Megachurch pastor John MacArthur hospitalized: 'May be in the presence of the Lord soon'
MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969 and founder of the media ministry Grace to You, contracted pneumonia last week, associate Pastor Tom Patton told the congregation at a service on Sunday, July 13.
"He was admitted into the hospital and may be in the presence of the Lord soon," Patton said. "We place our dear pastor at the feet of the glorious savior, whom he has served so faithfully for so many years and now awaits his final command to be in his presence forever."
Patton asked for prayers for MacArthur, his wife Patricia, their children, 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
McArthur, like some other preachers across the U.S., catapulted into the public spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic when he hosted large gatherings despite city policies to limit congregations to small numbers outside.
USA TODAY has reached out to Grace Community Church.
Jimmy Swaggart dead at 90: Televangelist dies weeks after going into cardiac arrest
Pastor John McArthur's illness draws reaction
The announcement drew comments from those who knew MacArthur well.
"We all love, John MacArthur, and we thank Almighty God for him and his incredible ministry and his steadfastness and loyalty to preaching God's Word verse-by-verse through books of the Bible," one Facebook user posted.
Another user wrote, "May God reward you richly for your faithful service and wrap his comforting arms around you and your family. Thank you for unapologetically preaching the Word."
Pastor McArthur's diagnosis comes days after televangelist Jimmy Swaggart died
The news comes the same weekend loved ones laid the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, to rest in Louisiana.
A global televangelist in the 1980s before an adultery scandal diminished his influence, died on July 8 in a Baton Rouge hospital.
Swaggart, who was 90, never regained consciousness following a heart attack in his home June 15.
His publicist told USA TODAY he died surrounded by family and loved ones.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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