For decades, famed preacher John MacArthur has taught that pastors and elders with wayward children are disqualified from ministry, even if those children are adults.
Recently, I mentioned this standard in an article on MacArthur’s son, who’s embroiled in a $16 million investment scandal, and people pushed back.
“No parent can control the behavior of their fully grown adult child—even John Macarthur (sic),” one woman wrote.
“Kicking out an elder when their 30+ year old child becomes a criminal seems to not be the fault of the parent,” said another.
Yet, that is precisely what MacArthur has taught. In a sermon entitled, “The Required Character for a Pastor: Family Leadership,” MacArthur states:
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So, a pastor, an elder, must be this kind of man, ‘above reproach’ . . . having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.’
‘Having children who believe’—that is literally what the Greek says, ‘teckna echōn pista’: ‘having children who believe.’ ‘Having’ is present tense; ‘children’ has no regard for age at all. In fact, it’s the same word used back in verse 4 to speak of Titus, ‘my true child,’ who was a grown man. It simply means ‘sons and daughters, offspring.’
And generally speaking, the tone of this text assumes them to be adult. You say, ‘Why do you say that?’ . . . (P)rimarily it’s associated with ‘not accused of dissipation or rebellion.’ That hardly refers to little children. There aren’t too many dissipated, debauched little kids. That is a term which would more accurately be reflective of an adult life.
MacArthur also clarified that when Paul says an elder’s children must “believe,” he means they must be “converted,” and have a life that “follows that belief, not being accused of anything that would scandalize the ministry.”
This places MacArthur in a very precarious position. As noted, John MacArthur’s son, Mark MacArthur, has been accused of defrauding clients in a $16 million investment scheme. And recently, Mark MacArthur agreed to pay more than $367,000 to the SEC to repay the money he netted in that scheme, as well as a civil penalty and interest.
Clearly, Mark MacArthur has been accused of something that “would scandalize” his father’s ministry. Violating securities laws and defrauding clients is a very serious transgression, both legally and morally.
So, judging by John MacArthur’s own standard, Pastor MacArthur is disqualified from ministry, based on Mark MacArthur’s behavior, and should step down.
I’m sure this notion is shocking to many. And the thought of disqualifying MacArthur, an 84-year-old man, due to the sin of his 50-something child seems absurd.
For the record, I don’t agree with John MacArthur’s interpretation. As even some in MacArthur’s Reformed camp have argued, “pistas” can mean “faithful.” So, Paul could mean that elders’ children, living at home, must be faithful or obedient. This would emphasize the elder’s ability to manage his household, not do the impossible—control the decisions of an adult child.
Also, other Scriptures seem to very clearly teach that fathers are not responsible for their children’s sin. Ezekiel 18:20 states, “The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”
Yet, MacArthur very clearly rejects this interpretation in his sermon on family leadership. And who am I to defy the “greatest pastor on planet earth” who’s “defined and modeled expository preaching for more than a half-century”?
Plus, Matthew 7:1-2 states that in “the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
For decades, MacArthur has used his harsh standard to remove several faithful men from leadership at Grace Community Church (GCC) and The Master’s University and Seminary (TMUS).
According to former TMUS VP Dennis Swanson, those removed from the GCC elder board because of their adult children include former TMUS Executive VP Dick Mayhue, former GCC Associate Pastor Stuart Scott, and current TMUS Professor William Varner.
TRR reached out to Mayhue, Scott, and Varner for comment. Mayhue didn’t respond. Scott directed TRR “to ask Dr. MacArthur about his particular view of Titus 1:6.” Varner declined to comment.
TRR has also reached out to MacArthur multiple times for comment about this and other issues, but MacArthur has never responded.
However, another former TMUS professor, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed with TRR that Mayhue and Scott were removed from GCC’s elder board due to their adult children and added, “That’s (MacArthur’s) policy, 100%.”
TRR also spoke with former TMUS Professor Doug Bookman, who’s now professor of biblical exposition at Shepherd’s Theological Seminary.
Bookman told me that senior TMUS administrators made it clear that he was no longer welcome at TMUS around the same time Bookman’s daughter got pregnant out of wedlock, so Bookman resigned. But he said that soon afterward, a TMUS administrator offered him a part-time teaching job at the university but told Bookman he’d need to get MacArthur’s permission first.
Bookman said for two to three weeks, MacArthur wouldn’t take his calls, but then he saw MacArthur at a basketball game and asked him about the position. Bookman said MacArthur replied that Bookman’s daughter was “promiscuous,” and as a result, Bookman had become “an embarrassment.”
Bookman objected, telling MacArthur that his daughter had repented in front of the entire fellowship group Bookman led at GCC and was putting her life together. Bookman said MacArthur responded that he didn’t care if the rumors about Bookman’s daughter were true or not. It was the word on the street and Bookman would never be a part of TMUS’ faculty again, Bookman recalled MacArthur saying.
