CAMARILLO, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026
Salem Media ($SALM) has announced the posthumous presentation of the 2026 Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media to Dr. John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. This honor celebrates over five decades of his dedicated Gospel ministry and significant influence through Christian media.
The award was presented during a private gathering at the 2026 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention, making Dr. MacArthur the fourth recipient of this prestigious honor. He passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 86.
Established in 2024, the Stuart Epperson Award recognizes leaders whose work embodies faithfulness, integrity, and a lasting impact in Christian media, reflecting the legacy of Salem co-founder Stuart Epperson.
Dr. MacArthur served as pastor-teacher at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for 56 years, becoming one of the most influential Bible expositors in modern Christianity through his verse-by-verse teaching approach.
Dave Santrella, CEO of Salem Media, remarked, "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."
As the founder and featured Bible teacher of Grace to You, a daily radio program that has aired since 1977, Dr. MacArthur also served as General Editor of the MacArthur Study Bible, which has sold over four million copies, and authored more than 400 books. His extensive library of over 3,000 sermons continues to guide believers worldwide.
Additionally, he founded The Master’s Seminary and served as president of The Master’s University, training thousands of pastors and Christian leaders across the United States and nearly seventy countries.
The award was accepted on behalf of Dr. MacArthur’s ministry by Jay Flowers, Chief Operating Officer of Grace to You, during the private NRB presentation.
Dr. MacArthur's lifelong friendship with Salem media co-founder Edward G. Atsinger III began at Bob Jones University between 1957 and 1959.
Previous recipients of the Stuart Epperson Award include Nancy and Stu Epperson Jr., Charles R. Swindoll, and Dr. David Jeremiah.
For more information on the Stuart Epperson Award for Excellence in Christian Media, visit
Salem Media remains as America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, reaching millions daily.