Bishop Carlton Pearson Has Died; Learn His Story With the Movie ‘Come Sunday’

Bishop Carlton Pearson has died after a brief battle with cancer. The late preacher’s story was partly told in the Netflix movie “Come Sunday.”

Pearson died after a brief battle with cancer, it was reported on Monday, November 20.

“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,” his representatives shared in a statement published on Facebook.

Pearson’s Portrayal in ‘Come Sunday’

Pearson was once one of the most famous Pentecostal preachers in America — until he made his views on the afterlife public. In 2008, he began preaching about “the gospel of inclusion,” which is also explained in his book of the same name.

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Pearson’s rejection of the idea of hell led to a loss of followers. His peers also ostracized him. However, he regained a following and continued teaching through various platforms.

This theological controversy was captured on film in the Netflix production “Come Sunday,” released in 2018.

Based on Pearson’s life and career, the biographical drama film portrays him as a renowned Pentecostal preacher who risked everything he held dear when he questioned church doctrine and found himself branded a heretic. “Come Sunday” stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Pearson and features Martin Sheen (as Oral Roberts) and Jason Segel in supporting roles. Danny Glover and LaKeith Stanfield also appear.

How to Watch ‘Come Sunday’

“Come Sunday” is available to stream on Netflix in select countries. Netflix describes the film with the following: “A crisis of faith sets renowned fundamentalist preacher Carlton Pearson on a new spiritual path that jeopardizes everything he holds dear.”

Watch “Come Sunday” on Netflix.

Find more faith-based movies to watch on Netflix