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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MacArthur replied that Bookman’s (pregnant) 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.
No wonder many studies show that the rate of abortion among Evangelicals are as high or higher than the general population.
Even when the woman makes the pro-life decision to keep her baby, she is forced to publicly repent, plus she and her family still face repercussions from the “church.”
The hypocrisy that Christians show in so many areas is disgusting. And they always I mean always have scripture to back their decisions. Reading what jmac demands of others but excuse when it comes to his family. Sickening what the American evangelical industrial complex has become is sad.
Rom. 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Rom. 2:6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
Interesting how often the notorious ‘clobber passages’ of Romans 1 are quoted without reference to Romans 2.
Speaking of which, I won’t believe anything MacArther says. He said that homosexuality always comes from hypersexuality.
Tony, could you explain who you are directing these scriptures to? Those that are criticizing MacArthur or MacArthur himself?
Tony, I’m wondering who you have in mind as you quote these Scriptures? Is it about John MacArthur, or is it to those who write posts in opposition to John MacArthur?
I agree with Julie’s analysis. MacArthur was wrong twice. The first was his analysis of text and secondly in no adhering to the standard he himself had placed on others.
wow- there is the church and then there is the church–one is the actual church, the bride of christ, made of faithful people we will never know the extent of their faith and works until they get their crowns in heaven and there is the church, those who proclaim their holiness on the street corners and internet who have their earthly reward .
It’s clear that MacArthur views people as disposable commodities. It makes me sick to my stomach how he weaponizes scripture to humiliate and demean those whom he perceives as being beneath him.
Based on this article, MacArthur should be immediately ejected from the pulpit! Why isn’t he being held accountable and appropriately dealt with by his denomination? I’ve always seen MacArthur as having major spiritual myopia and now find out that Pharisee & hypocrite are accurate descriptions of him.
I don’t believe GCC is affiliated with a denominational organization, they’re autonomous. He has basically hand-picked his board of elders so there is no hope of accountability coming from them. He’s the unquestionable leader of the GCC fiefdom.
According to this article and the testimony of the others, its sad to hear of the way John has been moving, the lack of following the Holy Spirit, love and compassion that has been shown. I hate hearing negative about my brothers in sisters in the faith but I know it happens. I believe issues need to be addressed but again according to what was said in the article and testimonies not how they have been handled. I pray that God opens our eyes, repentance and reconciliation takes place and that John and all if us abound in love with knowledge and all discernment. In Jesus name.
craig, he won’t leave because nobody dares challenge the great godly JMAC. Remember God likes him more than you. At least that’s how I see how he presents himself and all the paid sycophants tagging along.
This is an excellent analysis and exposure of MacArthur’s hypocrisy. Thank you so much, Julie.
Agreed. Strong concluding words supported by extensive evidence.
“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.”
I wonder why Bookman’s daughter repented in front of a fellowship group?
The fellowship groups at GCC are like “mini-churches.” The congregation is so large that they encourage believers to gather weekly in smaller groups for community and discipleships. It would be a much more intimate and transparent and vulnerable place to repent. Which would be so hard, but speaks to a godly sorrow that is precious.
Having lived under MacArthur’s influence for many years, and received my Master’s of Biblical Counseling at TMUS, and have become indignant at MacArthur’s fruit of injustice and unrighteousness, I am not surprised at his hypocritical response to the public recognition of his son Mark being a thief.
Thank you Julie for once again straightening out what is crooked by applying the appropriate Scriptures: we are to be beware of John MacArthur and those leaders who espouse and apply his teachings on authority, marriage, submission and the family. When I have confronted them with the harm these teachings have done, they have refused to take responsibility for the deep harm done to women and children hurt by these teachings.
Carrie, I’ve still got so many questions. If Bookman’s daughter viewed her sexual behavior as sinful, why would she repent to a fellowship group? She didn’t do anything harmful to them – in fact, I would argue it’s none of their business. Maybe the right word is “confess” rather than “repent”? Even then, why confess to the group? Does the group function like a Catholic priest? I would understand if she “informed” the group – especially if she’s going to continue meeting with them and eventually becoming visibly pregnant. The wording of “repent to the group” is so strange to me; it brings to mind cult practices in which the member excoriates herself in front of the group for any behaviors or thoughts deemed unacceptable.
Paul, this is a strong observation. I believe it’s demonstrative of the cult-like behaviors that JM had developed over time as he has misunderstood the context of scripture, specifically attempting to create a “church” group exactly as was in Paul’s day. But that was a different culture and different cultural traditions. Of course we need our church family and should have one but we live on our own culture where there’s no need to confess or repent of sins to groups of people. Just because this is not our cultural practice in the US in 2023 doesn’t make us wrong or unbiblical if we’re not doing it.
