Joni Eareckson Tada Reflects on John MacArthur’s Lasting Legacy in Disability Ministry
Christian author and disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada paid tribute to longtime friend and pastor John MacArthur, who passed away on Monday at the age of 86 following complications of pneumonia.
“John MacArthur has entered heaven and, oh, what a rich welcome he must have received. John spent most of his years studying, proclaiming, and fiercely defending the Word of God… And I’m just one of millions who benefited from his work in the Kingdom. And now? He has heard that precious acclamation from the lips of Jesus himself, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” John’s faith has become sight, and what he sees now is more dazzling and breathtaking than he ever imagined,” Tada, founder of Joni and Friends, wrote on Facebook on Monday.
Her post included a picture of herself, her husband, Ken, MacArthur, and his wife, Patricia.
“Ken and I will miss our friend,” she wrote. “In 1979, Dr. MacArthur served as a Founding Board member of Joni and Friends, providing wisdom and guidance as we charted the Gospel-distinctives of this new ministry that would quickly have a global impact.”
Tada, who is a quadriplegic, also commended MacArthur for “faithfully leading Grace Community Church,” which he did for over 56 years, including leading a “thriving disability ministry—what I learned from John and his congregation gave shape to our early programs at Joni and Friends.”
She also noted that MacArthur officiated her and her husband’s wedding, The Christian Post reported.
“John also married Ken and me in 1982 on a sunny July morning at Grace – what an honor to hear him happily announce, “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Tada!”
Tada concluded her tribute by quoting from longtime Rich Bitterman, who commended MacArthur for standing for the Word of God.
“You don’t have to agree with everything he said to know what he stood for,” Bitterman said. “He stood for Scripture. For truth spoken like thunder … clear, costly, and close.” She added, “John MacArthur was a prophet for our age.”
Tada added that everyone at Joni and Friends is praying for Patricia, MacArthur’s wife of more than 60 years, 4 children, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
"‘Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints’ — Psalm 116:15,” she concluded by citing from Scripture.
MacArthur was the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as the chancellor of The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary. A strong proponent of expository preaching, MacArthur’s sermons are broadcast through his nationally syndicated program Grace To You, and he has authored more than 400 books and study guides, including the John MacArthur Study Bible.
Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Joni Eareckson Tada
Originally published July 18, 2025.
