Pastor, author and radio evangelist John MacArthur called home to the Lord
Salt&Light // July 15, 2025, 6:47 pm
John F MacArthur, Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church and Bible teacher passed away after 56 years in ministry, at the age of 86.
John F MacArthur Jr, expository preacher and author, passed away on Monday, July 14, at the age of 86.
The Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, which he joined in 1956, Pastor John was best known for his expository preaching and emphasis that “the Bible explains the Bible”.
The grandson of Canadian Anglican minister Harry MacArthur and the son of Baptist radio preacher Jack MacArthur, Pastor John had preached to millions through taped sermons, radio broadcasts, Bible commentaries, and the best-selling MacArthur Study Bible, which sold over 2 million copies in 22 years and which won a Gold Medallion Award. It is said he had preached over 3,000 sermons throughout his ministry.
Pastor John’s daily radio and television programme, Grace to You began as sermons from the Grace Community Church pulpit which were later broadcast on public radio station WRBS in Baltimore, Maryland, birthing what would become a radio ministry that would reach reportedly two million listeners a week.
Pastor John had been experiencing health issues since 2023. On Sunday, July 13, his congregation was told by staff Pastor of Grace Community Church Tom Patton that “this week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia. He was admitted in a hospital, and may be in the presence of the Lord soon.” He passed away the following day.
Once, when asked what he wanted his legacy to be, he replied: “I just really want to be known as someone who was a servant of the Lord, faithful to the teaching of the Word of God and to the unfolding of the mysteries of the gospel of the New Testament.”
Pastor John leaves behind his wife, Patricia Smith MacArthur and four children; 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
RELATED STORIES:
“Forgiveness is a big missing link in healing”: Dr Michelle Strydom
Joseph Chean steps down from leadership at YWAM Singapore after 12 years as National Director
We are an independent, non-profit organisation that relies on the generosity of our readers, such as yourself, to continue serving the kingdom. Every dollar donated goes directly back into our editorial coverage.
Would you consider partnering with us in our kingdom work by supporting us financially, either as a one-off donation, or a recurring pledge?
Support Salt&Light
