Brought up in the Elim Church, Mr Carson was also strongly influenced through the ministry of Christian Endeavour and Youth for Christ and after his marriage joined his wife's congregation of First Portglenone Presbyterian.
While studying for his MA, Mr Carson taught Biology in Ballymena Technical College before his theological studies took him to the USA and Westminster Theological Seminary where he graduated with a Masters in Arts and Ministry in 1980 before completing his ministerial training at Union Theological College in Belfast.