For more than half a century, a faithful shepherd opened God’s Word, let its light shine, and guided generations into the truth.
A beloved pastor, tireless teacher, prolific author, and trusted voice in Christian broadcasting, Dr. John MacArthur’s life was marked by one great theme: faithfulness. Even as Pastor MacArthur’s strength waned through seasons of trial and illness, he remained unwavering in his calling until the Chief Shepherd called him home on July 14, 2025, at 86 years old.
Reflecting on the Christian’s hope in eternity, Pastor MacArthur once remarked, “All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus. It brings us into the eternal presence of our Savior … a realm of unsurpassed joy, unfading glory, undiminished bliss, unlimited delights, and unending pleasures.”
“John MacArthur was a monumental voice and lion in Christian broadcasting, whose clear proclamation of the Gospel anchored millions in biblical truth,” said Troy A. Miller, NRB president & CEO. “Now that his faith has become sight, we echo heaven’s words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ His influence will continue to guide Christian communicators for generations to come.”
“I never met John MacArthur, but I have gotten to know people who worked directly for him in Grace to You ministry and many more who were trained through his ministry,” said Michael Farris, NRB general counsel. “One of the best ways to judge the effectiveness of a teacher and leader is to look at the lives of those he taught and led. The people I know are invariably kind to others and deeply committed to God. More than books and recordings, which have real value and endure, an even more important legacy is measured in the lives and character of those who have been taught.”
A longtime NRB member, MacArthur founded Grace to You, a global media ministry that has served the Christian community for over 50 years. He was the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif. for 56 years. His pulpit ministry—marked by careful, verse-by-verse exposition—formed the foundation for his writing, broadcasting, and leadership. Under his shepherding, Grace Church grew to several thousand members and sent more than 100 missionary families into the field.
Grace to You set a benchmark for excellence in Bible teaching through media. Its consistency in both theological clarity and broadcast quality made it one of NRB’s most respected member ministries.
Under MacArthur’s leadership, what began in the local church expanded into a far-reaching media ministry that continues to equip and encourage believers across continents. Grace to You’s programs are seen and heard on over 2,500 radio and television outlets in multiple languages. The ministry also produces books, podcasts, and an award-winning daily devotional magazine.
In addition to his pastoral and broadcasting ministry, MacArthur was instrumental in leading several institutions devoted to theological training and global missions. He served as president and later chancellor of The Master’s University, and in 1986, he founded The Master’s Seminary to train men for expository preaching and pastoral ministry. That vision expanded globally through The Master’s Academy International, which now operates 19 member schools around the world. In 2017, the John MacArthur Charitable Trust was established to support the growing work of these ministries.
Grace to You has been an NRB member since 1993. In 2013, MacArthur was inducted into the NRB Hall of Fame, which is NRB’s most prestigious award presented to an individual NRB member for invaluable contribution to the field of Christian communications, exhibition of the highest standards, and evidence of faithfulness in Christ.
In an age marked by compromise and shifting standards, MacArthur’s unflinching commitment to Scripture stood as a beacon to Christian communicators striving to hold fast to truth and proclaim it boldly.
The NRB family celebrates Dr. MacArthur’s enduring legacy and extends heartfelt condolences to the MacArthur family and the entire Grace to You team. MacArthur is survived by his wife Patricia, his children Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda, their spouses, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Read MacArthur’s official obituary at the Grace To You website here.
WHAT NRB MEMBERS ARE SAYING:
Ambassador Advertising: “A dear friend to Ambassador’s leadership long before it became our privilege to serve the Grace to You ministry, John’s faithfulness to the truth of Scripture became an unduplicated hallmark of his life and of the ministries he led. … While we grieve the loss of his strong voice and unfettered passion for the Kingdom of Christ, we rejoice in the promise he has now received as a ‘steward of the manifold grace of God’—presence with the Lord he loved and served all his life.”
American Family Association: “Few men have so shaped the modern church as John MacArthur. His legacy is not one of fame, but of faithfulness – to Scripture, to sound doctrine, and to the glory of Christ. We grieve losing him, but give thanks for a life well spent.”
Franklin Graham: “One of America’s great Bible teachers, Pastor John MacArthur, has stepped into the presence of Almighty God. … He could get more out of a Bible verse than anyone I’ve ever known. Today, the New York Times recognized him as a ‘Firebrand Preacher and Culture Warrior’ and said that he influenced generations of evangelical preachers—that is true. His voice will be greatly missed.”
Jack Graham: “Well done, good and faithful servant. John MacArthur inspired millions with his clear proclamation of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On a personal level, I found him to be warm and winsome and Christlike in every way.”
Dr. David Jeremiah: “My friend and fellow pastor John MacArthur, who dedicated his life to biblical exposition, is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. … He lived a life of unwavering devotion to Christ, and his years of service in the ministry will undoubtedly leave a legacy. While we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague in the faith, we stand on God’s promise that ‘to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,’ and we rejoice in this knowledge, praying it brings comfort to his family, friends, and congregation.”
Greg Laurie: “I had the privilege of knowing John personally, and I can tell you—he was a true man of God. He spoke at our church several times over the years, and it was always a joy to spend time with him. John leaves behind a powerful legacy: his beloved family, his faithful congregation, his far-reaching media ministry, and of course, his epic library of biblical commentaries that will continue to impact generations.”
Tony Perkins: “I am grateful for John MacArthur’s ministry; he finished the race strong. My prayers go out to his family and church.”
Joni Erickson Tada: “John spent most of his years studying, proclaiming, and fiercely defending the Word of God… And I’m just one of millions who benefited from his work in the Kingdom. … Ken and I will miss our friend. … John also married Ken and me in 1982 on a sunny July morning at Grace – what an honor to hear him happily announce, ‘I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Tada!'”