John MacArthur (American pastor)

John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. was born on June 19, 1939, and became a prominent figure in American evangelicalism as a pastor, theologian, author, and broadcaster. He served as the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, from 1969 until his passing in 2025. MacArthur was also the founder of Grace to You, a nationally syndicated radio and television program dedicated to Bible teaching, which began broadcasting in 1977.

Throughout his illustrious career, MacArthur was known for his commitment to expository preaching and was recognized by Christianity Today as one of the most influential Christian preachers of his time. He authored or edited over one hundred fifty books, with his notable work, The MacArthur Study Bible, selling more than one million copies and earning a Gold Medallion Book Award. In 2021, he collaborated with The Master's Seminary and the Lockman Foundation to produce the Legacy Standard Bible, an updated version of the New American Standard Bible.

MacArthur's theological positions were often marked by his advocacy for cessationism, Young Earth creationism, complementarianism, and Lordship salvation. His views frequently sparked debate within evangelical circles, particularly regarding modern Charismatic practices, same-sex marriage, and the ordination of women. He was known for promoting a literal interpretation of Scripture within dispensational theology, which contributed to his prominence in the field.

Despite his influential ministry, MacArthur faced controversies, including disputes over pastoral qualifications and responses to domestic violence, as well as his defiance of COVID-19 public health mandates. Nevertheless, he remained a significant voice in evangelical Christianity, completing a forty-two-year sermon series covering the entire New Testament and leaving a lasting impact on the faith community.