*Tulsa Megachurch pastor Carlton Pearson has passed away after battling cancer. He was 70.
Pearson’s 1980s television program on Trinity Broadcasting Network became one of the most-watched shows, and he rose to fame as pastor of the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Netflix’s 2018 “Come Sunday” biopic explored his life and controversial religious views.
A Facebook post confirms Bishop Pearson died peacefully in his sleep Sunday night.
“His melodious voice and many sermons were for many years, a source of inspiration on TBN and elsewhere,” Bishop T.D. Jakes wrote in a Facebook post. “I grew up watching him on television when I was preaching in a storefront church in West Virginia.
“I spoke with him a few short months ago upon hearing of his suffering. Even then, he was kind and jovial as possible. Though his voice was weaker, it was still radiant and resolute,” Jakes added.
“I paint and draw and I did a picture of us together and gave it to him a few weeks ago or last week,” said Gospel recording artist John P. Kee, per KTUL. “I had an amazing experience on Friday. I was talking to him on the phone and they said oh you know he might not respond. I started singing one of our favorite songs. A song called Greater. And when I finished I said I love you bishop and he shouted I love you more and it just really touched my heart. I’ll remember him forever more,” Kee added.
As we reported previously, during his health battle with an “inoperable and fatal” cancerous mass, Pearson frequently posted updates to his Facebook followers, and his last speaking appearance was on Oct. 10.
“We have to grow. We have to keep on growing because that’s what we’re called to do,” the televangelist said in his final message.
“This will be one of the last times you’ll see me like this,” Bishop Pearson said to his followers on a live broadcast, L.A. Focus News reports. “I may be closing some things out, but I will never close you out in consciousness. I love you and wanted you to hear from my voice how deeply appreciative I am of who you are and that you are.”
A message on Carlton’s official Facebook page reads: “We are saddened to inform you that Bishop Carlton D’Metrius Pearson, one of the most popular and influential preachers in America and around the world, who sacrificed everything for a message of unconditional love and acceptance by God, died peacefully the night of November 19, 2023, at the age of 70, after a brief battle with cancer that had returned after first defeating it 20 years ago. He was surrounded by his family.”
READ MORE: Bishop Carlton Pearson’s Ex-Wife Tells Followers to Prepare to ‘Release Him’
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