John MacArthur, longtime pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, has died at the age of 86 after a battle with pneumonia[3]. The news was announced Monday night by his ministry, “Grace to You,” which shared that MacArthur had “entered into the presence of the Savior” and that “his faith became sight” after “faithfully enduring until his race was run”[3]. The announcement follows an update from associate pastor Tom Patton at a July 13 Sunday service, where it was shared that MacArthur had been hospitalized with pneumonia and his health was in decline[3].
MacArthur had led the congregation for 56 years, becoming a major figure in evangelical Christianity known for his expository preaching and numerous books[1]. He was also president of Grace to You and held leadership roles at The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary[3]. In recent years, MacArthur faced ongoing health challenges, including surgeries and hospitalizations related to his heart, lungs, and kidneys[1]. He missed most of this year’s preaching and was not present at the 2025 Shepherds Conference due to his health[2].
The church community and family were called to prayer for MacArthur during his illness, with staff pastor Tom Patton telling the congregation that MacArthur “may be in the presence of the Lord soon”[2]. The announcement of his passing has elicited responses of both grief and gratitude from the congregation and the wider Christian community, with many acknowledging his decades of ministry and global influence[5].
References
- [1] California pastor John MacArthur hospitalized with life-threatening illness as church community rallies
- [2] John MacArthur Hospitalized With Pneumonia, Could Be ‘In The Presence of the Lord Soon,’ Church Says
- [3] John MacArthur, influential pastor and author, dies at 86
- [5] John MacArthur Enters Eternal Glory at Age 86