John MacArthur, the long-time pastor over Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, has died at the age of 86. MacArthur passed away on Monday after contracting pneumonia.
MacArthur spent more than five decades in the pulpit at Sun Valley, California, church, but has not preached most of this year due to health challenges.
Posting on X, Grace to you ministry wrote on Monday, “Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered into the presence of the Savior. This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run.”
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Tom Patton, a staff pastor at Grace Community Church, delivered an update on MacArthur Sunday and asked congregants to pray for the long-time pastor and his entire family, which includes his 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
“You need to know that this week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia. He was admitted in a hospital, and may be in the presence of the Lord soon,” he said.
“We place our dear pastor at the feet of the glorious Savior whom he has served so faithfully for so many years and now awaits his final command to be in his presence forever,” Patton added.
Patton then led the congregation in a prayer for MacArthur and his family.
H.B. Charles Jr., pastor-teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, filled in for MacArthur during Sunday’s service and told the congregation that his ministry was a direct result of MacArthur’s teaching, Churchleaders reports.
“Most of you don’t know me,” Charles said. “Some of you may know me vicariously, but my life, faith, and ministry are fruit of the faithfulness of this pulpit and the witness of this local church. And I want you to know that I rejoice with you and I weep with you.”
The 86-year-old became a pastor-teacher in 1969 and has preached more than 3,000 sermons.
He is the voice behind the Grace to You broadcast ministry, which reaches thousands internationally through radio and digital media. He has also authored dozens of theological books and biblical commentaries.
MacArthur made national headlines in 2020 after a California judge ruled he could continue holding in-person services despite statewide restrictions implemented by Governor Gavin Newsom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MacArthur’s health began to decline in 2023 after he experienced diffuclty breathing after delivering a sermon.
He was hospitalized and later underwent three heart surgeries and a lung procedure. MacArthur returned home after a seven-week stay in the hospital.
MacArthur reportedly limited his ministry role after facing more health challenges earlier this year. When he recovered, he addressed rumors circulating online about his condition in a video message shared by Grace to You.
“The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” MacArthur told congregants.
“I’m not ill at all… my heart is probably stronger now than it’s been in the last decade of my life,” he added. “I’m just thankful I see the good and gracious and kind and providential hand of God in every vicissitude in my life.”
He was absent from this year’s Shepherds Conference which was held in March.
In a 2024 interview, MacArthur reflected, “I realize I’m on the last lap. That takes on a new meaning when you know you’re on the short end of the candle.”
Meanwhile, notable faith leaders are paying tribute to the Bible teacher through posts on social media.
Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, wrote on X, “I had the privilege of knowing John personally, and I can tell you — he was a true man of God.”
Pastor John MacArthur is now with the Lord.
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) July 15, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing John personally, and I can tell you—he was a true man of God. He spoke at our church several times over the years, and it was always a joy to spend time with him.
John leaves behind a powerful legacy: his… pic.twitter.com/izvbUYVMAA
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Albert Mohler honored 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 made a massive impact on my life, and I saw him in so many different settings, from his home to so many public events. He was the same, constantly. He was generous and gracious and kind, even as he had the courage of a lion,” he added.
Prestonwood Baptist senior pastor Jack Graham said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. John MacArthur inspired millions with his clear proclamation of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On a personal level, I found him to be warm and winsome and Christlike in every way.”
“Oh, what an enormous loss for us. But what incredible joy for him. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master,” added conservative influencer Allie Beth Stuckey on X.
The American Family Association wrote that “Few men have so shaped the modern church as John MacArthur.”
“His legacy is not one of fame, but of faithfulness — to Scripture, to sound doctrine, and to the glory of Christ. We grieve his loss and give thanks for a life well spent,” the organization wrote.
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