stanley joined the staff of first baptist church of atlanta in 1969 and became senior pastor in 1971. as a young pastor, he was given the motivational book "think and grow rich". he has written, "i began to apply the principles of that book to my endeavors as a pastor, and i discovered they worked!" he also wrote, "for years, i read "think and grow rich" every year to remind myself that the truth of god is not just for one career field. it is for all manner of work and ministry." in 1972, stanley launched a half-hour religious television program called "the chapel hour." the christian broadcasting network began televising this show in 1978. in 1982, stanley founded in touch ministries with the mission to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with jesus christ and to strengthen the local church. in touch uses tools like radio, television, magazines and digital media to advance the gospel as quickly as possible. dr. stanley decided to call the ministry in touch, because it comes from a living bible he owned. during the 1980s, the ministry's broadcasts were available in nearly every major u.s. media market, usually on sundays. in 2006, "in touch with dr. charles stanley" could be heard in 107 languages. currently, it airs in more than 50 languages worldwide. in the united states, "in touch" is broadcast on approximately 500 radio stations, 300 television stations and several satellite networks including the inspiration network (insp) and trinity broadcasting network. stanley's sermons are also available on the in touch web site and are downloadable in the form of podcasts, along with other video and audio programming. in touch also produces the magazine "in touch", an award-winning publication printed in four languages. stanley's writings and broadcasts address issues such as finances, parenting, personal crises, emotional matters, relationships and protestant christianity. according to the ministry web site, "dr. stanley fervently believes the bible to be the inerrant word of god, a belief strongly reflected in his teaching."