Ousted megachurch pastor James MacDonald selling Elgin home

May 1, 2026 - 18:13

James MacDonald, the former pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, has put his Elgin home on the market for $2.25 million. The 4.8-acre property comes up for sale just over a year after MacDonald was removed from his leadership role at the megachurch he founded.

The ouster followed a series of explosive allegations, including claims about his statements regarding leaders in Christian media. The controversy led to a formal investigation by the church's elders, who ultimately voted to dismiss him. MacDonald had led Harvest Bible Chapel for more than three decades, building it into a national network of congregations before the scandal broke.

The Elgin estate sits on nearly five acres and includes a main residence along with additional structures. Real estate records show the property was purchased by MacDonald and his wife in 2014 for roughly $1.5 million. The current asking price reflects a significant increase, though the local market has seen substantial appreciation in recent years.

MacDonald has largely stayed out of the public eye since his departure from the church. The sale of the home marks another step in the fallout from his dramatic fall from grace within the evangelical community. No buyer has been announced yet, and the property remains listed with a local real estate agent.