How did John MacArthur die? What we know about pastor's cause of death
John MacArthur, the longtime pastor of a megachurch in Southern California and founder of a syndicated media ministry, died July 14 after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
"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," MacArthur's media ministry, Grace to You, wrote on social media. "This evening, his faith became sight."
MacArthur, 86, was the pastor at Grace Community Church, a nondenominational congregation in Sun Valley, California, a post he held since 1969.
Tom Patton, another pastor at Grace Community Church, said at a July 13 service that MacArthur had been hospitalized after contracting pneumonia.
Paste BN has reached out to Grace Community Church.
John MacArthur cause of death: What we know
MacArthur's cause of death has not been announced, though he had been hospitalized with pneumonia in his final days, Patton said.
"This week pastor John contracted pneumonia," Patton said. "He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon."
A message on Grace Community Church's website noted the same about MacArthur's condition.
"Last week, Pastor John unexpectedly contracted pneumonia, and the Lord took him home on Monday, July 14," the message said.
A message on Grace to You's website said MacArthur died "after dealing with some significant health challenges dating back to early 2023."
"Just as the details of John’s death are new to you, they are new to us as well. We probably have many of the same thoughts and feelings that you do," Grace to You's website said.
Grace to You's website also said there are currently no details about services for MacArthur.
Who was John MacArthur? About his pastoral career
John MacArthur was a pastor and author known for leading Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and for his work with the media ministry Grace to You.
He was also the longtime president and chancellor of The Master's University, a private Christian university in Santa Clarita, California, and founder of The Master's Seminary in Los Angeles.
MacArthur became the pastor at Grace Community Church in 1969 after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary in California, according to his leadership bio. Throughout his career, he also wrote nearly 400 books.
Like some other preachers across the U.S., MacArthur entered the public spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic when he hosted large gatherings despite local policies limiting congregations to small numbers outside.
"At the center of Dr. MacArthur's ministry was an unwavering commitment to declare God's truth, and Pastor John preached the Word in season and out of season," Grace Community Church's website says. "Even in recent years, though beset with health challenges, he persisted in teaching, leading, and investing in the ministries the Lord had entrusted to him."
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Patricia, MacArthur is survived by four children, fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Contributing: James Powel and Natalie Neysa Alund, Paste BN
This story has been updated with additional information.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for Paste BN. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.