John MacArthur's Church Through Covid: A New Documentary

Jon talks to Shannon Halliday about his new film "Essential Church" which charts the issues surrounding Covid and church closures in 2020. Shannon talks about how Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California reacted, but also weaves in stories from church history and other places.
#essentialchurch #johnmacarthur #covid19
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[@mikelp72]

I am so thankful for John MacArthur for so many reasons, not the least of which is his incredible leadership and strength in the face of the pandemic.

[@fairplayer7435]

He stood up when it was extremely needed. Men like him know and are known by the One who send them.

[@ConniePRusso]

I agree - he was so encouraging

[@captainmarvel76927]

Calvinists destroyed thousands of churches and killed hundreds of thousands from the 1500-1800s over Switzerland, France, Germany, Scotland, England, Ireland and North America. Your praise of this is ironic as u clearly don't know ur protestant history, that wed the Church to the state. It's a pitty. #soundoffreedomendscalvinism

[@captainmarvel76927]

@@jdkayak7868 #soundoffreedomendscalvinism If macarthur turns out to be fully guilty of this, then lets see how many men make excuses for him, and cast him and all of them into the sea.

[@captainmarvel76927]

@@jdkayak7868 we will agree on the corruption of John Macarthur and his darkness with the defense of the pedo. We will not agree on ur points on calvinism. Calvinism is the islam of Christianity and it was a butcher of murder and armed insurrection in the name of a god. John Calvin and Knox were at the same level of a Castro, Chavez or Tito, that destroyed society, lives and government for an anti christ gospel. Look at John Knox alone, he butchered men and women in war and offered no choice for any freedom of religion. The puritan calvinists in the 1600s ran brutal witch trials banned other forms of Christianity and owned slaves. If men like Doug Wilson and John Macarthur every had executive power like John Calvin they would butcher the whole world for "the bible". The worst part is they don't even worship Christ.

[@sarahd5341]

I’m in Canada and have visited Coates and Stephens’ churches. They blessed me immensely during the “pandemic” craziness. Made me realize the importance of the gathering. I went from nominal to truly born again. Our church was planted during that time as well and is flourishing. God is good to his people ❤

[@Yesica1993]

I'm in America and just hearing their stories and watching their sermons helped keep me going! If there had been any way for me to get there, I would have. But with no car and elderly/sick parents, I was unable. My church closed for a full year. I begged them to reopen. No go. Then they banned unmasked people for 1 week short of a second year. I was pretty much alone for 2 years. I still have not mentally recovered.

[@erincoates80]

😭🙌🏻♥️

[@qianashaw8167]

Glad it's going to be in theaters. I hope it plays in my area.

[@jamesc7526]

I knew in my gut that the lockdown fiasco was a lie. MacArthur clarified my thoughts and galvanised my faith in Jesus alone.

[@rkatrails]

Excellent! I do recall that when Pastor MacArthur was navigating the so-called pandemic that he was gaining a greater clarity of the church like never before. I don't think he changed his position, he just understood that when things got to where they were, where the government was overstepping their boundaries, the church wasn't obligated to obey.

[@SusieQ3]

My small church pastor and elders had taken a similar stand in June 2020, but their resolve was stayed when John MacArthur and other men of God stood so boldly for all the world to see. It is always a blessing when God's people stand firmly for His glory.

[@Yesica1993]

A huge THANK YOU to them! I know the bigger / big name churches get the publicity on these things. But I am sure there were many smaller / unknown (to the world, not to God!) churches that took a stand. These leaders will receive their commendation from Christ one day!

[@MsQ275]

I just bought tickets....but I was saved 1 year into the pandemic. God used the pandemic to pull me out of the cities, get my attention, humble me and convict me of my wretched, sinfulness, and my life was completely transformed... it's unrecognizable to my old self and sustained by the joy of God's love....so I'm very conflicted on feeling grateful for the pandemic, because it was a really difficult time for many people. Just remember that God uses anything He wants to, to get our attention... even this insanity. ❤✝️🙏

[@Truttle]

I too am sold. Really hope the theater coverage gets going.

[@theresa42213]

Got to know John, through AD Robles, and his ''No Despair'' videos. l hope this movie comes to Canada, and around the world!

[@lewislibre]

Can’t wait for this movie!

[@ImmanuelFTL]

Looking forward to it

[@hartleyhare251]

Excellent. Please don't forget about us in Europe. The Church is languishing over here, there isn't much of a church movement about anything over here... unless it's supporting anti Biblical teaching! We absolutely need the church in the US to help us. It's a barren waste land here.

