Pastor. Author. Counselor. Serving you to help God’s people thrive.
Dan Stanley is the retired senior pastor of RockFish Church in Raeford, North Carolina, which he began pastoring in 1994 when it was Raeford Christian Fellowship — a congregation of roughly 35 people. Under his leadership, RockFish grew to 3,000 members by 2018. Dr. Stanley believes churches succeed when all the members are connecting, growing, and engaging in the cause of Christ.
He is the President and Founder of the International Growth Institute. He graduated from Carolina University of Theology with a Ph.D. and a Master’s in Christian Counseling Psychology, and later earned a second Ph.D. in Church Growth. He is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor and a Certified Brain Health Coach.
Dan and Jan married in 1976 and have three children — Nathan, Christopher, and Danica — and treasure their role as grandparents. Today they make their home in Port Charlotte, Florida, where Dan writes, speaks, hosts the daily Life by Design radio program, and serves churches through the Institute.
The International Growth Institute exists to help distracted Christians refocus through the Transformational Growth Plan so they can become available, useful, and thriving followers of Jesus Christ — fulfilling their designed destiny.
Move away from the damages and distractions of the modern lifestyle.
Find God’s design for your life, your family, and your church.
Experience vitality, peace, and a power for living that outlasts yourself.