I first met John MacArthur in October 1996, during my second year at Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama. I was already thirty-three at the time, with some experience in pastoral ministry, evangelism, and church planting in Russia. I had come to the U.S. seeking clarity amid the theological confusion that had flooded into the former Soviet Union after the fall of communism. I needed a solid foundation for my faith and ministry.

While my biblical training at Southeastern was valuable, I still struggled to find answers to my most pressing questions. That search continued until I encountered John MacArthur.

One of my professors invited me to a nearby conference where John was preaching. I had never heard of him before. Yet his very first sermon made a profound impression on me: here was someone so confident in his preaching, yet at the same time humble and approachable. During the break, I went up to him and asked, “What is the secret of your preaching?” His response shook me:
“There is no special methodology or tricks. The power comes from God and His Word. That’s where I draw my assurance from—striving faithfully to interpret God’s Word and deliver it to my audience.”

That was my “aha” moment. From that point, I decided to continue my studies at The Master’s Seminary.

There are three foundational truths I learned from John MacArthur that have shaped my ministry ever since: (1) the authority of Scripture, (2) God-centered theology, and (3) the centrality of the local church. John didn’t merely proclaim these truths—he embodied them throughout more than fifty-six years of pastoral ministry. Despite challenges, criticism, and betrayal, he remained steadfast: faithfully studying God’s Word, laboring for the Lord, and preaching from the pulpit.

Every conversation I had with Dr. MacArthur circled back to Scripture, Christ, His Church, and God’s mysterious providence. I fondly recall having lunch with him in my home, reminiscing about that very first conference where I heard him preach. He shared that organizing that conference had been difficult: his team faced many obstacles, and afterward, they didn’t consider it particularly successful. It delighted me to see how happy he was—almost like a child—to learn that this seemingly ordinary event had played a pivotal role in transforming my life and ministry, impacting countless lives in the Russian-speaking world over the years.

During my twenty-three years of ministry in Battle Ground, WA, I didn’t see John often. Yet his books and sermons remained an invaluable resource, shaping my understanding of both theological foundations and the practical realities of pastoral ministry. 

Even though Dr. MacArthur was an extraordinarily busy man—and I was just one among hundreds of Master’s Seminary graduates—he still found time to support me during some of the most challenging moments of my life.

I remember tearing up when I heard his voice on the phone after my father died. John had called to offer condolences, comfort, and prayer during that painful time. Later, when I faced one of the most complex situations in my ministry, John again stepped in to help. He generously gave me and my co-pastor half a day of his time—helping us see the situation clearly, understand the lessons God might be teaching us, and chart a path forward.

John MacArthur wasn’t a superhuman. I will always remember him as a pastor, mentor, and friend. The day after his passing, a friend shared how deeply he had been blessed by Dr. MacArthur’s ministry and concluded by saying, “But he wasn’t Christ.” I replied, “He certainly wasn’t Christ—but John faithfully and sincerely proclaimed Him.”
Rev. Alexey Kolomiytsev (Th.M.) serves as the pastor-teacher at Word of Grace Bible Church in Battle Ground, WA. He is an alumnus of The Master’s Seminary.