John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock

by Iain H. Murray

Through more than forty years, John MacArthur has opened and taught the Word of God in one local congregation, Grace Community Church, Los Angeles. Consequences have followed which no one anticipated, and which the preacher attributes to the sovereign hand of God. A people united to Christ, and to their pastor, became a channel for blessing across the earth. It has been a ministry marked by characteristics that re-appear in every spiritual advance - not concern for relevance not special attractions for young or old, male or female; but love for God and dependence on his Word and promises. MacArthur has proved, without ever intending to do so, that true preaching of the Word of God is international, because if you teach the Bible it transcends every border, every language, every culture. It is as relevant today, and will be tomorrow, as in all the years since God put it down. That is why his sermons are heard or read in more than two hundred countries around the world today.
But this is also a human story, including the shaping of his youth, the strength of marriage and family, the refining influence of trials and controversies, and the building of a man whose staff have never known to be angry. There are friends who, for all their love of his ministry, say his life is his best sermon.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, History, Church History, Theology

246 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

Iain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.

Reviews

[Rafael Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humbling and inspiring. Murray, a Scottish Presbyterian minister himself, portrays MacArthur as a pastor with an incredibly high esteem of the Bible as God's Word, describing how that shapes everything he does. It was good to also see Murray point out the issues in which he disagrees with MacArthur's beliefs and practices. I bet the latter has enjoyed seeing such convictions make way into this bio.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent biography. Very readable.

If I had to describe John Macarthur in a handful of words, they would be thus: Humble, refreshing, grounded, and faithful. I am very thankful for this servant of God. His willingness to boldly proclaim the gospel truth in an age of post-modern nonsense and lazy compromise. He is a steadying presence to the church, and I often ask the Lord in prayer, if it could not be His will to allow pastor John to live and be able to preach as long as possible.

Every young man heading into the pastorate would be wise to read about Dr. Macarthur, and look to him, to pattern after, as the godly example that he is.

Some thoughts about things that made me raise an eyebrow: The author, being a personal friend of the subject, comes across a little too enamored at times with Dr. Macarthur, so it doesn't feel quite as objective as one would assume a biography would be.

Also, there was a weird little section where the author pontificates on his personal opinion of instruments in worship. This felt out of place to me, seeing as the book was about Dr. Macarthur and not the author. Also, I didn't know that was a source of controversy. Seems a little petty to me.

Thirdly, the author again interjects his own opinions on the issue of eschatology. It felt inappropriate for a biography.

These last two issues made the book seem as though it were drifting from being a biography to a rebuttal.

[Bookman143 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had three major things going for it right off the bat.

First, it is published by Banner of Truth. This is a publisher which, to my knowledge, has never published a book that isn't absolutely great.

Second, it is written by Iain Murray, a British pastor and author whose works on Lloyd-Jones and Spurgeon are found on the desert island lists of many Christians.

And finally, its subject is John MacArthur, a great hero in the faith of mine and one of the most faithful and unswerving proclaimers of God's Word.

My mind was blown several years ago when Pastor MacArthur's ministry, Grace to You, made all of their sermons and teachings available online for free (many ministries have followed suit, but unless I'm mistaken, I think they were one of the first). There is just nothing better than verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible and Pastor MacArthur is one of the best. I have learned and grown so much listening to his teaching. Reading this book and learning a bit of his history has made me appreciate and admire even more this great servant of God. I highly recommend this book. You will be edified by it.

[Aardvark · Rating 4 out of 5]

decided that there was no better time to start reading this book than when jmac passed.

though not a comprehensive biography as iain murray published this close to 15 years ago, it still provided many insights into the upbringing and key points of macarthur's life and ministry. it just so happened that i had been listening to the macarthur center podcast over the past few months, and so many of the stories that were told in this biography were familiar to me already. however, it was helpful for these stories to be told in a somewhat chronological order, with the added benefit iain murray's own insight into many of them.

the macarthur center podcast + reading the many recent tributes to jmac + his memorial service + this book all helped to give a rich look into the person of john macarthur, and the main takeaway was to hold an unyielding commitment to Scripture in one hand, and a spirit of gentle compassion in the other. such was what made john macarthur so special. other encouragements included calls to greater bravery, deeper perseverance, and a relentless acknowledgement of God in all things.

