Charles Stanley, founder and president of In Touch Ministries, and Geoff Hammond, president of the North American Mission Board, signed documents Oct. 25 finalizing the sale of NAMB’s FamilyNet television network to In Touch.
Charles Stanley, left, founder and president of In Touch Ministries, shakes hands with Geoff Hammond, president of NAMB, following the Oct. 25 signing of a contract selling NAMB’s FamilyNet television network to In Touch.“This is an historic day for us at the North American Mission Board and as Southern Baptists,” Hammond said at ceremonies held at In Touch’s Atlanta headquarters. “Dr. Stanley is America’s preacher. And we come to celebrate the launching of FamilyNet to new heights here at In Touch.”
Hammond, who was joined by NAMB trustees Bill Curtis (pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Florence, and board chairman), Tim Patterson and Tim Dowdy, praised the trustees and said, “These guys have done a lot of hard work in leading us on this. We wouldn’t be here today if not for our trustees and their support.
“We bring to you, Dr. Stanley, FamilyNet,” Hammond said. “We know it’s going to be in good hands – in the hands of people who are biblically sound and passionate about the Great Commission.
“We look forward to what God is going to do as he expands the two ministries of FamilyNet and In Touch, taking the gospel all over the world with quality programming that people can count on,” Hammond said.
Hammond said as a result of the sale, the kingdom will continue to see men, women, boys, girls – and people of all shades, colors and types – come to a “saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the preaching of the word.”
Stanley said In Touch Ministry’s acquisition of FamilyNet is “an awesome responsibility, not just an opportunity. When I think of the potential of reaching so many people with the gospel … ,” Stanley said as his voice trailed off.
“One of the things that excites me most about this is that we have the privilege not only of getting the gospel out, but with the help of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, God will help us build a network – on FamilyNet’s awesome foundation – that will impact other networks when it comes to things that are righteous, godly, holy and helpful to the life of our nation.”
Stanley said he believes other TV networks will watch what happens with the programming In Touch builds into the new network.
“It will say to them that there’s a whole vast group of American people who don’t want filth, trash and junk. They want things that are good, wholesome and helpful to their families. That’s our conviction and our pledge. We’ll give our best and our all to building a network that pleases God, impacts the gospel and influences television in this country,” Stanley said.