“Nobody out-Pharisees The Master’s construct, nobody,” Bookman added.
Yet not only is MacArthur’s behavior shockingly cruel, ungracious, and Pharisaical. It’s also inconsistent.
Several former TMUS professors told me that MacArthur employs a two-tier rule system. There’s one set of rules for “underlings he doesn’t find important enough to need their services,” and another set for MacArthur and those he deems important.
This would explain why GCC invited John Piper to speak at its recent Puritan Conference.
Piper’s son, Abraham Piper, is an unbeliever, who’s very openly mocked Christianity in TikTok videos that have gone viral. If anyone is disqualified from ministry based on an adult child, it’s Piper.
But MacArthur openly platformed John Piper.
And despite his son Mark’s scandalous behavior, MacArthur continues to platform himself.
This is rank hypocrisy. Yet, it’s what I’ve come to expect from John MacArthur. He has a pattern of calling out the imagined sins of others—whether it’s a mother who refuses to take back her child-abusing husband or a faithful shepherd who’s child has tragically rejected his father’s instruction.
MacArthur is precisely the Pharisee Jesus talks about in Matthew 23, who “tie(s) up heavy loads and put(s) them on men’s shoulders” but is “not willing to lift a finger to move them.”
Yes, John MacArthur is disqualified from ministry—but not because of something his son did. MacArthur is disqualified because he’s shown again and again that he’s a hypocrite.
Julie Roys is a veteran investigative reporter and founder of The Roys Report. She also previously hosted a national talk show on the Moody Radio Network, called Up for Debate, and has worked as a TV reporter for a CBS affiliate. Her articles have appeared in numerous periodicals.
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60 Responses
On the one hand, Ezekiel 18:20 tells us, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
On the other hand the text does not go on to say that it applies only to John MacArthur.
His congregation and the Christian broadcasting community don’t seem to have a problem with the hypocrisy any more than they do with his doctrines of theistic determinism, enslavement of the Children of God, evanescent grace and predestination. God will judge, of course. But in the meantime it may just be the unacceptable face of 2 Timothy 4:3
Your understanding of Scripture and the application of it to the John MacArthur situation is very well thought out and very very well written. I have not seen your posts here before, but I believe you have a very firm grasp of the understanding and knowledge necessary to put together such an excellent commentary. Again, well thought out and very well written.
Thank you. It’s always encouraging to hear from somebody who thinks I’ve said something worth hearing.
I don’t know that it’s all that special. Anybody who has read the Book of Ezekiel can find the same text and draw the same conclusions. It may just be that I’m uncouth enough to actually say them out loud
John MacArthur should be disqualified as preacher/teacher, etc. He is no role model. Unfortunately, he has his ‘friends’ and the publicity pointing to how great he is just doesn’t stop.
Even the Babylon Bee is making sure he stays on top. So disappointing.
I don’t think this segment was by accident in having a female being enrolled at The Master’s seminary. Why doesn’t the Babylon Bee address the issue of the countless sexual scandals against women and children?
https://www.facebook.com/TheBabylonBee/videos/827684175463859
Woke Parents Tour Christian College
As long as I’ve known MacArthur he has stressed belief in the offspring and NOT zero trouble with a government agency of a 50-year-old adult child.
Allowing John Piper to speak at a conference is not the same thing as appointing him as V.P. Whoever wrote this article should be more careful of the details.
There’s also a difference between having a daughter that made a mistake, repented and is doing her best to remain in the church and a son who has actively renounced his faith and attacks the church
Today’s “Grace to You” blog is about Integrigrity …. Scroll down to watch a 2 min. Clip John Mac discussing the critical need for integrity.
Makes you think
MacArthur is very unimpressive (or self-impressed). I once heard him share his experience attending an Orthodox Church service in Moscow, Russia on YouTube. He did this before a recorded panel that included RC Sproul. His response was so ignorant and childish I was taken back. I wish I could have read RC Sproul’s mind at the time. MacArthur sounded as knowledgeable as snake handler from Appalachia. I would like to apologize to the snake handlers of Appalachia
I’m Catholic and while I’ve found some of McArthurs sermons helpful, his attacks on Catholics are so inaccurate and over the top I can’t help but to think he must know his accusations aren’t true. I like RC Sproul much better
Now I understand what the Bible means when it says, even the elect could be miss lead, or led astray
I have not been a follower of John MacArthur but I watched a question and answer show (#96) with him as host. He answered 2 questions incorrectly so I quit watching.
The first wrong answer was to a man who asked what to do about a friend who had been faithful to God then walked and would he lose his salvation. The reply, in short, was there was no hope left for him. To me that eliminates the ‘Prodigal Son’ parabable as well a the lost sheep and other passages. The second wrong response was to a child who asked if animals would be in heaven. MacArthur said, with a big smile, a resounding NO. There are many scripture verses that talk mention animals in heaven…the child and the cobra also a viper, the bear and the oxen will graze together. Also, God says let everything that has breath praise the Lord and that He will restore ALL of creation not just man.
