John MacArthur, the influential pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and a towering figure in evangelical Christianity, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 86. His death, attributed to complications from pneumonia, followed a period of declining health that had kept him from his public ministry for several months.
The news of his passing was shared with his congregation during the Sunday service on July 13, 2025, by associate pastor Tom Patton. Patton informed the church members that Pastor MacArthur had contracted pneumonia and was hospitalized, stating that he "may be in the presence of the Lord soon," according to Fox News. MacArthur died the following day at 6:17 PM PT.
Born on June 19, 1939, John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. dedicated over five decades of his life to ministry. He assumed the role of pastor-teacher at Grace Community Church in 1969, leading the non-denominational congregation for 56 years. Under his leadership, the church grew significantly, known for its commitment to expository preaching and verse-by-verse study of the Bible. His sermons were widely distributed through Grace to You, a non-profit organization he founded in 1969, which broadcasts his teachings globally via radio, television, and online platforms. All 3,000 of his sermons are available for free on the Grace to You website.
MacArthur’s health had been a concern for some time. In January 2023, he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and underwent surgery to address the condition. A follow-up catheter procedure was performed in July 2023. The latter half of 2024 saw him undergo three additional surgeries, including an aorta replacement and a procedure on his lungs to treat fluid buildup. While he briefly returned to limited public ministry in November 2024, his recovery was "slower than expected," with "occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys," as reported by Wikipedia and confirmed by church announcements.
Beyond his pastoral duties, MacArthur was a prolific author, having written or edited nearly 400 books and study guides. His notable works include "The Gospel According to Jesus," "Strange Fire," and "The MacArthur Study Bible," which has sold over a million copies. He also served as the president of The Master’s University from 1985 until transitioning to Chancellor Emeritus in June 2019, and founded The Master’s Seminary in 1986, institutions dedicated to training men for Christian ministry.
MacArthur was known for his staunch theological positions, including his advocacy for cessationism (the belief that miraculous "sign gifts" of the Holy Spirit ceased after the Apostolic Age), complementarianism (distinct roles for men and women in the church and home), and Young Earth creationism. He also gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for his church’s decision to continue in-person services despite statewide restrictions, leading to legal battles that were eventually settled out of court.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he married in 1963, their four married children, and fifteen grandchildren. John MacArthur’s enduring legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to biblical exposition and his profound influence on generations of Christians worldwide.
