Influential Evangelical Pastor And Theologian John Macarthur Dead At 86 After Health Battle

John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church successful Sun Valley, California, died Monday astatine nan property of 86 aft a conflict with pneumonia.

"Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, arsenic we stock nan news that our beloved pastor and coach John MacArthur has entered into nan beingness of nan Savior," publication a Monday-night station connected nan X relationship of "Grace to You" which is MacArthur's media ministry. "This evening, his religion became sight. He faithfully endured until his title was run."

The announcement comes aft subordinate pastor Tom Patton told congregants astatine a July 13 Sunday work that MacArthur had been hospitalized pinch nan illness, according to The Roys Report. 

"This week, Pastor John contracted pneumonia," Patton antecedently said during nan service. "He was admitted into nan infirmary and whitethorn beryllium successful nan beingness of nan Lord soon."

CALIFORNIA PASTOR JOHN MACARTHUR HOSPITALIZED WITH LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS AS CHURCH COMMUNITY RALLIES

Pastor John MacArthur preaches astatine Grace Community Church successful Los Angeles, California. (John MacArthur)

MacArthur began his activity astatine Grace Community Church aft graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary successful 1969, according to nan church’s website. Throughout his clip successful leadership, nan church’s 2 greeting believe services reportedly grew to capable nan 3,500-seat auditorium to capacity, pinch thousands of members joining various training programs and fellowship groups.

In 1985, MacArthur became president of The Master’s University, a four-year accredited wide arts Christian college located successful Santa Clarita. One twelvemonth later, he founded The Master’s Seminary, a postgraduate schoolhouse specializing successful preparing men for full-time pastoral roles and missionary work, according to Grace Community Church. 

MacArthur besides served arsenic president and featured coach pinch Grace to You, a nonprofit statement specializing successful nan improvement and distribution of his audio recordings, books and nan "Grace to You" tv and power programs. 

Additionally, MacArthur penned astir 400 books and study resources, including The Gospel According to Jesus and Our Sufficiency successful Christ, pinch his titles being translated into complete 2 twelve languages, according to nan church’s website. 

CALIFORNIA PASTOR JOHN MACARTHUR 'DOING BETTER' AFTER SUDDEN ILLNESS

Grace Community Church parishioners make their measurement to Sunday work successful Sun Valley connected September 13, 2020.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The pastor antecedently made nationalist headlines successful 2020 aft a California judge ruled nan religion could proceed holding in-person services contempt Gov. Gavin Newsom's statewide coronavirus restrictions. 

MacArthur had suffered from years of health complications, including a abrupt onset of unwellness while preaching astatine a 2023 service. Since then, he has reportedly undergone aggregate surgeries targeting atrial fibrillation and different conditions. 

However, his wellness reportedly continued to decline, pinch Patton telling members of nan organization that nan pastor’s betterment from "three surgeries successful nan 2nd half of 2024" was "slower than expected," and saw "occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs and kidneys."

POPES WHO HAVE SERVED THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FOR THE PAST 100 YEARS: CHAMPIONS OF TRUTH, FAITH AND LOVE

Grace Community Church connected Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 successful Sun Valley, California.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Earlier this year, MacArthur was hospitalized while undergoing a "second procedure" connected his lungs, nan outlet reported. 

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MacArthur is survived by his wife, Patricia, 4 children and 15 grandchildren.