Anointed, But Under Attack – Bishop Eddie Long
September 27, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Archive, Church, Leaders, Pastors & Leaders
By Teresa Hairston
Yesterday was one of the most tensely anticipated days in contemporary church history. Sunday, September 26, 2010, was the day when Bishop Eddie Long announced that he would address the allegations of sexual misconduct filed by four young men against him personally, the New Birth Baptist Church (Lithonia, GA) where he has served as pastor for 26 years, and Longfellows Academy, a mentoring program for young men.
The 8:00 a.m. service began with nearly 500 men flooding the New Birth altar—praying and praising. By 8:30 a.m., the 9,000-seat church was nearly full. Supporting ministers on the platform included Pastor Andrè Landers (Higher Living Christian Church, Hampton, GA) Pastor William Murphy (dReam Center, Atlanta, GA) and Elder Bernice King (New Birth, Lithonia).
Bishop Long entered the sanctuary at approximately 8:45 a.m. with his wife, Vanessa at his side, along with them were Bishop Long’s ministry sons, Bishop C. Carl Smith, (New Birth, Pittsburg, CA) and Bishop Terrell Murphy (New Birth, Charlotte, NC). Immediately, Bishop Long came to the podium, but it took about five minutes for the “We love you Bishop!†shouts to subside.
After he briefly greeted the members and visitors—now filling the edifice to the rafters, Bishop Long presented a message: “How to Handle Painful & Difficult Situations.†He spoke about the reality, remedy and response to life’s inevitable pain, and offered an acronym based on the word, “power.†P-Prayer, O-outreach (continue to minister to the lost), W-Worship, E-Encourage, R-Resolve (resolve that your strength is in the Lord; resolve to continue to have faith in God).
Without much hesitation, Bishop Long then soberly stated that he would address the situation that he knew everyone was there to hear about—the allegations. He reiterated that his attorneys had advised him not to “try the case in the media.†He stated, that the case would be tried in a court of justice, not in the court of public opinion.
Bishop Long then made this statement:
“I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man. But I am not the man that’s being portrayed on the television. That’s not me. That is not me.â€
“I’m going to fight this thing,†he said.
“And I want to add one more thing…I feel like David against Goliath, but I’ve got five rocks and I haven’t thrown one yet.”
With that, he placed the microphone on the podium, walked over and took Vanessa by the hand and departed the sanctuary. The ministers followed and the service was virtually over at that point.
Some members noted that although Bishop Long acknowledged his humanity, he did not confirm his innocence. It was clear, however, that the members of New Birth were fiercely supportive of Bishop Long.
Other Christian leaders are extremely concerned about the situation at New Birth, which is one of the top 5 Black megachurches in America. Some suspect that the young men were “aided†by a large, well-financed organization to bring this level of attention to this case. After 26 years of service, one thing is certain, this case will not erase the blessings that Bishop Long has been instrumental in bringing to millions!
He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. This is between God and His servant.
I don’t know if Bishop Long is guilty or not. However, he didn’t categorically state his innocence and I don’t believe he should be preaching at this time. He should step aside at this time until this matter is resolved.
inoccent until provine quilty, GOD is a forgiving , loving caring GOD who shows mercy. Ppraying for Bishop Long , his family and church family.
We are not to put down the man or woman of GOD but pray for them.
First of all lets just address this to the unbelievers and then to the believers. The ones that don’t believe in Christ and have chosen not to be a Christians you have already formed your opinion and we know how you feel. We have to all realized that in this society a person is innocent until proven quilty and then some cases justice did not prevail. One thing is for sure whether Bishop Long is quilty of the allegations that have been brought up against him , he will be judged and thats for sure, the bible says you do not judge , I will do the judging says the Lord. We are so quick to accuse or point the finger at someone, not realizing that you have four pointing back at you. Don’t think that just because you have gotten away with certain things that your cover can’t be pulled either. Today Bishop and tommorow who knows. Now to the believers this is just a wake up call from Satan he is always on his job , but what about us. Just pray that we keep our focus on the Source who supplies our help and not the situation at hand. Lastly Just pray for Bishop Long, his family, New Birth Church and all the believers because we are all under attack. God Bless
Greetings in the name that is above all names(Jesus)…I would like to say to Bishop Long this is just a TEST…what the devil ment for evil God will make good use of it! Bishop stand and continue to stand…I beleive in you r faith and it has and will keep you whole…use those stones to help further the kingdom…God Bless You!!!
Cheryl
NJ
I Know… The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.
MIND THESE THINGS…..
