Carlton Pearson is a name well-known in American religious circles, particularly within the Christian evangelical community. He rose to prominence as a Pentecostal bishop and evangelist, and was closely associated with Oral Roberts, a major figure in the world of Christian televangelism. Pearson’s influence was vast, and he was once regarded as one of the most successful religious leaders in the country. However, his controversial shift in theology and subsequent downfall shocked many in the Christian world.
This article takes a closer look at Carlton Pearson’s life, his career, his personal journey, and his net worth. We will explore his background, his family, the dramatic changes in his beliefs, and where he stands today.
Early Life and Ministry Beginnings
Carlton Pearson was born on March 19, 1953, in San Diego, California. Raised in a devout Christian family, Pearson’s life revolved around church and faith from a young age. He eventually attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a prestigious institution known for producing many prominent religious leaders. Pearson was personally mentored by Oral Roberts, one of the most famous televangelists in American history. This close relationship played a significant role in shaping Pearson’s early ministry.
After graduating from Oral Roberts University, Pearson began preaching, quickly establishing himself as a charismatic and influential pastor. In the 1980s and 1990s, his church, Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center, grew into one of the largest mega-churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma, drawing thousands of followers every week. Pearson’s sermons were broadcast on television, and he became a major figure in the Pentecostal movement. His rise to fame was swift, and he became a household name in Christian circles.
The Gospel of Inclusion Controversy
For many years, Carlton Pearson preached the traditional Pentecostal message of salvation, sin, and hell. However, in the early 2000s, he experienced a dramatic shift in his theology. Pearson began to question the concept of eternal damnation and the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. This shift led to his development of what he called the “Gospel of Inclusion,” a belief that everyone, regardless of their faith or actions, would ultimately be reconciled to God and avoid eternal punishment in hell.
Pearson’s new teachings were controversial, particularly within the evangelical and Pentecostal communities. He argued that a loving and merciful God would not condemn people to eternal suffering, and he began to preach that salvation was not limited to Christians alone. The Gospel of Inclusion was a direct challenge to the core beliefs of many of his peers, and it caused a significant backlash.
As a result of these views, Pearson was labeled a heretic by many within the Pentecostal movement. His once-thriving church began to lose members, and he was eventually shunned by much of the evangelical community. Pearson lost his position of influence, and the attendance at his church dwindled to a fraction of what it once was. The financial impact of his theological shift was substantial, as donations to his church and ministry decreased dramatically.
Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Family
Carlton Pearson is married to Gina Marie Gauthier, whom he wed in 1993. Gina has been a supportive figure in Pearson’s life, standing by him through the highs and lows of his ministry. Together, they have two children: a son named Julian D’Metrius Pearson and a daughter named Majestè Amour Pearson.
Despite the personal and professional challenges he has faced, Pearson has always emphasized the importance of family in his life. He has spoken in interviews about the role his wife and children have played in providing him with support during difficult times, especially as he navigated the fallout from his shift in theology.
Carlton Pearson’s Net Worth
As a successful pastor and televangelist, Carlton Pearson once enjoyed significant wealth. At the peak of his career, his church was one of the largest in the country, and his television ministry reached a wide audience. This success, along with book sales and speaking engagements, contributed to his substantial income.
However, after Pearson embraced the Gospel of Inclusion, his financial situation changed. As members left his church and donations decreased, his income also took a hit. The controversy surrounding his new teachings made it difficult for Pearson to maintain the same level of financial success he had enjoyed in the 1990s.
While it is difficult to pinpoint Pearson’s exact net worth today, estimates suggest that his wealth has decreased significantly since the height of his career. As of 2024, Pearson’s net worth is believed to be around $16 million. This figure includes his assets, income from book sales, speaking engagements, and other media appearances. Although his ministry has diminished in size, Pearson continues to be an influential figure, and he still earns money through public speaking and writing.
Reinvention and the Netflix Film Come Sunday
In recent years, Carlton Pearson has experienced something of a resurgence in public interest, thanks in part to the 2018 Netflix film Come Sunday. The film, which stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Pearson, tells the story of his rise as a pastor, his embrace of the Gospel of Inclusion, and the fallout that followed. Come Sunday brought Pearson’s story to a new generation of viewers, many of whom were unfamiliar with his earlier fame and controversies.
The film portrayed Pearson as a man who struggled with his faith, ultimately coming to believe in a more inclusive version of Christianity. While Come Sunday dramatized elements of Pearson’s life, it also gave him a platform to reintroduce himself to the public. Following the film’s release, Pearson made appearances on talk shows and podcasts, sharing his story and discussing the evolution of his beliefs.
Current Work and Legacy
Despite the controversies surrounding his theological shift, Carlton Pearson remains active in ministry and public life. Today, he continues to preach and teach, albeit on a much smaller scale than in the past. Pearson’s message has evolved to focus more on love, acceptance, and inclusion, and he has distanced himself from the more dogmatic aspects of his earlier ministry.
Pearson is also an author and speaker, frequently addressing topics related to spirituality, theology, and social justice. His experiences have made him a more compassionate and empathetic leader, and he often speaks about the importance of understanding and embracing diversity in faith.
In addition to his religious work, Pearson has become an advocate for mental health and wellness, drawing on his own experiences of loss and personal growth. He encourages people to explore their spirituality in ways that are meaningful to them, regardless of traditional religious boundaries.
Conclusion
Carlton Pearson’s life and career have been marked by both incredible success and dramatic controversy. As a pastor and televangelist, he rose to national prominence, building a large following and accumulating significant wealth. However, his decision to embrace the Gospel of Inclusion led to a dramatic fall from grace within the evangelical community, resulting in the loss of much of his influence and financial stability.
Today, Pearson remains an important figure in the world of religion and spirituality, though his focus has shifted from traditional evangelicalism to a more inclusive, universalist approach. His story is one of personal evolution, challenging the boundaries of faith and doctrine, and offering a message of hope and redemption for all.
Although Carlton Pearson’s net worth may have decreased over the years, his legacy as a pastor who dared to challenge the status quo continues to inspire discussions about faith, inclusion, and the power of love.
