I was probably about 14 or 15 years old the very first time I saw Carlton Pearson. At that time, his "Azusa Conference" carried an audience numbering in the thousands and was the Mecca for Black, Pentecostal Christians of various denominations - at least once a year. What seemed like a sea of Christians faithfully attended Pearson’s annual conference as Azusa exploded on the international scene. The conference released DVDs and CDs circulating the world – our family had a few. Pearson is credited for creating an international platform for now iconic Christian faces like T.D. Jakes, Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams. Even though I knew of Carlton Pearson for many years, it wasn’t until he began to write and teach about his new idea, The Gospel of Inclusionism that I began to take a unique, personal interest in the Bishop. His bold, progressive, passionate convictions about God and the world cost him everything he’d ever known, yet he never apologized or lost his nerve. His ongoing passion, strength and tenacity are what earned my utmost respect and admiration.
Pearson has since become one of the strongest forces of spiritual inspiration for me. I’d been following his career, reading his books and listening to him speak for years when I came accross an opportunity for us to meet. A few months ago while in Chicago, Carlton Pearson and I had a chance to sit down and chat about life in general, spirituality, his life and experiences, my life and my music. Initially, I was overwhelmed; I could barely speak. After Bishop Pearson’s warming, open and welcoming personality took over all four corners of the room, it became easy to share the space with him. My life was changed. Today, he text messaged me asking me to sing at an upcoming event. As I thought about the man I first saw on video as the "Azusa" icon, I smiled. I am proud of Bishop Pearson for his journey, being the champion of self-actualization and brilliance he is and will be honored to sing for him next month.
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