John MacArthur, a longtime pastor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, passed away at the age of 86. MacArthur passed away Monday after contracting pneumonia.
MacArthur spent more than 50 years in the pulpit at a church in Sun Valley, California, but he did not preach much of the year due to health challenges.
Posting on X, Grace to You Ministry wrote on Monday: “We have a heavy heart, but we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered the presence of the Savior. Tonight, his faith has become vision.
Listen to the latest episodes of “Quick Start”
Tom Patton, staff pastor at Grace Community Church, provided the latest updates on MacArthur Sunday, asking the congregation to pray for the longtime pastor and his entire family.
“We need to know that Rev. John contracted pneumonia this week. He may be recognized in the hospital and be in front of the Lord soon,” he said.
“We have placed our dear pastor at the feet of our glorious Savior, who has served so faithfully over the years, and now we are waiting for his final command to be forever in His presence,” Patton added.
Patton then led the congregation in prayer for MacArthur and his family.
HB Charles Jr., pastoral teacher at Shilo Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., filled out MacArthur during Sunday service and told the congregation that his mission was a direct result of MacArthur’s teachings.
“Most of you don’t know me,” Charles said. “Some of you may know me on behalf of my life, faith, and mission are the fruit of this pulpit’s faithfulness and the witnesses of this local church.
The 86-year-old became a pastoral teacher in 1969 and preached over 3,000 sermons.
He is the voice behind the bounty for you, reaching thousands internationally through radio and digital media. He also writes dozens of theological books and biblical commentaries.
MacArthur made a national headline in 2020 after a California judge determined that in-person services could continue despite statewide restrictions put in place by Gov. Gavin Newsom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
MacArthur’s health began to decline in 2023 after experiencing diffuse breathing after sermoning.
He was hospitalized and later underwent three heart and lung surgery. MacArthur stayed at the hospital for seven weeks before heading home.
MacArthur reportedly limited his ministry role after facing more health challenges earlier this year. When he recovered, he tackled rumors circulating online about his condition in video messages that Grace shared with you.
“Rumours of my death are very exaggerated,” MacArthur told the congregation.
“I’m not sick at all… my heart is probably stronger than my last decade of my life,” he added. “I am grateful to see God’s good, graceful, kind and providential hand in every variation in my life.”
He was absent at this year’s Shepherds Conference in March.
In an interview in 2024, MacArthur recalled: “I found myself on the last rap, which takes on a new meaning when you know you’re on the short edge of a candle.”
Meanwhile, prominent faith leaders pay tribute to Bible teachers through social media posts.
Greg Laurie, senior pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, wrote to X:
Rev. John MacArthur is now with the Lord.
I had the privilege of knowing John personally, and I can tell you – he was the real man of God. He spoke several times over the years at our church, and it was always a joy to spend time with him.John leaves behind a powerful legacy: His…pic.twitter.com/izvbuyvmaa
– Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) July 15, 2025
Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, praised MacArthur in an essay for World News Group (WNG). He wrote, “I had the great privilege of knowing John MacArthur as a friend.”
“John MacArthur had a huge impact on my life, and from his home to many public events, he saw him in so many different environments. He was always the same. He was generous, elegant and kind, even if he had the courage of a lion.”
Jack Graham, a senior pastor of Preston Wood Baptist, said, “Well done, a good and faithful servant. John MacArthur has inspired millions of people to express his clear declaration of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus.
“Ah, what a great loss for us. But what an incredible joy for him. Well done, a good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your master.”
The American Family Association wrote, “Leah, like John MacArthur, shaped the modern church so much.”
“His legacy is not fame, not one of faithfulness, but in the Bible, doctrine, and the glory of Christ. We grieve for his loss and appreciate the life that has been fully spent.”
As the number of voices facing big technology censorship continues to grow, sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN news app developed by the parent company to keep you up to date with the latest news from a clear Christian perspective.
