John MacArthur, evangelical pastor, dies at 86 after health battle

John MacArthur, one of the most influential voices in modern evangelical Christianity and the longtime pastor of Grace Community Church, has died at age 86 following a battle with pneumonia. His death was confirmed by his ministry, Grace to You, which announced, “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 Savior. This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run”.

MacArthur’s passing comes after years of health struggles, including atrial fibrillation and multiple surgeries in recent years. He was hospitalized last week with pneumonia, and his condition declined rapidly, according to church officials.

MacArthur is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Despite repeated health setbacks, he remained committed to his calling, returning to limited ministry even after major surgeries in 2024 and early 2025. His stated ambition was to “minister the Word of God to the end of his life”—a goal he fulfilled, according to those close to him.

A legacy of biblical teaching

Born June 19, 1939, in Los Angeles, MacArthur was the grandson of a Canadian Anglican minister and the son of Baptist radio preacher Jack MacArthur. He attended Bob Jones College, Los Angeles Pacific College, and earned his Master of Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1963.

MacArthur began his ministry at Grace Community Church in 1969, where his verse-by-verse expository preaching style quickly drew a large following. Under his leadership, the church’s two morning worship services regularly filled its 3,500-seat auditorium, and thousands participated in training and fellowship programs.

MacArthur’s influence extended globally through his “Grace to You” radio and television ministry, which began broadcasting in 1977 and now airs more than 1,000 times a day in English and Spanish across the world. He also served as president of The Master’s University and founded The Master’s Seminary, shaping generations of Christian leaders.

Throughout his career, MacArthur authored nearly 400 books and study resources, including the widely used MacArthur Study Bible, which has sold over one million copies and been translated into more than two dozen languages. His works, such as The Gospel According to Jesus and Our Sufficiency in Christ, have made a significant impact on evangelical scholarship and lay readers alike.

MacArthur was known for his uncompromising conservative theology and his willingness to take controversial public stands. He made national headlines in 2020 when a California judge allowed Grace Community Church to continue in-person services despite statewide COVID-19 restrictions. His ministry was also marked by internal debates and criticism, particularly regarding his church’s handling of domestic abuse cases and his strict doctrinal positions.