LOS ANGELES — The Christian community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and steadfast leaders. John MacArthur, the longtime pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, passed away on Monday at the age of 86. His passing was announced by the church in a heartfelt statement, marking the end of a remarkable chapter of faith and leadership that spanned more than five decades.
“It is with both sadness and hope that the elders of Grace Community Church announce that Pastor John MacArthur has gone to be with the Lord after 56 years of faithful ministry,” read the announcement on the church’s website. “Last week, Pastor John unexpectedly contracted pneumonia, and the Lord took him home on Monday, July 14.”
For over half a century, MacArthur stood as a towering figure in evangelical Christianity, known for his passionate expository preaching, unwavering commitment to biblical truth, and bold stances on cultural and societal issues. Under his leadership, Grace Community Church, located in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles, grew from a small congregation into a major hub for conservative evangelical thought and worship.
MacArthur’s ministry extended far beyond the walls of Grace Community Church. He was a prolific author, writing dozens of books, including the widely read MacArthur Study Bible. He also served as president of The Master’s Seminary and The Master’s University, shaping generations of pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders through his emphasis on scriptural fidelity and doctrinal precision.
In recent years, MacArthur made national headlines for his high-profile opposition to government restrictions on worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grace Community Church, under his leadership, openly defied California’s public health mandates by holding indoor services, refusing to enforce mask mandates, and challenging restrictions on religious gatherings. The church eventually filed lawsuits against state and county officials, arguing that the restrictions violated religious freedoms. The legal battle concluded with Grace Community Church receiving a settlement of $800,000, a victory celebrated by many advocates of religious liberty.
Beyond the controversies, those closest to MacArthur remembered him as a shepherd devoted to the spiritual growth of his congregation and a teacher passionate about guiding believers through the Word of God. His deep, verse-by-verse teaching style became his signature, influencing millions around the world through broadcasts, publications, and online resources.
John MacArthur is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, with whom he shared a marriage of more than six decades. He also leaves behind four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren—a legacy of faith that continues through his family and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.
As tributes pour in from across the country and around the world, the congregation at Grace Community Church reflects on a profound loss, tempered by the enduring hope MacArthur so often preached: the promise of eternal life through Christ.
“Pastor John fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith,” one church elder said. “His earthly work is done, and now he is rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.”
A memorial service celebrating John MacArthur’s life and ministry is expected to be announced in the coming days. The church has asked for prayers for the MacArthur family during this time of grief, while also rejoicing in the confident hope of the gospel Pastor John so passionately proclaimed.
Leave a Reply