Bishop Eddie L. Long is the founder and pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Lithonia, Georgia, United States. He first served as pastor in 1987 for a congregation that at that time consisted of just more than 300 members. Since his installation, New Birth’s membership has multiplied to well over 30,000 members. A mitre is used as a symbol of the bishops ministry. ... The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, known worldwide as New Birth, is located in Lithonia, Georgia, and led by Bishop Eddie Long. ... Lithonia is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. ...

Born in North Carolina, Eddie L. Long received his Bachelor degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Divinity degree from Atlanta Interdenominational Theological Center. He has received honorary doctorates from North Carolina Central University, Beulah Heights Bible College of Atlanta and the Morehouse School of Religion. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fratrenity, Inc. This article is the current U.S. Collaboration of the Week. ... Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a tertiary degree in business management. ... North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a historically black college located in Durham, North Carolina. ... Master of Divinity is a common degree among theological seminaries and is considered the minimum academic requirement for ordination into pastoral ministry. ... Kappa Alpha Psi (KAΨ) Fraternity, is the second oldest active African American collegiate Greek-letter fraternity and since 1911 has been open to men of all races, religion and creed. ...

Located in DeKalb County, Georgia, in the city of Lithonia, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church seeks to impact the community through many outreach programs and community-empowering projects orchestrated by Bishop Long. Long also serves as the founder and CEO of Faith Academy, a Christian school operated by New Birth. DeKalb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. ...

In addition to serving as the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Bishop Long also serves as a member on several boards, including the Morehouse School of Religion Board of Directors (Vice Chair); Board of Visitors for Emory University; Board of Trustees for North Carolina Central University; Board of Trustees for Young Life; Board of Trustees for Fort Valley State University; Board of Directors for Safehouse Outreach Ministries; and 100 Black Men of America (honorary). In 2006, Bishop Long was unanimously voted as Vice Chair of Beulah Heights Bible College’s Board of Trustees. He’s also served as co-chair for the “Hosea Feed the Hungry” project since 2001. Emory University is a private university in Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the premier universities in the United States. ... Fort Valley State University (FVSU) is a historically black college and university (HBCU) located in Fort Valley, Georgia. ...

Bishop Long was honored in 2005 at the Trumpet Awards for his leadership, dedication and service around the world. That same year, he received the “100” award for his tireless efforts in the area of economic development, youth development, education and health awareness by the DeKalb Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. Particularly for health awareness, Bishop Long was honored by the Center for Disease Control and the National HIV/AIDS Partnership (NHAP) for his outstanding work in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta is recognized as the lead United States agency for protecting the public health and safety of people by providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships with state health departments and other organizations. ... Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a collection of symptoms and infections in humans resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). ...

In 2004, Bishop Long established a mentorship program known as the Longfellows Summer Academy to assist in the mental, physical and spiritual development of young men between the ages of 12 and 16. The Academy, which began as an 8-week activity, has developed into a permanent commitment. Within this program, Long has raised funds earmarked for educational scholarships for the 63 charter members of the Academy.

In 2006, Bishop Long was chosen by the family of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to host and officiate the homegoing ceremonies for Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of the late civil rights pioneer.[1] The event was attended by four Presidents (George H. W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter). Long has authored numerous books, including I Don't Want Delilah, I Need You; Power of a Wise Woman; What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs; Called to Conquer; Taking Over; It's Your Time!; and Gladiator: The Strength of a Man. Martin Luther King Jr. ... Coretta Scott King (April 27, 1927 – January 30, 2006) was the wife of the assassinated civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. ... George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) was the 41st President of the United States of America serving from 1989 to 1993. ... Order: 42nd President Term of Office: January 20, 1993–January 20, 2001 Preceded by: George H. W. Bush Succeeded by: George W. Bush Date of birth: August 19, 1946 Place of birth: Hope, Arkansas Date of death: Place of death: First Lady: Hillary Rodham Clinton Political party: Democratic Vice... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American businessman and politician, was elected in 2000 as the 43rd President of the United States of America, re-elected in 2004, and is currently serving his second term in that office. ... James Earl Jimmy Carter, Jr. ...

Bishop Long is also featured on rapper Ludacris' latest album Release Therapy. He appears on the final track "Freedom of Preach" where he delivers a speech about God and faith. Ludacris, aka Luda, (born Christopher Brian Bridges on September 11, 1977 in Champaign, Illinois) is a Grammy Award winning African American rapper and actor. ... Release Therapy is the fifth album from Def Jam recording artist Ludacris. ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ... Faith is commonly known as a belief, trust or confidence often based on a transpersonal relationship with God, a higher power, elements of nature and/or a perception of the human race as a whole. ...

Controversy

In 2006, Long's appearance at the Atlanta seminary's graduation stirred a controversy, with some students discussing a boycott. Long's invitation prompted theologian James Cone -- who was scheduled to receive an honorary degree -- to boycott the ceremony. Thirty-three graduating seniors sent a letter to the seminary's president questioning Long's theological and ethical integrity to be their commencement speaker. Many students did not agree with Long's beliefs that God can "deliver" homosexuals and his teachings on Word of Faith, otherwise known as Prosperity Gospel. This article is about the state capital of Georgia. ... James Hall Cone (August 5, 1938 - ) is an African-American Christian theologian in the Methodist tradition. ... It has been suggested that Prosperity Theology be merged into this article or section. ... According to “Building Black Wealth In America” prosperity is that point where all reasonable wealth accumulation goals are exceeded for successive generations, it is the epitome of financial stability, reliability, and security. ...

On August 28th 2005 the [Atlanta Journal-Constitution] printed a front page spread accusing Long of mishandling funds that were funneled through a charity started by Long. The article reports that over a period of three years the charity, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc., provided him with at least $3.07 million in salary, benefits and the use of property.[2] Long contended that the charity did not solicit donations from members but instead gained its income from royalties, speaking fees and several large donations.[3] The Article's motive was questioned by many journalists^{[citation needed]} and the Internal Revenue Service, which regulates Not-For-Profits Organizations, approved Long's salary and benefits from the charity.^{[citation needed]}

External Links

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church