John F. MacArthur, the prominent pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, is currently hospitalized with pneumonia as of July 2025. This health crisis has drawn public attention to his controversial past, including allegations of mishandling abuse claims and defying COVID-19 safety protocols.
As the founder of the Christian media program Grace to You, MacArthur is recognized as one of the most influential pastors in evangelical circles. However, his tenure has not been without significant challenges.
Allegations of Abuse and Misconduct
One of the most serious accusations against MacArthur stems from an incident in 2002, when he allegedly excommunicated a female church member for seeking to leave her abusive husband. According to reports from The Roys Report, the woman had approached church elders, disclosing her husband’s abusive behavior in hopes of finding support. Instead, MacArthur is said to have instructed the congregation to treat her as an “unbeliever,” suggesting that she should be publicly shamed and expelled from the church community.
In 2022, this allegation resurfaced, prompting further scrutiny of MacArthur’s leadership and the church’s response to domestic violence. Critics argue that such actions reflect a broader problem within some religious institutions regarding the handling of abuse allegations.
Legal Battles During the Pandemic
MacArthur’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic also led to significant legal challenges. He openly questioned the severity of the virus, declaring that “there is no pandemic” during a crucial period in 2020. His refusal to close the church in accordance with public health guidelines resulted in a lawsuit filed by Los Angeles County. MacArthur countersued, claiming violations of his rights to religious freedom.
The legal battle concluded in a settlement in which both Los Angeles County and the state of California agreed to pay MacArthur $400,000. The county’s officials stated that the resolution was appropriate following a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that limited certain public health measures’ application to places of worship.
Current Health Status
As of now, MacArthur is undergoing treatment for pneumonia, a significant health concern following a series of medical issues over the past few years. His associate, Tom Patton, announced the hospitalization to the congregation, indicating that MacArthur may be facing severe health challenges.
In 2023, he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, necessitating surgery to implant cardiac stents. The following year, he underwent multiple surgeries, including an aorta replacement and a lung procedure to address complications from the flu. Earlier in 2025, MacArthur was hospitalized for approximately two weeks due to kidney, lung, and heart-related issues.
As MacArthur continues to battle health challenges, his past controversies remain in the public eye, raising questions about the implications for his ministry and the broader church community.