I love john macarthur, but i totally agree with you. I just think that we have to give these preachers who have been around for many many years and who have taught the Bible in an excellent way need to have a little bit of forgiveness when we make a small mistake. I heard another prominent teacher on one of the Q&A‘s say something that I totally disagree with and maybe he was right but the small things are not as important as the basic Christian principles. I really hope that I will see my pets in heaven.
Evangelicals do not have a pope – if we did I hope it isn’t John MacArthur.
Certain theologies can be debated. Hypocrisy is often easy to support with evidence.
Aside those two points, I’ve listened to MacArthur, on and off, for 50+ years. In the last couple years, I almost dread to hear him for one reason…. I’m not good enough for him. If I were left with this guy’s standards, I would crawl into hell on my own power and quietly shut the door. My wounded heart hurts for those who are ‘sinners, saved by grace’ to walk in ‘newness of life’ and still try to keep the law.
One thing really good comes out of this man. He helps me realize a profound gratitude for the enormity of the price Jesus Christ paid, how gracious He is and how much He loves me.
The passage does not say any sin of any kind, nor is that what MacArthur said in his sermon. It is clear you just have it out for MacArthur and the truth be damned.
My mother And my father divorced. My mother remarried another man with no biological kids. They moved to California so her new husband could start taking classes to be a minister. My mom now doesn’t have anything to do with her three children. She was the best mother growing up. I think her new husband convinced her we were evil through these John MacArthur classes because she doesn’t have any feelings. Personally I think she has been brain washed.
This happened to me starting in 1979 when I was 17 & I watched my mom get bullied into submission by her new husband who was a member of GCC. My step dad got a huge funeral @ GCC church,music & all w/3K attendees & a party after fully catered.,2 mos later my mom passed & had a tiny service in the tiny church w/20 people & no party after. JM/GCC got all my moms millions & for 25 yrs I was shunned & declared a sinner @17 because I didn’t buy into JM’s BS & me & my kids bulk of our inheritance (millions) went to Masters Seminary.& JM & his sister Jeanette’s pocket to share w/her kids & grandkids.My mother was a working women from 16 yrs old up to the day she passed @ 61 & on her death bed she confessed she was an abused women @ the hand of her husband who no doubt was supported in his actions my JM & his minions.it broke my heart watching her in this cult.She was beautiful.kind & always,since I was born,searching to learn about Jesus.Those people are JM’s victims.hes a terrorist as far as I’m concerned.you’d have to see it to believe it & I saw it.
Now all his kids/grandkids/great grandkids get to live off all the inheritances & hard earned lifelong savings JM swindled from vulnerable people under the guise he was the way to Jesus & Gods Graces.All the kids/grand kids of my family have zero due to our families being hoodwinked by GCC. JM divided & conquered families instructing them to kick their kids to the curb saying they were undeserving of gods graces.& Jesus forgiveness.All the drug addicts & felons in JM’s family never endured such scorn.Who died & made JM the boss? No one. Only JM managed to bully innocents searching for gods wisdom & Jesus love. JM was THE BEST con artist.Hopefully since he’s gone no other families will be bullied,abused & taken advantage of solely so JM could be his puffed up rooster self.
Thank you Ms Roys for factual reporting
I used to be almost in awe of John Macarthur I l subscribed to his tape lending library listened to Grace to You
Over 40 years ago i worked for a Christian who was ordained by Pastor John My boss was against Charismstic practices
i did not know much about those things Only it was politically correct to be against them I now attend an assembly of God Church
i have read some of your
very articulate articles about Grace to You and Pastor John
The saddest story shared was Dennis Swanson’s testimony of mistreatment after 20 years of serving John Macarthur
Thank you Ms Roys for your courage
and brilliance
Sincerely
Steve Nicholas JD
You said ‘accused’. Don’t you think until proven guilty no action is required. Because the law says, accused must be proven guilty, until then no action is required.
However, a christian must be held high morally, even one step further than others. Have you ever considered the other side of it….What if he is innocent ? You know when you read revelation there is one that accuse saints day & night in the presence of GOD. His job is such that he will accuse to create confusion and chaos. This mere accusations can discourage many believers of their confidence. Thats what the accuser intent, to create confusions and doubts. To deviate one from the correct path.
Please consider Hebrews 7:25 and romans 5:9-10.
God Bless All
I’m some what confused about John MacArthur, l grew rather fond of him. Reading his books.listening every night on the radio. I don’t know why he said their is no power in Christ blood just his death we saved by. Also putting that woman out of the church gcc. Why? She needed help from her abusive husband.