Carlton Pearson: A Journey of Faith, Transformation, and Legacy

Carlton Pearson, an influential American pastor, gospel singer, author, and speaker, left an indelible mark on both the religious and entertainment communities. Known for his unconventional views, particularly his embrace of universalism, Pearson’s life journey is one of faith, controversy, and evolution. With an estimated net worth of $16 million as of 2024, his contributions spanned across ministry, music, writing, and media, making him a well-known figure in American religious life. This article delves into Pearson’s biography, career, beliefs, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the message of inclusion and love.

Carlton Pearson: Biography and Early Life

Born on March 19, 1953, in San Diego, California, Carlton D’Metrius Pearson grew up in a religious household. His parents, Rev. Adam Louis Pearson and Lillie Ruth Johnson Pearson, raised him alongside his five siblings—one brother and four sisters—instilling in him strong spiritual values. The family’s deep-rooted belief that Carlton was “called by God” profoundly influenced his early years.

Pearson attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in religion. At ORU, Pearson was mentored by Oral Roberts, the renowned evangelist and founder of the university, who played a pivotal role in shaping Pearson’s career in ministry. He also sang with the World Action Singers, a group associated with the university, showcasing his musical talents early on.

Carlton Pearson’s Net Worth and Sources of Income

As of 2024, Carlton Pearson’s net worth is estimated to be $16 million. His wealth comes from various successful ventures, including his ministry, gospel music career, book sales, and media appearances.

• Ministry: Pearson’s founding of the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center in 1981 marked the beginning of his influence in the Christian community. The church grew to attract thousands of congregants each week, becoming one of the largest churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His leadership and ability to connect with large audiences contributed significantly to his financial success.
• Gospel Music: Pearson enjoyed a successful gospel music career, releasing albums like “Live at Azusa”, which became popular in the Christian music scene. The revenue generated from album sales and live performances was a substantial addition to his income.
• Books: Pearson authored several books throughout his career, where he expressed his views on faith, salvation, and inclusivity. His books resonated with many readers, providing him with another source of income.
• Television Ministry and Media: Pearson hosted a weekly television preaching show that reached millions of viewers, solidifying his place as one of the few African-American ministers with national TV exposure during his time.

Career Beginnings and Achievements

Carlton Pearson’s ministry took off after he was licensed and ordained in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), a prominent Pentecostal denomination. His early years in ministry were marked by his founding of the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center in Tulsa, which later became known as Higher Dimensions Family Church. Under his leadership, the church grew to attract over 6,000 attendees weekly during its peak in the 1990s.

Pearson also gained widespread recognition for hosting the annual Azusa Conference, a gathering that attracted some of the most influential figures in the Christian community, including T.D. Jakes, Donnie McClurkin, and the Clark Sisters. The Azusa Conference celebrated gospel music and spiritual teachings, drawing thousands of participants each year.

In addition to his success in ministry, Pearson made a significant impact on gospel music with his chart-topping albums, including “Live at Azusa”, which helped define modern gospel music.

Despite his accomplishments, Pearson’s career was not without its challenges. His embrace of universalism—the belief that all people, regardless of their faith, will ultimately find salvation—led to widespread criticism from the evangelical community. His views were seen as heretical by some, leading to his ostracization from traditional Christian circles. However, Pearson continued to spread his message of inclusion through public speaking, media appearances, and writing, refusing to back down from his beliefs.

Business Ventures and Investments

In addition to his ministry, Carlton Pearson engaged in several ventures that contributed to his wealth and influence:

• Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center: Founded in 1981, the church became one of the largest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with thousands of attendees weekly. The church’s success and growth significantly contributed to Pearson’s financial standing.
• Television Ministry: Pearson’s weekly national television preaching show allowed him to reach millions of viewers across the country, making him one of the few African-American ministers with a national platform.
• Music Ministry: Pearson’s gospel music career also played a key role in shaping his wealth and influence. His albums were well-received in the gospel music community, and his work in music brought him both recognition and financial gain.

Carlton Pearson’s Personal Life and Relationships

Carlton Pearson married Gina Marie Gauthier in September 1993, and together they had two children: Julian D’Metrius Pearson, born on July 9, 1994, and Majestè Amour Pearson, born on October 29, 1996. Although the couple filed for divorce in 2015, they briefly reconciled before finalizing the divorce in 2019.

Despite the challenges in his personal life, including the divorce, Pearson remained deeply committed to his family. His wife and children were a central part of his life, and he balanced his responsibilities as a pastor, father, and husband with grace.

Personal Hobbies and Media Appearances

Outside of his religious work, Carlton Pearson had a passion for gospel music, earning recognition with two Stellar Awards and a nomination for a Dove Award. His musical talents were not only a key part of his ministry but also a personal joy for him.

Pearson was also a frequent guest on popular television programs like Larry King Live and Dateline NBC, where he discussed his views on faith, spirituality, and universalism. His engaging personality and willingness to share his beliefs with a broader audience made him a respected figure in the media.

Family Background

Carlton Pearson was raised in a religious family with strong ties to the church. His father, Elector Pearson, and mother, Donie, both hailed from Boley, Oklahoma, a town known for its historical significance to African-American culture. Pearson’s upbringing in a deeply religious environment, combined with the influence of his family’s preaching heritage, laid the foundation for his future in ministry.

Conclusion

Carlton Pearson’s life was one of transformation, faith, and controversy. From his beginnings as a traditional Pentecostal preacher to his later embrace of universalism, Pearson’s journey reflected his commitment to spreading a message of love, acceptance, and spiritual inclusivity. Despite facing criticism and rejection from some religious circles, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to impact millions through his ministry, music, and media appearances. Carlton Pearson’s legacy as a pastor, gospel artist, and spiritual leader will be remembered for years to come.

Facts

• Full Name: Carlton D’Metrius Pearson
• Date of Birth: March 19, 1953
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California, USA
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in religion from Oral Roberts University
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): $16 million
• Career Highlights:
  • Founder of the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center (1981)
  • Notable gospel singer with albums like “Live at Azusa”
  • Author of several influential books on faith and universalism
  • Hosted a weekly television preaching show, reaching millions of viewers
• Personal Life:
  • Married Gina Marie Gauthier in 1993; divorced in 2019
  • Has two children: Julian D’Metrius Pearson and Majestè Amour Pearson

FAQs

1. What is Carlton Pearson’s net worth as of 2024?

Carlton Pearson’s estimated net worth is $16 million in 2024.

2. How did Carlton Pearson accumulate his wealth?

Pearson accumulated his wealth through various sources, including:Ministry: His church, Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center, attracted thousands of congregants.Music: Successful gospelalbums like “Live at Azusa.”Books: Several published works on faith and universalism.Television: Hosting a national preaching show that reached millions.

3. What was the significance of the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center?

The Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center, founded by Pearson in 1981, became one of the largest churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known for its diverse congregation and impactful ministry.

4. Why did Carlton Pearson face criticism from the evangelical community?

Pearson faced criticism primarily for his belief in universalism, which posits that all people will ultimately find salvation, a view that many traditional evangelicals consider heretical.

5. What are some of Carlton Pearson’s notable achievements in music?

Carlton Pearson achieved significant recognition in the gospel music community, receiving two Stellar Awards and a nomination for a Dove Award for his contributions to the genre.

6. How has Carlton Pearson’s legacy impacted the religious community?

Pearson’s legacy continues to influence discussions around faith and inclusivity, encouraging a more accepting approach to spirituality within various religious communities.