[@danielwarton5343]

Where are you? aim in England, near Cambridge

[@hartleyhare251]

@@danielwarton5343 Hi. We're in Nottingham.

[@davidschafranka3975]

FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

[@danielwarton5343]

@@hartleyhare251 👍

[@thaliabromby1080]

God willing, this movie will spread worldwide 🙏🏻

[@timcummiskey1178]

Great! Looking forward to this. You better know the guvment is gonna pull this again.

[@erincoates80]

Thank you for sharing, Jon! We can’t wait for this to release 🎉

[@solideomusical]

Excellent! Yes, MacArthur's prior stance on Romans 13 (submit and pay your taxes) needed to be re-examined in light of the Newsome shenanigans. There is no shame when people's theology 'evolves' - I know mine has!

[@johngoddard3069]

In an earlier book - He wrote the founders sinned in creating this country. Interesting he had no issue in exercising the vary freedoms the found gave him when his church was affected.

[@solideomusical]

@@johngoddard3069 I was critical of his previous, rigid stance when I used to attend his church. I predicted that when it 'hit the fan' he would revise his view and that is what happened. He has also changed some other views he previously held. One criticism Ieveled against him is that he changes course without admitting he was wrong. I think that is a fair point but one could argue that his actions are an 'admission' of sorts. Having said that we, as the Body of Christ, have so much to thank Grandpa MacArthur for that the issues like this pale in comparison!

[@asimon8313]

I can’t wait

[@SgtRock1985]

Praise the Lord!! I feel like Popeye after a can of spinach after this episode. I'll spread the word on this for sure.

[@nealdoster8556]

Absolutely wonderful!!! Great and ESSENTIAL message for todays rebellion against God.

[@debbiebuege63]

Saw this last night at church. Amazing must see.

[@micahmartin4762]

This is so good. So encouraging and edifying. What humility on display. What sanctified growth into knowledge and commitment to Christ appears to be shown here. That’s real Christianity . My favorite part: “we should never see the government as a neutral sphere.”

[@marymack1]

Docs can be fun to make cause the story comes together in post.

[@rufusnganga1118]

Thanks for sharing this...I rarely comment but i watch a lot of your content

[@smarttechnologysolutionsll703]

When the churches abdicated authority to the government and shut down in March of 2020, my heart was broken. It is as if The Essential Church is the burden I have been carrying since then. May God bless those that made this important film, and those that watch it. Those that have ears to hear and eyes to see...

[@bigbenpbr]

Here was the decision: pander to the goats and hope you get them back after reopening, or feed the flock of God and let the goats do what they will do out in goatland.

[@johntobey1558]

What about how we witness to the Orange County and Los Angeles politicos who persecute Evangelicals. Think of the: Hugenouts killed in in Catholic France, Baptists in Congregationalists Massachusetts Bay Colony and how tge created Rhode Island with Roger Williams .

[@westyso.cal.8842]

Jon, This looks great and we are so thrilled to see that this story is going to be told so broadly. We knew right away that something wasn’t right with the narrative that was being pushed as soon as we saw all the riots, and other gatherings being allowed. We gained so much courage from seeing Grace Church and Calvary Chapel Chino Hills open their churches for worship gatherings. Immediately we felt emboldened to return to church but sadly, ours closed and remained closed for many months. Looking forward to grabbing tickets when it comes to our town.

[@anarchorepublican5954]

...I disagree with many of John MacArthur's theologies...but I greatly admire his tenacity as a Shepherd...especially so many others proved the coward...and the hireling...

[@sharonlee2010]

I so respected what our church did!! Closed for several weeks, then reopened with signs on the doors-“We worship with or without a mask!” Chairs were reconfigured allowing for social distancing, masks were available, hand sanitizer was available-and it was made very clear that live-streaming was an option. Heading out to see the movie in Olympia, WA in half an hour!!! 👍🏼🙏🏼📖

[@ericknieves9136]

Can't wait to see this. It was very disheartening to see such a great lack of discernment on these covid issues by church leadership. Definitely affected my church life for the worse. Still dealing with it. Those who wanted to take a stand were often seen as too political. Sadly, where christians digested their news from was often decisive instead of biblical and theological principles. Please do a show on the spirituality of the church if you haven't already, for that is often a justification for churches to stay out of "political" matters and "render to Ceaser..."

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

If critics see this they will absolutely lose their minds. LOL!