YOU DO NOT NEED TO DEFEND THE TRUTH-IT STANDS SECOND TO NONE!
LET’S LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST HAS LOVED US!
NO WEAPON!
TO THE FAMILY OF FAITH…BUILD YOUR HOPES ON THINGS ETERNAL AND WE WILL MEET UP!
THE REST IS UP TO THE ALPHA AND OMEGA!!!!!
LOVE YA!
The bible says in John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”.That’s crucial now. When one segment of the body of Christ is under attack, the whole body is. If your head hurts in your physical body, you can’t function effectively.Even though it’s not your leg or arm, it temporarily hinders you from focusing on other tasks at hand. The same applies to the church. We should never rush to judgement on anyone. Whether they’re a leader of a mega ministry, or the church janitor. What we should do is to pray for the Bishop as well as the young men. These are truly crucial times for everyone. As believers, we must continue to pray because the enemy wants to show the Body of Christ as a bunch of misguided zealots. We must go on the offensive using the very weapons that Jesus used, the word of God, and his love and passion for all mankind. Peace and blessings to you all!
touch not MY annointed and do MY prophet NO harm, The Bishop is an annointed man of GOD not man. I will lift up mine eyes to the hills with cometh my help cometh from the LORD, that mean all OUR of us who are believers. Let us all be mindful and keep the Longs in our prayers. In JESUS name.
Bishop, Mrs. Long and the New Birth family. I’m praying with you at this character building time.
There but for the grace of God go we!
Bishop Long you are loved and no matter what I will be praying for you. Please know that trials will come without them there would be no need for God. This is a sad and unfortunate situation for all parties involved but please as you already know look to the hills whence cometh your strength. We all have had to deal with situations, I myself can’t keep track of mine but please know by the grace of God I’m still here and standing. There will be many with opinions and questions I pray God provide you with the words of truth to address them if he sees fit. Otherwise you have to ultimately answer to no one but God.. I love you, your family and your church and I support you..
Bishop Eddie Long, My prayers are with you and your family always, GOD is the righteous judge, My prayer is that you DO NOT JUDGE this MAN OF GOD, you PRAY for this Man Of GOD.
This is where the “The Rubber Meets The Road” for Christians that profess to be
Christians.When it comes the “Man” of God and worldly allegations are being made against him.Where does the word “IF” comes from ? Such teachings were not in my Christian teachings.By chance that the world and it’s shenanigans are sad that the Pastor is responsible for the alleged charges.People where is your “FAITH”.
The Christian Community has been under attack for centuries what makes you think that since there is a new order in place such as the “SHIFT” that we would not be continuously under attack.Someone took the words right out of my mouth about a larger Christian Organization being the catalyst in all this.Yeah I’m very much with you.I truly don’t believe that the defendants acted out on this alone.Mainly if the legal representation that they have is one of the best in the Atlanta area who has won over 80% of her cases.Where are the funds coming from for them to afford such a high profile attorney such as herself.Did she take on the case, because she thought she had a sure case ? I think not !!! Money still talks in the legal system they had to have funds to attain her. Or was it one of the defendants that came up with the cash that was caught breaking into Pastor Long’s office, surely he could afford her!!!
This is where the “The Rubber Meets The Road” for Christians that profess to be
Christians.When it comes to the “Man” of God and worldly allegations are being made against him.Where does the word “IF” comes from ? Such teachings were not in my Christian teachings.By chance that the world and it’s shenanigans are sad that the Pastor is responsible for the alleged charges.People where is your “FAITH”.
The Christian Community has been under attack for centuries what makes you think that since there is a new order in place such as the “SHIFT” that we would not be continuously under attack.Someone took the words right out of my mouth about a larger Christian Organization being the catalyst in all this.Yeah I’m very much with you.I truly don’t believe that the defendants acted out on this alone.Mainly if the legal representation that they have is one of the best in the Atlanta area who has won over 80% of her cases.Where are the funds coming from for them to afford such a high profile attorney such as herself.Did she take on the case, because she thought she had a sure case ? I think not !!! Money still talks in the legal system they had to have funds to attain her. Or was it one of the defendants that came up with the cash that was caught breaking into Pastor Long’s office, surely he could afford her!!!
The important thing to remember is that God is in control! Nothing will come of the situation that He did not either ordain or permit! And, it all will “work trogether for the good of those who love God and are the called according to His purpose!” Let’s see what God does does and in the meantime pray for Bishop Long and his family because whether the allegations are true or false, he needs our prayers!
It saddens me that we act like these things don’t happen in the church!.. They DO! Aren’t the young men innocent until proven guilty?
