Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter has passed away following an extended battle with melanoma. He was 64 years old.
Carpenter battled melanoma four times in the past 20 years. His most recent diagnosis came during his inaugural term as presiding bishop.
“There has not been a more passionate leader in the IPHC than Bishop Ronald Carpenter, Sr. He had a heart of gold, which drew me, and thousands of others, to him. His heart and life were an open book,” says presiding bishop Doug Beacham.
“In his integrity there were never hidden agendas. I’ve often thought that Bishop Carpenter exemplified the description of Israel’s King David, and Jesus’ observation about Nathaniel in the Gospel of John–a man after God’s heart in whom there is no guile.”
Carpenter was a native of Rocky Mount, N.C., where he was reared in the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was converted and called into the ministry at 16 years old.
Carpenter served the IPHC for more than 35 years as a pastor, college professor, conference leader, and as a general executive. He was also an educated theologian and a highly sought-after speaker. In 2009, Carpenter was elected General Superintendent and Presiding Bishop of the IPHC at the 26th General Conference.
“My greatest desire for the IPHC is that it will make a significant difference in lives and in history,” said Carpenter in a previous interview. “I want this church a hundred years from now to have left a legacy, tracks in the sand, impacted cities, changed communities, and transformed the atmosphere of America. I want this denomination to be a 21st century church that is relevant, dynamic, and demonstrative.”
In July 2012, Bishop Carpenter resigned his post as general superintendent, citing health reasons and side effects from melanoma medication.
He is survived by his wife, Nan Hale Carpenter; son Ronald Carpenter, Jr.; daughter, Jewelle (Carpenter) Wilson; five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
“The IPHC global family mourns with Mrs. Nan Carpenter, their daughter Jewell, and son Ron Carpenter, Jr., and their families. But we also rejoice with them in knowing that Bishop Carpenter is fully alive and well in the presence of Jesus!” says Beacham.
Click here to visit the IPHC web site and watch a memorial video and view an image gallery.
