Published on November 21, 2023, 11:35 pm

Image source: Fox News

In a sad twist of events, influential American preacher and former megachurch pastor, Bishop Carlton D’Metrius Pearson passed away peacefully on the night of November 19, 2023 at the age of 70 following a brief ordeal with cancer. Best known for his break from traditional Christian theology regarding Hell and his strong message of unconditional divine love and acceptance, Pearson’s demise marks the loss of an impactful personality in the realm of real news.

Pearson, once one of America’s most trusted voices in preaching, lost popularity in conventional religious circles after expressing doubts about the traditional concept of Hell. Despite being labeled as heretic by The Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops Congress in 2004 for propounding inclusionism – a repackaging and renaming of old universalism heresy according to Got Questions ministry – he continued to draw individuals towards his message.

Having been raised within the conservative Church of God in Christ – one of the largest black Pentecostal bodies globally – he started Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center based in Tulsa back in 1981. Under Pearson’s leadership, this church grew exponentially from initially comprising just 75 members to counting over 5,000 faithful attendees later on as per an account by the Christian Research Institute.

As a seasoned singer himself, Pearson initiated Azusa Conferences at Oral Roberts University which contributed to generating millions for Tulsa’s economy annually all while spreading Christian messages through theological dialogues and gospel music performances. His ‘Live at AZUSA’ series received nominations for multiple Dove and Stellar Awards concluding with three Stellar Award victories for Live At Azusa: Precious Memories part two.

The repercussion for challenging orthodox beliefs was severe culminating with many churches shutting doors on him eventually resulting in his congregation dwindling quickly from thousands to only dozens. Yet beyond drawing wrath from conventional circles, his shift drew attention from non-Christian groups and disillusioned Christians affected heavily by church breaks, abuses and hypocrisy offering them messages of love, healing, and restoration emulating a Christian worldview effectively penetrating the bounds of conventional faith.

Pearson’s life journey has been skilfully captured in the Netflix film “Come Sunday”. The church recognized his efforts towards resonating a message of love through his work that impacted thousands during his lifetime. His preaching and practice of grace and mercy invoked people’s thankfulness for their connect with him.

His departure prompted grief within religious communities such as REHAB Church Charlotte situated in North Carolina which mourned Pearson’s death expressing how much he would be missed given his embodiment of God’s authentic, unconditional and redemptive love.

The church’s senior pastor Ra’Shawn D’Angelo Flournoy considered Pearson a mentor and father figure to many who was not just an incredible man but also a source of inspiration, guidance, and support with an impact too profound for words alone to capture fully. Pearson continued lending support sharing insights that spurred courage even during trying times making lasting impacts on numerous lives. Describing Pearson as an extraordinary soul who has now found his place among the stars watching over everyone with love and grace is indeed an epitome of respect paid by him.

In what turned out to be his final public address to his followers earlier this month, Pearson promised never to stop thinking about them indicative of the deep bond that he nurtured right until the end. Indeed, – from breaking news featured directly from our trusted news partners – it is apparent that Bishop Carlton D’Metrius Pearson leaves behind a legacy far richer than mere memories captured by history.