How dare you go after the king of the evangelical church in America and indeed the world at large, how dare you! This is the reason I have stated in many posts (on this most excellent platform that Julie Roys has provided) that I don’t care how many people have come to saving faith in our Lord and Savior as a result of the ministry of John MacArthur because that is not the point. The point over and over again is this man’s demeanor, which is one of arrogance and pride and elitism (as the one and only mouthpiece of the word of God in America) does not belong in the pulpit. Woe to you Pharisees, hypocrites! For you create burdens for men impossible to bear and yet are unwilling to move one of them with even so much as your finger!
Keep up the good work, Julie! You your voice needs to be heard in all spaces of Christianity. You among a few other brave women (Du Mez, Barr) is our modern day prophetesses. Do not give up!
By Mr. MacArthur’s own standards, this seems to be a no-brainer. If others are “disqualified” based on the actions of their adult children, so is he.
I’ve experienced similar legalism many years ago in an SBC church we left.
Johnny Mac’s, “Legalism to You” and it’s My Way Or The Highway autocratic leadership philosophy has left a path of destruction in it’s arrogant wake. The underlying Spiritual abuse is so wrong.
Romans 2:4 (ESV): “…not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
Well done and good exposure of the MacArthur’s innermost soul to the light of day. His most faithful followers will never be able to overcome the cognitive dissonance of their Dear Leader being such a man of clay. They’ve invested to much time and energy, and conflated him with Christ for too long to ever give that up.
Another great post, Julie.
I have a question. I am not from the Reformed camp so I might misunderstand the following. Doesn’t God choose, from the beginning of time, who will be saved? Doesn’t that mean that some children will not, and cannot, be saved? If so, why does MacArthur blame the parents when the children do not meet his standards of obedience?
The way it was explained to me at GCC is that election is how you know a man isn’t qualified for ministry. If his child is not elect, he is not qualified.
McArthur must resign immediately. I read everything he wrote in the last 40 years and supported him.The most important element was ”The Glory of God”, and ”Not mocking God”. I know his position on I Tim 3, Titus 1:6. Be consequent John: Out! He is not above reproach. When enough is enough? Double standards. Eileen Gray, nepotism in financial dealings, failing elders being kept in the ranks, disqualifying others for the things which he is totally culpable. Mark McArthur failure is the worst and infamous ( a graduate form TMUS). God does not need John MacArthur to do his will . And if he does not stop and keeps hanging on to the altar, he will finish no better than Asa (2 Chron 16:7-14), Jehoshaphat ( 2 Chron. 19:1-3) or Uzziah (2 Chron 26:16-23).
Can’t wait to hear the predictable response from the well-paid MacArthur apologist extraordinaire, Phil Johnson. I can just hear him now…”Ms. Roys is simply wrong again and obviously has an ax to grind against poor brother Johnny Mac.”…”and besides John MacArthur has lived in the same house for over 40 years, so he couldn’t possibly be guilty of blatant hypocrisy”…”and he has driven the same car for almost 8 years now, so it obviously follows that he does not have to be responsible for the sins of his wayward son!” May God have mercy on us all. Lord your church is in trouble. “Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16
Based upon his own words and past actions Mac should step down. I am a broken sinful person, who acts phariseutically, also. I do not know another’s heart. LORD JESUS has the right to call me or another a hypocrit. I don’t. I know I sin every minute of every day. I repent daily. I pray Mac repents. I do not cheer his downfall. “Blessed are the weak in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:3; “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, great is HIS faithfulness,” Lamentations 3:22-23. Thank you LORD JESUS
John MacArthur’s reputation to the Exposition of Scripture has exposed him and his short-comings, especially in his latter years. I think about the late great Dr. Charles Stanley, a man of the same generation as JMAC, but Dr. Stanley was more embraced and in my view, more loved and appreciated due to his humility and the ability to always acknowledge when he felled short of God’s Word. That characteristic endeared People to him, but in JMAC’s case, it has repelled People.
I do not know how JMAC came to believe that God expects Parents to control their adult children, especially when they are in their 50’s and 60’s. Who really believes that foolishness? If that is the case, no Christian parent will be able to be an effective Christian witness for Christ!
I have three fully grown daughters and none of them are perfect, and it is not my responsibility to train them in righteousness anymore. Those days are over, though I continue to make every effort to lead an honorable and godly lifestyle for them to see even as they rear their own Children. JMAC didn’t count on his Son demonstrating that he, like the rest of us, is “flesh” and is subject to the temptations of the flesh…and succumbing to those temptations.