"in macarthur it includes willingness to esteem others, and to listen to opinions that differ from his own. while he preaches with boldness and certainty, in his personal life he has no air of infallibility and knows that such attitude cannot consist with lowliness of mind. with all christians, he remains a pupil in the school of Christ."
--
the Spirit breathes upon the Word,
and brings the truth to sight:
precepts and promises afford
a sanctifying light.

the hand that gave it still supplies
the gracious light and heat;
his truths upon the nations rise;
they rise, but never set.

let everlasting thanks be Thine
for such a bright display,
as makes a world of darkness shine
with beam of heavenly day.

my soul rejoices to pursue
the steps of Him i love,
till glory breaks upon my view
in brighter worlds above

[Elizabeth Prata]

It is extremely encouraging. Not just to learn about MacArthur, but strangely, as he is humble and wants to fade to the background in life he also fades into the background in the book! Even though it's about him! While reading it, I found myself stopping to pray in thanks to the Spirit for the work He does in the church MacArthur pastors. Rather than the biography reveal much about the man, it reveals more about the Spirit and how He grows the church when its people are faithful to the Word, and about Jesus as its Head.

[George Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

While by Murray's own acknowledgement this is not a complete picture of the man, this work still shines a light onto the person and ministry of John MacArthur. Whether you love him or hate him, agree or disagree with his theology, you can't help but to be edified and challenged by his commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and for his love and labor for the local church.

[Josh Rathmell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book about someone who was passionate about the Word of God! It was interesting to hear the back story of some of the resources I use on a regular basis as a Pastor! Most of the time I thought the author did a good job of presenting a factual and non pedestal view of MacArthur but it does creep in from time to time.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what it was (a very brief overview of MacArthur's life and ministry) it was excellent. Very succinct but hitting most if not all of the relevant points. As Murray says, the time is not now, nor is he the author for a detailed biography, but this introduction was certainly good for now.

[David Nalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What humility means for MacArthur brings us back to the fundamental principle of his ministry: all success lies in the Word of God.” - Iain Murray, John MacArthur, 237.

I picked this up the day that John MacArthur died. I have been influenced by his books and preaching for a decade now. I am thankful for the Lord’s grace in his life, and the ministry he had.

As a young pastor, with hopefully decades of life left ahead of me, I prayer is that I would give myself to the study and preaching of the Word of God.

If you want some encouragement for the ministry to preach the Word and work hard in ministry, this book is for you!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Monday, July 14th, 2025 John MacArthur Jr. began to really live as he breathed his last on earth and his first in HEAVEN. This book is a humble but powerful testimony of this servant of JESUS CHRIST.

[Eric Durso · Rating 4 out of 5]

So thankful to God for this man.

[Mark Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

John MacArthur shoots straight, preaching the Word after careful study and with no frills; the Lord has richly blessed this faithful proclamation of His Word.

[Nathan Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Iain Murray is the quintessential biographer.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it yesterday. I liked it.

[Justin Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Servant of the Word and Flock" a couple of months ago but this book still sticks out in my mind. I have long associated with John MacArthur with a kind of spiritual father: it was through his ministry at Grace to You that led to my belated salvation. So I'm very grateful for him and his ministry but also incredibly impacted by his teaching. I took up this book with interest to understand why this man has become so influential in modern day Evangelical Christianity.

That being said, several things stick out right away. Something about reading biographies of great Christian men help spurn on enthusiasm for radically altering your own life's routine. What struck me about Dr. MacArthur was his personal study. Before becoming the pastor of Grace Community Church, he told the elders he needed at least 30 hours a week of preparation time for his sermons. One of the most stunning moments of his career, I think, was the completion of his sermon series on Mark where he preached through the entire New Testament in a 30+ year time period. Obviously this man knows his bible.

Another defining moment in the book was the vast maturation of his radio ministry. Admittedly, this resonates particularly strong with me because I was impacted by the huge resource library available at Grace to You. Apparently, Dr. MacArthur was receiving letters from all over the world about how his sermons helped them in their spiritual life.

There are really many topics I could choose to talk about that make John MacArthur a great man: the building up his church from a few dozen people to over a thousand; the inception of Masters Seminary and it's growth; the focus on international missions, where John took an extended survey of South East Asian Churches in the 70's, among others.