We must continue to up lift all God’s minister especially those in the Mega Church, they have a lot of pressure. I don’t know if it is true or not. God knows the truth. The truth will prevail. Right now the family especially the first lady needs our prayers.
I will be lifting up the members, Bishop Long & his family in prayer. I am praying that these allegations are NOT true! At the same, I do realize that there is little or no accountability(for independent churches)and great temptations for the pastor of such a large congregation(as well as smaller ones too). People just don’t realize that these leaders wrestle with the DEMONS of the mind. They launch all sorts of attacks on the Shepherd especially the megachurches. The devil knows if he can cause the Pastor to fall, then he can wreak havoc and confusion and cause thousands to possibly lose their souls behind it all. That is why they are in constant need of intercessory prayer. If the allegations turn out to be true, then all this came out for him to be exposed so that he can repent, be forgiven & restored back to God. When Bishop Long spoke, he referred to himself as David against Goliath(over an 8ft giant). When David killed Goliath, it was the GOD behind it all to show the enemy who is the true & living God! So in this situation allow GOD to SLAY this Goliath!
The enemy wants the anointed to be doubted and to have them sit down! If everytime a preacher or minister of GOD was to sit down after every accusation…only the false prophets would reign! The only time we need to sit down preachers for a season of healing is if we find out they are “guilty!” Its time to increase our prayers and to realize the enemy wants to disconnect us from our ministry leaders, create division in the Body of Christ and case doubt on the truth and trust of ministry!
LET US CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHER IN CHRIST (AND HIS FAMILY), OUR BISHOP EDDIE LONG….
The Kingdom of God is under attack by satan to see how many Christians he can turn away from God and how many non-Christians he can keep from turning to God I pray that no of this is true and it all comes to light and Bishop Long is restored to his rightful place as Pastor. Those young men need prayer as well because whatever happens theirs lives are forever changed as well as Pastor Long. But for now we as Christians believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should just keep praying and remember the song by Shirley Ceasar “satan we gonna tear your kingdom down”
You are innocent if you are innocent when you are innocent. You are guilty if you are guilty when you are guilty. I pray that God would sustain, strengthen & vindicate the innocent. I pray that God would bring the guilty to true confession, repentance, and restoration. I pray that God would use this situation to bring the families and congregation envolved closer to Him and closer to one another in the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. I pray that in some miraculous way God would be glorified.
Interesting. True or not True, I don’t know, but I know this if any part of this is true the end result will not be good for the man. Why, God has a double curse waiting for Leaders in the ministry that lead people astray from the pulpit. However, God judges from the heart and God already knows what’s true or false in every man’s heart.
Yes there is a major attack on the men of God who lead people to God. There is also in the end time major punishment to false preachers. The Word of God says in the end time he will be exposing false clergy all over the world. There is also a reward for righteous clergy.
To the people that are so quick to convict Bishop Long without a trial remember the McMartin case.”McMartin” was one of the first Multi-Victim Multi Offender (MVMO) child abuse cases. It lasted six years — the longest US criminal trial in history. At a cost to the state of $15 million, it was also the most expensive. No convictions were obtained. The main evidence of abuse was based on what the children testified were memories of repeated, sadistic, ritual molestation. Years later, child psychologists realized that such memories can be easily implanted in children’s minds by the interview techniques which were used at the time. Since psychologists and police investigators have changed their methods of interrogating young children, no more MVMO cases have surfaced in the U.S. and Canada. The children’s testimony was supported by medical tests, which were believed at the time to be accurate. Years later, they were found to be useless.
We need to pray and continue to pray. Whether it’s true or not, the enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy. I will be praying mightly for his wife and children. The four young men, I will be praying for you as well. A person is innocent until proven guilty. Just put yourself in his place. Be Blessed!
Would CNN take such an interest had not Bishop Long taken such a proactive stance on homosexuality. That’s what this case is all about, and it is only the catalyst. Sadly, we may see more men and women of God come under scrunity for standing for the Truth.
“Anointed, But Under Attack????”
Is this a joke? Does everyone in Atlanta have their head in the sand? In a time when we’re starving for Kingdom leadership, our fathers (and mothers) are so lost themselves that they don’t know how to guide us thru crises. If 10% of this is true, it is an open reproach on the Body of Christ.
