stanley was born in dry fork, virginia; nine months later his father charley died. stanley grew up in rural dry fork in the outskirts of danville. at the age of 12, he became a born-again christian, and at age 14 he began his life's work in christian ministry. stanley received his bachelor's degree from the university of richmond. he later obtained his masters of divinity from southwestern baptist theological seminary in fort worth, texas. he received his th.m. and an th.d. degrees in theology from then unaccredited luther rice seminary in florida (which later relocated to lithonia, georgia).