Grace Community Church (GCC) elder Tom Patton provided an update on Pastor John MacArthur’s health during worship services on Sunday, Jan. 5.
MacArthur is 85 years old and has served as GCC’s pastor-teacher for over 55 years. His health kept him out of the pulpit for more than half of 2024 following complications related to a heart valve replacement.
Last Thursday (Jan. 2), executive director of Grace to You and Grace Community Church elder Phil Johnson used social media to respond to a rumor that MacArthur’s health was doing so poorly that MacArthur “needed palliative care.”
Johnson sharply rebuked the rumor.
RELATED: John MacArthur Hospitalized To Receive Treatment Related to Heart Valve Replacement
“Those who attend Grace Church or follow the ministry of our pastor already aware that 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 told the congregation on Sunday. “His recovery has been slower than expected, with occasional setbacks affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys.”
Patton added that MacArthur’s doctors have not been able to pinpoint “any single root cause for these diverse troubles.”
As a result of his complications, MacArthur has been in the hospital for the past two weeks. Patton said MacArthur has had to “undergo tests and treatments.”
“So please pray for him and for the physicians that are handling the case,” Patton said. “For the physicians that they will identify a suitable treatment or treatments and for John that he will recover strength and health enough to resume public ministry.”
“Pastor John and his family covet your prayers. Please pray earnestly and steadfastly. Our pastor desires to return to his beloved church soon,” Patton concluded.
 elder Tom Patton provided an update on Pastor John MacArthur's health during worship services on Sunday, Jan. 5.){kind=link}