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

John MacArthur is refusing to bow to Covid church closure mandates. (Photo: Grace Community Church)

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."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Churches urged to help address UK fostering shortage
Churches urged to help address UK fostering shortage

Christian charities Home for Good and Safe Families UK are calling on churches across Britain to play a greater role in supporting vulnerable children.

Christians urge UN to keep human rights spotlight on Eritrea
Christians urge UN to keep human rights spotlight on Eritrea

Eritrea is sometimes called the "North Korea of Africa".

Many churches unconcerned about food ethics, survey suggests
Many churches unconcerned about food ethics, survey suggests

A survey conducted on behalf of environmental charity Green Christian has suggested that only a minority of churches take into account ethical concerns when serving food and drink.

Calls for investigation into disappearance of Protestant missionary in southern Mexico
Calls for investigation into disappearance of Protestant missionary in southern Mexico

The 79-year-old Protestant missionary has been missing for more than six weeks.