John MacArthur, the revered pastor and Bible teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 86 after contracting pneumonia. His death marks the end of a remarkable ministry that spanned more than five decades, during which he became a towering figure in evangelical Christianity, known for his unwavering commitment to Scripture and his prolific teaching and writing.
MacArthur’s health had been in decline for some time. In recent years, he underwent multiple surgeries, including three heart procedures and a lung operation, which complicated his ability to preach and lead. He had not preached for most of 2025 due to these health challenges, and his condition worsened after contracting pneumonia the week of July 7, 2025. Associate Pastor Tom Patton informed the congregation during the July 13 morning service that MacArthur had been admitted to the hospital and might soon be “in the presence of the Lord.” Patton urged the church community to pray for MacArthur and his family, which includes his wife Patricia, their children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
“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 said, leading the congregation in a heartfelt prayer that acknowledged both grief and gratitude for MacArthur’s life and ministry.
John MacArthur’s journey as a pastor-teacher began in 1969 when he took the helm at Grace Community Church, a position he held for 56 years. Over that time, he preached more than 3,000 sermons, authored dozens of theological books and biblical commentaries, and founded the widely heard radio ministry Grace to You. This ministry reached thousands internationally through radio broadcasts and digital media, making MacArthur’s voice one of the most influential in evangelical circles.
His ministry was not without controversy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MacArthur made national headlines for defying California’s statewide restrictions on in-person gatherings. A judge ruled in his favor, allowing him to continue holding large church services despite public health orders. This stance highlighted his commitment to religious freedom and his belief in the importance of the local church’s role, even amid a global crisis.
MacArthur’s health struggles began in earnest in 2023 after he experienced difficulty breathing following a sermon. Hospitalized, he underwent multiple surgeries, including a heart valve replacement and treatment for atrial fibrillation. Despite setbacks involving his heart, lungs, and kidneys, MacArthur remained optimistic. In a 2025 video message to his congregation, he addressed rumors about his health, stating, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I’m not ill at all… my heart is probably stronger now than it’s been in the last decade of my life.”
His absence was deeply felt at the 2025 Shepherds Conference, where he did not appear for the first time in many years. In a 2024 interview, reflecting on his advancing age and health, MacArthur said, “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.”
The day after his death was announced, tributes poured in from faith leaders and followers alike. 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.” Laurie highlighted MacArthur’s enduring legacy: “His beloved family, his faithful congregation, his far-reaching media ministry, and of course, his epic library of biblical commentaries that will continue to impact generations.”
Prestonwood Baptist senior pastor Jack Graham echoed these sentiments, saying, “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.” Conservative influencer Allie Beth Stuckey added, “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.”
The American Family Association also commemorated MacArthur’s impact, stating, “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.”
MacArthur’s passing comes just days after the burial of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who died on July 8, 2025. Both men were giants in American evangelicalism, though their ministries and public profiles were quite different.
As the evangelical community mourns the loss of John MacArthur, his legacy as a steadfast teacher of the Bible and a pastor who shaped countless lives remains firmly intact. His ministry, marked by a rigorous commitment to biblical exposition and a refusal to shy away from controversy, has left an indelible mark on the church both in the United States and around the world.
For many, MacArthur’s life was a testament to faithfulness and endurance. As his ministry’s social media channels poignantly put it, “This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run.”
