Sadly, Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, has died at 86 after several months of failing health and a recent pneumonia diagnosis. In response to his passing, prominent Christians grieved the loss of a key figure in the evangelical movement and a bold Bible teacher who explained Scripture to millions.
For background, on July 15, 2025, John MacArthur passed away two days after Pastor Tom Patton broke the news to his congregation that he had been diagnosed with pneumonia and was in the hospital. Pastor MacArthur was known for his expository preaching, and he was maligned by the left for his resistance to COVID-19 restrictions.
Announcing Pastor MacArthur’s passing in a Facebook post, his ministry, Grace to You, wrote, “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.” The post continued, “This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run. More information will be available soon.”
In addition, multiple prominent faith leaders celebrated his life and ministry. Samaritan’s Purse president Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, said of MacArthur, “He could get more out of a Bible verse than anyone I’ve ever known,” adding that MacArthur was “one of America’s great Bible teachers.”
Moreover, Rev. Al Mohler, the host of the popular Christian news show “The Briefing,” described MacArthur as “The greatest expositor of his times,” adding, “One of the ironies of John MacArthur is that, to the end, he insisted that any God-called preacher of the Word could do what he did.” Rev. Mohler went on to say that Pastor MacArthur “was possessed by a drive to help other preachers.”
Furthermore, the Master’s University, founded by Pastor MacArthur, expressed both grief and celebration online, writing, “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our longtime president and chancellor, Dr. John MacArthur. Yet we rejoice, knowing he is now receiving his heavenly reward.” The post continued, “We praise the Lord for Dr. MacArthur’s unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture and his passion for training the next generation of faithful Christians.”
Several months prior to MacArthur’s passing, he announced on an episode of his podcast that he had undergone intensive surgery for his failing kidneys, explaining, “I had the need for surgery on my veins to keep me alive. I had surgery on my lungs to keep me alive.” In addition, MacArthur said, “My kidneys have essentially come down to the final stage.”
Two days before his death at 86, MacArthur’s congregation learned of his pneumonia diagnosis from Staff Pastor Tom Patton, who told Grace Church attendees, “You need to know that this week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia.” He added, “He was admitted in a hospital, and may be in the presence of the Lord soon.” Pastor Patton continued, “We place our dear pastor at the feet of the glorious Savior whom he has served so faithfully for so many years and now awaits his final command to be in his presence forever.”
Featured image credit: Grace to You via Facebook