Pastor John MacArthur Hospitalized with Pneumonia as Grace Community Church Calls for Prayers

John MacArthur, the longtime pastor of Grace Community Church (GCC) in Sun Valley, California, has been hospitalized with a serious case of pneumonia, prompting concern among his congregation and followers around the world. The 86-year-old evangelical leader, who has faced multiple health battles in recent years, is reportedly in critical condition, and his church community has been asked to pray for him and his family during this difficult time.

The announcement regarding MacArthur’s condition came during Sunday service on July 13, 2025, where Associate Pastor Tom Patton informed the congregation that the church’s senior pastor had been admitted to the hospital. In an emotional address, Patton said that MacArthur "may be in the presence of the Lord soon," emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

MacArthur’s family—including his wife, four children, and fifteen grandchildren—was also lifted up in prayer during the service, as church members were urged to come together in support and reflection.

For more than five decades, John MacArthur has served as the senior pastor of Grace Community Church, shaping the ministry’s direction and establishing himself as one of the most well-known voices in conservative evangelical Christianity. He is also the president of Grace to You, a nonprofit media ministry that distributes his sermons and nearly 400 books he has authored throughout his career.

In recent years, MacArthur’s health has become increasingly fragile. He previously experienced a sudden health episode during a 2023 church service, which marked the beginning of ongoing medical challenges. Since then, he has undergone multiple surgeries, including procedures for atrial fibrillation and complications affecting his lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Earlier this year, he was hospitalized for a second lung procedure, which he later described as successful. At the time, MacArthur released a statement expressing gratitude and optimism, saying he was recovering well and hoped to return to preaching after regaining his strength.

However, according to Patton, MacArthur’s recovery throughout late 2024 and into 2025 was slower than expected. He reportedly endured three surgeries in the latter half of 2024, and his health saw intermittent setbacks, including issues impacting his respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

The congregation’s response on Sunday was filled with reverence, sorrow, and deep gratitude for the pastor who has led their spiritual community for 56 years. Patton concluded the service by saying, “We place our dear pastor at the feet of the glorious Savior, whom he has served so faithfully for so many years and now awaits His final command to be in his presence forever.”

MacArthur gained national attention in 2020 when he defied statewide COVID-19 restrictions imposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, continuing in-person worship services despite legal threats and public criticism. A later court ruling upheld his right to do so, further solidifying his reputation as a staunch defender of religious liberty.

As of now, Grace Community Church has not issued an official public statement, but members of the congregation and many across the broader evangelical community are closely monitoring the situation, offering support and lifting prayers for the man who has played such a significant role in shaping their faith journeys.