John MacArthur Hospitalized With Pneumonia; Church Warns Congregation Beloved Pastor ‘May Be With the Lord Soon’
Grace Community Church told worshippers Sunday that its senior pastor, John MacArthur, 86, has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia and could be nearing the end of his life. Associate pastor Tom Patton announced the news during the 11 a.m. service, asking members to pray as their longtime leader “awaits his final command to be in the Lord’s presence forever.”
Critical but Stable
Patton said MacArthur’s condition is serious and doctors are monitoring him closely. No additional medical details were released, and neither the church nor family members have issued a formal statement beyond the public prayer request.
Congregation Rallies in Prayer
The church prayed for MacArthur’s wife, Patricia, their four children, 15 grandchildren and nine great‑grandchildren. Patton called MacArthur “a faithful servant and trustworthy messenger” and asked God to “open the floodgates of Heaven in blessing and kindness to them.”
Two Years of Health Setbacks
MacArthur has not preached in 2025 and missed large portions of 2024 while recovering from a series of operations that included three heart procedures and lung surgery. Last November he spoke candidly about the toll of repeated hospital stays, but insisted he saw “the good and gracious hand of God” in every trial.
In April 2024 he posted a video quipping, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” and said his heart “was stronger than it had been in a decade.” Yet lingering complications forced him to skip the March Shepherds Conference for a second straight year.
Six Decades at the Pulpit
MacArthur marked 56 years as pastor‑teacher of Grace Community Church in February. Through his global broadcast “Grace to You,” dozens of commentaries and more than 3,000 sermons, he has become one of the most influential—and often controversial—voices in evangelical Christianity.
Reflecting on aging during a 2024 interview, he acknowledged that “I’m on the last lap” and was preparing for the “short end of the candle.”
Church leaders say they will update members as MacArthur’s condition evolves. In the meantime, Sunday services and other ministries continue under associate pastors. Supporters are being asked to pray for wisdom for the medical team, comfort for the family and peace for the congregation.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
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