We are saddened to announce the passing of beloved pastor, teacher, and author John Fullerton MacArthur Jr., who went home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2025, at the age of 86. Even as we grieve the tremendous loss of this faithful servant of Christ, we rejoice with hope and assurance, knowing that he is now in the glorious presence of Jesus—whom he loved, served, and proclaimed throughout his life with unwavering conviction.
John MacArthur’s legacy spans over five decades of expository preaching, doctrinal clarity, and an unrelenting commitment to the authority of Scripture. He served as the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969—a ministry marked by verse-by-verse preaching through the entire Bible and a steadfast dedication to shepherding his congregation in truth and love. Under his leadership, the church grew not only in number but in theological depth, becoming a beacon of biblical faithfulness in an ever-shifting cultural landscape.
Beyond the pulpit, MacArthur’s influence was global. He was the president of The Master’s University and Seminary, institutions founded on the conviction that Scripture is sufficient and authoritative in all matters of life and godliness. He trained generations of pastors, missionaries, and church leaders who continue to carry forward his commitment to biblical truth. Through his leadership, The Master’s Seminary became known worldwide for producing expositors who are both academically equipped and pastorally grounded.
As an author, John MacArthur wrote over 150 books, including the widely acclaimed MacArthur Study Bible, which has sold millions of copies and has helped believers around the world understand and apply the Word of God. His other well-known works such as The Gospel According to Jesus, Hard to Believe, Slave, Ashamed of the Gospel, and Twelve Ordinary Men reflect his unflinching stand for truth and his desire to exalt the lordship of Christ in all things.
In 1988, he launched Grace to You, a media ministry that broadcasts his sermons via radio, television, print, and online platforms. The reach of this ministry cannot be overstated—it brought MacArthur’s clear, uncompromising teaching to countless homes, churches, and individuals across the globe. Millions were edified, challenged, and discipled by his voice, which pointed consistently and courageously to the authority of Scripture and the sufficiency of Christ.
John MacArthur was a husband, father, grandfather, and spiritual father to many. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, to whom he was married for over 60 years. Together, they raised four children, and his legacy lives on in his 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, many of whom continue in the faith he so passionately proclaimed.
Though his earthly life has come to a close, the impact of John MacArthur’s ministry is eternal. He was a man who did not seek popularity, but instead sought to be faithful. He stood firm when it was costly, spoke truth when it was unpopular, and shepherded with humility even when entrusted with great influence. He would often say, “The Bible is not ambiguous, and God has spoken clearly.” Indeed, he lived and died by that truth.
In this moment of profound loss, we remember the words he often preached: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). We rest in the assurance that he now beholds the Savior face to face, rejoicing in the glory he spent his entire life proclaiming.
Memorial service details and tributes will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, we ask for your prayers for the MacArthur family, Grace Community Church, The Master’s Seminary and University, and the countless lives around the world who mourn his passing.
John MacArthur has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. Soli Deo Gloria.
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