[@Mac_Omegaly]

I love that they addressed the relationship of church and state. In the movie. The three areas that God has created for order. Government || Church || Family The head of the government is the king. (or equivalent) there is room for the structure of government to be somewhat flexible. The head of the church is Christ. Christ has called Shepards to teach, and rule. The head of the family is the father, who is assisted by the wife in loving, careing and providing for the children. Each sector of authority given by God have their own set of rules and punishment for failure. Not explained was how you can have a father, who attend church as a member could also be a politician. As the separation of church and state is only about how the power of the government has no sway on the church. (Created because of the abusive kings and queens of England (,and Europe.))

[@psalm2forliberty577]

God love JMA. I was praying God would, in time, show JMA his error in his prior controversial stand of "King George was right, Colonists were wrong". I & other Christian Historians disagreed vehemently. But, I was Blessed to see both JMA & Grace Church to learn first hand, about overreaching Govt acting like God aka LA County & King George. Glad the filmmaker included that crucial point no longer will GMA remain naive about the destructive nature of civil government, uninfluenced by The "other" Govts of Self / Family / Church....

[@leonaquigley68]

"We ought to obey God rather than man" is the bottom line when it comes right down to it!

[@pm3850]

Christ, not caesar, is head of the Church

[@thaliabromby1080]

That’s just what I was going to ask. I’m in Bermuda

[@peterweber8586]

Hope it comes to South Africa.

[@davidschafranka3975]

Turn this into a mini series

[@michaelalford7006]

Our little church in the back corner of Nowhere, GA also stayed open. And then somebody tried to burn our building down.

[@Yesica1993]

Oh, my! Thank you for staying open. And I hope everyone was okay!

[@michaelalford7006]

@@Yesica1993 Very kind of you

[@dorothyboyett3935]

My church stayed open the whole time

[@bundlewade]

Will there be international or online streaming options for those of us how don't live in the US?

[@rosagarayfluhmann8298]

Where can we watch the movie if we are not in the US?

[@darrellpowell4331]

Yes Roman 13 teaches that we are to obey our government who is in authority but only when that government is doing its job which is to serve the people not its own ideology. Our government is not doing its job. They work for us, not us for them. Their job is to see that we keep our God given rights. They are our servants. Proud of Johnny Mac.

[@cindyledbetter2228]

We are to obey man's laws until/unless they conflict or go against the Law of God. Peace and Grace be upon you 🕊️🙏🏽🙏🙏🏿🕊️🎚️🕯️🥰

[@trudyvaccaro1560]

Is this documentary on Amazon?

[@michaelscarn4618]

Not to be a naysayer and all, but I distinctly remember that many of us ,who remained open or opened weeks into this thing, were telling GCC and MacArthur to open up and they remained locked down. It wasn't until much much later that they finally decided to get on board with the rest of us. Seems like people have a short selective memory.

[@fredbutler5358]

That's because A) GCC is a mega church of 5000 plus members in a major city that was obviously hostile to it. Those churches that complained against them are typically smaller in membership and have the ability to accommodate any so-called restrictions. Lots of those churches would openly boast how they "Stayed open" unlike GCC, but in lots of instances, they modified their worship services to accommodate the rules. B) GCC has spent generations building respect with the local authorities, especially law enforcement that uses the facilities for city-wide and county-wide training sessions and police funerals. They did not want to toss that relationship under the bus, as it were. C) As he noted in the interview, there was disagreement among the elders as to how to navigate such a large congregation in this never-before-seen environment in such a way that we are honoring the Lord & maintaining a witness in LA.

[@mariosangermano]

@michaelcarn4618 Well, you know JM Is not perfect. No man Is. But , for some reason when JM makes a mistake, he gets crucified , BY THE CHURCH no less. He's one of the most consistent preachers doctrinally and theologically, yet some like you just love to point out his errors, which In my opinion wasn't an error. SMH!! And you have a little short term memory as well. They initially closed because like most of us we didn't know what the truth was so they took precautions and obeyed at first.

[@gdot9046]

Covid in the church deflated me.

[@mikezeke7041]

Big brother is still passing out ministry of truth bars. 🙄

[@user-so2rb1dp8j]

5:54 is this the same church that repeatedly advised women in abusive marriages to stay in these relationships? In their opinion, the Bible expected to show the kind of forgiveness God wants is complete forgiveness. These women were publicly admonished if they decided to leave the marriage. Personally, I couldn't take anything seriously that came out of this church.

[@mariosangermano]

Get ready church, PLANDEMIC #2 Is on the way.

