John MacArthur says he'll start prison ministry if he's put in jail over church services

Megachurch pastor John MacArthur has shrugged off threats of prison time over his refusal to comply with Covid church closure orders. 

MacArthur told Fox News he had received a letter warning he faces up to six months in jail if Grace Community Church continues to hold indoor services. 

A California court last week banned Grace Community Church, in Sun Valley, from holding indoor services, although outdoor services were permitted to continue so long as social distancing and other Covid regulations are observed. 

Grace Community Church ignored the court order by holding an indoor worship service last Sunday. 

In his interview with Fox's Laura Ingraham, MacArthur was defiant and said he would open a "jail ministry" if he ends up behind bars. 

"Of course, my biblical hero apart from the Lord Jesus Christ is the Apostle Paul," he said.

"And when he went into a town he didn't ask what the hotel was like. He asked what the jail was like because he knew that's where he was going to spend his time.

"So I don't mind being a little apostolic — if they want to tuck me into jail, I'm open for a jail ministry.  I've done a lot of other ministries and haven't had the opportunity to do that one. So bring it on."

News
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds

A new study suggests that Americans who believe in God while placing strong trust in science and reason may be more likely to believe in ghosts, curses and other supernatural phenomena.

Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey
Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey

Archaeologists believe they may have finally discovered the identity of a skeleton buried in a Roman sarcophagus in Westminster Abbey.

Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds
Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds

New research reveals a significant divide between church leaders’ recognition of the need for responsible AI practices and the measures currently in place within their congregations.

New index examines how faith-based businesses put beliefs into practice
New index examines how faith-based businesses put beliefs into practice

A pilot study of 100 organisations explores how religious beliefs shape investment, governance and social responsibility.