John MacArthur says he’s on “last lap” as strength wanes

The 85-year-old author and longtime pastor of California-based Grace Community Church said he’s feeling good, but realizes he’s on what he called his last lap, in a Friday video. MacArthur said he had lost a lot of strength during a seven-week hospital stay due to heart surgery complications that affected his lungs and kidneys. He continues to work with a physical therapist and trainers to improve his health, he said.

MacArthur addressed attendees of the Shepherds Conference in the video, apologizing for missing the event for the first time. His Los Angeles-area church, which has several thousand members, hosts the conference for ministry leaders annually. MacArthur ended by expressing gratitude for God’s work through his years of ministry.

Phil Johnson, executive director of MacArthur’s Grace to You ministry, shared the video address after the conference wrapped up March 7.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on MacArthur’s initial hospitalization.