Andy Stanley, born Charles Andrew Stanley, has become one of the biggest names in the church. He currently works as the lead pastor for a list of influential organizations including Woodstock City Church, Buckhead Church, Browns Bridge Church, North Point Community Church, Decatur City Church, and Gwinnett Church. Andy Stanley was also played an instrumental role in the founding of North Point Ministries which has become one of the largest Christian organizations in the world.
Andy Stanley knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a pastor. Inspired by his love for writing, Stanley attended Georgia State University for an undergraduate’s degree in journalism. He continued his education with a master’s degree in ministry from the Dallas Theological Seminary. His first position in the field came soon after attending the seminary. Andy Stanley was hired as the Associate Pastor for First Baptist Atlanta. He was eventually promoted to Minister to Students. Stanely enjoyed his time at this organization.
Throughout his early ministry, Andy Stanely was inspired to make an impact by spreading the word of God throughout the world. In order to accomplish this goal, he founded the North Point Community Church. Along with five other colleagues, Stanley was able to establish this organization in 1995. The church grew faster than the founders could have imagined. With over 32,000 regular attendees each week and six campuses across the U.S., this church has become one of the largest in the world. In fact, there are more than 20 partner parishes throughout North America.
Andy Stanley has gained significant recognition in his community and throughout the United States for his contribution to the church. One 2010 survey was conducted to determine the most influential living preachers. A host of American Pastors were asked to list their favorite ministers. Andy Stanley was ranked number ten on this prominent list. His church was also featured in an article by USA Today in 2006 for their unique use of high definition video instead of the traditional live speaker system.
The National Prayer Service is an annual event where millions of Americans gather to express their faith after each presidential inauguration. Andy Stanley was asked to be one of the highlighted speakers at this event in January of 2009. He has also been a routine speaker at the Global Summit on Leadership that takes place at the Willow Creek Association. This summit was started in 1995 by Bill Hybels.
Andy Stanley remains an incredibly active and inspiration member of the church. He continues to do God’s work through his churches and organizations. He resides in Georgia in the small town of Milton with his family. He and his wife Sandra have been together for many years. They have three children who are all adults now. Allie, Garrett, and Andrew have all been inspired by their father to lead holy lives. Andy’s father, Charles Stanley, continues to preach at the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He is also the founder of InTouch Ministries.
READ: Andy Stanley: What Good Are the 10 Commandments? Not a Lot, Anymore.
