Many people are asking, “is Carlton Pearson still alive?” This question has been on the minds of fans and followers. Bishop Carlton D. Pearson passed away on November 19, 2023, after battling cancer.
He used to be a big name in gospel music and at Oral Roberts University. Our blog tells you about his life and what he did. Keep reading to learn more about him.
Who Was Carlton Pearson?
Carlton Pearson was born on March 19, 1953. He moved to Tulsa in 1971 for school at Oral Roberts University. There, he joined the World Action Singers. In 1975, he started working with the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association.
This job made him a well-known preacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He became famous as both a gospel music artist and a bishop. His work reached many people through TV and live events. Carlton Pearson was part of creating Higher Dimensions Family Church, which grew big in size and impact around the world.
Carlton Pearson\’s Legacy in Gospel Music and Ministry
Carlton Pearson made a big mark in gospel music and ministry. He started Higher Dimensions, Inc. in 1977. Then, he set up the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center four years later.
This place became really popular. Over 5,000 people joined it to hear him speak and sing about God’s love and forgiveness.
His AZUSA Conference was a huge event every year. It could bring as many as 70,000 people to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This helped the city a lot because so many visitors came for the conference.
Even though some of his ideas made fewer people come to his church later on, lots of folks still remember how passionate he was about sharing what he believed with everyone.
The Gospel of Inclusion and Its Impact
After exploring Carlton Pearson’s influence in gospel music, it’s crucial to talk about his Gospel of Inclusion. This idea changed many things. It said that everyone is saved, no matter their faith.
Because of this belief, his church in Tulsa, Oklahoma saw a big drop. Members went from 6,000 to just a few hundred by 2008.
Leaders at the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops did not agree with him. They called his teachings on hell wrong in 2004. This led to losing his church building to foreclosure four years later.
His shift in thinking showed boldness but came with high costs for his ministry and personal life.
Reports of Carlton Pearson’s Illness
Shifting from the reach of his teachings, Carlton Pearson faced health challenges later in life. He fought prostate cancer twenty years ago. Then, in August 2023, he shared news about battling bladder cancer through a video.
In it, he showed no fear of death despite his illness. This openness brought attention to his personal struggles alongside his public ministry work.
Confirmation of Carlton Pearson’s Passing
Carlton Pearson died on November 19, 2023. He was in hospice care in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His family was with him when he passed away. This event marked the end of his life and work in gospel music and ministry.
Bishop Carlton D. Pearson was known for starting a new kind of church message that included everyone. People all over the world knew about him because of this message and his music.
His death brings sadness to many who followed his teachings at All Souls Unitarian Church and other places. Friends, family, and fans remember him for his love and messages about inclusion.
They shared stories online about how he changed their lives through his words and songs.
Cause of Death and Final Moments
He fought cancer for 20 years. In his final days, Carlton Pearson stayed in hospice care in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This shows he had a long battle with illness before dying. Hospice care is a place people go when they need help at the end of their life.
It’s sad but it was part of his journey.
Next, people had many things to say about him after he passed away.
Public Reaction to His Death
After Carlton Pearson passed away, many people showed how much they cared. Friends, family, and fans took to social media to share their feelings. They posted pictures and stories.
Some talked about how his music touched their hearts. Others praised his bravery for sharing the Gospel of Inclusion.
People from all around Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he lived and preached, felt a big loss. Even those who didn’t agree with him respected his courage. Churches and groups that worked for gay rights also thanked him for his support over the years.
His legacy lives on in the messages he shared and in the hearts of those he reached.
Remembering Carlton Pearson’s Contributions
Carlton Pearson started Higher Dimensions, Inc. in 1977. This group grew big over the years. He also began a TV show in the 1980s that many people watched. His AZUSA Conference in 1988 brought lots of visitors to Tulsa, Oklahoma and helped the city’s money grow.
He taught about the Gospel of Inclusion, saying Jesus’ love was for everyone. This idea made some people upset but it also made others think more about love and forgiveness.
He faced tough times because of his beliefs but kept teaching what he thought was right. The Netflix film “Come Sunday” shows how he tried to share his message with the world. Even when times got hard, Carlton Pearson didn’t give up on spreading messages of love and acceptance through gospel music and his sermons at All Souls Unitarian Church and Higher Dimensions Family Church.
When Did Carlton Pearson Die?
After looking at his lasting impact, it’s important to note that he passed away on November 19, 2023. He was 70 years old. People will get a chance to say goodbye on November 29 and 30, with times set from late afternoon into the morning hours.
Takeaways
Bishop Carlton Pearson died on November 19, 2023. He founded a big church and talked about love for all. His ideas changed many things but also caused trouble. A movie shows his life story.
He helped make laws better for gay people. Now, we can keep learning from his teachings online.