We don’t have to worry if JMAC will step down based on his own rhetoric, he will not! It will literally take an act of Almighty God when He is ready to retire JMAC for good!
I have listened to John MacArthur for over 50 years (has have attended his church for many years), and am grateful for his teaching of God’s Word. I also listen to Charles Stanley, and have been thankful for his sound teaching. I think Dr. Stanley is more real than John, sharing how being raised by a single mother has shaped his life. He gives more real experiences than John does. Dr. Stanley’s son, Andy, is a sad situation since there are many errors in his teaching.
John has had health issues since the first of this year, and I have noticed that he is not the same strong preacher in the pulpit on Sunday mornings. He is more fragile and weak. His health may force him to resign.
All of this is a sad situation, and again, we must always look to Christ as our model, not some human being. They will always fall and disappoint us.
In y pre-retirement line of work we used to say, “Remanded to a higher jurisdiction.”
Matthew 23 helps us with this hypocrisy. “ 1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2“The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.”
This hypocrisy is quite typical of American evangelicalism and has driving me away from it forever. I now take anything any evangelical says with a grain of salt and deep skepticism.
“People can acknowledge something is sin, until their children commit it.”
– John MacArthur
His true character is fully developing right before our eyes like a photograph taken with polaroid camera. Yes, we are all sinners, but if you’ve been given the privilege of having influence over many, then you’d better walk worthy. Who will be next?
John influenced me to study and love God’s word. Yet, the discernment created is a two-edged sword. If people prefer blind allegiance over accountability, then you are resented for being the bearer of bad news.
We as a people, have always wanted a king over God, and apparently, we always will.
Beware the unacceptable face of 1 Corinthians 3:4-5.
I have learned many things from John MacArthur since knowing him in the 1970s at Biola and Talbot, but I respectfully disagree with him when he includes grown adults in the definition of children (1 Tim. 3:4, Titus 1:6). In my recent book, GOD MEETINGS, I write, “The candidate’s children are to believe and behave. This doesn’t mean their children will never do anything wrong, get in trouble, or do some of the things kids do. The issue is whether they obey when told to do or stop doing something (“under control,” 1 Tim. 3:4). The word for children (Grk. teknon from tikto “to give birth” and “keep warm”), it seems, is in reference primarily to children living in the home—not grown children” (p. 126-127). In 1 John, the word teknion is translated “my little children” (1 John 2:12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21). Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament notes that teknion is a “nursery term for a small child.” While the word is sometimes used for children of various ages, it is an unrealistic stretch to include grown children who are now adults.
It seems if Satan can’t take a Christian leader down, he goes after their children. MacArthur’s view would have disqualified Billy Graham when Franklin was in full-blown rebellion. Many outstanding men and women of God have agonized over a wayward son or daughter. As Chuck Swindoll noted, “Let’s face it; many of the very best families have a child who goes astray, at least for a time. The patriarch of an otherwise believing household is not disqualified for having a prodigal child” (Charles R. Swindoll, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, 302–303). Pastor Dave Beckwith, PhD
I have learned many things from John MacArthur since knowing him in the 1970s at Biola and Talbot, but I respectfully disagree with him when he includes grown adults in the definition of children (1 Tim. 3:4, Titus 1:6). In my recent book, GOD MEETINGS, I write, “The candidate’s children are to believe and behave. This doesn’t mean their children will never do anything wrong, get in trouble, or do some of the things kids do. The issue is whether they obey when told to do or stop doing something (“under control,” 1 Tim. 3:4). The word for children (Grk. teknon from tikto “to give birth” and “keep warm”), it seems, is in reference primarily to children living in the home—not grown children” (p. 126-127). In 1 John, the word teknion is translated “my little children” (1 John 2:12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21). Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament notes that teknion is a “nursery term for a small child.” While the word is sometimes used for children of various ages, it is an unrealistic stretch to include grown children who are now adults.
In the qualification for an elders (1 Tim. 3:4; Titus 1:6), John MacArthur’s definition of “children” to include grown adults doesn’t square with the meaning of the Greek word for children. MacArthur’s view would have disqualified Billy Graham when Franklin was in full-blown rebellion. Many outstanding men and women of God have agonized over a wayward son or daughter. As Chuck Swindoll noted, “Let’s face it; many of the very best families have a child who goes astray, at least for a time. The patriarch of an otherwise believing household is not disqualified for having a prodigal child” (Charles R. Swindoll, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, 302–303). It seems if Satan can’t take a Christian leader down, he goes after their children. This is a tough call for John MacArthur, a man of God I admire and appreciate. He needs to follow his own teaching and step down or change his position and make amends to the people who’ve been hurt.