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A well-known pastor is in need of prayer as he continues to deal with a series of health issues that have kept him from the pulpit since the second half of 2024.
Grace Community Church elder and staff pastor Tom Patton updated congregants on Sunday saying that pastor John MacArthur, 85, has required a number of surgeries and his recovery has been slower than expected with occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs and kidneys.
"The doctors have not yet discovered any single route cause for these diverse troubles," said pastor Patton. "John has been hospitalized for the last two weeks undergoing tests and treatments, so please pray for him."
Church elder and executive director of Grace to You, Phil Johnson also took to social media after rumours that pastor MacArthur was on his deathbed.
"John MacArthur is currently getting treatment for some symptoms that have plagued his recovery from heart valve replacement. Those who need to know more details do know. There's no conspiracy by the elders at GCC to keep people from hearing information they need to know," said Johnson in a post on Facebook. "John MacArthur has NEVER wanted public announcements to be made about his health. It’s one of his quirks, and it is a years-old policy of his. The scarcity of public announcements about his health is not something unique to this current illness."
He went on to say that John is currently hospitalized, and the persistence of these symptoms is a concern. But he says the suggestion that he has been handed over to palliative care is a lie.
The church is asking that congregants and people who follow MacArthur's ministry to continue pray for him.
"Please pray that the physicians handling the case will identify a suitable treatment or treatments," said pastor Patton. "And please pray for John that he will recover strength and health enough to resume public ministry. Pastor John and his family covet your prayers. The pastor desires to return to his beloved church soon."
Pastor John MacArthur has been involved with Grace Community Church since 1969. He is also a best-selling author.