John MacArthur says he’s healthy, ready to reenter ministry

The Grace Community Church pastor, author, and host of the Grace to You podcast said he is ready to energetically resume his ministry. MacArthur in a Tuesday video posted to social media also confirmed he has no terminal conditions. He was feeling great, he said.

MacArthur said his recovery had taken a long time because he was severely weakened by a lung surgery, three heart procedures, and a seven-week hospital stay.

How long has MacArthur been in recovery? The 85-year-old pastor was hospitalized in December 2024 for adverse symptoms related to his July heart valve replacement. He returned home for continued recovery in early February and has been working with a physical therapist to regain strength. In March, MacArthur missed his church’s annual Shepherds Conference for ministry leaders for the first time, sending in a video message instead.

Dig deeper: Read my report on how South African police rescued a kidnapped American missionary.