When observing the massive legacy John MacArthur has imprinted on Evangelical Christianity in America, I believe he will be remembered as one of the great theologians of our time. For years he has faithfully built a reputation that is based on the inerrant word of God, the Bible, and has never caved to the pressures of modernity in our ever changing world. I definitely recommend Iain Murray's book to everyone interested in reading about this great man of the faith!

[Edson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Depois de ler alguns livros de John MacArthur e sua biografia, vejo uma constante em sua vida ministerial que certamente foi utilizada por Deus para usar seu servo: confiança inabalável na Palavra de Deus. Isso não se restringe à crença de que ela é inspirada e inerrante, mas que é a fonte de conhecimento e orientação para o homem para todas as coisas. Não somente na condição de expositor, mas na aplicação para sua vida. Destaco trecho de sua autoria: "O maior privilégio que tenho do meu ministério, não é o tempo que eu passo com as pessoas; é o tempo que eu posso passar com Ele. E o cultivo do conhecimento do Senhor no estudo da Sua Palavra, na oração e na meditação, é o coração e a alma da minha vida e o maior gozo do ministério para mim. O que quer que aconteça ou não aconteça ali, haja as mudanças que houver, ou nenhuma mudança, sejam quais forem as decepções ou os incentivos, o Senhor nunca muda; e é em Seu amor que eu encontro a constância para a minha vida, a força para meu ministério, e também a alegria". Em outro momento ele afirma que a Bíblia é o Livro por meio do qual Deus muda as vidas de todos os que verdadeiramente o ouvem e que a suficiência das Escrituras "significa que não pode surgir nenhuma situação para a qual a sua luz não seja relevante. Nenhuma necessidade fica sem atendida, quando as suas orientações e promessa são seguidas". Homens com essa convicção no púlpito podem trazer grande edificação ao povo de Deus."

[James Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian Murray, a Scottish Presbyterian, wrote a book very highly praising his friend John MacAuthur, a California Baptist of Scottish descent.

An interesting incident Murray writes about is when MacAuthur was a candidate for pastor of the church which he has pastored for many years when his wife told him he would not receive a call because his sermon was much too long.

Murray brings out three differences historic Presbyterians have with MacAurthur first his mild form of dispensationalism, second his belief concerning baptism and third his singing of other than the Psalms in worship.

Murray gives an interesting account of MacAurthur's youth -- that he regarded football as of higher importance than study.

After he graduated with honors from seminary being told he did not have the background for advanced study due to his lack of knowledge of what liberal scholars had written and believed.

I highly recommend this as an interesting book written about a man who has shaped evangelical and Reformed thought for the last many years.

[Dónal Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little biography from the renowned Iain Murray. Learned a lot from MacArthur and what a legacy of Bible teaching and standing up for the truth no matte what (even at his age now as he critiques the social justice movement in the church. That's a personal comment, not in the book)! We are far more indebted, all of us in the Reformed resurgence than we realize to MacArthur's ministry. From his arguments in the Lordship controversy to the connections he formed with other Reformed pastors, to his sermons and commentaries to much more. Highlights scope of ministry around world and saving power of God throughout through his ministry in the book. Also good critique as Murray fairly addresses some of MacArthurs (light) dispensational tendencies. Overall a great read, whatever background you're from if you're a product of 21st C Christianity in America or beyond. Lots to learn!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one thinks of faithful men who are accurate and passionate in the proclamation of the Bible, John MacArthur is at the top of that list. MacArthur is the leading Bible Expositors in the World. More importantly is how he models Christ in his life and his ministry. He is a man who clearly & unashamedly teaches Scripture truth which most of the world & the so called "church" today reject. His celebrating his 50th year as the Pastor at Grace Community Church in the Los Angeles area. That is a milestone few men ever attain. This book is also convicting in the way he has modeled his life and ministry with his wife and family and Church. This is a must read for any Christian and for those who are not for in it a unique man gifted by God who is truly humble and faithful. Ian Murray is a skilled writer who makes his subject come alive.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biography of John Macarthur Jr, who went to be with Jesus so recently. About twenty or so years ago, I received a free copy of the John Macarthur Study Bible., at a conference for church leaders, in which he was the main speaker. I took the opportunity to thank him, and ask him if he would sign it for me. He did so, saying little other than "Keep going." I was grateful.
Over the years, I have been so encouraged and challenged by Iain Murray's biographies of great men and women of God. He captures John MacArthur so well, as a man of the word, supremely. Iain Murray is also honest, and perceptive, in his handling of the very few controversial points in MacArthur's doctrinal views. But even those things are not essential gospel truths but debatable secondary matters.
A very helpful biography.

