Tributes Expressed on Passing of Pastor John MacArthur

John MacArthur, the influential author, broadcaster and pastor of Grace Community Church in Southern California, died on Monday. He was 86.

“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,” his ministry, Grace to You, posted on X. “This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run.”

Associate Pastor Tom Patton on Sunday told the congregation that MacArthur had been hospitalized with pneumonia. “This week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia,” he said. “He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon.”

MacArthur began his work at Grace Community Church after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1969, according to the church’s website. Throughout his time in leadership, the church’s two morning worship services reportedly grew to fill the 3,500-seat auditorium to capacity, with thousands of members joining various training programs and fellowship groups.

In 1985, MacArthur became president of The Master’s University, a four-year accredited liberal arts Christian college. One year later, he founded The Master’s Seminary, a graduate school specializing in preparing men for full-time pastoral roles and missionary work.. MacArthur also served as president and featured teacher with Grace to You, a nonprofit organization specializing in the development and distribution of his audio recordings, books and the “Grace to You” television and radio programs.

MacArthur wrote nearly 400 books and study resources, including “The Gospel According to Jesus” and “Our Sufficiency in Christ,” with his titles being translated into over two dozen languages, according to the church’s website. He made national headlines during the pandemic after a California judge ruled the church could continue holding in-person services despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide coronavirus restrictions.

Response to death of Pastor MacArthur

Both leaders and everyday people have expressed their thoughts on social media concerning his passing:

• Theologian Owen Strachan called him a “lion of faith,” urging prayers for his family and those impacted by his ministry.
• Pastor Greg Laurie described MacArthur as a “true man of God” whose legacy includes his family, congregation, media ministry, and extensive biblical commentaries. He noted MacArthur’s faithfulness, stating, “He lived a life well-lived.”
• Rev. Al Mohler, a Southern Baptist leader, praised MacArthur as a “lion in the pulpit” who made other preachers better.
• Franklin Graham hailed him as one of “America’s great Bible teachers,” noting his ability to extract profound meaning from Scripture.
• On X, users like @Kevinhay4 credited MacArthur with shaping their lives and ministries, particularly through resources like the MacArthur Bible Handbook.
• @TrevinWax highlighted the global impact of MacArthur’s books and sermons, crediting him with contributing to a revival of expository preaching worldwide.
• @RevdBrettMurphy expressed personal gratitude for MacArthur’s influence on his development as a disciple and minister, despite doctrinal differences.
• @lambeth981 recalled MacArthur’s sermons as a source of “light and truth” during challenging times.
• @asteadfastfaith mourned the “profound and devastating loss” to the church, noting the impact of his teaching in a “secular and godless world.”
• A commenter on The Roys Report described MacArthur as a “faithful, steadfast follower of our Lord Jesus Christ,” whose teachings brought many to faith.
• Christian journalist Megan Basham praised his courage and refusal to follow “relevance-chasing fads,” crediting his teaching with enduring relevance.
• Rich Bitterman wrote a tribute framing MacArthur’s death as a moment to awaken believers, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to preaching truth.

Over the past year, MacArthur reflected on his life

“I really did not expect to fight the battles I have fought,” he acknowledged. “I never thought I would spend most of my life on the broader evangelical front defending the gospel and sound doctrine.”

Earlier this year, he spoke to his congregation in a video message, saying, “I realize I’m on the last lap,” he said. “That takes on a new meaning when you know you’re on the short end of the candle. I am all thanks and praise to God for everything he’s allowed me to be a part of and everything he’s accomplished by his Word in these years of ministry.”

MacArthur is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children and fifteen grandchildren.

–Dwight Widaman

Metro Voice’s AI assistant helped collect quotes from social media.