The Latest on John MacArthur: Health, Ministry, and Legacy in 2025
John MacArthur, the 85‑year‑old pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, remains a prominent—and some say controversial—voice in modern evangelicalism. Over the past year, his health struggles have stirred wide interest and emotional responses from both supporters and critics. Here’s a full picture of where things stand today.
Health Journey & Recovery
John MacArthur’s health became a headline through 2024–25 after undergoing multiple serious procedures:
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Three heart surgeries (including valve replacement and stenting)
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Lung surgery to remove adhesions
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A prolonged seven-week hospital stay that weakened both heart and lungs
By early 2025, he faced additional challenges: as Crosswalk reported, “occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys” . Grace to You director Phil Johnson remarked that MacArthur was “gaining strength incrementally” but was still on “a long uphill recovery” .
A late‑April 2025 medical update confirmed:
| Parameter | Status |
|---|---|
| Heart | Stable following TAVR and stents |
| Lungs | Under good control post-surgery |
| Kidneys | Chronic renal failure; dialysis ongoing |
| Functional Level | Independent with rehab and remote broadcasts |
Return to Ministry
After months of absence from the pulpit, MacArthur has begun resuming activity:
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April 15, 2025: Recorded new Grace to You messages for broadcast starting June 3 .
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In a video, he joked, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated”, and declared, “I feel great … ready to come roaring back into the public.”
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Still, as late as June 18, church leadership noted another lung procedure and cautioned he may be months away from fully returning to preaching .
“Last Lap” Reflections
Throughout interviews and conference appearances (even if by video), MacArthur has shared candidly about his mortality and calling:
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At the Shepherds Conference (March 2025), he remarked he was on his “last lap”, having lost much of his hospital-acquired physical strength—but maintained his spiritual vigor and preached a written sermon when unable to attend in person .
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He emphasized gratitude and a resolve to continue preaching “with all boldness, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:20) .
Financial Impact on Grace Community Church
MacArthur’s ongoing absence has had institutional effects:
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In June 2025, Grace Community Church announced a 20% budget cut to adjust for reduced giving and delayed pastoral activities .
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Staff pastor Austin Duncan shared that while MacArthur’s recent lung procedure was successful, the church might not see him preach for several more months .
Community & Public Reaction
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His supporters have rallied in prayer and appreciation. One online commenter described his teaching as "a man of the Word," while others credit his influence via books like 12 Ordinary Men .
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However, MacArthur also draws criticism: debates over his Calvinist theology, alleged harshness on mental health and women, and accusations of cover‑up in abuse cases have emerged in online forums .
Highlights
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85-year-old pastor and author—founder of Grace to You and president emeritus of The Master’s Seminary.
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Underwent major surgeries: three heart, one lung; seven-week hospitalization in late 2024.
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Dialysis for kidney failure, defined as “end-stage,” with ongoing treatment .
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Recovered enough to resume recording sermons by mid-April 2025.
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“Roaring return” to public ministry announced—messages to air starting June .
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Leaders caution full-time return delayed by further procedures and rehab.
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Grace Community Church has cut its budget by ~20% amid financial impacts .
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MacArthur continues to teach and write digitally, supported by many—but not without vocal critics.
What's Next for MacArthur?
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Continue dialysis and improve cardiopulmonary health.
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Gradual increase in activities: preachers expect he may deliver sermons every few weeks.
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Church leaders say even after lung surgery succeeded, he needs “a few more months” before regular preaching resumes .
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Likely to stay active through digital channels—podcasts, broadcasts, and written content, even more than in‑person preaching.
Final Thoughts
John MacArthur embodies resilience: at 85, he’s rebounding from life‑threatening health crises with the same bold voice that shaped his ministry for over five decades. His reflection on being on the “last lap” brings both humility and resolve. Though recovery remains gradual, his team and church are pressing forward—budget tight, programming adapted, yet his message persists.
Whether revered or questioned, MacArthur continues to leave a deep imprint on evangelical discourse. As he steps, perhaps cautiously, “roaring back” into ministry, much of his community remains hopeful and expectant.
