DR. JOHN MACARTHUR

MINISTRY, HEALTH, AND ENDURING LEGACY

Pastor, Teacher, Author, and Leader of Grace Community Church

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

CLARIFICATION ON HEALTH RUMORS

Contrary to recent online rumors, Dr. John MacArthur is alive and continues his ministry at Grace Community Church.

"We are aware of false reports circulating online regarding Pastor MacArthur's health. We can confirm that Pastor MacArthur is alive, in good health for his age, and continues to faithfully preach at Grace Community Church each week."

- Grace Community Church Leadership

Dr. MacArthur, now 84, remains active in ministry while managing normal health considerations for his age. He recently preached on September 10, 2023 at Grace Community Church.

BIOGRAPHY & MINISTRY JOURNEY

EARLY LIFE & CALLING

  • Born:

    June 19, 1939 in Los Angeles, California

  • Education:

    Los Angeles Pacific College (BA), Talbot Theological Seminary (MDiv, LittD)

  • Ordination:

    1964 at Grace Community Church

  • Family:

    Married to Patricia since 1963, four children, fifteen grandchildren

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Location:

Sun Valley, California

John MacArthur became pastor of Grace Community Church in 1969. Under his leadership, the church has grown from a congregation of 450 to over 8,000 members today.

Key Ministry Features

  • Expository preaching through entire books of the Bible
  • Grace to You media ministry reaching millions worldwide
  • The Master's University and Seminary
  • Shepherds Conference annual event

MINISTRY TIMELINE

1969

Called to Grace Community Church

Became pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California

1977

Founded Grace to You

Launched radio ministry that now broadcasts daily on over 2,000 stations worldwide

1986

Established The Master's University

Became president of the institution originally founded as Los Angeles Baptist College

2008

Completed New Testament Commentary Series

Finished 30+ year project of verse-by-verse commentary on the entire New Testament

2023

55 Years of Ministry

Celebrated 55 years as pastor of Grace Community Church, continuing to preach weekly

CURRENT MINISTRY & HEALTH

HEALTH UPDATE

Current Status

Dr. MacArthur continues to maintain an active preaching schedule at age 84. While he has slowed his travel commitments, he remains deeply involved in ministry at Grace Community Church.

Past Health Challenges

In 2015, Dr. MacArthur underwent successful back surgery to address chronic pain. He has also managed age-related conditions common for someone in his 80s, but remains in good health overall.

Recent Appearances

Dr. MacArthur preached at Grace Community Church on September 10, 2023, continuing his series through the Gospel of Luke. His most recent sermon was titled "The Cost of Discipleship."

CURRENT MINISTRY ACTIVITIES

Weekly Preaching

Continues to preach Sunday services at Grace Community Church

Writing Ministry

Working on new biblical commentary and devotional materials

Leadership at Master's Seminary

Serves as President Emeritus and continues to mentor students

Media Ministry

Oversees Grace to You, reaching millions through radio, TV, and online platforms

RECENT SERMON SERIES

  • Gospel of Luke (ongoing since 2015)
  • "The Hard Sayings of Jesus"
  • "The Doctrine of Salvation"
  • "The Church in a Hostile World"

PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

The MacArthur Study Bible
Over 2 million copies sold
Twelve Ordinary Men
Analysis of Jesus' disciples
The Gospel According to Jesus
Controversial work on salvation

MINISTRY RESOURCES

Grace to You

Daily radio program, podcast, and extensive sermon archive available online

The Master's Seminary

Training center for pastors and ministry leaders founded by Dr. MacArthur

LEGACY & THEOLOGICAL IMPACT

THEOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Expository Preaching Movement

Pioneered and popularized verse-by-verse biblical exposition

Biblical Inerrancy

Strong advocate for the inerrancy and authority of Scripture

Lordship Salvation

Influential teachings on the relationship between faith and works

Church Governance

Advocated for elder-led congregational church government

MINISTRY IMPACT

Sermons Preached: 3,500+
Books Published: 150+
Radio Reach: 2,000+ stations
Seminary Graduates: 1,500+

Influence on Evangelicalism

Dr. MacArthur has been a defining voice in conservative evangelicalism for over five decades, influencing generations of pastors and church leaders worldwide.