In Touch Ministries is a Christian evangelical organization that produces and distributes media and resources, including radio and television programs, podcasts, articles, and books, with the goal of spreading the message of the Gospel and helping people grow in their faith. The organization was founded by Dr. Charles Stanley, a pastor and author, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
 | |
| Formation | 1972 |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Evangelical Ministry |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Leader | Charles Stanley |
| Subsidiaries | In Touch Foundation |
| Website | https://www.intouch.org/ |
In Touch Ministries operates in multiple languages and reaches people around the world through various platforms, including its website, social media, and partnerships with churches and other organizations. In addition to its media and resource production, In Touch Ministries also sponsors mission trips and other outreach programs to serve communities in need.
History
editIn Touch Ministries began as a television and radio ministry in 1972, one year after Stanley became the senior pastor of First Baptist Atlanta.[1][2] In 1977, In Touch Ministries was founded by Charles Stanley.[3]
The series In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley began airing in 1978. [4]
Stanley, whose Sunday services are broadcast throughout the United States on the ministry's In Touch television program, was rated the third most influential pastor, behind Billy Graham and Charles Swindoll, in a 2010 survey by LifeWay.[5]
The ministry states "At In Touch Ministries, our mission is to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church. We remain committed to advancing the gospel from person to person and place to place as quickly, clearly, and irresistibly as possible."[6]
FamilyNet
editIn October 2007, In Touch purchased FamilyNet, a cable network with mostly Christian-based programming, from the Southern Baptists' North American Mission Board.[7] In December 2009, In Touch sold the network to the ComStar Media Fund,[8] a private company co-owned by Robert A. Schuller.[9]
Purpose
editIn Touch's stated purpose for existence is sharing the gospel through the teachings of Charles Stanley. The main outreach tools used by the ministry are television, radio, magazine, and the internet.
In Touch's radio and television programs are broadcast in over 50 languages.
Theme
editStanley's teachings are based on biblical principles and life application lessons.[citation needed] The televised version is bulleted with key points and the methods through which the issue can be resolved are presented simultaneously with his sermon.[citation needed]
Subsidiaries
editIn Touch Foundation
editIn Touch Foundation is the charitable subsidiary of In Touch Ministries and exists to support its global outreach.[10]
References
edit- ^ Nicola Menzie, Charles Stanley's Ministry Launches 'Missing Persons Project' to Regain 'Forgotten Members', christianpost.com, US, April 26, 2013
- ^ John Blake, Two preaching giants and the 'betrayal' that tore them apart, cnn.com, US, November 19, 2012
- ^ Emily McFarlan Miller, Influential pastor, Charles Stanley, steps down at First Baptist Church Atlanta after 50 years, religionnews.com, US, September 14, 2020
- ^ Mark Ward Sr., The Electronic Church in the Digital Age: Cultural Impacts of Evangelical Mass Media , ABC-CLIO, US, 2015, p. 289
- ^ APNews, Billy Graham tops poll of most influential living preachers, baptistnews.com, US, February 2, 2010
- ^ InTouch.org, the homepage of In Touch Ministries; accessed September 22, 2018
- ^ "NAMB completes FamilyNet sale to In Touch". Baptist Press via the Florida Baptist Witness. November 7, 2007. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
- ^ "ComStar Media Fund acquires FamilyNet Television and FamilyNet Radio". Satellite Spotlight. December 11, 2009.
- ^ "FamilyNet sold again". Baptist Press via the Florida Baptist Witness. January 26, 2010. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
- ^ "In Touch Foundation". www.intouch.org. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
External links
edit- In Touch Website
- In Touch History
- Onward Christian soldiers from Salon.com
- Financial profile from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
- Trademark Issues
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