Prominent Evangelical Leader John MacArthur Passes Away at 86 Years Old

The Rev. John MacArthur, a prominent and respected evangelical preacher, passed away on Monday at the age of 86. He had led Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Los Angeles, for over five decades, with his ministry announcing the news of his death on social media. Just the day before, Tom Patton, a pastor at the church, informed the congregation that MacArthur had been hospitalized with pneumonia.

MacArthur gained significant attention during the coronavirus pandemic for his defiance of Los Angeles County’s health regulations. He continued to hold indoor services with hundreds of attendees and resisted enforcing mask mandates and social distancing guidelines. His influence, however, extended well beyond Southern California, where he had taken charge of his nondenominational church at the age of 29. His teachings, known for their theological conservatism, were widely disseminated through his Grace to You broadcast ministry.

His numerous publications, including the well-known MacArthur Study Bible, were translated into many languages. Jonathan Falwell, chancellor of Liberty University, described MacArthur’s legacy as one that would inspire future generations. Known for his traditional approach to preaching, MacArthur eschewed contemporary pop culture references and emotional appeals, a contrast to many modern evangelical practices. He gained a loyal following through his meticulous expository preaching style, where he provided detailed interpretations of Scripture.

Franklin Graham praised MacArthur on social media, calling him one of “America’s great Bible teachers.” Despite his achievements, MacArthur did not shy away from controversy. He often criticized fellow evangelicals for what he considered doctrinal errors, particularly against the charismatic movement. He was a staunch supporter of complementarianism, which affirms distinct roles for men and women, and publicly chastised notable evangelical women like Beth Moore and Paula White-Cain.

During the pandemic, MacArthur passionately defended his congregation’s right to gather, claiming they were obeying God’s commands. His church’s legal battle with the county over COVID-19 mandates culminated in a settlement where the county paid $800,000 to the church, an outcome MacArthur celebrated as a significant victory. In his later years, MacArthur faced health challenges, including heart and lung procedures. He reflected on his condition in a video message, acknowledging the limit of his time and expressing gratitude for his ministry.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.