John MacArthur, longtime pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church, recently revealed that he is battling kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. In an episode of The MacArthur Center Podcast released on March 4, titled The Grace of Technology, MacArthur discussed how advancements in medicine and technology have sustained him both in ministry and health.
At 85 years old, MacArthur has served his church for 56 years, but his declining health has kept him from preaching for much of 2024 and all of 2025 so far. Reflecting on his condition, he remarked, “I went 85 years and then went off a cliff.”
MacArthur detailed multiple life-saving procedures he has undergone, including vein surgery, lung surgery, and a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the body God has given him and acknowledged its temporary nature.
MacArthur disclosed that dialysis is now essential to his survival. “My kidneys have essentially come down to the final stage,” he explained, sharing that he undergoes treatment three times a week for four hours each session. “I can’t live without it,” he stated.
Despite these struggles, MacArthur remains optimistic, crediting technology as an extension of God’s creation. He emphasized that innovation and advancements come from God’s design, saying, “You don’t create technology. You extract technology out of God’s creation.”
Although he faces months of rehabilitation, MacArthur remains determined. “I don’t think God is through with me yet,” he said, expressing his willingness to endure the recovery process.
Earlier this month, in a video message to attendees of the Shepherds Conference, MacArthur acknowledged his stage in life, stating, “I realize I’m on the last lap.” However, his gratitude for God’s work in his ministry remains steadfast.
Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace to You, recently shared that MacArthur is making plans to return to the studio soon. “Though he obviously is nowhere near full strength, I think he’s improving,” Johnson said. “He’s motivated and galvanized.”
MacArthur’s brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ pray that his “final lap” will be a long one, as he continues to share his faith and wisdom with those who follow the teachings of Christ.
