Al Mohler addresses health challenges: 'God means this for my sanctification'

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, June 02, 2026

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler is reassuring supporters after recent public appearances sparked concern about his health, saying the medical episodes he has experienced are not life-threatening and are part of what God is using for his sanctification.

In what he referred to as an “unusual” video that he hadn't “planned to release,” Mohler addressed concerns about his health, saying, “God, who is sovereign, means this for my sanctification.”

“I appreciate how many people have reached out just to ask if I’m OK,” Mohler said while acknowledging that concerns about his health have stemmed from “episodes” that have taken place during his appearances at recent public events, which have caused him to “pause.”

“Clearly, I’m in distress,” he added. “The episode passes and I’m able to resume what I’m doing.” 

Expressing gratitude that “the Lord has been very gracious to me,” Mohler reflected on additional health problems he's faced over the years and how they're directly connected to the “episodes” he's experiencing now: “I’ve had the flesh-eating bacteria, I’ve had two different incidents with pulmonary emboli and I’ve had some very significant surgery.” 

“It’s complications after those surgeries that are causing these episodes,” he explained. “They’re not life-threatening. They do not affect my health. I will tell you they are very unpleasant when they happen.” 

Describing the “episodes” as a source of “alarm” for those who witness them and “embarrassing when they happen,” Mohler attempted to put his latest health challenges into perspective: “I have to believe that God, who is sovereign, means this for my sanctification and just as a part of my witness to what the Lord is doing in my life. I’m very thankful my life has been preserved and that I have the health to still be involved in all these things in so many different arenas of life. I don’t take that lightly.” 

Mohler said he has chosen to be transparent about his condition, noting that he informed students at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary about the episodes in August 2024.

“I just wanted them to know that if you see this, this is … what’s happening,” he said. 

He added that he has also informed the seminary's governing board and board of trustees about the issue.

"One of these episodes might happen and if they do, don't be alarmed. I'll be back with you and, Lord willing, be able to resume where I was," Mohler said.

Calling the episodes a "manageable problem," Mohler expressed gratitude for the medical care he has received.

"I'm very thankful for some wonderful doctors and others. Medical professionals have been really helpful to me and let me just tell you: I'm counting on them being helpful in the future," he said.

"At age 66, it just doesn't happen that things get suddenly better physically," he said. "That's just not what happens. It's a very different story and I just want to tell you I want to be a good steward of this responsibility."

"I'm very thankful for your concern," Mohler concluded. "Thank you to all of you and may we live each of us faithfully every day the Lord gives us."