[@TimeToFlush]

Only one way to go from being strong like clay (contemporary church) to being strong like iron ("steel") which is needed to resist the evil upon us. We need more than unity and good doctrine - we can get all that in the church but it still won't be strong enough. We need the strength of something God made outside the church to help resist this evil. Take it from God... Dan 2:40-43 "Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. 41 "In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. 42 "As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 "And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another IN THE SEED OF MEN; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery.

[@HotelCharliHill]

wow, please do not be a prophecy teacher.

[@ce3547]

It was only ok, if the protesters were protesting the right thing which didn't have anything to do with covid.

[@anarchorepublican5954]

@narchoChristianity:..."Romans 13", has always been Over-rated; Over-preached and Over-Emphasized ...

[@abelincoln2562]

That's a nice little tax exempt status you have there, be a shame if something happened to it. Just keep preaching pay your taxes and obey ceasers edicts and everything should be ok.

[@anarchorepublican5954]

@@abelincoln2562 ...𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 "𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕄𝕦𝕔𝕙...ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕃𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖" ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕖𝕩𝕥: Paul said that human Government does not weld its deadly Sword vainly, or rather for show, that is without earnest purpose (Rom 13:4)... 🗡⚖🔓 He certainly did not imply that Government's policing purpose was always "Just" or "righteous"- rather..only in general they punish evil and crime... in fact, Ironically "Saint" Paul himself, quite literally lost his own righteous head to Cǣsar's purposeful Sword.. Now was Cǣsar really punishing "an 𝐄𝖛𝖎𝖑-doer" (Romans 13:4) ?..when he beheaded citizen Saul of Tarsus??... (...well at the time ?... Cǣsar certainly thought so)...

[@peterxuereb9884]

John Macarthur is a protestant GRIFTER

[@SK-mz4cq]

Reprobates hate him.

[@peterxuereb9884]

@@SK-mz4cq No people who defend truth don't like him

[@ce3547]

​@@peterxuereb9884just what is your truth?

[@peterxuereb9884]

@ce3547 The Catholic Church, which began with and from the Apostles, was inspired and instructed by Jesus Christ. Anything else and everything else is a lie.

[@ce3547]

@@peterxuereb9884 no sir. You're wrong. Check the dates. The Jewish Christian's came first

[@TheRootedWord]

5:00 this is the exact same kind of errors you idolators always make. You worship the Bible over the Jesus testified to within the pages, and then erect your own Jesus in lieu of the real. And you think that the elders need to be transparent with the congregation? Why? Those who leave are disobeying Hebrews 13.17 and will be found guilty of it by God if they do not return. Trying to convince them to return from a spiritual principle standpoint is essential. Giving them control of judging the Elders, though, is blasphemy! But then what do you expect from idolators. I don't trust you and I won't watch it.

[@Revolver1701]

In 1918 churches closed due to the influenza pandemic. There were churches that didn’t close and some had high rates of illness while others did not. It’s probability and statistics. I think you quoted a 3 percent rate of becoming infected. That amount of infection represents a lot of illness and death. Also those who become infected at church could spread the infection to people not affiliated with the church. Do as you wish with your own lives but have you no responsibility to your neighbor?

[@Yesica1993]

Those who were not willing or not able to attend church were free to stay home. But those who did still want to attend church were not given that option. That's the problem. Also, do not compare 1918 with this. There's no comparison. Covid was WAY overblown. Did you hear sirens day and night because people were dropping like flies? I live in Chicago. I did not hear that. I personally only know a handful of people who got it at all. Thankfully, they all fully recovered. This was NOT worth shutting down the world. We were LIED TO.

[@Revolver1701]

@@Yesica1993 thanks for that reply. But you can’t know going into a pandemic how bad it will be. A virus like Covid had several possible outcomes, some worse than others. Also measures taken helped prevent the spread of the virus. When we had a vaccine that was a tremendous blessing. Covid is still out there and the vaccine will be like getting a flu shot. You said “we were lied to.” Well who was president at the time? Who was Fauci’s boss? Who ran the government?

[@dws2313]

Did our government show responsibility? No. Why do you not see the big picture?

[@Revolver1701]

@@dws2313 in the US 270,227,181 people received at least one Covid vaccination and 230,637,348 are fully vaccinated. That’s 81% with one vaccine and 70% who had all the vaccines. That’s why the pandemic was controlled and it was a combination of government and private business that made it possible. That Is government acting responsibly. Why can’t you see the obvious?

[@dws2313]

@@Revolver1701 I think your comment just got censored ... a perfect proof of government via big tech not being true and genuine with the people.