Honoring Dr. John MacArthur

MacArthur served as the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for over 55 years, beginning in 1969. His pulpit ministry was marked by clear, careful, consecutive, verse-by-verse exposition of the Word of God.

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John MacArthur: A Faithful Man Worth Honoring and Learning From

July 15, 2025 — The Christian Heritage Center

The Christian Heritage Center exists to honor, preserve, and learn from the heritage of godly figures in the past to better serve the church today. We believe Scripture calls us to remember and honor those who have faithfully labored for Christ and His Kingdom (Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 3:17).

On the evening of Monday, July 14, 2025, John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. entered the presence of the Lord. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5, he went “home to be with the Lord.” Known affectionately to many as “Johnny Mac,” Dr. MacArthur was a faithful preacher, evangelical leader, and unflinching guardian of biblical truth.

MacArthur served as the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for over 55 years, beginning in 1969. His pulpit ministry was marked by clear, careful, consecutive, verse-by-verse exposition of the Word of God. Through this commitment to biblical preaching, the Lord used him to impact thousands upon thousands. His sermons gave rise to hundreds of books, commentaries, and biblical studies, and his influence reached globally in various capacities.

Before arriving at Grace, MacArthur ministered in various pastoral and academic roles, and even briefly sang in a gospel quartet. In 1977, his preaching ministry expanded through the launch of what would become Grace to You, a media ministry that continues today. In 1985, he became president of The Master’s College (now The Master’s University), and in 1986, he founded The Master’s Seminary—institutions committed to training the next generation of pastors, leaders, and faithful Christian servants.

Throughout his life, MacArthur stood as a bold and unwavering voice in turbulent times. He was a prominent defender of the inerrancy of Scripture, justification by faith alone, complementarianism, the exclusivity of Christ, and the Lordship salvation controversy. His convictional stance on biblical cessationism, the authority of Scripture, Biblical Sexuality, and traditional marriage were rooted in deep theological commitment and truth.

In 2020, amid governmental restrictions in California, MacArthur made headlines by keeping Grace Community Church open for in-person worship, citing biblical fidelity and the lordship of Christ over His church. His boldness in that season served as an encouragement to many and a challenge to the broader evangelical world.

Though known for his firm and courageous preaching, those closest to him testify that he was gentle, humble, and deeply pastoral. He was a lion in the pulpit and a meek shepherd among the sheep—known for his kindness, clarity, and generosity in personal relationships.

John MacArthur was not a perfect man—he would be the first to say so. He was a sinner saved by grace, yet one who ran the race with endurance, kept the faith, and exalted the glory of God in Christ. By God’s grace, he was a faithful servant, and his life is worthy of honor and imitation.

Like many others, “though he died, he still speaks.” May the Lord continue to use his sermons, books, and example to strengthen the church and raise up a new generation of faithful preachers of the Word.

To God alone be the glory.

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Kyle Kearbey
Kyle Kearbey

I have served as the Pastor of Preaching at Grace Fellowship Church in Albion, Southeastern Illinois, for the past eight years. Grace Fellowship is a Reformed Baptist congregation holding to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. I remain humbled and thankful to my risen Lord for calling me to the ministry of the Word and entrusting me with the high privilege of pastoral service. I love the flock the Lord has given to me and my fellow elders.

From 2010 to 2016, I served as a bi-vocational pastor while working full-time in higher education. In 2017, I transitioned to full-time pastoral ministry while continuing part-time work in higher education. That same year, I began serving with Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary (CBTS), helping to establish and oversee institutional effectiveness, accreditation, and academic quality. By God’s grace, the seminary received its initial accreditation in 2019, and I later led it through reaffirmation in 2024. I have also worked with several other Reformed seminaries in similar roles. I served with CBTS until July 2025.

From 2019 until July 2025, I was blessed to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries – Commission on Accreditation (ARTS-COA). In that role, I helped evaluate and uphold accreditation standards for Reformed institutions across the United States, participated in site visits, and assisted many schools in achieving accreditation.

In 2024, with the Lord’s help, I established the Christian Heritage Center. I am eager to see how He will continue to use this work in the days ahead.

Beyond ministry and academics, I enjoy reading and studying church history, working out when I can, playing video games with my son, and walking the fairgrounds here in Albion. Above all, I am most thankful to God for saving me and for the privilege of being used—even in a small way—for His glorious Kingdom.

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