Grace Community Church Names Nathan Busenitz as John MacArthur’s Successor

Nathan Busenitz has been named the next senior pastor of Grace Community Church (GCC) following the death of longtime Pastor John MacArthur. MacArthur died at age 86 on July 14, 2025, after contracting pneumonia. In 2024, the renowned preacher underwent heart valve replacement surgery, which resulted in limited public appearances. According to Busenitz’s bio on The Master’s Seminary website, he was “raised at GCC” and trained under MacArthur. Busenitz has been serving as executive vice president of The Master’s Seminary and as a professor of church history. He is also the author of several books. He and his wife, Beth, have four children. On Thursday, Aug. 20, GCC’s elders unanimously affirmed Busenitz as the church’s next senior pastor. GCC elders released a statement asking the congregation to pray as the church enters a new season. “This announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of the memorial service for John MacArthur, who served as the pastor of Grace Community Church for fifty-six years,” the elders said. “Pastor John’s ministry was marked by an uncompromising commitment to the lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word. Our elders remain steadfast in holding to those same priorities.” RELATED: ‘Our Hearts are Heavy, Yet Rejoicing’—Pastor John MacArthur Dead at the Age of 86 “In the months since Pastor John’s homegoing, the elders have sought the Lord’s wisdom with prayer, patience, and careful deliberation,” the statement continued. “Their unanimous decision reflects both their confidence in God’s providence and their conviction that Nathan has been uniquely prepared by God to serve our church in this next season.” The elders highlighted Busenitz’s longtime connection to GCC and his previous ministry roles at the church. “Having grown up at Grace, Nathan is already known and beloved by our church family,” the elders said. “While studying at The Master’s University and Seminary, he served as a Bible study shepherd in Crossroads (college ministry) and later as a co-pastor in the Cornerstone Fellowship Group.” “Nathan’s giftedness for preaching and shepherding became evident in these ministries through his clear teaching and humble leadership,” the statement added. RELATED: Following 7-Week Hospital Stay, John MacArthur Tells Shepherds Conference, ‘I’m on the Last Lap’ “For several years, Nathan served as Pastor John’s personal assistant, helping him with editing projects and a variety of ministry responsibilities. This experience provided Nathan with a firsthand understanding of the blessings and demands of pastoral work,” the elders explained. “Since last August, he has served as our church’s interim staff pastor.”