John MacArthur, one of America’s most influential and controversial evangelical leaders, has been hospitalised with pneumonia and “may be in the presence of the Lord soon,” his church announced on Sunday.
MacArthur, 86, has served as senior pastor of Grace Community Church (GCC) in Sun Valley, California, for 56 years and is widely known for his prolific Bible teaching, writing, and radio ministry, Grace to You, which airs on Premier Christian Radio.
At the 11 am service on 13 July, associate pastor Tom Patton told the congregation: “This week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia. He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon. 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.”
MacArthur’s health has been declining in recent years. He has preached only once at GCC since July 2024 and has undergone multiple procedures, including a heart valve replacement and treatment for atrial fibrillation. In a message to the church on 15th June, he said he’d had “a second procedure on my lungs” and was recovering at home. “The doctors are optimistic about my recovery, and I am eager to return to you once I regain my strength,” he wrote.
GCC elder Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace To You, previously updated the congregation on MacArthur’s slow recovery following three surgeries in late 2024. Johnson shared setbacks involving MacArthur’s heart, lungs, and kidneys, which complicated his return to regular ministry.
As MacArthur remains hospitalised, Grace Community Church has asked for continued prayer.
Grace to You airs on Premier Christian Radio Monday- Friday at 5:30am and 7:30pm.
