John MacArthur is dead… here’s all to know about his legacy, controversies, others
John MacArthur, the influential American pastor, theologian, and author, died on Monday, 14 July 2025, at the age of 86 following a battle with pneumonia. Revered for his expository preaching and unwavering commitment to Scripture, MacArthur pastored Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for more than five decades.
Early Life and Background
Born on 19 June 1939 in Los Angeles, MacArthur came from a long line of preachers stretching back to Scotland and Canada. He was the son of Baptist evangelist John “Jack” MacArthur, whose ministry to Hollywood’s elite left a lasting impression on his son. From an early age, John was captivated by the gospel, often mimicking his father’s sermons in the family’s backyard.
Though initially interested in sport—especially American football—a serious car accident as a young man redirected his life’s path toward full-time ministry. He studied at Bob Jones University and later at Talbot Theological Seminary.
Grace Community Church and Global Ministry
In 1969, at the age of 29, MacArthur became pastor of Grace Community Church. What began as a modest congregation of 400 quickly grew into a megachurch, with his sermons attracting thousands each week. He became known for preaching verse-by-verse through the Bible, a method that defined his ministry.
Grace to You, his media ministry, was established in the 1970s to distribute sermons, radio broadcasts, and later television programmes. His teaching reached millions worldwide and was marked by its commitment to biblical clarity and doctrinal conviction.
The Master’s Institutions
MacArthur served as president of The Master’s University from 1985 and founded The Master’s Seminary in 1986, training generations of pastors and church leaders in the historic evangelical and Reformed traditions. His commitment to theological education shaped evangelical institutions for decades.
Prolific Author and Controversial Figure
He authored nearly 400 books, including The Gospel According to Jesus and the widely popular MacArthur Study Bible, which included over 20,000 explanatory notes and has sold millions of copies globally.
MacArthur was never afraid of controversy. He opposed charismatic theology, modern gender roles in ministry, and what he saw as the dangers of “easy-believism.” He insisted that true Christians must submit to Christ as Lord—not merely accept Him as Saviour. His critiques of figures like Beth Moore and opposition to women preaching sparked ongoing debate within evangelicalism.
Trials and Legacy
Throughout his career, MacArthur faced legal battles, pastoral controversies, and criticism over church policies, including his public stance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he defied California’s restrictions on indoor worship.
Despite public challenges, his church and influence endured. Grace Community Church continued to fill its 3,500-seat auditorium, and The Master’s Seminary remained a leading institution for pastoral training. His sermons are still broadcast globally, and the Grace to You app has been downloaded millions of times.
Final Years and Death
In his final years, MacArthur struggled with health issues, including multiple surgeries in 2024 and a further hospitalisation in 2025 due to pneumonia. On 14 July 2025, he died surrounded by family, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
Grace to You 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 Saviour. This evening, his faith became sight.”
Surviving Family and Enduring Influence
John MacArthur is survived by his wife, Patricia, their four children—Matt, Mark, Marcy, and Melinda—15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. His legacy is marked by an unrelenting commitment to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of the gospel.
He once summed up his desire simply: “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.”
