John MacArthur, Influential California Pastor, Dies at 86

John MacArthur, the influential 86-year-old pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and founder of the widely broadcast Grace to You ministry, was hospitalized with pneumonia and is reported to be nearing the end of his life. MacArthur, who served as senior pastor for 56 years, has faced multiple serious health issues since 2023, including heart surgeries and lung procedures, which have limited his public preaching in recent years. His associate pastor, Tom Patton, announced during a church service that MacArthur "may be in the presence of the Lord soon" and asked the congregation to pray for him and his family. MacArthur’s ministry reached millions worldwide through his sermons, books, and radio broadcasts, and he remained a prominent and sometimes controversial evangelical figure. Despite his health battles, his church continues to hold services and encourage prayers for his recovery and comfort. Grace Community Church and the Grace to You ministry continue to honor his legacy and request ongoing prayer during this critical time.