Carlton D. Pearson

Author | Theologian

Raised up as a voice of reason and moderation in a world of extremes, Carlton Pearson made a choice. He chose to tell the world that God’s love is absolute and complete. A choice boldly declaring that God wants relationship with all of humanity; Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Hispanics, gays and any and all who have been marginalized by the dominant culture and considered unacceptable and unworthy by the Christian church at large. Furthermore, Pearson, through scriptural study, research, and heartfelt conviction, is absolutely convinced that God is not sending people to Hell at the rate proclaimed by the moral majority. And even maybe more earth-shattering, he believes God’s love is not being represented anywhere near the fullness that the Almighty intends. In essence, Pearson is simply saying that “God loves on a global basis, not just an American or Christian basis.”

What Pearson intended to be comforting, resulted in being controversial. While his message is good news to the world, it caused religious leaders across America to revolt. Pearson had been a longstanding associate of The Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops Congress, who has deemed him “heretical” for preaching a Gospel that included everyone and excluded no one. Several other evangelicals issued harsh press releases and statements distancing themselves from Pearson, many of whom had been given their very first chances at national exposure through Pearson’s ministry.

Currently the Senior Pastor of New Dimensions Worship Center located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he has pastored for over 30 years, and has been the host and overseer of the annual AZUSA Conferences, held each year in Tulsa and across America, for more than 15 years. AZUSA became known for its high-energy music, powerful preaching, integrated crowds, and for exposing a number of now well-known ministries to the world.

Carlton Pearson served for 15 years on the Oral Roberts University Board of Regents, of which he is also an alumnus, where he majored in Biblical Literature/English Bible and minored in Theology/Historical Studies. In 1978, Bishop Pearson founded Higher Dimensions Ministries (now New Dimensions), which grew from a traveling evangelistic team in 1977, to a multi-faceted ministry, which included a local church in Tulsa, prison and nursing home outreaches, a national self- awareness and self-actualization program for men and women, with graduates nationally and internationally. One of the more recent media exposures was a local radio program entitled ‘Life In The World’-a talk-show format that addressed issues of social, moral, cultural, religious and political concerns in a practical, yet provocative manner-relating faith to culture.

Bishop Pearson places high priority on family and country, reflected in his book and acclaimed preaching series, ‘Is There a Man in the House.’ More recently, he has been given an apostolic mandate to proclaim the message of ‘the finished work of Calvary,’ in his spoken word series entitled-’Jesus, Savior of the World,’ also called the ‘Gospel of Inclusion.’ This ‘Gospel’ to the world is that Christ has accepted them; and that it is by and through the unconditional love and amazing grace of God that the human race has been reconciled and redeemed to God. He has, to that end, authored a new book entitled ‘The Gospel of Inclusion,’ released in January 2007.

Believing that ‘a silent church is a saltless church,’ Bishop Pearson’s frank and often controversial take on a number of different subjects has earned him appearances on television programs such as ‘CBS Evening News with Dan Rather,’ ‘BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley,’ ‘BET News,’ ‘The Edge with Paula Zahn’ and ‘Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.” Most recently, Bishop Pearson has been featured on National Public Radio’s This American Life,’ ABC’s 20/20,’ National Geographic,’ and MSNBC. Bishop Pearson has been recognized as one of ‘America’s 10 Most Influential Black Ministers’ by Gospel Today and has received several honorary doctoral degrees.

Bishop Pearson has served on the College of Bishops of the International Communion of Charismatic Churches, and on the boards of several other ecumenical, philanthropic, and community-related organizations. He has authored a variety of books and booklets, and is a two-time Stellar Award-winning and Dove Award-nominated recording artist. He was designated as Chief of the Sai tribe in Dodowa, Ghana W. Africa. He is also the Founder and President of “World Health and Harmony International,” a humanitarian and philanthropic organization, addressing the AIDS epidemic in Africa. Pearson was recently featured as one of BeliefNet’s “Most influential African American Clergy.” He sees “Inclusion Consciousness” as a source of world peace, harmonious living and deep awakening for all.

Bishop Pearson has been blessed with the opportunity and mandate to impact the lives of countless thousands and to influence the works of other Christians as well. His work toward racial reconciliation-bridging the gap between ethnic groups, nations and denominations-has given him audience with kings, presidents and other government officials, both in America and abroad. Bishop Pearson as an unapologetic Fourth Generation Pentecostal preacher has been welcomed in and invited to minister in Synagogues, Mosques and other formal places of worship as a means of bridging the gap between Pentecostal/Evangelicals and other faith communities. The ministry and message of Carlton Pearson and New Dimensions Fellowship is committed to ‘reconciling our differences, celebrating our diversity, acknowledging our oneness in worship.’

In 1993, Carlton married the former Gina Marie Gauthier (pronounced Go-chay). They are the proud parents of one son, Julian D’Metrius, and a daughter, Majestè Amour.

About God’s Inclusive Love
As Seen On 20/20

There are fewer matters more urgent in today’s pluralistic culture than the issue of the centrality of the cross and the accurate articulation and expression of the Universal love of God toward all of humankind.

As stated in I John 2:2, “He, (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only our sins [inclusion], but the sins of the whole world.” The atonement of Christ for the sin of the world, was and is inclusive and is not limited to a few fortunate believers.

Does being “born-again” save us or does it simply bring to light a condition that already exists—wrought and bought by the blood of Jesus at Calvary? Does believing make you born-again or does being born-again make me a believer?

I think we in evangelical Christianity have ignored the Sovereignty of God and limited the scope and sweep of His great Love toward all. Scripture says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” ( Romans 5:20)— He died once for all. (Romans 6:10 and 1 Pet. 3:18) And contrary to popular opinion, our belief systems and religious presuppositions do not invalidate or reverse the effectiveness or efficiency of the finished work of Calvary. (Rom. 3:3).

If death is automatic because of Adam, life is automatic because of Christ, without our vote or prior approval. As the disobedience of one man made us all sinners, by the obedience of one man we were all made righteous. (Romans 5:12-14 and 1 Cor. 15:22).

The whole world is saved (redeemed), but all are not aware. Jesus is the Savior of, not just for, all men, but has a special relationship with those who believe. Those who recognize and Acknowledge this truth have been given the message and ministry of reconciliation—the very Words and logic of God, to share with the unknowing an unbelieving world. (Romans 3:1-2 and 2Cor. 5:18-19).

I close with this quote sent to me by the VP of a major Christian publishing company; “…the Law of God condemns us all until, while we are still sinners, grace comes and liberates us from it’s curse without a single condition attached; no improvements demanded, no promises extorted-just the extravagant, outrageous, hilarious absurdity of free grace and undying love.”

Because all men were included in the finished work of Calvary, when all is said and done, “. . . every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is LORD—the Savior of the world!” (Phil. 2:9-11)

Peace,

Bishop Carlton D. Pearson

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