John MacArthur, an influential preacher and speaker who was perhaps best known recently for fighting fought California’s COVID mandates, died Monday at the age of 86.
MacArthur, who was the pastor of Sun Valley’s Grace Community Church for 56 years, was hospitalized last week after contracting pneumonia.
His media ministry, Grace to You, confirmed his death on Monday night.
Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered into the presence of the Savior. This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run.
2 Timothy 4:1-8 pic.twitter.com/5JplmC0Dvp
— Grace to You (@gracetoyou) July 15, 2025
“Our hearts are heavy, yet rejoicing, as we share the news that our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has entered into the presence of the Savior,” Grace to You posted. “This evening, his faith became sight. He faithfully endured until his race was run.”
MacArthur led Grace Community since 1969 and saw weekly attendance rise to around 7,000.
Throughout his lengthy ministry, he authored nearly 400 books, including the bestselling “The Gospel According to Jesus.” His Grace to You ministry broadcasts sermons in English across every continent and in Spanish in Europe and Latin America.
MacArthur and his church garnered national attention during the COVID lockdowns.
After initially complying with COVID restrictions imposed by Los Angeles County and California, MacArthur and Grace Community reopened in defiance of local rules.
His move prompted a legal battle, which ended with the county and state each paying the church $400,000 after the Supreme Court ruled that California was targeting churches.
“We know that there is no circumstance that can cause the church to close,” MacArthur said in a letter at the time. “The church is not only a building but is the bride of Christ and exists to proclaim the truth.”