Spokesperson Says John MacArthur Is ‘Gaining Strength Incrementally’ but Faces Long Recovery

The executive director of John MacArthur's radio ministry says the well-known pastor faces a long recovery following a series of health setbacks that have kept him out of the pulpit. Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace to You, provided an update on MacArthur in a social media post-Monday as he requested prayer for the 85-year-old minister. 

"I spent an hour with John MacArthur in his home this morning," Johnson wrote. "Though his illness is not the same as mine, we've faced an incredible number of the same trials and frustrations. Keep him in prayer. He may be gaining strength incrementally, but he still has a long uphill recovery."

I spent an hour with John MacArthur in his home this morning. Though his illness is not the same as mine, we've faced an incredible number of the same trials and frustrations.

Keep him in prayer. He may be gaining strength incrementally, but he still has a long uphill recovery. pic.twitter.com/XzBRFk3QMJ

— Phil Johnson (@Phil_Johnson_) March 2, 2025

Johnson, whose voice is heard at the beginning and end of every Grace to You broadcast, is being treated for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, according to Church Leaders.

MacArthur has served as pastor of the Los Angeles-area Grace Community Church since 1969 but has suffered from a series of medical setbacks in recent months following a heart valve replacement last July. Although he is scheduled to speak at Grace Community Church's annual Shepherds Conference on March 7, his current health has placed that appearance in question. Johnson is an elder at the church. 

Another church elder, Tom Patton, gave church members an update on MacArthur's health in January.

"He suffered a series of health issues that kept him out of the pulpit and required three surgeries in the second half of 2024," Patton said then. "His recovery has been slower than expected, with occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys." 

Patton added, "Pastor John and his family covet your prayers. Please pray earnestly and steadfastly. Our pastor desires to return to his beloved church soon."

A prominent author, MacArthur is known for such publications as The MacArthur Study Bible, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men and Twelve Ordinary Women.

Photo Credit: ©The Master's University

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Originally published March 04, 2025.