one application Stanley's divorce is not the specific issue. He could be Biblically clear of any wrong doing and still to Glorify God, must step down.

5. Some took offense at my abuse reference [I've since removed the term abuse]. You're right, I should have used "sinned against" since a secular term "abuse" is so limiting as to the nature wrong doing that often takes place in our hearts and marriages. If you've been married, believe me you've sinned against your spouse-after all aren't we sinners saved by grace. But not all sins lead to divorce. Isn't it curious that Stanley-Elder/teacher (1 Timothy 5:20) has no sins to confess publicly? Another unbiblical stance by Stanley, elders/deacons/trustees...

6. As 1 Corinthains 7 mentions, if one spouse is a non-believer (and/or treated as a non-believer) and wishes a divorce--the Christian is to grant the divorce. But since the witnessing of the Elders/Deacons and Trustees are unbiblical in their scope, that is enough to satisfy the not above reproach test-for them all-they are all in violation of these passages.

7. If I may add, my opinion is worthless and so is yours. Unless God sought your counsel (Job 38) as to where to hang the stars, we have no opinion. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15.

PeaceMakers International, Inc.
Security Box 1095
Wheaton, IL 60189
630.668.1205
www.PeaceMakers.net