[Ben Hegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, if high level, biography of John MacArthur. Iain Murray is a wonderful writer. He can go from explaining some feature of a person's life to delving into their theological views within a page or two. He is great at summarising things also. I have had the pleasure of meeting Iain Murray and he is a splendid fellow. If I was pushed to critique the book I'd say he's hesitant to critique MacArthur and it tends to be hagiographical sadly. However, having said that, it's hard to fault MacArthur. It's hard not to love MacArthur. Sad that he has passed into glory and is no longer with us but far better for him. He and Piper were the gateway into the Reformed faith for me, and for that I'm eternally grateful to the Lord. I'd highly recommend this first class book to everyone!

[Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three things that stand out after reflecting upon this great book:
1) The skilled writing of Iain Murray, as he beautifully portrays the life and ministry of MacArthur
2) The inspiring person and work of John MacArthur, as Murray details the huge impact on the church that his ministry and commitment to serving his people through the Word of God have made
3) The breathtaking work of our God in building His church and transforming lives through the preaching of His Word.

This is an excellent sketch of a truly inspiring man.

[Nate Bate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book and learning more about John MacArthur's ministry. If my memory serves me correctly, this book was written originally mostly as a celebration of John MacArthur's anniversary at Grace Community Church. I think that should be taken in consideration for how this book was written. That said, after reading Murray's book on Martyn Lloyd-Jones, this book on MacArthur is not nearly as good. I have high respect for John MacArthur's ministry, yet I feel like Murray paints MacArthur in an overly positive light.

[Tim Franks · Rating 4 out of 5]

John MacArthur has had one of the greatest influences on my Christian life and theology. This book really allowed me to learn more about his growing up and influential years. So many great stories and much here to appreciate about his great influence and how much Grace To You has meant to so many people across the world. There were certainly some flaws with this Godly man as with all, I do feel the author could have been a little more critical where needed. Overall, a great read for someone that has been influenced by this man and his ministry for many years!

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

My understanding at the time this book came out was that this is the first biography Iain Murry wrote of a living person, and he does a great job detailing the life of John MacArthur. It's not an uncritical review, as Murray challenges a couple of minor points of MacArthur's theology, but it is mostly a positive look at his life. Though written in 2011 and thus missing the past decade and more of MacArthur's continued ministry, this book stands as an important testament to the faithful ministry of this shepherd.

[Stephen Angliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this biography, which featured more pastoral commentary from Iain Murray than biographical details. It also functioned as a helpful volume on church history in the second half of the twentieth century.

Of course, as the author admits, this is not a true biography of John MacArthur—nor should it be. That must be done at a later time by a less involved author when a more objective treatment can be given. In the meantime, this authorized sketch by Phil Johnson via Murray, sycophantic as it may at times seem, is spiritually encouraging and good reading for any pastor.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really instructive and enlightening overview of MacArthur's life and ministry. It identifies the issues with which all reformed evangelicals would resonate and how his commitment to these stood central to all that he was and did. Very useful.

My only real criticism is that there is no real criticism of MacArthur. I guess that is difficult when the subject of the biography is still alive. Murray fails to mention the controversy around his once-erroneous view of the eternal generation of the Son, for example.

That aside, this is a useful book 👍

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written summary of MacArthur's life and ministry. Pros: talks doctrinally about JM's life and ministry, definitely presents the positives that have come out of his ministry. Cons: doesn't seem to critique some of JM's glaring breaches of appropriate conduct. It also is a bit brief.

Recommended for people who want to know a bit more about JM, but not to really have a balanced understanding of the good and bad.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written biography though could've been written better on some aspects. I have great respect for John Macarthur and was blessed by reading this. It saddens me to hear some people say he is racist and a bigot. The man was arrested in the 1960s for being with black people and preaching in their churches. He would be banned from places just because he loved the black people so much that he preached the gospel to them. What an amazing servant for Christ.

[Amanda Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murray writes in such a way that honors the man and yet leaves the reader thinking of God and His work at the completion. Some may find particular details on fundamentalism, dispensationalism, young restless and reformed etc. A bit strange for a biography but I enjoyed them and saw the relevance. An encouragement to stay faithful to study, teach, and live God's word. He will give the increase.