John MacArthur, the revered pastor and Bible instructor of Grace Group Church in Solar Valley, California, handed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, on the age of 86 after contracting pneumonia. His loss of life marks the top of a outstanding ministry that spanned greater than 5 a long time, throughout which he grew to become a towering determine in evangelical Christianity, recognized for his unwavering dedication to Scripture and his prolific educating and writing.
MacArthur’s well being had been in decline for a while. In latest years, he underwent a number of surgical procedures, together with three coronary heart procedures and a lung operation, which difficult his skill to evangelise and lead. He had not preached for many of 2025 as a result of these well being challenges, and his situation worsened after contracting pneumonia the week of July 7, 2025. Affiliate Pastor Tom Patton knowledgeable the congregation in the course of the July 13 morning service that MacArthur had been admitted to the hospital and may quickly be “within the presence of the Lord.” Patton urged the church group to hope for MacArthur and his household, which incorporates his spouse Patricia, their youngsters, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
“We place our pricey pastor on the toes of the fantastic Savior whom he has served so faithfully for therefore a few years and now awaits his remaining command to be in his presence without end,” Patton stated, main the congregation in a heartfelt prayer that acknowledged each grief and gratitude for MacArthur’s life and ministry.
John MacArthur’s journey as a pastor-teacher started in 1969 when he took the helm at Grace Group Church, a place he held for 56 years. Over that point, he preached greater than 3,000 sermons, authored dozens of theological books and biblical commentaries, and based the broadly heard radio ministry Grace to You. This ministry reached 1000’s internationally via radio broadcasts and digital media, making MacArthur’s voice probably the most influential in evangelical circles.
His ministry was not with out controversy. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MacArthur made nationwide headlines for defying California’s statewide restrictions on in-person gatherings. A decide dominated in his favor, permitting him to proceed holding massive church providers regardless of public well being orders. This stance highlighted his dedication to spiritual freedom and his perception within the significance of the native church’s position, even amid a world disaster.
MacArthur’s well being struggles started in earnest in 2023 after he skilled problem respiration following a sermon. Hospitalized, he underwent a number of surgical procedures, together with a coronary heart valve substitute and therapy for atrial fibrillation. Regardless of setbacks involving his coronary heart, lungs, and kidneys, MacArthur remained optimistic. In a 2025 video message to his congregation, he addressed rumors about his well being, stating, “The rumors of my loss of life have been tremendously exaggerated. I’m not unwell in any respect… my coronary heart might be stronger now than it’s been within the final decade of my life.”
His absence was deeply felt on the 2025 Shepherds Convention, the place he didn’t seem for the primary time in a few years. In a 2024 interview, reflecting on his advancing age and well being, MacArthur stated, “I notice I’m on the final lap. That takes on a brand new which means when you already know you’re on the brief finish of the candle.”
The day after his loss of life was introduced, tributes poured in from religion leaders and followers alike. Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, wrote on X, “I had the privilege of figuring out John personally, and I can let you know — he was a real man of God.” Laurie highlighted MacArthur’s enduring legacy: “His beloved household, his trustworthy congregation, his far-reaching media ministry, and naturally, his epic library of biblical commentaries that may proceed to affect generations.”
Prestonwood Baptist senior pastor Jack Graham echoed these sentiments, saying, “John MacArthur impressed thousands and thousands together with his clear proclamation of the Phrase of God and the testimony of Jesus. On a private degree, I discovered him to be heat and winsome and Christlike in each means.” Conservative influencer Allie Beth Stuckey added, “Oh, what an infinite loss for us. However what unbelievable pleasure for him. Nicely finished, good and trustworthy servant. Enter into the enjoyment of your Grasp.”
The American Household Affiliation additionally commemorated MacArthur’s affect, stating, “Few males have so formed the fashionable church as John MacArthur. His legacy just isn’t considered one of fame, however of faithfulness — to Scripture, to sound doctrine, and to the glory of Christ. We grieve his loss and provides thanks for a life effectively spent.”
MacArthur’s passing comes simply days after the burial of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who died on July 8, 2025. Each males had been giants in American evangelicalism, although their ministries and public profiles had been fairly totally different.
Because the evangelical group mourns the lack of John MacArthur, his legacy as a steadfast instructor of the Bible and a pastor who formed numerous lives stays firmly intact. His ministry, marked by a rigorous dedication to biblical exposition and a refusal to draw back from controversy, has left an indelible mark on the church each in the US and around the globe.
For a lot of, MacArthur’s life was a testomony to faithfulness and endurance. As his ministry’s social media channels poignantly put it, “This night, his religion grew to become sight. He faithfully endured till his race was run.”
