Our Presiding Bishop: Bishop Eddie L. Long

Biography for Bishop Eddie L. Long

IT’S A NEW SEASON. IT’S A NEW DAY...

The visionary and leader for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Bishop Eddie L. Long first served as pastor in 1987 for a congregation consisting of just more than 300 members. Since his installation, New Birth’s membership has quickly multiplied to well over 25,000.

Due to an overwhelming growth in membership, Bishop Long directed numerous building expansion, land acquisition and building development efforts. These efforts led to the construction of a 3,700-seat sanctuary in 1991, a Family Life Center in 1999 and a 10,000-seat complex in 2001.

Located in the heart of DeKalb County, Georgia, in the city of Lithonia, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church continues to impact the community through countless outreach programs and community-empowering projects orchestrated by Bishop Long. He also serves as the founder and CEO of New Birth Christian Academy-New Birth's school of excellence.

A native of North Carolina, Bishop Eddie L. Long received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Master’s of Divinity degree from Atlanta’s Interdenominational Theological Center. Additionally, Long received honorary doctorate from North Carolina Central University, Beulah Heights Bible College of Atlanta and the Morehouse School of Religion. Bishop Long earned a doctoral Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from the International College of Excellence, an affiliate of Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida.

As a man of vision, Bishop Long is revered locally, nationally and internationally as a dynamic man of vision, leadership, integrity and compassion. In addition to his commitment to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church as senior pastor, Bishop Long also serves on an array of boards including serving as: Vice Chair of the Morehouse School of Religion Board of Directors, former member of Board of Visitors for Emory University, member of Board of Trustees for North Carolina Central University, member of Board of Trustees for Young Life, member of Board of Trustees for Fort Valley State University, member of Board of Directors for Safehouse Outreach Ministries, and honorary member of 100 Black Men of America. In 2006, Bishop Long was unanimously appointed voted as Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees for Beulah Heights Bible College. That same year, he was honored to be unanimously appointed to serve as Co-Chair for the DeKalb Police Alliance- a non profit organization which enhances the lives and families of men and women serving as licensed officers. Bishop Long also joins other esteemed colleagues as a member of Gospel Today Magazine’s board of directors.

Continually honored worldwide, Bishop Long has been named one of America's 125 most influential leaders and has received a plethora of awards in recognition to his world changing ministry including: the 2003 Leadership Award: Faith/Community Award from 100 Black Men of America, the 2003 Religious Contemporary Award from IRC’s “Portraits of Sweet Success, and the 2003 Champion Award for Spiritual Enlightenment from All Children Are Special, Inc. Savoy Magazine also selected him in 2003 as one of The Most Influential Blacks in America and in 1999, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta awarded Long with the prestigious Legacy Award. Bishop Long has also has served as the co-chair for “Hosea Feed the Hungry” project since 2001. In 2004, Bishop Long and New Birth’s production team were awarded for an Emmy for there - The Face of Homelessness. Bishop Long’s Taking Authority broadcast, which is seen in 170 countries worldwide, has received more than 40 nationally recognized honors including the prestigious Telly, Axiem, Aurora and Communicator awards. Bishop Long was honored in 2005 at the Trumpet Awards for his leadership, dedication and service around the world. That same year, he would receive 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. A constant advocate for change and awareness, Bishop Long was honored by the Center for Disease Control and the National HIV/AIDS Partnership (NHAP) for his outstanding and ongoing work in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Bishop Long was recently recognized by the Dominique Wilkins Foundation for his community leadership at their first annual charity golf tournament. Also, Bishop was awarded the Phi Kappa Kappa award for Mentor of the Year from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

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 12 and 16. What began as an 8-week program quickly developed into a life-long commitment. And with this new commitment, Bishop Long began to raise funds earmarked for educational scholarships for the 63 charter members of the Longfellow Summer Academy. In 2006, Bishop Long was honored by the King family to officiate the homegoing ceremonies for Mrs. Coretta Scoot King- wife of the late Martin Luther King, Jr.

A noted author, Bishop Long’s captivating and powerful messages are masterfully captured in a number of audio and video series including: I Don't Want Delilah, I Need You, The Spirit of Negativity and Familiarity and Kingdom Relationships, Power of a Wise Woman, What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs, Called to Conquer and Taking Over, Gladiator: The Strength of a Man and his most recent It’s Your Time: Reclaim Your Territory for the Kingdom.

Bishop Long and his wife Vanessa are the proud parents of four children: Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor. The couple has also served as surrogate parents for many other children in the church and community.

Each year, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church serves as the sight for many of the country’s most noted conferences and programs. Through these conferences hosted by Bishop Long, many are blessed, saved and led to Christ each year, and generations are changed because of his passion for mentoring youth, men and pastors. Through his ministry, people are discovering their destinies. Because of the favor on his life, Bishop Long has close relationships with key leaders in the religious, political and entertainment arenas; consequently, this humble servant is advancing the Kingdom of God in a whole new way and redefining church as we see it today.