John MacArthur Gives Health Update, Announces Church Needs Big Budget Cuts
Pastor Austin Duncan of Grace Community Church read a letter from John MacArthur during their recent Sunday service, relaying his desire to return to the church once he regains his strength, while also warning the church needs to enact major budge cuts.
MacArthur, 85, has been away from the pulpit for the better part of a year, battling a series of health issues, setbacks, and complications stemming from multiple heart surgeries he had in the back half of 2024.
Duncan revaled that “we all love our pastor, and these months of convalescence have been difficult for us, and as leaders have been going to his home and meeting with him in the season,” before sharing the letter:
As many of you know, I had a second procedure on my lungs last month. That procedure was successful and am now back at home. The doctors are optimistic about my recovery and I am eager to return to you once I regain my strength. I anticipate that that will still be a few months away, but I wanted to convey my love for all of you and my love for this church. Realizing my life and times are in the hands of the Lord, my desire is to be back at church as soon as possible.
MacArthur then shares some of the financial struggles the church is having:
I also want to update you regarding our church’s finances. One of the consistent characteristics of Grace Church is that our people are always generous in their giving. Your affection for the church and your eagerness to support the ministry here is a reflection of your love for the Lord. God loves a cheerful giver. And this congregation is certainly characterized by joyful generosity.
Even so, for the first time in more than a decade, we have faced the effects of a financial recession in our giving this past fiscal year. By God’s grace, He has provided for our needs through some large donations to bring us through the last two years. But as we look ahead to the coming fiscal year, starting July 1st, our elders recognize the need to reduce our budget at the church by about 20%.
Despite reducing the budget for next year, our church remains fully committed to the ministry God has entrusted to us. There will be some adjustments, of course, but most of you will not be affected by that.
MacArthur’s prolonged absence from the pulpit, resulting in the departure of many COVID-19 refugees, coupled with large capital projects (such as painting the building and repairing the roof), has played a significant role in the budget deficit.
While no Form 990 is submitted for tor Grace Community Church, financials submitted to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) for Grace to You reveal a similar decline, including a budget shortfall of $10.8M for the past fiscal year.
MacArthur concludes:
Obviously, we are praying for a significant increase in this year’s giving, knowing that God blesses a generous and cheerful giver. So, as the Lord brings our church to your mind, please pray for our elders as we seek to steward this ministry well for Christ’s glory. And also, continue to pray that the Lord would give me strength and allow me to return to you soon. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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