John MacArthur, a prominent evangelical pastor, broadcaster and author whose teachings reached millions around the world, has died at age 86.
His ministry, Grace to You, shared the news Monday evening in a Facebook post: “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 Saviour. This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run.”
MacArthur passed away following a lengthy decline in health. He had been hospitalized in recent days with pneumonia and had not preached since late 2023. He was absent from public life for much of the past year, and was unable to take part in events marking 56 years at Grace Community Church this February.
Tom Patton, a fellow pastor at the California church, told the congregation on Sunday that MacArthur “may be in the presence of the Lord soon,” describing him as “your faithful servant and your trustworthy messenger.”
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Canadian roots
Born in Los Angeles on June 19, 1939, MacArthur came from a long line of preachers. His grandfather was a Canadian Anglican minister, and his father, Jack MacArthur, was a Baptist radio preacher who was born in Calgary.
After earning a Master of Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary, John MacArthur was appointed pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in 1969, a role he held for more than five decades.
In the 1970s, he launched Grace to You, a radio and television ministry that became widely syndicated and expanded his reach far beyond the pulpit. He also served as president of The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary, institutions committed to conservative theological education.
MacArthur was a major voice in the conservative evangelical movement. Known for his firm stance on expository preaching and conservative biblical interpretation, he authored or edited more than 150 books. His MacArthur Study Bible sold over one million copies.
Criticisms and controversy
In recent years, he faced criticism and controversy over some of his public positions.
He drew backlash in 2019 for telling Bible teacher Beth Moore to "go home" during a conference discussion about women preachers.
He also resisted COVID-19 restrictions, defying public health orders by continuing in-person services at his church. That led to legal battles with Los Angeles County, which were later settled, with the church receiving a total of $800,000 in compensation.
In 2022, The Roys Report published a report alleging mishandling of domestic abuse cases at Grace Community Church. Critics claimed women were sometimes counselled to stay in abusive situations.
A former church elder said he had advised MacArthur to reconsider those approaches. MacArthur and the church did not publicly respond in detail to the allegations.
In a 2024 interview, MacArthur reflected on his health struggles. “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.”
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, their four children, 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Further details on funeral arrangements have not yet been released.