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."

News
Royal aides attempt to ease fears about Prince William's faith
Royal aides attempt to ease fears about Prince William's faith

The Prince of Wales has never publicly indicated holding any form of personal Christian faith.

Who’s shaping our kids? Why the Church must engage with today's hyper sexualised culture
Who’s shaping our kids? Why the Church must engage with today's hyper sexualised culture

Given that our young are living in a hyper-sexualised, post-Christian world, they need the best possible strategies to enable them to thrive.  

UK investor offers to buy church and give it rent-free to Christian ministry
UK investor offers to buy church and give it rent-free to Christian ministry

A local businessman and YouTuber known for offering controversial wealth-creation advice says he is so frustrated by empty church buildings in England that he has offered to buy one and rent it free of charge to a Christian community willing to use it for worship, evangelism and serving the homeless.

Report raises concerns about anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe
Report raises concerns about anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe

Dozens of anti-Christian incidents were recorded in February, including a violent assault on Christians at a pro-life event in Germany.