John MacArthur Hospitalized with Pneumonia, May Soon ‘Be in the Presence of the Lord’
Author and pastor John MacArthur has been hospitalized with pneumonia and is near death, his long-time congregation learned Sunday morning during an update on the legendary minister's health. Tom Patton, another pastor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., told members that within the past week, MacArthur contracted pneumonia.
"He was admitted into the hospital, and may be in the presence of the Lord, soon," Patton said. "I know that you will want to be in prayer for the family, for John's wife, Patricia, for his adult children and their spouses.
"We place our dear pastor at the feet of the glorious Savior whom he has served so faithfully for so many years and now awaits his final command to be in his presence forever," Patton added.
John MacArthur will soon hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23). It appears the Lord is about to call him home.
— Josh Williamson 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 (@AusEvangelist) July 13, 2025
Grace Community Church was informed today (13 July 2025) of the declining health of their pastor.
Please pray. pic.twitter.com/SVLy857LYY
MacArthur, 86, is a prominent evangelical pastor, author, and Bible teacher who has led Grace Community Church since 1969. Known for his commitment to expository preaching, he is also president of The Master's Seminary and the voice behind the international radio ministry Grace to You.
News of his poor health spread across the evangelical world.
"I have a lifelong respect for John MacArthur," Texas pastor Jack Graham said. "As he rounds third and heads for home may the grace he preached so faithfully and fervently be with him and his family."
I have a lifelong respect for John MacArthur. As he rounds third and heads for home may the grace he preached so faithfully and fervently be with him and his family https://t.co/PBaUZijCWW
— Jack Graham (@jackngraham) July 14, 2025
MacArthur has faced multiple health issues in recent months, including multiple heart procedures.
Fans of his radio ministry were encouraged when MacArthur himself recorded a video update in April, saying his health was improving. At the time, his voice was weak.
"I feel fine. I'm not ill at all," he said in the video posted on the Grace to You social media accounts. "My heart is working well. My lungs are working well.
"There's nothing terminal that I'm experiencing. There's no heart failure. In fact, my heart is probably stronger now than it's been in the last decade of my life. I'm under good care from the doctors."
He added in April, "So all I can say at this point is: I feel great. I'm ready to come roaring back into the public and pick up my ministry again."
Related Article: John MacArthur Says He’s on the ‘Last Lap’ of Life but Hopes to Preach Again Soon
Related Resource: A Conversation with John MacArthur
“The Church doesn’t decide who is going to be saved, and neither does the Church decide the salvation of Israel in the future….” Pastor John MacArthur joins Joel C. Rosenberg and Dr. Carl Moeller on the podcast to discuss evangelism to the Jewish people, how Israel’s establishment as a state in 1948 impacted his theology and the significance of Apostle Paul’s ministry to both Jew and Gentile. Want an informed, Biblical perspective on the Middle East? Subscribe to Inside the Epicenter on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Photo Credit: ©Grace to You
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published July 14, 2025.
