Influential Evangelical Leader John MacArthur Dies at 86

The Rev. John MacArthur, a highly influential and exacting evangelical preacher, passed away Monday at the age of 86. His ministry confirmed his death via social media.

MacArthur led Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Los Angeles, for over five decades. Just Sunday, Tom Patton, a pastor at the church, had informed the congregation that MacArthur was hospitalized with pneumonia.

Known for his theologically conservative teachings disseminated through his Grace to You broadcast ministry and numerous books, including the popular MacArthur Study Bible, his influence extended globally. He gained significant public attention during the coronavirus pandemic for defying Los Angeles County’s health orders by conducting large indoor services and refusing mask or social distancing mandates, leading to a high-profile legal battle that the church ultimately settled for $800,000 in 2021.

Throughout his career, MacArthur was unafraid to challenge fellow evangelicals on theological grounds, notably opposing the charismatic movement and advocating for complementarianism, which posits distinct roles for men and women in the church. He also publicly rebuked prominent evangelical women like Beth Moore and Paula White-Cain.

Leaders across the evangelical community, including Jonathan Falwell of Liberty University and Franklin Graham, lauded his legacy as a pastor and Bible teacher. Al Mohler described him as “a lion of the pulpit” who made other preachers better. MacArthur also played a role in training future church leaders through the Master’s University and the Master’s Seminary.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, four adult children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. MacArthur had faced health challenges in recent years, including heart and lung procedures, acknowledging in a recent video message that he was on his “last lap” of life.

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