10 notable Christian ministry leaders, influencers who died in 2023

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Saturday, December 30, 2023

Carlton Pearson – Nov. 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson preaches a sermon in a photo published in 2006. | Creative Commons/Scott Griessel

Former megachurch pastor Bishop Carlton Pearson, a popular preacher who garnered controversy for his unorthodox views on Hell, died at age 70 after a battle with cancer.

Pearson founded the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1981, and launched the Azusa Conferences at Oral Roberts University.

Once a member of the theologically conservative Church of God in Christ, Pearson would fall out of favor with many churches in the early 2000s when he rejected the concept of Hell, and became a supporter of the LGBT movement.

"'Words can't express how much I'm going to miss this man.' These words, though sincere, fall short in capturing the profound impact Bishop Pearson had on my life and the lives of others,” stated Pastor Ra'Shawn D'Angelo Flournoy of REHAB Church Charlotte.

“Throughout our journey together, Bishop Pearson never failed to provide encouragement. His phone calls, filled with unwavering belief in our potential, served as a beacon of hope during trying times. I can still vividly hear his voice, resonating with warmth and kindness, as he shared words of wisdom that uplifted our spirits and propelled us forward.”

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