Salem Media Posthumously Honors Dr. John MacArthur with 2026 Stuart Epperson Award

The award recognizes MacArthur's over 50 years of faithful Gospel ministry and global impact through Christian media.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Salem Media has posthumously presented the 2026 Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media to Dr. John Fullerton MacArthur Jr., honoring his more than five decades of faithful Gospel ministry and global impact through Christian media. The award was presented during a private gathering at the 2026 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention, recognizing Dr. MacArthur as the fourth recipient of the honor. Dr. MacArthur passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 86.

Why it matters

The Stuart Epperson Award honors leaders whose contributions to Christian media exemplify faithfulness, leadership, and enduring Gospel impact, reflecting the legacy of Salem's co-founder and longtime chairman. Dr. MacArthur's decades-long ministry and media influence made a profound impact on millions of believers worldwide.

The details

Dr. MacArthur served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for 56 years and became one of the most influential Bible expositors of the modern church through his verse-by-verse teaching ministry. He was the founder and featured Bible teacher of Grace to You, a daily radio program airing since 1977, and was the General Editor of the MacArthur Study Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. Dr. MacArthur also founded The Master's Seminary and served as president of The Master's University, helping train thousands of pastors and Christian leaders.

  • Dr. MacArthur passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 86.
  • The 2026 Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media was presented posthumously to Dr. MacArthur during a private gathering at the 2026 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention.

The players

Salem Media

America's premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, reaching millions daily through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands.

Dr. John Fullerton MacArthur Jr.

Served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for 56 years and became one of the most influential Bible expositors of the modern church through his verse-by-verse teaching ministry.

Stuart Epperson

Co-founder and longtime chairman of Salem Media, whose legacy the Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media honors.

Dave Santrella

Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media.

Jay Flowers

Chief Operating Officer of Grace to You, who accepted the award on behalf of Dr. MacArthur's ministry.

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What they’re saying

“For more than five decades, Dr. MacArthur exemplified unwavering commitment to Christ and Scripture. Only Heaven will reveal how many millions have come to Christ and learned to love His Word verse-by-verse because of the life and ministry of Dr. MacArthur.”

— Dave Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media (businessinsider.com)

The takeaway

Dr. John MacArthur's decades-long ministry and media influence made a profound impact on millions of believers worldwide, exemplifying the kind of faithfulness, integrity, and enduring Gospel impact that the Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media seeks to honor.