Dr. Hairston, the article should read:
ANNOINTED, BUT WHAT ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY
None of us know if Bishop Long did what has been stated or not. I cant judge what I dont have the facts on. But if it was me and men came out and stated that I was gay and I know that Im not I would atleast defend myself if I have nothing to hide. We are all sinners saved by grace and none of us are perfect as Bishop stated. But that is still not answering the comments from the men who accused him of these horriable acts. I personally dont beleive these guys are lying on Bishop Long, but thats my belief I dont have all the facts though. I can only go by what I feel in my spirit.
whatever the case may be the truth is still touch not my anointed. we need to prayerfully support him at the end of it all God will take all the glory.
pls nobody should judge because that is not what is needed right now
gbemiga from nigeria
You all need to read 1 corinthians 5:1-12, If this is your bother or sister in Christ you do have the right to judge those in the church. We need to stop looking the other way when it comes to sin in the church. Let’s keep it real, most church’s are full of HYPOCRITES and the church is looking just like the world……sick, sick, sick. Stop following man and follow GOD!!!!!!!
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God! We are all God’s children and he is such a forgiving God! I pray for Bishop Long, his wife, family and his congregation! We should not judge him or anyone within this life. He has to answer to God in everything within his life! I pray that the allegations are not true. But if they are God is such a forgiving God! Sin is sin no matter how small or big it is. We have all sinned in our lives, repented and have asked for forgiveness. Our father loves us so much and he is a loving forgiving God! Don’t judge just know that God is in control of his children and he has a plan for all of us!!
God has this annointed man of God surrounded by angels. Being in ministry myself I know how things get amplified and twisted. King David experienced this and he came through. I can never thank Eddie Long enough for how his teaching transformed my life and ministry.
I just do not understand God’s People. Almost everyone is saying pray for NB and Eddie Long. Please let’s have some prayers for those young men. You know, I do not believing in judging people. My heart goes out to those young men. I truly believe and I was taught to believe in GOD –who do not wrong and not MAN who can do wrong. I sit and listen to all that is said. Everyone has forgotten about the incident in 2006, when these same kinds of thing happen and the same MAN named– for doing the same THING to two other YOUNG MEN in 2006. I DO NOT JUDGE, I truly believe GOD had a hand in this –to bring an end to the abuse of those YOUNG MEN —- BEING MISTREATED AND ABUSE and teach and show our people who they need to worship GOD and not a MAN. MAY GO HAVE MERCY ON ALL THE PEOPLE INVOLVED, including MRS. LONG
Stop calling this man anointed, anointing is the presence of God. God and sin dont coexist. For one thing something is not right for this very thing to be named once among this man, of all the sin to be accused of, being gay! that is a great abomination(not that any one sin is greater). You destroy the manhood and the image you were created in. It is a reason this man was accused of this, he was not totally living for God. when you think you can do sin and hide, the light shines and uncovers all things, even if this is not the case, something hes doing is not right. A lot of these so called preachers are being revealed, and you are right, a lot of things go on in churces, but if the shepard of the church dont tend to the sheep and is not watchful this stuff will creep in unaware. I thank God that my pastor preach against sin and dont put a bandaid on it,just repent and do your first work over,(keep God first at all time and sin cant get in) its either holiness or hell, if you dont like it tell it to God. Preachers are responsible for souls and if he is struggling, i can imagine some of the members got to be struggling because he cant be real about God. if you got a preacher that is not doing the will of GOd, you better pray God leads you to someone that is. You must be loyal to GOd and not man, a man that is not living for God will lead you astray. Look at Gods Word, God tells you to try the spirit by the spirit, see if it be of GOd. Destroy idolatry, if this man is not right seek God and ask Him to lead you somewhere, and pray that this man get God for real that he may be delivered. I’m not making sin look comfortable because if your’re in sin God is not with you.
God is a very forgiving God, however, in order to received forgiveness, one must repent. This includes both the admission of guilt and a turning away from the sin (whatever it may be). It doesn’t appear that either thing has happened. I believe the Bishop should step down. Not as a punishment but as a means to hear from God. Jesus himself often times when off to himself to pray and seek God….is the Biship above this?
Bishop Eddie Long is a great man in the end he will be standing strong and will come threw this stronger and bigger voice in the world…
The article is a little light handed, you treated it as though he was a child accused of stealing candy, this is a little bigger than that. I get judge lest ye be judged, however, this will not be tried in a court of law as originally stated by Long himself. We are all hearing there are settlement talks in the works, that said, what are people to think. The article, NB and most of the comments seem more like Blind Sheep following a Lost Shepherd. Take a listen as Bishop Prophet H. Walker, the S. Carolina preacher who held am ATL rally demanding Eddie Long resign appeared on Center Stage and discussed the Bishop Eddie Long scandal. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/centerstage/2010/11/27/blind-sheep-following-lost-shepherds