Carlton Pearson Biography: Early Life, Career & Death

Carlton D’Metrius Pearson was one of the most influential and controversial figures in American Christianity. Born on March 19, 1953, and passing away on November 19, 2023, his life journey was filled with highs and lows. He started as a rising star in the Pentecostal movement. He ended as a bold voice for radical inclusion in Christianity.

His theological shift changed the trajectory of his ministry. It also ignited fierce criticism and eventual isolation from mainstream evangelical circles. But he remained committed to his belief in a loving and non-condemning God. Pearson’s story is not only about faith. It is about courage, conviction, and transformation.

Early Life 

Carlton Pearson was born in San Diego, California. He was raised in a devout Christian family. His father, Adam Louis Pearson, was a preacher. His mother, Lillie Ruth Pearson, had a strong spiritual presence in the home. Pearson grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), a historically Black Pentecostal denomination. The church emphasized holiness, strict moral codes, and emotional worship experiences.

As a child, Carlton was deeply drawn to ministry. He would often preach to his family and friends using a toy microphone. His family noticed his spiritual gift early. They supported him as he grew into his calling. His religious upbringing shaped the foundation for his future work in evangelism and preaching.

Education and Early Career

Pearson attended Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a major step in his spiritual journey. At ORU, he joined the World Action Singers. This gospel group traveled internationally with televangelist Oral Roberts. Pearson became one of Oral Roberts’ protégés. He was seen as a future leader in the Pentecostal-charismatic world.

After graduating, Pearson became an associate evangelist with the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. He also launched his ministry called Higher Dimensions, Inc. His preaching style was dynamic. His charisma and music talents helped him attract large crowds. By the late 1980s, Pearson was preaching to thousands in conferences and churches around the world.

Higher Dimensions Church

In 1981, Pearson founded Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center in Tulsa. The church quickly grew. It attracted a multiracial congregation and became one of the largest churches in Oklahoma. At its peak in the 1990s, Higher Dimensions had more than 6,000 members. It was known for its lively worship, gospel music, and energetic sermons.

Pearson became a major voice in the Pentecostal movement. He appeared on Christian TV shows like TBN and was a regular speaker at major conferences. He also launched the Azusa Conference, a large revival meeting that drew thousands annually. Many gospel artists and preachers gained exposure through these events. Pearson was seen as a kingmaker in the gospel world.

The Gospel of Inclusion and Theological Shift

In the early 2000s, Carlton Pearson experienced a major transformation in his theology. He began questioning the traditional doctrine of hell. After watching a news report about suffering during the Rwandan genocide, he wondered how a loving God could condemn people who had never heard of Jesus. He concluded that eternal damnation was not consistent with God’s love.

This revelation led to what he called the “Gospel of Inclusion.” Pearson began preaching that everyone, regardless of faith, would be saved. He said Jesus’ sacrifice applied to all humanity, not just Christians. This belief went against the core teachings of evangelical Christianity.

The backlash was immediate. In 2004, the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops declared him a heretic. Many pastors cut ties with him. His congregation dwindled. Higher Dimensions Church lost its building and membership. Pearson’s influence in evangelical circles virtually disappeared overnight.

Life After the Fall

Despite losing his platform, Pearson didn’t stop preaching. He continued sharing his message of inclusion and love. In 2006, he became an affiliate minister at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. This liberal congregation welcomed him and his message.

Pearson also wrote books about his beliefs. His most notable work, The Gospel of Inclusion, outlined his new theology. He appeared in interviews, podcasts, and conferences, always defending his ideas. His story was dramatized in the 2018 Netflix film Come Sunday, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Pearson. The movie brought new attention to his life and ideas.

Personal Life and Family

Carlton Pearson married Gina Marie Gauthier in 1993. She was a life coach from Louisiana. The couple had two children: a son named Julian and a daughter named Majesté. Pearson often spoke fondly of his children and was proud of their talents, especially Majesté’s singing.

The couple faced marital challenges. In 2015, Gina filed for divorce. However, the case was later dropped. While little public information is available about their relationship after that, Pearson remained a devoted father and was close to his children.

Final Years and Death

In 2023, Pearson was diagnosed with a return of cancer. He had previously battled prostate cancer in 2001. This time, the disease spread quickly. He entered hospice care in November 2023. On November 19, 2023, Carlton Pearson passed away at the age of 70.

His death was widely mourned by supporters, former critics, and spiritual leaders across denominations. Many acknowledged the pain he endured for standing by his beliefs. Others celebrated his commitment to love and inclusion.

Carlton Pearson’s Net Worth

Carlton Pearson’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated at around $16 million. This came from years of preaching, book sales, conference events, gospel recordings, and film rights. Despite the decline in his church’s size, his public profile remained strong, especially among progressive Christian groups.

Legacy and Impact

Carlton Pearson’s legacy is complex. He was once a rising star in conservative Christianity. He ended his life as a progressive reformer. Many consider him a prophet ahead of his time. His teachings challenged the core of evangelical beliefs. They forced Christians to reconsider ideas about salvation, hell, and divine love.

Even though he lost his church and influence in traditional circles, he gained followers in new spaces. His message of universal love continues to inspire. His courage in facing rejection shows the strength of his convictions. Pearson’s life story proves that faith is not static. It evolves, questions, and sometimes disrupts.

Is Carlton Pearson Still Alive?

No, Carlton Pearson passed away on November 19, 2023. He was 70 years old. He died in hospice care, surrounded by loved ones. His battle with cancer ended quietly, but his voice and message live on through his books, sermons, and the lives he touched.