Grace Community Church installs successor of John MacArthur

SUN VALLEY, Calif. — Nathan Busenitz was named the new pastor of Grace Community Church at his installation service Sunday, October 11, over a year after the passing of the Rev. John MacArthur. In the packed worship center, people snapped pictures of the moment elders gathered around Busenitz, laying their hands on him in prayer. Chris Hamilton, the chairman of the elder board, prayed that God would bless Busentiz in his ministry and help him to remain faithful in preaching God’s Word.

On Aug. 20, the elders of Grace Community Church unanimously affirmed Busenitz as the new senior pastor, marking the first anniversary of the memorial service for John MacArthur, who served as the pastor of Grace Community Church for 56 years. MacArthur was a Calvinistic Baptist whose ministry was marked by an uncompromising commitment to the lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word.

Scottish theologian Sinclair Ferguson preached through 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5 and described Timothy’s calling to ministry. He noted that Timothy was stepping into ministry at the Ephesian church after Paul preached there for several years. That succession is similar to Busenitz stepping into the legacy of MacArthur’s ministry, Ferguson said. He added that there inevitably is suffering in ministry because the pastor takes on the burdens of the congregation. Ferguson taught that God provided divine resources of Scripture and mentors to Timothy, just as God will provide for Busenitz.

Who is Rev. Busenitz? He grew up at Grace Community Church and studied at The Master’s University and Seminary. He co-pastored a fellowship group and served as MacArthur’s personal assistant, helping him with editing projects and a variety of ministry responsibilities. Busenitz has also been serving as the executive vice president of The Master’s Seminary and teaching as a professor of church history.

During a Q&A session with Pastor Busenitz and his wife after the services, he spoke about his vision for ministry that will be focused on strengthening the local church and being a good steward of MacArthur’s legacy. He said he is not trying to leave a global legacy in the same way MacArthur did, but instead strengthen that legacy by being faithful to the local church.

He also spoke about vision problems that have left him legally blind. He said his sermon preparation has changed, and now he memorizes entire passages and sermons. He said that this struggle has made him rely on God, and it has strengthened his faith because he has had to internalize each sermon to the point that he does not need notes while he preaches. He said the notes wouldn’t do him any good anyway.

Nathan and his wife, Beth, have four adult children, and two granddaughters.

Source: World